Engwe M20 Seat Upgrade and Power Boost!
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- čas přidán 28. 04. 2023
- I was already pretty happy with Engwe's new M20 E-Bike, but I wanted to see if I could squeeze just a bit more performance out of the stock hardware after adding the second battery. Turns out, it's as easy as soldering a single resistor! I also wanted to improve the comfort for taller riders, so I designed a 3D printed seat riser, along with a few other minor upgrades to go along with the bike.
With Father's day approaching fast, don't miss the opportunity to surprise the important father in your life with an Engwe E-Bike at an incredible discount! The M20, along with many of Engwe's other models are a great option for getting around off-road while fishing, camping, or hunting in addition to daily commuting.
12/20/23 Update - Still using this bike as my daily commuter, and it's been a great little moped! Be sure to check out my other videos for additional upgrades and subscribe for my 1-year summary video!
Engwe Official Website (Sponsored Link)
engwe-bikes.com/?ref=Pilotgeek
Amazon Links
The M20 is now available on Amazon!: amzn.to/3qhok69
Bar End Mirror: amzn.to/3nfu3se
Upgraded 40A Battery Combiner: amzn.to/43EfSOh
3D Print Files
Headlight Gromets: www.printables.com/model/4655...
Seat Riser: www.printables.com/model/4593...
Resistor Mod - Stack on top of existing resistor and solder in parallel to add 50% power to the controller. I used .005 Ohm 2512 SMD resistors in the link below. Thanks to @strikermon who figured out that a .015 ohm or R015 resistor should result in 1250w or a 25% increase if you want to add just a bit more than stock with less worry of breaking something.
www.ebay.com/itm/225221606996... - Sport
That controller mod is genius. Would love to see you go into a little more detail on that for those of us who tinker hard, but don't have the EE. Thanks for the video!
A lot of what I've learned is from the Endless Sphere forums, and I usually just search the forums for what I'm wanting to accomplish and someone usually has done something similar. Maybe some day I'll dive into a motor theory video or something! endless-sphere.com/sphere/forums/ebike-technical.2/
@@Pilotgeek Hi my friend could you possibly link me to the exact resistor for the increase in torque please.
This is such a good and insightful video. I also like that you 100% speak the truth and don't do any kind of "just buy this killer bike thing". Glad that you are also a valued member on the official owners group group.
Très bonne idée pour la selle merci beaucoup car il y a toujours des solutions pour les petits défauts comme ça.
Très beau travail 👍👌
This guy is a wizard. Excellent upgrades!
great work PG! Earnt a sub from the UK..
Really good Upgrades👍. THX
Awesome video mate!
Smart dude👍🏽😎great video brother 🙌🙏🏽
Great stuff man!
This is without a doubt one of the single best videos I've seen regarding mods for an e-bike. I just switched from a Jansno X-50 to an Engwe M20, and much of what you spoke to applies to both. Your method to raise the seat is just right, and I'm glad that I won't need to model my own riser. Thank you for sharing the file. QQ for you sir: I think you said you printed it in TPU. Do you think that's essential, or could this be done in PLA? I think I'm going to give it a shot with some CF-PLA I haven't found a use for yet. Again, Thank you, Excellent video, and I very much appreciate you.
Sorry for the late reply, I did not see this one! I think PLA would be fine as long as you print it with enough infill. A lot of the stress is compressive, which I find PLA is very good with. The main reason I used TPU is I ride in sub freezing conditions a lot where the PLA might get brittle.
My M20 and second battery kit are on the match arriving next month. Hopefully (but not the end of the world) they include all the hardware for the second battery install.
Thank you! the mod is great! 👍
Thank you , I like the mirror tip!
Cute kid too😅
Top man! Peace from Italy
😂😂👍🏽 that was great at the end your kid looking at the camera 😂don’t forget me dad😂😂👍🏽
Good upgrade the controller all had to do is nip bars together then soldar. I think you were doing shunt bars 😊. If you want extra speed up grade controller and motor to 1000wat you will see a difference
would you make the seat upgrade then sell it
I have the same bike and I rode 221 kilometers with 2 batteries on pas1 and didn't touch the throttle and actually think I can get 250 kilometers out of it so I'm satisfied
I liked how you wired all the cables it's something I would like to do but I'm not able to
This is perfect not about top speed low down torque is all that matters!
Oh yes, I saw the riser in his video :))
I added a resistor - it works perfectly! Very enough for my forest trips with the dog. If someone added more power, the factory shifter would be probably too brutal. It's very imprecise. I am waiting for the ordered larger sprocket and I will be installing the turn signals soon. (Necessary in the forest :)). The mirrors are already there. And Magura M5E brakes.
Could I please ask you if you have a link to buy the correct resistor in the UK or if not do you have the exact details of which one to get please as I don't want to buy the worng one and cause any damage. Thanks in advance.
Started watching this video to see what you did with your bike only to find out you're local to me!
Good job
Now the bag rack for the Engwe M20 made Engwe has just been released. This update makes this bike more "useful" and "functional". Now I will also be able to use it for shopping and fold up the rain protection in case of sudden bad weather! 🎉
Good Job on your M20, witch SMD resistor can I use to increase the motor to 1200-1300 W only ?
Can you make instructions for installing turn signals in on this model bike ?
pls
Do you thing upgrade the 20ah stock controller to a 25/28ah would work well?
The R015 shunt adds less than a quarter of the power This is specifically 3.25A. shunt power I have done on the Engwe EP2 PRO.
Can you please explain in a little more detail how the power boost is done? I live in a very hilly town and you will make my life easier. Best regards.
Have you messed with gasoline powered bikes at all? I just found your channel and thought it'd be neat to see your take on a few of them. There are a lot of us out here who make a hobby of little 2 and 4-strokes on bicycles, and they're quite cheap, so there are plenty of resources out there. Not sure what the legalities of such a thing might be in your area, but they're great fun!
Very interesting idea. I would like to increase the power only by 1/4 what resistor to use? I have Engwe EP2 PRO 2022 dual battery in paraell. And what type of R005 did you use? 2512 2W? or 3W type?
Thanks
Great video bro sub here
Good vid
What about adding a new controller?
Thanks for the great post. I've done the throttle shunt resistor mod. Is this mod suitable for to increase the PAS response?
Can you give me the characteristics of the bicycle chain (number of links, length, etc.) please ?
Do you have a link for that battery combiner?
Hi all the videos show with shunt mod, they bypass it, you are adding more resistance, could you plz explan?
I'm trying to upgrade my controller. Do you know which one is compatible with the bike?
How about the headlight, i prefer the Moto style headlight
I think most any would work if you use a 12v regulator inline with it.
what size socket to get the seat off?
What happens if you shunt both nodes using two resistors?
So I have a walkie that has two shunts with an r004 resistors, adding another r004 would be 50% more power and a r01 would be quarter more power?
could I ask how tall are you ? im 6ft 2 & wondering if I'll fit on the M20 comfortably .
Good video....Where in New England are you located?
I'm actually from Green Bay Wisconsin
Can you recommend a 3D printing site that ships to Europe?
Thanks for stl partage👍👏♥️
Good 👍
To increase speed. Change the wheel diameter setting to the highest setting like 26 or 28 inches. This typically pushes any e-bike to give it all its got in terms of extra speed. Making the top speed higher.
It only changes the speed display calculation and does not increase the actual speed... Right?
@@jimmyberubelevesque2557 I have tried this with a GPS speedometer to compare to and this setting only changes the display reading, not the actual speed. I totally forgot to include this in the video, but I know a lot of people try this thinking they're getting free speed.
@@Pilotgeek yeah I know, MaxFreeFall is the one who said that, I agree it's only an adjustment for having the right speed calculation according to your wheels size.
Hey from Portugal.... A few days ago I purchased an M20 but a cant use it just using the handle, I always have to pedal, how do I activate auto mode?
Hey man can I buy one of those seat extension?
have you ever thought about 3d printing a cover for the battery mount? some times i just use one leaving the other mount exposed?
I don't think I would personally use it, but If I get a spare moment I could probably whip one up as that sounds like something many would definitely find useful.
@@Pilotgeek keep me posted! id be a buyer!
Great vid! Im doing the same to my M20. What kind of power meter are you using, and how hard is it to connect?
I have been using this exact one. I just had to solder the correct plugs on and it goes between the battery and controller after that. amzn.to/3YhpP3n
Hey I was wondering if you sell the seat riser not the file but the actual hardware. I don’t have a 3d printer and don’t know how to do it
I'm sorry, I have not made any to sell besides selling off a few prototype prints. They're just too expensive and time consuming for me to make them in bulk. I know it's very much in demand though. I would like to work with a local machine shop to make a sheet metal version that's adjustable with a bit of cargo space under the seat, and I'll make another update video if I get anywhere with that project.
Does it work so if I set a smaller value on the controller (display l, for example 15 A, the maximum real power will be 22.5 A with this resistor configuration?thanks
I did try this, and the value on the display did not change actual power output at all, even if you go lower. It would have been useful to limit the current after the mod, but that function on the display does not appear to work at all.
According to your impression after the modification you made with 3D printing, have you improved not only the pedaling but also the comfort of the back and buttocks?
It doesn't really make the seat any more comfortable but I never really disliked the seat personally. I did also find shorter crank arms at 152mm which helps comfort a bit.
The seat is pretty stiff and uncomfortable. Anyone knows if you can by another seat for the bike that is a bit more comfortable?
I've been looking for a replacement with the same bolt pattern, but haven't come up with anything yet. Would be nice if another manufacturer had something that just bolts right on. I'll make another vid if I find one.
Should’ve just got the Engwe Engine Pro all that work 😅
Ok so before I go and buy this bike and blow it up is it safe to add that extra resistor for more power or will it put too much extra strain on the battery risking a fire? I'm totally new to these bikes and know nothing about them so sorry if tha is a stupid question.
Also would anyone be able to give me a UK link for the right resistor type because on Ebay the drop down box asks about watts and value and stuff that I don't understand. Thanks in advance.
Hi, I'm writing to you from Italy, is it possible to buy that 3D printed support for the saddle? Thank you
I am not currently selling them, sorry.
Just bought 2 an hour ago one for me and the other a friend only thing is i messed up the order and ordered 3!! On his credit card lolz He was cool though just going to keep it as he is certain when his son see's his He IS 100% Going to want one himeslf as he's 19 or there abouts. Plus he wanted me to use his card so he could bump up his credit rating lol got more than he bargained for ! 😂😂
...you're smart😄
hello dear friend, after contacting various companies in italy for 3d printing, i decided to have your saddle lifter project printed. They ask me if PETG material can be used. Do you prefer a softer or harder material? what do you say? I need a quick answer. Excuse me
Someone told me about using ASA material as well. What's the difference? What do you think?
What type resistor would you put in the m20 to get 75% more power & is this even feasible?
Not sure off the top of my head but I would not recommend pushing much more than 50% more power.
I really don't like the style of seat. I personally much prefer a more standard bike seat. I feel if I want a seat that I find comfortable with a normal bike seat is best. I don't need to modify the seat or have it professionally done. This did limit my selection of bikes by a lot though. I still found one that fits my needs.
@Pilotgeek How's the shunt mod been working for you? Have the controller or motor failed or does it still run now a year later?
I've ordered a m20 but not decided if I'm to go for 1250w or 1500w
Still no issues. If you watch my short I even do stuff like pulling sleds with it in winter. I think if you pushed it really hard to the point of overheating you could burn it out by like going up super big hills in hot weather but if you use it in bursts of power or cruise mostly stays cool.
@@Pilotgeek perfect, then I'll go for 1500w. I live in northern Sweden so hot weather is not really an issue 🤣
@@kahlqvist How would you go about getting 1500w? Is it a different model resistor that you would buy different than the r005?
could you provide a link to the 5 milium resistor?, or the forum?
There is an ebay link at the bottom of the description of the video.
is a 58 the biggest you can fit will a 60 tooth front sprocket fit????
You could fit a much larger one, 58 is just what I went with.
I just bought one of these bike for $1200 new with the second battery option. My only question is are there any other seat options out there? The seat is some what uncomfortable with my old boney @ss...:)
Have you a link for combiner
This is the one I used: amzn.to/43EfSOh
Hi, I have the m20 dual battery and it seems it already comes with the factory battery combiner ? What is the difference between the factory one and the combiner you use in this video ? Do they both do the same thing and do I power on both batteries when riding ?
Many thanks in advance
The stock battery combiner is fine and works the same. The stock unit is rated for 30A and the one I used is rated for 40A.
Thank you for your quick reply 👍 So do I not really need to upgrade the combiner even though I plan on doing the resistor upgrade ?
@@peppbenj It shouldn't be necessary. The only reason I had to replace mine is I plugged something in wrong the first time and shorted out my combiner 🤦
Do you know what voltage the lights run on this bike,I want to fit some turn signals
All the lights run at 48v. I will post another follow-up video featuring a blinker install on my 1 year anniversary of owning it. I wound up using this 48v set, which was super easy to install. If the listing gets removed, just search LED Turn Signal Work Voltage: 36V/48V www.ebay.com/itm/404209861103?var=674085478861
@@Pilotgeek iv been looking at that exact listing myself 👊 yeah I'd be really grateful if you did a video man, I cant find any on here and I'm just learning this stuff, thanks bro ✊🙏
Please could you explain to a non engineer or electrician trained person how you do the power boost described from 1'40" and 2'40" of your video ? I would like to do the same boost operation but I need to be teached all the moves.
Does this create any risk to the controller or motor ?
Why is Engwe not doing it on stock products ?
Thanks
Gilles / France
Engwe limited the power to 1000w from the factory to reduce the chance of burning out a motor. I don't recommend using this up steep hills for long durations but I haven't had issue in normal use.
Electrically, you simply solder a resistor in parallel by stacking it to the old one. This lets more current through the built-in sensor circuit.
@@Pilotgeek thank you ! I shall try it...
after doing a lot of searching and ordering the wrong ones, can you shoot a link you that shunt? thanks!
In surprised more people didnt let me know sooner that I neglected to include a link! I updated the description with the resistor size and an ebay link.
@@Pilotgeek thanks!!!! try my hand at that mod next weekend :)
How did it go? Is the bike still operating?@@bdysncher
Why don't you add another front hub motor in order for it to go more faster
The problem isn't really power, it's that the motor is reaching max RPM on 48v. A 52v or 60v battery would get a bit more top speed out of it. Some have tried adding a mid-drive with some success.
I wanted to ask you from your experience and feeling, if it is the case to change the rear shock absorber.
YES, it's necessary if you don't want to rupture your internal organs. The original rear shock is only suitable for driving nails into a wall or for self-defense in a dark alley. :)) I immediately installed the Manitou air Swinger 4ways that I had at home. It's not perfect for this frame but my tooth fillings stopped falling out :) Now I'm waiting for a new air fork from Ali. Good price. It fits the dimensions. We'll see...
@@mariow-sk2vq After 2 months of M20 I have pain in my buttocks and back. I don't know if padding the seat or actually changing the rear shock would help. Did you really solve the problem?
@@kaizenmobility I strongly recommend replacing the shock. The factory one does not work at all and causes big discomfort and the risk of unstable driving. It's definitely bad for the spine. I immediately changed it to Manitou air swinger shock and after long adjustments it is quite OK. It is 10 mm longer (200 mm), what does not change the geometry of the bike but it has a longer travel (55 mm) what is better in my opinion. I think a shock absorber with a metal spring would be even better than an air one - weight does not play a big role here. As for the seat, I decided not to change it, even though I already bought a gel to soften it. However, I decided that possibly it will not improve the comfort and worsen the stability and feeling of the road. The seat should be quite hard (see bicycle or motorcycle). Indeed, after a few weeks my butt got used to it and my spine is not hurting. However, WITH THE USE OF A PROPERLY WORKING SHOCK ABSORBER!!! This is essential in my opinion. I am also waiting for the delivery of the purchased, WORKING :), front shock absorber, load adjustable, because only the cooperation of both will ensure proper cushioning and comfort of the hands, arms, neck ...I also changed the handlebars to regular, low one. Contrary to appearances, a leaning forward silhouette is healthier and better for the spine. (It's only your butt that bounces on potholes, not your whole body.) As you see I made a lot of modifications/upgrades (also hydraulic brakes, flashers, mirrors etc...) but I took most of them into account when buying a bike and the low price allowed me to do them.
Most of my bikes have no rear shock at all lol. I believe a lot of other cafe style bikes are hard tail. Maybe yours is defective if it doesn't work at all?
@@Pilotgeek Thank you all for your replies. I wrote to Engwe assistance in Europe, I'm waiting for their reply in case I have a defective rear suspension. Honestly, I'm not fully enjoying this M20. I wouldn't want to change the rear suspension at other expense, but it seems necessary to me. In addition, I think I will have to make a second softer saddle to put on top of the standard fixed one as if it were a removable cushion/seat. This situation stresses me out a bit and maybe I will reluctantly sell my M20.
Since you've changed the height of the saddle, you could have made it nice and horizontal without making it go downhill like in the original version... so as to avoid slipping
No because the bolt angle doesn't change
@@jimmyberubelevesque2557 ok 👌
I angled it upward by a few degrees from stock. You still want a bit of elevation at the tail to account for suspension sag when sitting on it though.
Maybe something like that? This can be a good solution. You can rise the seat and make it more comfy.
czcams.com/users/shortsFr1baa7KN98
Alligator?! Are they not protected by law?😜
@@mariow-sk2vq I ended up shipping him a riser 😂
I've been shopping for an ebike. I live where its very hilly and my old knees just cant take it like they used to.
If you want a bike that's more "bicycle like" or a bit more practical, my Engwe C20 has been my workhorse the past year, through snow and rain as a commuter bike. I have a review video of that as well.
The c20 is nice, i also love my Cyrusher Kommoda 👍🏽
@@JerseyStyle7 your cyrusher does look like a super nice bike
@@Pilotgeek I wish I lived closer to you. It’s the best full suspension E Bike that I have ever rode. It is so plush.
@@JerseyStyle7 yeah, I could modify your controller too then. Now I got a whole pack of them resistors 😂
I have s Raev Bullet GT coming tomorrow, it uses a Bafang 750w rear hub, not sure on the controller, I wonder if I could shunt mod it??? 🤔
Get a rear view camera, they're life changing, got them on all my ebikes
You probably could, most controllers have one visible inside. Some have a large loop of wire instead of the resistors, but same concept applies.
Hey @pilotgeek I've seen a couple videos with your mod and need to get my hands on one! Am i able to purchase one? Thanks!
Could I purchase one, too? How to get in touch with you? Thanks.
How much have you used your bike since the modification of the controller? still no overheating or whatnot?
I've driven it about 40 miles since and no issues so far. If you just drive it normally, I don't think it would be a problem. It only draws the extra amps when under heavy load and once the motor gets to it's max RPM the wattage levels out to around the rated 750w. The motor just doesn't really pull enough amps to overheat the controller. If you constantly go up steep hills or overload it for minutes at a time it might overheat but mine barely even got warm.
@@Pilotgeek nice, and on another Chanel someone mentioned the fact that this bike can't be used under rain (even light rain) I asked why but no response until now.
Do you had any problems with rain? Or heard the same thing?
@@Pilotgeekgreat video btw!
@@skaloniannoob601 the box where the electronics are located is not sealed, but the actual motor controller is watertight with rubber gaskets for the case halves and wire entry points. I don't think it would be a problem personally. I definitely wouldn't want to leave it outside during a rainstorm but light rain for a short trip I would feel comfortable with. I might use some automotive "bulb grease" or dialectic grease to prevent corrosion on some of the electrical connectors for the screen and lights on mine, as I use my bikes in snow and rain a lot.
@Skalonian noob I'm in the North of England, I've covered over 100 miles of work commuting in 3 weeks. 2 of those weeks have been under light to torrential rain with absolutely no problems at all.
I might be wrong but I believe adding a R015 resistor in parallel INSTEAD of the R005 would result in approximately 1250 watts.
Adding the .015 resistor in parallel with the existing .005 should result in a R of .0037
Add that to the existing .005 that's wired in series and it should result in around .0087 instead of your configuration which results in .0075 and opposed to the stock .01
On sensor:
0.01 ohm = 1000W
0.0075 ohm = 1500W
0.0087 ohm = 1250W (or just above)
TLDR:
The stock controller has 2x R005 resistors (wired in series). Adding a R015 (2W or 3W SMD) directly over one of them (parallel) should result in 1250+ peak watts to motor. I haven't tested this so try at your own risk. This MIGHT give some extra torque while putting less heat stress on the nylon planetary gears.
Nice vid! I'm just across the big lake from you and found this after ordering my M20. Looking forward to doing some of your tweaks.
UPDATE:
It works.
Thanks for the update, I know there were a few people asking about a 1250W mod but I never got around to calculating it myself.
Passenger seat ideas anyone?
Two batteries an it's slow it should be way faster then that I would think guess not
In het Nederland
Squeak squeak brakes
Taller rider...... well tough get a taller bike
Non adjustable seat is a deal breaker to me. :(