Engwe L20 Boost electric bike review
Engwe L20 Boost electric bike review
Engwe L20 Boost
The Versatile E-Bike Gets a Major Power Upgrade
The originalย Engwe L20ย gained popularity as a versatile, multi-tasking electric bike. Itโs compact, lightweight, and perfect for everything from leisurely rides to hauling cargo. With its step-through frame design, itโs incredibly comfortable and easy to use.
In fact, many delivery companies have chosen theย L20ย for these reasons.
Now, the new upgraded Engwe L20 Boostversion retains the familiar look of its predecessor but packs a lot more power, including the exciting addition of the Boost Button.
A Motor That Feels Like a Beast
The newย 250Wย hub motor on theย L20 Boostย delivers an impressiveย 75N.mย of torque when you hit the Boost Button.
Honestly, this motor feels more like aย 750Wโitโs powerful and fast, even without using the Turbo Button. Out of the box, the L20 Boost comes with the throttle inactive and the top speed limited to 25km/h. But donโt worryโIโll be posting another video soon showing you how to unlock the L20 Boostโs full potential. Once unlocked, you can reach speeds of around 33km/h.
The Boost Button in Action
The Boost Button is designed to work exclusively with pedal assistance, so it wonโt activate when using the half-throttle. Picture this: youโre cruising on PAS 2 and hit a steep hillโyou need that extra push.
Just press the Boost Button, and for one minute, youโll get the full 75N.m of power, helping you tackle the climb with ease. After 60 seconds, the boost cuts off, but you can reactivate it again after a couple of minutes.
Better Efficiency with the Torque Sensor
In addition to the Boost Button, the newL20 Boostย features a torque sensor, which enhances the bikeโs responsiveness and efficiency by adjusting the power output based on how hard youโre pedaling.
This advanced feature makes the upgraded L20 a lot more exciting and powerful compared to its predecessor.
Battery and Riding Range
Theย 48V, 13Ahย battery on theย L20 Boostย is removable, making it easy to charge either on or off the bike. It takes about 6 hours to fully recharge. To start riding, youโll need to insert the key into the battery and activate the system.
Thereโs also a convenient folding saddle mechanism that allows for easy battery removal.
During my test rides, I was able to cover nearly 70km on a single charge using PAS levels 1 and 2. You could probably go even farther with more pedaling.
And if the battery runs out, riding the L20 Boost as a regular bike is just as easy. The comfortable riding position and the 7-speed Shimano derailleur make pedaling without power assistance a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Features:
Frame:ย 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Weight:ย 34 kg
Motor๏ผ250W/75Nm hub drive
Battery๏ผ48V,ย 13h
Brakes:160 mm Front & Rear Disc Mechanical Brakes
Tires:ย 20 x 4 Fat Tires
Stylish and Functional Design
The new colorful display on theย L20 Boostย is compact, with all the buttons seamlessly integrated. It powers on quickly and provides all the essential information, including current speed, battery status, trip distance, and PAS level.
Itโs bright enough to be easily visible, even on sunny days.
On the left side of the handlebar, youโll find the front brake and a tiny bell conveniently attached to the brake lever. On the right side, thereโs the Boost Button, front brake, gear shifter, and a half-throttle, keeping all the controls within easy reach.
The frame of theย L20 Boost is thoughtfully designed, with the battery neatly integrated and internal cabling that keeps everything looking clean. It also features front and rear racks, and its step-through design makes accessing the bike easy.
The welds are well-crafted, adding to the bikeโs sleek appearance, while the chunky 20-inch by 4-inch Chao Yang fat tires give it a powerful, rugged feel.
Stability and Comfort on All Terrains
These fat tires do more than just look toughโthey greatly enhance the bikeโs stability and comfort, absorbing bumps and rough patches on the road.
Complementing the tires are sturdy aluminum fenders that keep you clean and dry, even when riding through wet conditions. The stylish mag wheels add a sporty edge to the L20 Boost that really stands out.
The front suspension on theย L20 Boostย performs reasonably well. While itโs not top-of-the-line, it gets the job done.
Itโs worth noting that many 20-inch e-bikes these days come equipped with similar budget-friendly suspensions.
Decent Brakes, but Room for Improvement
Theย L20 Boostย is equipped with mechanical brakes featuring 160mm rotors. While theyโre adequate for stopping the bike, they donโt offer the same performance as hydraulic brakes.
I do wish Engwe had opted for the same brakes used on their P20 e-bike. The mechanical brakes require regular adjustments and can be a bit noisy when applied.
On the upside, they come with cut-off sensors that enhance safety by immediately cutting the power when the brakes are engaged.
Cargo-Friendly and Feature-Rich
The front and rear racks on theย L20 Boostย are well-designed and can support up toย 38 kilogramsย combined, though theyโre likely capable of handling even more.
Both racks feature integrated lights: the front headlight, activated by holding the Plus button, and the rear taillight, which includes brake lights even when the main lights are off, adding an extra layer of safety.
Itโs worth noting that since the headlight is mounted on the rack rather than the fork, it wonโt turn as you steer. However, this isnโt a major issue, as the light remains effective for illuminating your path.
Weighing in at 34 kg and accommodating riders ranging fromย 150ย toย 183ย cm tall, theย L20 Boostย supports a maximum payload of 120 kg.
