ENGWE has been one of the top e-bike builders globally for a few years now, and we’re excited to test out one of its more moped style “ebikes” here in the United States. Disclaimer: Engwe provided the M20 3.0 to the author for the purposes of this review. The ENGWE M20 3.0 is a motorcycle style ebike with pedals and a rear hub motor. It features a primary battery with a 1,200 watt-hour capacity and the option to add a second 1,200 Wh battery to double the range. With the single battery, they expect you can get 80 miles of range per charge, which, while lower than we would typically expect for an ebike with a 1,200 Wh battery, it’s realistic considering most riders won’t be doing much pedaling on this rig. It is designed and optimized for riders who are looking for a more affordable mode of transportation. Right out of the box, the M20 3.0 is a capable zero-emission vehicle with a long casual seat that provides enough room for one or two riders. A set of included rear pegs provides a bit of additional comfort for the rear passenger. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica The Motor The ENGWE M20 3.0 is limited to a 750W output from its motor via software — though, more recently, states have been pushing back on this because it’s rather easy to bypass. The actual motor output of the ENGWE M20 3.0 is 1,000 watts continuous and 3,300 watts peak, which exceeds the 750 watt maximum for the 3 ebike classifications in the United States. Historically, this hasn’t been a heated issue, but cities, counties, and states are starting to crack down of late. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica Exceeding 750 watts means you’re not allowed to ride in bike lanes or on dedicated bike paths just about everywhere in the United States. The Department of Transportation in some areas has classifications for mopeds or motorized vehicles with pedals that allow for a lower bar for registration, lower fees, and in some places a lower license requirement that allows younger riders to operate them. All that said, you’re going to want to check the rules and regulations in your area to determine if it needs to be licensed and if it meets the requirements in your area before purchasing. An optional second battery can be mounted directly to the interior of the frame. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica Riding the M20 3.0 The ENGWE M20 3.0 is a moto-style ebike, and as such, it’s a bit on the heavier side. That’s important to know before ordering, as it does require some assembly. We mounted up the front wheel and had it ready to rock in about 30 minutes, but it’s worth planning ahead for the delivery and subsequent assembly. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica With the tires aired up, we hit the road. The low-slung seat is super comfortable for cruising around town, but the overall geometry of the bike isn’t optimized for actual pedaling. That makes this a great option for people simply looking for an electric moto to get to work or school and back that just might slide in under the regulatory guidelines so you don’t have to register it. It looks great and it has lots of protected space in the open frame to mount a water bottle, tools, or a spare helmet. It really is a head turner, and with its dual fenders is well equipped to run around in all sorts of weather. Ripping around town, it was a blast and the dual front headlights put out plenty of light for night riding. Image credit: Kyle Field, CleanTechnica The front and rear suspension are very comfortable and can be adjusted harder or softer to suit rider preferences. On top of that, the oversized tires add some extra cushion — though, it’s best to keep them aired up to the maximum 20 psi to minimize the chance of getting a flat. The frame is nice and tight, making for a safe and secure-feeling ride from zero on up to twenty miles per hour. The color screen is easy to see, with large numbers that are easy to read when ripping down the road. At 205 pounds, braking is always a concern for me, and the M20 3.0 is more than up to the task. The M20 3.0 is kitted out with front and rear hydraulic brakes with 203 mm rotors that help bring it to a stop very quickly. The additional surface area of the 203 mm rotors are a nice upgrade over the standard 160 mm rotors used on many ebikes. Up top, the brakes are paired with motorcycle-style brake levers that provide confident braking and feedback. The steering geometry on the ENGWE M20 3.0 is very steep, which, when taking a tight left or right turn, has a tendency to pull the tire in that direction. It’s definitely not a non-starter, but something that most bike riders and even motorcycle riders won’t be expecting, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on. Overall The ENGWE M20 3.0 was designed to look great, with a build that’s both attractive and extremely functional. Its dual suspension, cushy double seat, and oversized tires make for a comfortable ride that can be tuned to your preferences. With the regular sales, it’s reasonably affordable. Though, there are many ebikes out there with similar looks, features, range, and pricing. It’s worth watching the price and perhaps even waiting for a major holiday sale to buy one, because pricing is fluid. For more information about the ENGWE M20 3.0, head over to ENGWE’s official website.
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