eBike for £1000 - My time with the Engwe P26
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- čas přidán 8. 04. 2023
- We were sent this Engwe P46 eBike for review. This is the UK legal version restricted to 15mph. I never considered owning a bike like this, but it has been fun. I have learnt a lot about ultra low budget eBikes. Engwe had no say in the review, they did not see it before it was published. They have supplied the bike to us for free, but I was clear that this was no guarantee of a favourable review. I want to spend a bit more time with the bike to check the durability and the long term availability of parts. I am also curious about how ownership of a shopping bike might alter my lifestyle.
Engwe have asked me to share to following links and information.
ENGWE is celebrating Its 9th anniversary by providing 999-piece gifts on the website. (Please mention at least two times of the promotion, activity time: 4.10-4.31)
You can participate in the "Lucky Spin Wheel Giveaway" after signing up.
The 999-piece gifts include €0.9 to get the ENGWE M20, ENGWE engine pro, ENGWE EP-2 Pro, gift box, and promotion code up to €150 off and more.
This is ENGWE's best promotion of the year! Don't miss out!
They also have a special gift box for the 9th anniversary which includes a folding lock, smart helmet, riding bag, and ENGWE badge.
P26 information: engwe-bikes-eu.com/products/p26
EU Promotion link: bit.ly/432uCFW
There is a lot of information missing from their website, here are some extra details:
Shimano Tourney 7 speed gears,
BSA Square Taper BB
Cable Operated disc brakes, 160mm rotors.
The Extra Parts we got:
Suntour NEX 26" Disc Forks
Schwalbe Big Bear Plus Tyres
Tannus Tyre Protection
ZEFAL Lock
NewLoox Paniers
BBB Steerer extension
ZS44 Headset
These are all readily available online.
Businesses visited.
Podda & Wren www.podda-wren.co.uk/
Roast Mutton roastmutton.co.uk/
Bakery No. 4 www.bakery4.co.uk/
Ed's Babers, (Top Secret incase Hambini watches this...) - Sport
Balls the size of space hoppers sending you that 🤪
I just converted my old giant iguana 26inch with a bafang kit and it’s brought it back to life. Absolutely love getting around on it.
I have the Bafang BBS02, great kit but needs a torque sensor. It works best with an Alfine / Rohloff hub. Even with a gear sensor the gear changes are not perfect
Very glad i watched this review, great info. Thanks!
Very professional approach to safety in bicycle riding, well done guys 💪🏾
Thank you 🙌
Wow in truth you have educated Engwe with a very well executed improvements list of parts from a no hoper E Bike to a get up and go model all for nothing loved the video thank you.
Thank you kindly David
Keep in mind those upgrades would put this bike well past the current price range. I think it defeats the purpose.
Paul absolutely loved this. A great reminder that cycling is broader than sport specific. Anything that gets someone out on a bike and enjoying the experience / freedom / convenience is usually a good thing. Also timely reminder that it’s all about having a bike suited to its intended purpose. Good job on the upgrades and kudos to the manufacturers for making it available.
Overall though have to question the core issue of a non-repairable bike. Exactly same issue applies to latest racing electronic group-sets and the degree of compulsion in that direction from the big brands (phasing out mechanical options, rim brakes, standard headsets). Manufacturers nowadays favour built in obsolescence and abandon ‘repair’ in favour of ‘new’ to maximise their bottom line. Seismic change necessary in consumer legislation to guarantee a statutory right to repair for goods over a defined value. Sadly a political non starter…….. about as appealing to politicians as a new poll tax.
So best overall bet for time being is 2nd hand bike (assuming parts still available 🤔). ps ……Kendal looks nice 👍 Great vid 👏
Thanks Kevin.
You can change the speed limit settings and also use throttle if you want to. To bad you didn't try that to see if it would perform more like you would expect
I tried to follow the instructions for that, but it didn’t work. Engwe made a big deal about shipping the UK version, so I kinda assumed that override feature had been deactivated.
People should really be treating an ebike like a car purchase. Unfortunately, since no one bothers to account for vehicle maintenance costs, or maintenance at all really (and thus the rise of disposable auto parts), I don't think these will be any different. But anyways, simple rule to greatly reduce your probability of getting shafted on an ebike purchase. Only buy bikes with a mid-drive motor and only if there's a name stamped on the side from which you can go buy replacement parts (Yamaha, Bosch, etc.). Expect to spend around $4k+. But $250 motor repair kit ever couple years on a $4k bike will be cheaper than replacement a $1k-$1.5k bike every year when that motor burns out. And given how much that Engwe was struggling on the hill, I give it less than a year before the hub motor overheats and bricks.
Sounds like a challenge to me.
You can buy 48v hub motors, you do not need to spend 4k on a decent ebike. You can parts for Chinese ebike kits easily. A lot of the high end bikes use rebranded Chinese units.
@@ebikescrapper3925 There is no such thing as a decent hub motor because the entire concept of a hub motor is intrinsically flawed. Further, the nature of 99% of CN companies is that you will not be dealing with that company in the future. There's a significant difference in dealing with a company like Yamaha, that has existed for almost a 1.5 CENTURIES and has established service lines and will still be around to sell you those parts in 20 years vs. a CN company with none of the above and building a bike to be landfilled. CN companies aren't in the same universe, let alone same league. So no, you can't buy CN ebike kits easily and they likely won't be around in 2 years when you need them.
@@cjohnson3836 I disagree regarding hub motors, from your comment you like mid drives. Both mid drives and hub motors have their pros and cons. I have tried rear hub, front hub and mid drives, my current set up is a self conversion, a BBS02. You can buy a decent ebike for less than £4K, all bikes whether an ebike or not require maintenance. Ebike motors just add more maintenance and cost, whether it is worth it is up to the individual.
@@ebikescrapper3925 Then you're simply wrong. Mid-drive motors aren't constrained to operate under strains that are inherently destructive to the unit. Hub motors, by being part of the wheel, are. Hub motors are simply inferior engineering.
Great vid, interesting about sourcing replacement parts
I have a P26 too. As mentioned parts of its build quality are cheap and a little inferior; on the other hand Emailing Engwe support and getting replacment parts so far has gone well; Ive bought several better quality parts for mine; And it does seem that the front forks may need replacing.
Looks fun and, with your suggested upgrades, safer! The 'disposable' (actually meaning unrepairable in this instance) element gives me a big pause for concern from an environmental aspect - we can't keep doing this. However, as you point out yourself, spares are not easy to obtain from the big brands either; some work required in this area still obviously.
we really need the right to repair act to get sorted.
Engwe has excellent support, just email them which part you need, you can order a extra battery when you order the bike, just click add one extra battery, I am going to order one myself, but the USA version that has 500 W motor instead of 250W, and tune it down on the display to legal 25km/h max, then I benefit from extra torque when driving up hill
thanks very much for this, do you have any view on NCM products they seem must cheaper than the big brands but do seem to use a more mainstream parts bin.
Not come across them sorry
I'd rather a Surly+Bafang with a humble Tourney build.
You can build your own fat bike with a decent programmable controller and Bafang hub for the same money as that. that has the power required for hilly areas. Also I like the MT5 brakes for ebikes
Thanks, this was a great video! What's your thoughts on something like a Raleigh Centros compared to an Engwe P26?
I’m not familiar with it. Apply the same checks. Can you get parts? Battery warranty, tyres.
You are right about rigid forks is better than shitty suspension forks.
The reason why budget bikes are outfitted with suspension forks is consumers who are not cyclist thinks suspension is better than cushioning potholes. When it’s actually the opposite. You’ll feel the bumps more because suspension on a bike are designed to keep tires in full contact to road surface.
I know. It is actually really hard to buy rigid forks these days. I struggled to find anything suitable.
I've only tried one e bike, it was a department store ebike, I've not tried a proper e bike yet, with the brand Yosemate, from Bilatema, name means car theme, or car subject, but it sells other stuff too, but their bikes usually always were crap. THat was basically bodged together bike.
The e bike had a super heavy hub motor, it had a tiny cassette or freewheel, huge chainring, so you actually needed the motor to riding. I see the bike you reviewed has a similar build when it comes to the drivetrain. the bike i tried was a 27.5, but with the big chainring it was stupid. It was likely 40T or something close. Cs was likely 32T.
the bike felt like I had heavy person or crazy load in the back, due to the hub motor. I struggled to get the bike moving. and as geo was horrible I struggled to steer it, steep head angle long stem.
The frame was a regular frame with a big ski box of a battery. I did not try it with the motor, but I said to the kid wo had it the gearing is so heavy he needs the motor to actually ride it.
He said he actually regretted he got this bike.
I recommend to stay away from all e bikes like this.
Familiar story.
Interesting point, adding these tyre liners/inserts. What is your opinion on using inserts on road tubeless? I know they are common in MTB, but can they also save my carbon road wheels in case of a sudden flat, or are they just adding unnecessary weight? That would be a great topic for a video!
Just added rotational weight in a road bike. I know some TT and Crit racers have experimented with them as alternatives to tubs. Because of their run flat ability. Ie if you puncture on a 10mile course you have already lost and have a long walk back.
If you remove the battery and leave the bike outside on wet day whilst in town shopping aren't the electrics going to be affected as the battery socket is on top rather than on the bottom of the bar? It would make more sense to put it on the underside.
Straight steerer fork for a heavy and quick bike is an accident waiting to happen imo. I've seen a guy on a fatbike who tried to emergency brake and his fork just snapped at the place where crown connected to a steerer tube.
My friend owns e-bike with bafang motor. He uses Schwalbe Moto-X tires. They are quite cheap. Ride well. Last a long time. And also reasonably puncture resistant without any inserts.
Defo on those high power models. Eek.
I have a request. Could you give your settings in Volts for each five degrees of battery discharge on the display. One line according to the instructions should be 31.5V and the second and the next to the fifth line, how many volts should they be set to? It's not in the manual. Everything changed for me
I’m sorry. This has already been given away.
Wait, you could have salvaged IS-PM adapter and a crown race! But you will be amazed how many forks like these are actually made and sold in the East
I have a few knocking about
Have you had bikes coverted to e-bikes? I have one set which has been with me for 4 years and i've switched it to different bikes like 4 times over the years. Did cost me 1000 Euros (500watt frontal motor + big battery). It's ugly as hell to be sure with wires running around the frame, but then again easy to repair.
But it seems that there isn't a big market for conversion kits from what i've seen.
Only one. With a massive battery hung off the handlebars.
The self conversion market is very big, pedelecs is the UK forum, Endless Sphere is the USA forum.
Being essentially disposable is not great but if the affordability gets people out of cars and onto bikes then it hopefully puts them in a good place to get a better 2nd e-bike. But how many will use expertise like yours to make it safe and convenient?
Scary. You should see some of the loose and wobbly bike we turn away to take to the skip.
The Butcher, the baker, the...coffee roaster, the barber and the bike shop...
It’s a vibe
Bafang bbs02 or bbshd if youre spicey is the best bang for your buck converting an old frame.
And you can get replacement everything! I'm talking motor rotors, stators controllers, wiring harnesses...
I haven’t tried it. Keen to try though. I do like some of the new stuff Bafang are doing
Do we need throw-away E bikes? I would hope that most people would opt for a normal, good quality bike. People have been going shopping and riding around town for over a century now, on pedal bikes.
there are empowering more people to do that.
People will buy whatever they find the most economical. And, its well know in economics, ecology, etc. that future values are discounted. If I told you, I will give you $100 now. But if you refuse and wait 10 years, I will give you $1000, the majority of people will take the $100 now. They will choose the $1k bike now, even though the $4500 bike with the Bosch motor (that, to the point of this vid, has internals replacement kits) and reputable components will save money long term.
I completely agree. Buying a bike and then throwing away parts to use it doesn’t sound very sustainable to me.
Spending money and being a ‘smart consumer‘ is what drove manufacturers to creating products with limited shelf life in the first place. That”s just a race to the bottom.
1:24 Many will be scared of the steerer tube extender.
It’s ok for this situation.
your opinion on Priority Continuum Onyx commuter bike?
I have never seen one. Sorry.
@@Mapdec from your experience, are there any belt driven, internal gear hub, commuter bikes worth buying between 1500 and 2000 euros?
@@comedyman112 in all honesty my experience of belt drives is only from pinion gear box bikes and Kindernay hubs. I don’t think I have ever seen a belt drive eBike.
@@Mapdec I was searching the market for a non-e-bike regular pedal commuter bike, but with these 2 features (belt + igh). Looks like the Priority brand ships their bikes from the US and I'd rather get something from Europe, if possible
I managed to get spare parts, screen and speed controller within a week directly from Engwe..
You can buy ebike spares from BMS Battery
Interesting. Just been scanning their site. There is a lot of stuff on there. Still couldn’t identify an Engwe cadence sensor, or battery but there is the option to replace lots of components to make it work again.
You will probably find a non branded sensor will work, they just put their name on it.
What about safety approvals for the battery packs? Especially for those off brand bikes? There has been in increase in apartment fires due to e-bikes. UL CSA TUV?
I’m the UK there are quite strict rules now. Things defo slip through still. The battery on this carries a recognised name to us. Next Era Energy. It had the UKCA and CE marks. I know these can be faked, but it didn’t really give me cause for concern. I have defo seen some things I haven’t let in the shop and turned them away at the door.
I've been looking at Engwe for a while now. Def won't pick a model with a suspension fork.
The Engwe forks are just fine, not sure why this guy did not know they were adjustable. 🤔 I am a big guy and have taken the P26 off road several times without any issues. Let alone he did not tell you how easy it is to adjust the speed limitations in the settings. I own 3 Engwe eBikes and I love all 3. They are a great budget eBike and they warranty there product longer than most of the expensive ones. But I understand this guy has a Bike shop and he is trying to upsell while getting a free bike from Engwe.
Definitely a bike battery to be recharged outside or in a metal can. Would not trust it a bit. NYC has a big problem right now with bad ebike/mobility batteries (mostly non certified) causing apartment fires and killing/injuring/trapping people in structures.
We have some very strict rules after that was a problem about 6-7 years ago. The battery is by Next Era energy. A brand we see quite a lot. Its an all metal case and sealed. Better that a lot we see. Good advice though.
1:01 Weird head tube.
I don't think I will get an e bike, but if I would it would be a Nicolai. But that's not low budget.
The one size fits all thing won't work for me.
You love that Nicholi ☺️
@@Mapdec Nice to have a problem free bike, only need to do normal preventive maintenance to normal degree. Nicolai has a E-boxx G1, which is basically e bike version of G1.
but they do have different geo version too, also have their own commuter e bike brand HNF-NICOLA. They have a belt drive, hub gear, proper forks. I've not tried any of those. But with the quality of my G1, I would rather buy these than other brands, as I know this would most likely be great. But might be other good brands out there. but not looked into e bikes much.
I like to compare those cheap bikes wtth a can of heinz spaghetti. Its barely edible , you just have to get them to taste . Put some work in it ( and be able to do your own repairs, maintenance and research ) , and you can make a great bicycle out of it pretty cheaply .
And that damn derailleur!! Get rid of it and put deore on it .
Im thinking of buying an engwe p26 but i want to make a project out of it .
First im planning to do your recommended upgrades but that drivetrain is going off ... There will be a deore on it after a while .
Those forks were so bad, I’d of ruined them in a Vice before discarding, to prevent a dumpster diver from reusing them.
It's a shame you don't know how to use this bike properly.
#1 You never unlocked the speed in the settings. It goes up to 45kmh
#2 Engwe and BackToodern does send parts to customer as needed with a simple email.
Nice Fork update though, but I don't feel it's necessary and for the price of $1000, it's a great bike for someone just looking to get out and ride without breaking the bank.
Unlocking is illegal in uk and I’m not putting that on a public video. It would be like seeing the police a video of you speeding. The fork is an utter death trap.
Buy British and know there are spares if need be available .
I've bought halford bikes (Carrera) and Gaint (Escape) both bikes were cr**p. They must be buying cheap metal no matter what brand they are.☹
I had no issues with the Engwe P26 forks, I am not sure why you did not know the forks were adjustable. Maybe so you could sell aftermarket products the consumer really did not need? Also it is simple to adjust the speed limitations in the settings, anyone with E-Bike experience would know that. Green slime works well in tires and only $7, I use in all my budget bikes and off road vehicles. Odd that you did not down shift the gear while going up a hill, I have no problem going up steep hills in gear 5 pas 5. Not to be critical of your opinion but it makes me wonder why a so called expert did not know these things. Hmmm 🤔🤔
Hi Jim, I love your channel too! I was thinking the same thing, my forks are adjustable and work really well. When are you coming back to the UK? I would love to detect with you some day. Odd that this review is vastly different than my experience with the Engwe P26.
The forks only adjust the spring compression. They still flex dangerously under braking.I was in the lowest gear possible on that hill. It is 18% gradient though. Here in the UK it is illegal to adjust the speed. That green slime will leave you in a slimy mess on the road side with a puncture any bigger than a thorn. Removing that wheel on the roadside is a pain, so tyre inserts like in the vid are a standard feature of better bikes.
I have a P26 and sure its build quality is a bit cheap; I've taken this bike on a roadtrip around brittany with these factory fitted forks all went very well; but since then somone has squeezed the bike into the back of a vehicle and it now seems that the front forks have easily bent; I'll be looking to upgrade the forks if I can find a local repairshop to do the job.