Engwe M20 plus reviewer

Engwe M20 review: A fantastic bike with style and punch

13 December 2023Richard Beech

Overall rating:  5 stars

The Engwe M20 has a wow factor that beats almost anything I've ridden. To me, it looks more like a motorcycle than an e-bike. The M20 I rode was a dual battery pack specification (£1,299.99 although currently sold out), but the single pack, £999.99, offers as much punch, just half the range. The bike gave me so much confidence when riding, mainly because of the fat 20x4 inch tyres coupled with both front and rear suspension. 

Buy the Engwe M20

Good for:

  • Style and retro cool
  • Off-road adventures
  • Comfortable cruising

Pros: 

  • Great value for money
  • Massive range on the dual battery version
  • Comfortable and smooth ride that gives you confidence 
  • Awesome design and features

Cons: 

  • Heavy
  • Mechanical disk brakes not hydraulic
  • The 750W engine means it's not public-road legal in the UK

Expert Verdict:

Overall I found the M20 a fantastic bike for those that want a stylish and punchy ride and don’t require any cargo space. If you plan on doing long distance riding then the dual battery pack option is the ideal choice.


The cruiser bike style of bike is not to everybody's tastes - it's as much a motorcycle as it is a bicycle - but if this is the type of bike you're after, you'll struggle to beat the M20 for value for money. It feels solid to ride and offers great control. Bear in mind the throttle and engine size mean you can't ride it on public UK roads

The Specs

Sizing One size, suitable for adults between 150cm/5’ and 200cm/6’5”
Max Rider Weight 120kg
Frame Material Aluminium
Wheel Size 20 inches
Weight 35kg
Gears Seven-speed Shimano Altus
Brakes Mechanical disc brakes front & rear
Assembled & built Shenzhen, China
Motor 750 Watt rear-wheel hub (1000w at peak)
Battery 2 x 48V/13Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
Charging 5-6 hours. Charger included
Speed 28mph
Power Modes Five power assist modes
Display Colour LCD display
Lights Front and rear included
Mudguards Included

 

Buy the Engwe M20

Engwe M20 batteries

 

Ratings

Overall 5 stars
Components and build quality 4 stars
Safety and security 5 stars
Performance and handling 5 stars
Comfort and practicality 4 stars

 

Components and build quality:

4 stars

The real charm of the M20 lies in its battery configuration. You can opt for a dual battery setup, though the single battery version doesn’t lag behind in performance, just in range. The single battery version comes in at 43 kg and the dual battery version at 46 kg. So I don’t recommend lugging it around too much. 

The battery has a USB slot that will act as a power bank for your phone while on the move.

The build quality of the bike is great. It feels durable and solid, although some of the components are quite basic, such as the entry level mechanical disk brakes. On the other hand everything else is built from really nice components. 

Engwe M20 lights

Safety and security:

5 stars

The monochrome display is super visible, even in direct sunlight. The dual LED headlights are a gorgeous touch that make this e-bike really stand out, you'll certainly be noticed by other people when you're using this bike at night, which is good for your safety.

The fat tyres and the suspension really help you stay stable and safe when riding the bike. I was able to chuck this bike into corners, and lean like I might on a motorbike, and I always felt in control of the bike.

Engwe M20 seat

Buy the Engwe M20

Performance and handling: 

5 stars

Engwe M20 display

I really like the full throttle handlebar - just like on a motorcycle you twist and go.  People are curious to know what it is and where they can get one. It’s definitely a conversation starter. 

The performance of this bike is impressive given the price point - the only drawback is the mechanical brakes, which just have slightly less stopping power than hydraulic brakes. 

The motor assistance has a slight lag between the rider pedalling and the motor kicking in, but it's barely perceptible, and the power delivery is quite smooth.

Comfort and practicality:

4 stars

Engwe M20 suspension

The suspension felt quite stiff but that worked well combined with the fat tyres. The M20 soaked up all the city roads that I rode on, although at times I wanted the suspension to be a little softer. The seat was very comfortable as it has the perfect width and softness to support you. 

Buy the Engwe M20

How we test

Our expert testers ride all the electric bikes we review, and we assess them against a range of criteria on road, off-road and in our testing rooms. We check the components' quality and ride the bikes on a range of different terrains and distances. We've ridden hundreds of bikes in total (and an equal number of electric scooters).

For more fat-tyre ebikes, see our full list, plus all the adult electric bikes we sell. If you want off-road, see our guide to the best electric mountain bikes, plus all the mountain ebikes we sell. We also cater for those just looking for cheap electric bikes. If you want a bike that's lighter or easier to get on and off in dresses or skirts, see our guide to the best electric bikes for women.

Author Bio:

Kol Heydel is a presenter and reviewer at Electroheads - specialising in electric bikes and electric motorbikes. When he isn't riding bikes, he can be found cleaning his drift car.

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