✅ Engwe M20 EBike: https://geni.us/h0L94BX
✅ Creality 3D printer https://geni.us/IuLA579
Original high quality Lithium Ion batteries https://eu.nkon.nl/
Parts (AliExpress / Amzn):
Battery protective film https://bit.ly/3TnyKvG / https://geni.us/IBCnAZ
Battery insulation rings https://bit.ly/3FvrFDB
Tools:
Heat gun https://bit.ly/3SyxaYX / https://geni.us/spT5M
Battery capacity tester https://bit.ly/3T6DMx2 / https://geni.us/sN6u46
Hi!
In this project I am taking a look at a freshly released caferacer style ebike from Engwe, the M20. This ebike manufacturer company despite it's hardly pronounceable name, has introduced us to a product that is not of the usual commuter type ebike. This eyecatching moped style design caught my attention so I immediately agreed to have a closer look into it and test its capabilities. With the starting price of $1,299.99 and available early bird discounts, you are looking at a fairly capable, unusual and headturning ebike that has plenty of great features and style points. With the option of adding a second battery, 20X4 inch fat tire wheels, geared hub motor with a peak power of 1000W, dual suspension frame and great LED lighting in the front and rear, the M20 is a dense package and definitely a fun bike to ride.
The advertised cruising range of the M20 is 75 km (+75 more km with a second battery), top speed of around 45 km/h, maximum incline capability of 10° and three frame color options. After testing the M20 and having a fun blast, I can say that it definitely meets my expectations. And I'm sure that it will be sold out quickly (as it is by the time of writing this) seeing it entering a market of caferacer ebikes with a relatively low price point.
Since this is my first higher power geared hub motor ebike, I can see why it would be loved by many riders, including me. The instant torque, despite the incline or terrain, pushes you forward with ease unlike the gearless hub motors of this power range. The rear shock, dual crown front forks with a compression adjustment knob and the massive fat tire wheels provide a smooth and comfy ride on every road. I had no trouble cruising through offroad trails on a snowy day and got a range of around 30km using the throttle most of the time, which is expected with a single 48V 13Ah battery that it comes with. The tan leather seat is relatively comfy not too soft, but flat and good enough for longer rides. The brakes are mechanical as it is expected for a relatively low budget ebike like this so a pair of hydraulic brakes would make this bike top notch. The handlebars are wide enough at around 70cm and the seating position is OK for most of the time, though I would prefer a slightly larger frame as I am 183cm. Pedalling this bike is not the easiest thing to do especially at speeds of over 30 km/h, but that is expected with a moped style frame like this.
The only drawbacks of this ebike that I found are:
∙ Cheap mechanical disk brakes. They do stop the bike, but hydraulics would be so much nicer.
∙ A throttle handle that is easily activated when you don't expect it to kick in. I found the bike revving up when I didn't expect it to while riding on bumpier roads. Basically you hold the throttle firmly and any larger bump will twist your wrists slightly for the throttle to activate. So I would much rather go with a halftwist or thumb throttle.
∙ Lack of battery voltage reading. There is a battery level indicator on the battery itself and the LCD screen, but only an estimate of the capacity that's left. An accurate voltage reading would be nice to have.
Other than that, I can't complain much of the M20. A really fun and head turning ebike.
BUT I do feel that a bike like this can be used for a project that would be much more fun. With an amazing frame design like this, it is capable of much more power. That is why I came up with an idea that I had in mind for a long time, to upgrade an ebike like this to a 3000W beast. In this part I will start with the new and much larger battery design that will be placed instead of the original battery. Since I am still waiting for lots of parts to arrive in the mail, I hope you'll enjoy this short intro into the fun project that is coming up.
Thanks for watching!
Donny