The ENGWE X26 E-Bike Being Testing Off Road in Jackson, WY | Photo Tom Wuthrich Mountain Weekly News
Looking to treat yourself to a comfy folding electric commuter bike? Look no further than the ENGWE’s Triple Suspension Foldable E-bike, the X26. Triple suspension is a wild concept and I’m glad I got to try it out. Read our comprehensive review below to see how the ENGWE X26 E-Bik stacks up against the fierce competition among folding e-bikes.
Mike Hardaker, Author and Gear Tester Talks about the ENGWE X26 E-Bike
About ENGWE
Founded circa 2018 after the three founders attempted to complete a 38-mile mountainous route. For the final 16 miles, they could no longer ride and had to push their bikes against the wind. It was during this trip they realized the potential value of electric bikes. Since 2018, their 20+ patents have led to 10 bike models. ENGWE now has fat-tire, folding, commuter, step-through, and e-scooter options. Their bikes are now being used in 30+ countries by 500,000+ happy users. Yeehaw.
Engwe X26 Frame Size
The X26 comes in just one size that fits adults from 5’6″ – 6’6″. I will be stoked to see where the X26 will fall when the Mountain Weekly News updates our e-bike rankings. The primary features I was most stoked to review were the comfortability of the triple suspension, the pep of the 1,200-watt peak power, and the durability of the battery which is split between a 19.2Ah Samsung seat battery and a 10Ah frame battery.
- X26 – Recommended Rider Height: 5’6″ – 6’6″
- X24 – Recommended Rider Height: 5’2″ – 6’4″
How’s the Engwe X26 Ride?
The bike’s atypical frame shape enables folding by foregoing the downtube. The aluminum alloy frame can carry 330 lbs in total. The rear rack can carry 120 lbs. and while not advertised for it, it could definitely be used for giving a friend a lift.
The comfy leather seat is adjustable, but I couldn’t figure out how to take advantage of its 25cm of adjustability without actually unlocking the seat. The comfy seat pairs well with the triple suspension to absorb vibrations whether from cracked city streets or grassy park shortcuts. The fat tires add to the bike’s ability to tackle bumpy roads.
Motor and Battery
The battery is seamlessly incorporated into the downtube and frame while the motor is hidden in the rear hub. The 1000W High-Speed Brushless Motor has the ability to peak at 1200W for those moments when you need a jolt of extra power. The bike claims a top speed of 31 mph, but I was only able to achieve 21mph with the throttle and 24mph with pedaling.
There are 5 pedal assist levels (5 being the most and 1 being the least) and additionally, you can turn off pedal assist to get a workout. For a 96 pound fat tire bike, pedaling it is surprisingly easy. I was able to pedal at ~10 mph on flats without sweating too much. That said, on slight inclines, as expected, my effort level skyrocketed to keep the bike rolling.
The 48V 19.2Ah removable battery’s position in the downtube adds to the bike’s overall stability and low center of gravity. The low center of gravity from the frame design paired with the stability of the wide tires makes the bike a joy to zoom around corners. The battery charges in 8 hours.
When pedaling, the battery provides up to 93 miles of range. Without pedaling, the bike can go up to 62 miles. Our testing was done during a 33-degree Wyoming fall morning and I found that this bike is a better fit for warmer locales. The battery used 56% of charge in 11 miles of pedaling. I will be eager to retest the bike when temps get warmer in the spring.
Engwe X26 Components
ENGWE keeps components straightforward and easy to maintain. The bike has a single-speed front cassette and an eight-speed Shimano rear cassette. The hydraulic disc brakes eliminate worries about not being able to stop. The brakes were surprisingly capable given the bike weighs 96 pounds. The bike’s heft makes loading it into a car a two-person activity.
The bike tech doesn’t stop at the battery and motor. The rear kickstand makes parking the bike a breeze. The brake lights are super helpful. The bright front light eliminates concerns about dark nighttime commutes. A LCD screen, located in the middle of ergonomic handlebars shows speed, odometer, and battery level. We loved the handlebar ergonomics, thoughtful stitching on the handlebar grips, the grippy pedals, and the beefy rear derailleur protector.
Available in 2 wheel sizes the X26 and ENGWE X24 are basically idential bikes, with the X24 being a bit smaller featuring 24″ wheels vs 26″ wheels on the ENGWE X26. In our test both bikes performed the same. The only other noticeable difference would be the X24 weight of 93 lbs. vs the X26 at 96 lbs.
Engwe X26 E-Bike Pros:
- Triple Suspension: Provides a very comfortable ride, absorbing vibrations on rough roads.
- Powerful Motor: 1200w peak power motor offers good acceleration and hill climbing ability.
- Dual Batteries: Offer a long range of up to 93 miles on a single charge (with pedaling).
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Powerful and reliable braking even for a heavy e-bike.
- Comfortable Design: Adjustable leather seat, ergonomic handlebars, and grippy pedals.
- Easy to Fold: Folds for storage and transport (although still bulky and heavy).
- Lots of Features: Includes a kickstand, bright front light, taillight, LCD display, and beefy rear derailleur protector.
- Free Shipping and Easy Returns: Plus financing options and fast delivery.
- Currently on Sale: Discounted price of $1999.
Engwe X26 E-Bike Cons:
- Heavy: At 96 lbs, it can be difficult to lift and maneuver, especially when folded.
- Large and Bulky: May not be suitable for small riders or tight storage spaces.
- Limited Frame Size: One size fits most (from 5’6” to 6’6”).
- Shorter Range in Colder Weather: Battery performance may be reduced in cold climates.
- Only Single Speed Front Cassette: Limits gear range options.
- Not Great for Off-Road Riding: Despite the suspension, the bike is better suited for paved roads.
- Two-Person Job to Load: Too heavy for one person to lift into a car.
Overall Impression
The ENGWE X26 is a capable commuter for paved and unpaved routes. Ordering one is further simplified by the free shipping and 30-day returns. Furthermore, Engwe has partnered with Klarna to offer an interest-free payment plan option. Another nice thing is that orders typically process within 1-2 business days and delivery time is typically 7-10 days.
The X26 usually retails for $2,199, but is currently on sale for $1,999.
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