It’s not easy finding a decent e-bike under $1,500.
Most decent rides cost more than double this money and, quite frankly, go on to add thousands more. So when we saw the Engwe E26 step into the market, at just over $1,000, it attracted our attention.
Fat-tire e-bikes are increasingly popular because of their versatility and, on paper, the E-26 strikes all the right notes.
We were really looking forward to climbing aboard as it boasted a large electrical setup, solid frame, and great weight-bearing capabilities.
So is it the sought-after rare bargain or do some catches come with it? Let’s find out in our Engwe E26 review….
Engwe E26 E-Bike Review
Price: $1,199
Peaks:
- Long-range battery
- Strong frame
- Weight carrying capabilities
- Comfortability
- Budget price
- Fat-tires
- All weather capable
Troughs:
- Suspension
- Gearing range
- Weight
Weight/Frame
The Engwe E26 is built in an aluminium frame and comes in two designs – step-through frame design or a high-step. This e-bike targets entry-level and daily-use markets with comfortable geometry for easier harnessing.
The frame compound is strong, so it gives a great base to which you can add even more weight. It also has a decent luggage rack mounted over the rear end.
It’s a very versatile daily run around bike, which one can ride with paniers hitched up to the luggage rack, or ride out on a long weekend adventure with camping or fishing gear, and the list goes on, etc.
All these strong frame parts have a cost, though-the step-through E26 weighs in at 33.5kg, a step up to 34.5kg with the high-step model.
This isn’t especially dancey or much fun to ride and it’s pretty hamstrung on more adventurous terrain.
Battery
The Engwe E26 comes with a 768Wh lithium-ion battery that sits in the downtube.
That gives up for an impressive range of about 140km, but that figure does diminish if you are loaded up with heavy gear.
If you’re riding the bike without extra luggage, it holds true to that estimated maximum range figure and we consistently knocked out more than 130km on one charge.
The range makes the bike a good option for a long spin out at the weekend, but it also ensures you can ride it multiple times on the daily commute, without needing to continually juice back up.
When you do need to charge the battery, it isn’t the quickest, so that top-range figure is welcomed. It takes around 6 hours to get back up to 100% from empty.
ℹ️ Be cautious with your assistance use on hazardous technical sections – the bike’s heavyweight, combined with its immense power, could lead to a nasty accident if you aren’t careful or don’t have the strength to cope with it.
Motor
The Engwe E26 comes with a customized 1000Wh motor. It can kick out as much as 70Nm of torque.
Torque return to wattage doesn’t blow my mind, though it does still give you a pretty good push when that is needed.
It makes the bike a pretty good climber, and the motor really has to do some work dragging this extra kit you may be carrying.
However, at 29.4kg of bike weight, it still sometimes feels a bit lethargic, and other motors available in the market offer punchier top figures in terms of torque.
There’s a trade-off here, though, and more efficient motors often come at a pretty penny.
Suspension
The Engwe E26 has a hardtail with very minimal travel at the front end.
It’s not too great on adventurous trails with this minimal travel in the suspension, but it does well in an urban setting, and the bike’s purpose suits the styles in which it’s designed to be ridden.
It just means that with heavy gear, there is less travel in the suspension, which means you are going to keep a good level of traction and reduce any feelings of sponginess.
That’s important for pedaling efficiency and ease in use with the bike, making it a good option for those who ride for entry-level purposes.
If you’re looking to get out into more adventurous terrain though, this bike is completely unsuitable.
Wheels/Tires
Custom fat tires form the Engwe E26.
These tyres have a width of 4 inches and 26 inches in diameter. They possess a wide amount of cushioning. That’s what makes the ride comfortable.
It also enables the e-bike to maintain pace even when there is heavy additional weight put on the rear end and allows the possibility of going out under all weather conditions.
Big treaded tire is good with its toothy tread on the fat tyre; really big, so it can deal well with everything on mud and snow, sand, and even concrete.
Brakes
The Engwe E26 comes with a set of custom hydraulic brakes.
They are pretty straightforward and at times a bit undergunned to deal with the weight of the bike.
That’s something to watch out for if you’re pushing the bike hard and if you’re loaded up with heavy extra gear-in short, be careful with.
They’ll do for riding on ordinary roads or straightforward trails, but, if you are moving at speed in damp conditions, brakes can be especially prone to slippage.
Drivetrain
It sports a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.
We’re not altogether enamoured of the spread of gears and the bike can feel very heavy going up hill as a result.
We think that it would benefit by having a few more gears in the drivetrain to cope with the weight of the bike, and unless you happen to be very fit, you can find it a chore to get the bike up hill-an issue which is compounded when carrying lots of kit or shopping.
Something that should improve in future models, however, goes with a probable cost implication.
Price - $1,199
Simply put, at just over $1,000 you can’t view the E-26 as anything other than a very good deal.
You get a big range, a respectable motor, and a well-designed frame. Of course there are areas which could be improved but the price would likely spike to do so.
If you are buying for under budget, we believe this is a good value for an e-bike to look into, particularly when you know you’re going to carry heavy loads.
You can have a damn good time on this one if you understand the bike’s limits and ride within them.
Our conclusion of this Engwe electric bike review is that this is a good deal.
Engwe E26 Facts & figures
Geometry configurations
Rider Height: 5.5 (ft) -6.5 (ft)
Payload Capacity: 150 kg (330lbs)
Package Dimensions (LWH): 63.9inches*11.2inches*34.2 inches (162.4*28.5*87 cm)
| DIMENSION | MEASUREMENT |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 47.4 inches (120.5 cm) |
| Total Length | 76.5 inches (194.5 cm) |
| Reach | 19.6 inches (50 cm) |
| Standover Height | 28.3 inches (72 cm) |
| Minimum Saddle Height from Ground | 35.4 inches (90 cm) |
| Maximum Saddle Height from Ground | 40.1 inches (102 cm) |
| Minimum Handlebar Height from Ground | 46.4 inches (118 cm) |
| Maximum Handlebar Height from Ground | 47.2 inches (120 cm) |
Please note: There may be a difference of 0~1.9 inches (0~5 cm) between measured and actual data.
Full Specs
| SPECIFICATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| BATTERY | 48V 16Ah Lithium-Ion Battery |
| SPEED | 0-28 MPH |
| MILEAGE | 87Miles / 140 km (PAS mode) |
| CHARGING TIME | about 6H |
| BRAKES | Hydraulic front & rear brakes |
| TRANSMISSION SYSTEM | Shimano 7 Gears |
| BIKE WEIGHT | E26 Step-Thru 73.8 lbs (33.5 kg) |
| E26 High-Step 76.0 lbs (34.5 kg) | |
| GROSS WEIGHT | E26 Step-Thru 93.76 lbs (42.53 kg) |
| E26 High-Step 95.96 lbs (43.53 kg) | |
| MAXIMUM LOAD | 330 lbs (150 kg) |
| RIDER HEIGHTS | 5.6~6.5ft(170-200 cm) |
Final Thoughts
The Engwe E26 is, in general, a workhorse of an e-bike-not flashy but practical.
There’s a great deal to be pleased about here-the gigantic battery that can carry monster extra weight.
There are just a few e-bikes out there like this, which you can get at this price, making it a perfect option for budget-conscious shoppers.
It’s a capable day-to-day run around and perfect for weekend pursuit rides, camping or fishing.
There are areas where it could be upgraded, but that would translate to the price.
All things considered, the E26 gets two thumbs up from us – time for you to find out for yourselves. We hope you enjoyed this Engwe e-bike review, now time to get spinning.
