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With the Olympics just around the corner, countless brands are seizing the opportunity to commemorate the event. One such crew is Engwe, and their spin on the P20 folding e-bike is sure to grab some attention.
As for the P20 before us today, it’s been dubbed the Ace and is a limited edition machine, so once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. So, let’s take a break from our busy days to see what we can get our hands on for no more than $1,200 (Pre-Sale price).
Photo: Engwe Bikes
Most importantly, and the reason this edition even exists, is the upcoming Olympics. To commemorate the event, Engwe has chosen to whip up the Ace colorway. It’s a black matte frame that fades into a display of flames set against a red backdrop toward the front of the bike. It’s a neat fade, if you ask me. Sure, the flames may be a tad much, but how else will you kick off the Olympics if not with a torch?
But there’s a tad more to the P20 than just its colors, so let’s keep exploring. This stage begins with nothing more than the backbone of this e-bike, that folding frame. As we can see, the P20 features a trigger in the center that causes the frame to fold in the center, and once we activate this system, in ten seconds, the frame is in its most compact position and even locks into place at the rear to keep everything nice and tight and easily to control. You’ll be using the handlebar to maneuver the P20 around town in this form, but if needed, the steering column can collapse as well. All that’s built around 20-inch wheels, with a 1.95-inch cross-section and no suspension, be it at the rear or front.
Up next, we arrive at the all-important drivetrain and electronics this e-bike has in store for us, and since Engwe sheds extra light on the drivetrain, we can there; I can see why. To my surprise, the P20 is rocking a good old carbon-belt drive, but it’s not clear if Gates is the manufacturer behind the magic.
Photo: Engwe Bikes
Nonetheless, I’ve had the opportunity to experience belt drive on several e-bikes, and all I can say is that it is indeed quite smooth and requires nearly no maintenance at all. Of course, you’ll need to hose it down if you get sand and dirt in your grooves, but other than that, it’s up to 33,000 km of maintenance-free riding (manufacturer-declared).
Now, an e-bike that’s not designed to break away from the confines of city life doesn’t require tons of power, and so, Engwe decided to throw on a 250 W motor to the read hub that can produce a peak 42 Nm (31 lb-ft) of torque. Sure, it’s not a whole lot, but again, for getting around town, it should do.
The only folks that are sure to pass on this sort of power and drivetrain setup are those of us who live in hilly areas; it’s not going to be the easiest thing to ride uphill. Depending on where you are in the world, Engwe modifies the speed cap on your bike, and for Europe, the P20 is limited to 25 kph (15.5 mph), which also seems to be the same speed cap US riders are privy to.
But, there’s a bit of a trick I can let you in on. I noticed a rather simple controller on the P20, one that countless other manufacturers use, and if it’s the same one I’ve tampered with, you can unlock your speed cap all the way up to 38 kph (24 mph). That should make US riders happy. A torque sensor will be in charge of the amount of power your motor spits out.
Last but not least, Engwe states that the P20 can achieve a maximum range of 100 km (62 miles) on a full charge, made possible by a 9.6 ah battery found behind the seat post. This is a range that is reported in a test environment, so expect a drop under real-world riding.
Typically, a drop of around 30% is what I’ve noticed once you take an e-bike out into the real world, especially if you often carry a backpack and are always riding on a full stomach. Be sure to keep an eye on tire pressure before rides; it’s a range killer! Luckily, it’s a removable battery, so if you grab another, double those numbers.
Now, the best way to really see if the P20 is for you is by going out there and testing one. For that, you’ll need to find a dealership in your area. Once you see what it can do, if you want to catch the Olympics train, hop on Engwe’s website and snag the Ace. Ride safe out there, and always wear a helmet.