In this Engwe Engine Pro Review, we’ll discuss features and specs. But we’ll also talk about a feature that makes this electric bike different.
The Engwe Engine Pro has a regenerative motor.
An eBike that recharges itself? Now, that’s different.
But does it work as advertised, and is the Engwe Engine Pro the right electric bike for you?
Let’s roll up the old right pant leg and find out.
Although normally priced at $1,649 with free shipping, Engwe often offers coupons to bring the price down on this class 2 eBike. For example, they currently offer a $250 off coupon, bringing the cost of the Engine Pro down to $1,399.
That’s not the cheapest price you’ll find for an eBike, but the Engwe Engine Pro also brings a unique set of features that make this tanky electric bike a compelling value.
Engwe Engine Pro Review: Features Overview
From the ample battery life to a regenerative motor that recharges while you ride, there’s a lot to review with the Engine Pro. This sturdy bike can reach speeds north of 20 MPH and boasts a full suspension. Oh, and it has cruise control as well as programmable assist levels.
Engwe Engine Pro Highlights
Several folding eBikes share a similar design. Engwe distinguishes itself with its overall build quality, upgraded components, and extras such as lighting and a rear rack.
Engwe Engine Pro Key Features
The Engwe Engine Pro brings an exciting set of features together to build a durable bike that can travel on or off-road easily. This eBike is perfectly at home on packed sand, smoother trails, or on the road.
- Step-over frame: Most eBikes come with a high top bar (high-step) or a mid-ship bar (mid-step) or no top bar (step-through). The Engine Pro is none of these but probably stands between the height of a high-step and mid-step in real-world use. The single support bar between the head tube and rear frame contains the battery and folding mechanism. Most riders should be able to mount the bike with ease.
- Hydraulic disc brakes: You’ll pay a bit more than you would for bargain-basement eBikes, but the Engwe Engine Pro is a bargain in its own regard with extras such as hydraulic disc front and rear disc brakes. Good thing, too. At over 60 pounds, this bike is heavy.
- Hydraulic front and mechanical rear suspension: Front suspension forks and a rear shock absorber give the bike a comfy-yet-capable ride.
- Puncture-resistant Knobby 20″ x 4″ fat tires: Nothing beats a fat tire for smoothing out the bumps. Adjust the air pressure to suit your comfort. The Engine Pro also comes with sturdy and attractive 20″ six-spoke mag wheels. If you’ve ever lost an afternoon of riding to truing your wobbly wheels, you’ll appreciate the choice of mag wheels instead.
- Folding frame: The Engine Pro folds to 26″ x 30″ with a 14″ depth. Stow it in the back of your car or SUV to transport the bike to your favorite riding areas. The pedals and handlebars fold, too, helping to make the bike more compact.
- Regenerative motor: More on this later, but the Engine Pro can recharge its own battery when downhill riding or pedaling. Cool stuff.
Engine Pro Battery System
- 48V 12.8Ah Removable Lithium Battery: The Engwe Engine Pro electric bike cleverly hides the water-resistant battery in the main frame tube. While the battery is removable, you have the partially fold the bike to get the battery out. As a result, many riders will probably opt to charge the bike with the battery installed. Fortunately, Engwe provides two keys so you can lock the battery and prevent anyone else from opening the battery compartment.
- Up to 60+ Miles of Range: With 614-watt hours of power, the battery delivers a lot of riding time. Engwe illustrates a 100 km trip (62 miles) on this electric bike tracing the California coast completed with the Engine Pro at over 20 MPH average. Riding range can vary based on rider weight, terrain, and other factors. However, the Engine Pro compares well against other eBikes in regard to expected range.
Engwe Engine Pro Drivetrain and Control Features
- 8-speed drivetrain with Shimano shifter: You’ll get one gear up front paired to eight in the rear, complemented by a Shimano trigger shifter and an always-reliable Shimano Altus derailleur.
- 750-watt rear hub motor: The Engine Pro ships with a nominal 750-watt motor that has 60 newton meters of torque. But it’s unclear whether the motor is rated for 750 watts continuous or 750 watts peak. Real-world performance always trumps marketing ambiguities. In the real world, the Engine Pro has ample power on flat roads and mild ascents but can struggle on steeper hills without the rider pedaling as well. It may or may not be a 500-watt continuous motor with a 750-watt peak, but it says 750 on the tin.
- Throttle mode: Engwe provides a throttle mode that’s available in every pedal assist setting (except PAS 0). However, the top speed for each power assist setting is limited, ranging from about 5 MPH up to the max of about 20 MPH.
- Cruise control: Maintain speed with the throttle for about eight seconds, and you’re in cruise control mode. Much like in your car, braking exits cruise control.
- 5 preset pedal assist settings: The Engwe Engine Pro electric bike comes with five factory preset pedal assist settings, but you can program the system to use more or fewer levels according to your riding needs. Choose from three up to nine pedal assist levels.
- Color display: Monitor your cruising speed, trip miles, and other stats on the bright color display. There’s also a built-in light sensor to control the headlight and taillight as well as a USB port to charge your phone as you ride.
Engwe Engine Pro Review: Regenerative Motor
Lots of eBikes come with a 750-watt motor, and folding bikes are all the rage now. But what makes the Engine Pro unique is the regenerative motor feature.
That’s an unusual surprise and not entirely gimmicky. In some applications, this feature offers measurable improvements in battery life.
To activate the regenerative motor on the Engine Pro, the bike must be in pedal assist level 0 (people power), 1, or 2. You’ll need to pilot the Engwe electric bike at about 12 MPH or higher for the engine to return power to the battery.
If you ride on hilly terrain, this feature can provide real-world benefits by recharging the battery while rolling downhill. For the more ambitious among us, you can also recharge the battery with people power by pedaling at 12 MPH or higher. If you ride on flatter terrain, this may be your only option if you want to use the regenerative motor feature with the Engine Pro.
The regenerative motor does have an engine-braking effect, though. When using this feature, the bike slows its descent down hills. You’ll also find increased pedaling resistance if you’re pedaling to recharge the battery. It’ll give your legs a workout. But like my old granddad used to say, “Nothing’s free, kid.”
You won’t be able to use regenerative power with power assist levels 3, 4, or 5. However, the Engine Pro comes with an easy-to-use control panel that lets you switch power assist levels in a jiffy so that you can choose level 2 or below. Some bikes make you cycle through the whole range to switch levels. With the Engine Pro, you can just press the plus or minus button to instantly choose your assist level.
Regenerative Motor: Increased Rolling Resistance?
If you buy an Engwe Engine Pro electric bike and spin the back wheel, you’ll find it doesn’t spin freely like other bikes you’ve owned. Hmm.
That resistance is a by-product of the regenerative motor feature. Expect to exert more effort when pedaling if you choose to ride without pedal assist. With pedal assist engaged, you shouldn’t notice much difference.
Will you double your mileage with a regenerative motor? Nope, not unless you want a gym-quality workout. But you can extend the range of your eBike by a few smidgens.
And let’s face it: it’s fun to beat the system, even if it’s just a couple percent of battery life here and there.
Engwe Engine Pro Review: Included Extras
The Engine Pro comes with a few goodies for which some other bike companies charge extra.
Rear rack: A sturdy rear rack turns the Engine Pro into a go-anywhere carry-anything cargo hauler. There’s no obvious weight rating for the rack, though. So, it may be safest to err on the side of caution when loading cargo on the back.
Kickstand: It’s adjustable, and it’s a kickstand.
Electric horn: Although not as charming as a bell, the horn does its job and warns others of your approach.
Headlight and taillight: Bonus safety points for the light system. The taillight also functions as a brake light—double bonus points.
Metal fenders: Large front and rear metal fenders with plenty of tire clearance keep the dust and splashy stuff from ruining your dapper biking outfit.
Engwe Engine Pro Review: Bike Height and Other Specs
Engwe suggests the Engine Pro for riders 5’3″ to 6’5″. With ample adjustments to the seat post and handlebars, you’re sure to find a comfortable fit. The seat post adjusts from 32.9 inches to 40.1 inches, while the handlebar height ranges from 46.5 inches to 51.9 inches. Expect to ride in an upright position.
With a weight rating of up to 330 pounds and a well-built 6061 aluminum alloy frame, the Engine Pro can carry a heavier load than many eBikes. Riders who want a higher weight carrying capacity and the extra margin of safety it brings should consider Engine Pro.
Who is the Engine Pro for?
Engwe’s Engine Pro electric bike brings a well-rounded package of features to the eBike market. This bike is as capable around town as it is on dusty campground roads. It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, but not too much of either that it becomes limited to one type of use.
While pricier than similar-looking eBikes, like the Lectric XP, features aplenty make the Engine Pro a compelling value at about $1,400 (when on sale). But it’s tough to pick a favorite feature. It folds, so you can put it in the car or SUV, although probably not the convertible. This Engwe electric bike can also recharge the battery while riding. That’s unique. And it fits most adult riders comfortably.
Most people won’t find themselves wanting more from Engine Pro. It’s a capable all-around bike. It may also be an acquired taste. Some riders don’t need all that. Others might prefer something sleeker, like the KBO Hurricane or Wing Freedom ST. To each their own eBike.
There are some places you probably shouldn’t go with the Engine Pro, such as down a mountain. It’s not that kind of bike, but it can handle some lighter trails or even sand with ease. Carrying the Engine Pro up a few flights of stairs is probably out too. This Engwe electric bike is heavier than some others. But if you’re looking for a versatile, sturdy, and well-equipped eBike that can go just about anywhere else, the Engwe Engine Pro deserves a closer look.
Engwe Engine Pro Purchase Information
Engwe offers free shipping to the contiguous 48 states with an estimated 7-10 days shipping time. Bike purchases come with a one-year warranty and a 14-day return policy for authorized returns.
They also offer a handful of branded accessories, like trunk bags and some replacement parts, such as batteries.
Considering the Engwe Engine Pro?
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