Engwe Engine Pro E-Bike Review: A Do-Anything Rig for Surfers and Around-Town Travel

The Engwe Engine Pro Ebike. Photo: Engwe

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If I had realized that many e-bikes out there are more closely related to mopeds than pedal bikes, I probably would have adopted e-bikes much sooner. As a mountain biker, I shied away from the whole e-bike craze thinking it wasn’t made for someone who enjoys the exercise part of pedaling up a hill. So when the folks at Engwe, based in Shenzen, China offered up their Engine Pro ($1,450) model for a test ride, I was skeptical on whether it would be something I’d actually use in the day-to-day.

Yet after about two weeks of riding and testing it out, I’ve realized that there is certainly a time and place for a fat tire e-bike, especially one that folds up for easier storage. While it’s not a high-performance bike for true mountain biking, the bike checks a lot of boxes on mobility and durability, with fat tires that work in a variety of terrain. Once I shifted my thinking away from it being a “bike” in the classical sense, it began to set root in my daily life.

Let’s check it out:

Best for:

Commuters in hilly urban environments who also enjoy a dirt path from time to time, but don’t have a ton of space for storage.

Checking the surf with board in tow – a solid surfboard bike rack makes it a reliable board carrier as well.

Any sort of surf-commuting that involves a drive and a bike, like snagging a few waves at Trestles.

The fat tire setup on the Engine Pro made for easy beach cruising. Photo: Steve Andrews

First Impressions

The bike comes mostly assembled in one giant box. There are just a few steps that you need to complete to make it road-worthy, such as attaching the fenders, pedals, removing the styrofoam and zip-ties, and attaching the headlight. Other than that, most of the hard work is done.

I took the liberty to charge the removable battery overnight to ensure a full charge. The lithium-ion battery fits into the middle of the frame and is evenly balanced. It sure is heavy, though, just like any e-bike battery. All-in, the whole bike weighs 83 lbs, meaning you probably won’t be carrying this up any staircases.

Turning the bike on is as easy as turning the key on the battery and activating the display. When the display fires up it defaults into pedal-only mode for safety. Then, you have a choice of 5 power modes.  Fair warning – you’ll want to start low. Modes 4 and 5 have some serious kick to them!

All folded up, it can fit into tight spaces such as a closet or trunk. Photo: Engwe

Notable Features

Powerful Motor and E-Pas System
Pedaling up hills was no chore thanks to the surprisingly powerful motor. The bike can handle a long, steady grade with ease, while consuming a reasonably nominal amount of total battery capacity. In a one hour ride I covered over 1300ft of elevation gain over 15 miles, and only used about 25% battery, thanks to its “E-Pas” power generation system. Essentially, any riding over 15mph, as well as downhill cruising without using the battery actually helps charge the battery, giving this bike an extra battery-life boost.

Braking
Brakes were solid and precise and had me stopping within a few feet, even when cruising fast.

Accessories
The bike came fully equipped with e-bike essentials such as front and rear lights that automatically engage when it’s dark, fenders, a rear rack, and even had both front and rear suspension.

Drawbacks

So far, I’ve shared what’s good about the Engwe Engine Pro e-bike. It’s a solid, fast, well-built unit—especially when you consider the very reasonable price tag. But where one might take caution is in the fact that this company is based overseas, and only has warehouse distribution in the USA. Being an online-only distributor helps save some dough, but it also means that servicing the bike may take some time should it be necessary.

Of course, any bike shop can handle most of the maintenance needs the bike will encounter such as changing the brake pads, shifter cables, etc. But if something goes wrong with the electronics or motor, and you don’t want to pay shop fees, you’ll need to send it in to their warehouse for service.

While they do have a fairly comprehensive 1-year warranty, as well as lifetime support, you’ll be out of a bike while it’s being serviced. With Engwe based overseas, that could be an above-average wait time. Their service staff does not have a phone number to call, only an e-mail address which promises to get back to you within one business day.

The fat tires can handle all types of terrain – including some crusty old snow. Photo: Engwe/Steve Andrews

In Summary

The Engwe Engine Pro is a fast, solid e-bike that can handle all types of terrain. I rode up big hills, on dirt and snow, and even a sandy beach at low tide without any issues. The battery lasts and even recharges when going downhill or above 15mph. The sturdy cargo rack could easily mount a surfboard rack, making it a pretty good option when hitting the waves.

This bike is ideal for those who want to bypass traffic in town, but also works well off-pavement. If you don’t mind tinkering and making it your own, those with a mechanical sense will appreciate the relative low-cost and ability to upgrade components.

Is it worth the cost?
All in all, the Engine Pro is a pretty impressive bike for what it costs. It’s a decent option for those who want to try out what e-bikes are all about without having to commit too much money. And for those even more budget-conscious, you can find lower-priced models such as the EP-2 Pro or the P-26, or they also offer deals when you buy 2 bikes, making sure nobody gets left out of the fun.

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Additional Specs

Hub Motor: 48V 1000W(PEAK)
Range Per Charge: 100KM/62 Mile (varies on rider weight and usage)
Pedal Assist: 5 Level
Tires: All Terrain Fat Tires
Throttle: Thumb Throttle
Weight (With Battery): 83 lbs / 37.8 kg
Max Load Capacity: 330 lbs
Brakes: Hydraulic
Gearing: 8 Speed
Racks: Intergrated Rear Rack
Saddle: PVC Leather

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