Almost bought this ebike purely for looks. Sooooo glad I decided to wait. It looks like a dream but holy crap those are some serious design flaws that should have been priority one. Great video brother thank you!
Purely based on looks it is an absolute beast, just seems like they need to work out a few design choices so fingers crossed for a later v2 or revision to v1.
Kinda regretting my choice of getting this bike instead of the Engine Pro. Bike hasn't arrived I am only 5ft 5 and now I'm worried incase I can't reach the pedals. Do you have any recommendations for upgrades or adjustments so it can better suit my height.
Another thoughtful review where you deep dive into every aspect with 1000% positivity. One thing that is evident here with the design, they spent so much time loading this bike with every possible wish list item, they had to make compromises. Do people want a foldable at 90 lbs? What’s the value other than a place to hide the battery?
I do not see someone breaking this bike down often to transport it. At 90lbs, not to many people can lift that into their car. I do understand why it folds because of the extra battery but if they add a charging port to the side it would eliminate having to unfold it all.
Great review. I don't understand why they didn't add a battery splitter and add a port for the frame. It is a great looking bike, and the Jolly Green Giant could ride it. I'm not sure it would be for me. I have too many hills that I don't think it could handle. If you live in a flat area, the bike would be much better.
A non-bias reviewer/youtuber? I'm loving this. Great video, man. I recently just built my own 1250W ebike for $500 total (conversion kit/battery) and I am always looking at the market to see how the brands build their bikes. What makes them unique? Why charge a $1500-2500 premium? Customer service? Warranty? Repairability? Accessibility? Ease of Access/Installation? Durability? Longevity? You know, the basics pretty much.
3:30 design flaws like this make me seriously consider avoiding these custom-made custom-built ebikes at all costs. I would rather build my own at 1/3rd the cost and miss out on having customer service that might not even be useful to begin with. Building an ebike myself, I get a warranty on every single part individually and can replace/repair any part individually, myself, for no extra cost and get them shipped within 5 days maximum... Why would anyone buy a custom build?
Thanks for watching. Unfortunately, it's hard to know those other things you mentioned unless you have a good 500-1000 miles on the bike. I didn't like this one enough to keep it to answer those questions.
Bike's look is downright compelling - I had to click when your vid appeared. Made me wonder about leaving out the top-tube battery to reduce weight, especially for folks living in apartments and thinking of folding it up. I'm thinking a rack in back would be way better than the second seat. Bummer the shocks aren't adjustable! I'm comparing this Engwe against the Aventure 2 which I'm guessing is more reliable. Thanks for showing this, Scott!
The rear shocks are already as loose as they will go so the only thing you can do is make it tighter. Leaving out the 2nd battery for weight is a smart idea. I appreciate you watching!
@@scotthardesty When I see something new like this I begin thinking if it's possible to replace cheap shocks with FOX or RockShoxx. Compared to hardtail Aventure2, this Engwe is a complex piece of engineering - which scares me b/c more parts to fail. Without local dealer to support, could be risky
@@ForbinColossus I totally understand that. Luckily, I live close to a bike shop that will work on all of eBikes, although, not everyone has that option.
Scott... thanks for another excellent produced video brother, this bike is def no bueno for me. It seems like to me anyway it has allot of not so well thought out things like the batteries....etc.
That rear seat setup makes a great riding position with old school chooper handlebars and chooper saddle bit like old school Chopper low rider beach cruiser 🤠👌
I have to admit that it looks like you get a pretty good workout taking the battery out to charge it and putting it back. Who needs a gym, just daily rides on an ebike.
Haha, did you even try this bike! Normal mode uses the throttle, although limited in wattage output. I got 33 miles on small battery round trip still had 32%. ( I may have gotten lucky with that one) the cruise control is my favorite feature.
Did you watch the video? Then you know I tried the bike. To me, Normal is a waste. When I talked to Engwe they didn’t inform me that normal had throttle but “some” power. Apparently, I had it in normal on the hill test. The setup is not ideal. It should be one setting where the throttle and PAS work. It sounds like you are very familiar with this bike, I do plan on doing a distance test with this bike. I plan to hit the hill again in power mode. Either way, even if I had used “normal” mode, switch then around is just silly, hence my love/hate relationship with this bike. Thanks for watching and your input!
I would rather purchase the Engwe x26 than a Aventon Sinch 2. I just prefer electric bikes with considerably more watt hours. In fact, at the same price I can look at purchasing the Eahora Juliet which got a generous amounts of watt hours.
I really wanted to by the x24 version of this bike because of the rear suspension on a folding bike, but after all the reviews I saw showing the poor performance of the rear suspension, I chose the Lectric xp 3.0. I really wanted this bike, and it was so hard to not buy it.
I get it. I was pumped about this bike due to its looks. I heard the X24 fixed the issues that was had with this one. I have yet to the review the X24 but yeah, the rear suspension is pretty much just for show.
Nice video. Bike has a poor design. I was tired just watching the first minute. It does have potential for improvement. Not sure a battery should double as a seat post. Keep up the good work!
Thanks man. The battery as a seatpost is cutting edge for sure and I that is a huge battery for long distance. I think that part works out well except for how hard it is to lock and unlock the quick release for that battery/seatpost.
Thank you for the review, I was thinking about bying this bike, i commute 30km each day, but the battery hassle made it a no go, sad it is a nice bike, thank you for the review.
For your throttle and hill tests you only had the bike in PAS5 on NORMAL mode... if you hold the center 'i' button on the controls it changes you into SPORT or ECO mode also. If you want higher watts then you want to be in SPORT mode. The suspension should be adjustable and normally a few lock and unlocks will solve the battery exit issue. Happy riding 😊
@@ahhneebody I appreciate you noticing that. I still want to do a distance test with this bike and now I feel I need to redo the hill climb with it on Power mode.
@@scotthardesty I'm using an engine pro from the same company. Would be interesting to see the full potential out of the X26 normal vs sport or if there is even a difference, definitely should be assuming it has sport mode. The suspension comment was a guess based on what the suspension looks like it should do, but that might be misleading. I'm guessing that twisting the ridged rings at the top of the rear suspension springs should let you harden or soften it? The battery comment comes from me guessing that they use a similar mechanism to that on my bike, it looks similar, but maybe the fix that works for mine won't work for yours. Looking forward to your next one, subbed :)
@@ahhneebody Funny you should mention the Engwe Engine Pro. I will be reviewing that bike next week. I'm pretty impressed with the build quality of that bike so far. You are correct about the rear suspension. By turning the top ring it can tighten the spring. Since it is make of alloy and already set at the loosest setting, I wouldn't want to sinch it down any as I don't need the rear suspension any tighter... plus it just feels cheap and I think it would break. I did notice on the Engine Pro, that it does have a hole to where I can charge it without taking the battery out. Thanks for subbing and thanks for the support and suggestions!
Before making the decision to purchase an Engwe e-bike, I feel it's important to share my personal experience with the company and their product. I bought my Engwe e-bike in March 2023, and within a short span of time, I ran into technical issues with the bike. When I reached out to Engwe's customer service for assistance, the response time was far from satisfactory. Although I understand that troubleshooting can be a complex process, their response took a full 24 hours each time. Moreover, I was asked to conduct a series of tests on my own, which included using a multimeter to check the battery and the charger, and then recording a video of the process to send to them. After complying with their requirements, I had to wait another two days for their next response. The entire process has been quite frustrating and time-consuming, and it is still ongoing. Based on my experience, I have concerns about the efficiency of Engwe's customer support, as well as the reliability of their e-bikes. As a consumer, I believe we deserve products that function as promised and customer service that is prompt and effective. Unfortunately, in my experience, Engwe has fallen short in these aspects. While this is just my personal experience, and others may have had different ones, I feel it's essential to share it for the sake of potential customers. I advise thoroughly researching and considering other options before deciding to purchase an Engwe e-bike."
I have heard others who have issues with customer support as well. Since their customer support comes from China, I can understand why it takes so long for a reply. I do hope you get things worked out.
Thanks for this review. I started riding a Rattan Pathfinder this year, a very heavy bike. It's a fun ride, but I'm considering something that could make it to the next town over. This machine is almost e-motorcycle like, and I think for me the weight could be an issue. Still, I'm sure this bike could get me out of town, and hopefully the industry pivots to lighter weight as battery tech improves.
The rear suspension is seized. The pins, That go through the shocker are probably a little too small and should have been a millimetre or so, Longer! Think about it, and start filing. Good luck.
I recieved one of the first X26's in the states, and have had it for more than a year. I agree with most of your comments. But, at 170 lbs and 5' 10" I don't struggle with it as much as you did. I added an adjustable stem and solve the battery issue within a week of receiving the bike. I also haven't experienced any issue with the keys. Overall, I am very happy with the X26.
The more I have to break this bike down, I am learning an easier way to do it. But folding this bike compared to any other one I have done before is still not ideal. I have figured out you need the tires pointing a certain way before folding. Have you tried locking the quick release post? As you saw, I solved that battery issue first, it would have driven me nuts if I let it rattle for a week. With it down sides, I do still like this bike. Is it my favorite? Heavens no.
Thank for the video Scott. It does look really cool but I can see why it's a love/hate relationship: a) Making the owner have to fold the bike AND remove the 2nd battery just to charge it sound like a really bad design. You look much younger/stronger than I am, yet even you seemed a little winded just trying to fold the bike enough to get the 2nd battery out. Dang! b) I can't imagine me being able to fold and then lift it up into the back of my SUV by myself (yikes)! c) The rattling from the 2nd battery on a trail would absolutely drive me CRAZY! d) Having the main battery integrated into the seat post and seat means you'd have to replace the whole damn thing when the main battery goes bad (another design flaw). _All that said, I have a few questions..._ 1) How much does the combined main battery/seat post/seat assembly weight? (In other words, how much would that beast of an eBike weigh when BOTH batteries are removed?) 2) Another reviewer showed the bike only getting to 31 MPH for a few seconds, then it dropped-off quickly (and it "really pi**ed him off", as he said ...each time he tried it)! So, how long did it maintain 31 MPH for YOU? 3) Did I see this correctly: The throttle is on the LEFT side of the handlebars? (If yes, that seems odd.) 4) No rechargeable batteries last forever! Do you know if they sell the main battery/seat post/seat assembly separately? If yes, how much does THAT cost? Thanks, in advance Scott!
Hi Chuck. Thanks for the questions. Unfortunately, I don't the answers. Because I have many more bikes that I enjoy more than this one, I sold it. So I am not able to get you those answers.
@@scotthardesty which one do you suggest for home-work travel, company that i work for has a bicycle plan and i was thinking of buying this one but maybe you could suggest another one!
@@tonykivanc It seems that the X24 has resolved ALL the issues I had with the X26. I would look into that one for sure and this is the best time to purchase as they are having a huge sale. shrsl.com/4afxl
@@scotthardesty The design team probably gave the marketing team a list of options to pick from for the new ebike but they forget to tell them to only pick 3. The marketing team checked all the boxes. You should preserve that bike because I don't think they will be making any more of them.
The wheels have inner tubes in them and the seatpost battery could be stolen but they would have to steal the entire bike to get into the frame battery.
I hear it is capped at 25mph for general purpose (with brief boosts to 30) that just sounds like it would be so annoying for cars behind you Why can't they just make it 30 so you can go the general speed limit on public roads At 25 you'll have cars up your butt.
@@scotthardesty i'm probably misinformed then! i'll guess you know a lot more about it than i do, i'm fresh on the scene and just looking around for info :D
@scotthardesty like I said in my post. I've never had to pull out my battery out of my bike, so it's NOT me. This guy just doesn't know there is a port on the side of the bike to charge it...
@@RalphyDeeSo… have you thought that maybe they fixed that issue with this bike? I have reviewed a ton of bikes and if this bike (at the time I reviewed it) had the ability to charge the frame battery without me having to pull it out I would have noticed and featured it. I even reached out to the company. They clearly fixed that issue with the model you have. So I’m not wrong or clueless. MY BIKE DIDN’T have the port.
@scotthardesty cool. The video doesn't say when you posted this, so I'm going to assume this must be an old video. My only gripe with this bike are the cables in the open under the main frame. I wish there were a way to hide them, but I know it would be an issue with the battery...
@@RalphyDee Yeah man, this was 10-11 months ago when I did this review. I feel like they used this review and fixed all the things I didn't like about it. I know they did that with the X24's that came out. I had heard they updated the X26 (which is model you have) and asked them to send me one so I could review it with the differences but they never did. I am glad they fixed that issue with the charging because that was totally dumb it didn't do it in the first place. I agree with you about the wires.
seems like a bigger version of the engine pro, it has its issues as you point out in the video, how is your engine pro? still working as it should? im thinking about getting it.
The Engine Pro is doing just fine. I haven't ridden it much as I am doing all these other reviews but I will be testing it off road soon. No serious mtb trail because of the handlebars but I want to see how it would do on some off road trails. But so far, so good.
Apparently, the make the bike perform (in the settings) like the Engine Pro (which is a great thing, I did a review on that bike), they also added a charging port for the battery that you used to have to remove on the X26. Connecting between the batteries is easier. If I get my hands on the X24 I will definitely do a full review on it!
I have no idea as I have not had a bike that has needed a motor replacement. Switching controllers out is pretty simple. I have had to do that a couple of times.
Really dude? You mean all that grunting, straining and heavy breathing is really necessary to get that battery out??? Looks like it fell out on its own to me. Maybe you need to ride your bike more to get some exercise? Are you a heavy smoker???
Don't smoke, and it is a bitch to get out. Give it a shot. I do agree I need more exercise but I can bench 225lbs for reps. On that bike (which may be an isolated issue), it didn't want to come out. It is what it is.
The opening is the same as the ep 2 pro wich require a bit of practice but i swear is not that bad (use the front brake and push with your knee) My question is, are those brakes good for that kind of a bike? I had to replace mine with a shimano cause the standard were honestly useless. Also i'm gonna waiting for some improvements cause those design flaws are soo bad imho...
Since it's not my favorite bike, I haven't ridden it much since the review, so far, the brakes have been holding up no issue. You are correct when you say that it takes practice to fold the bike up. I am starting to do it easier but it is still not fun. I hope they took notes on my video and make some improvements on the 2nd version.
It is futuristic looking for sure, but it is not a refined Swiss army knife type of e-bike . Separate batteries with a dongle attachment, wait for that to break, it should be able to run in parallel. 1 charger for two batteries is a mistake. Rear seat without any leg pegs, will your passenger pedal when you cannot? Locking and unlocking the seat tube and removing the frame battery(rattles) is not normal, scraping knuckles and injuries from the removal, and getting scissored is a lawsuit pending. You can handle this bike as you're a strong guy, but anybody else will have problems. As you dropped that battery, think about how that thing will last, unless it explodes first. I say this bike as it is out of the box is a hazard. The TROXUS I bought shines brightly in comparison to this hunk of junk.
beware dont by from engwe they send out defective x26 with stuck battery in frame engwes fix on brand new bike use screwdriver to pry out and sandpaper not included in tool kit or spend $300 to fix at shop and wait for check 🤪🤯 engwe also asked me to lie via email
the fact that they are still shipping this x26 with battery defect says a lot along with engwes fix to use screw driver to remove and then for customer to polish frame is a big sign of warrenty for a defective bike
whats insanity it when you call engwe support thier fix is to use screwdriver to pry out battery then to polish frame where battery is catching 🤦♂️🤯😳🤪 on a brand new ebike so thier fix is to put customers to work go figure
This bike is just one thing: badly designed, cheap shit. If you think about the recources that where wasted to build this peace of electric waste. There is so much faking parts on this bike, it should be the biggest warning to anyone to not buy this thing.
