As a committed cyclist, I struggled to understand the appeal of electric bikes, but as the years have passed, I’ve grown to appreciate them. Furthermore, they’ve become an increasingly popular accessory for overlanders, who store or rack them as a convenient secondary mode of transport when parked at camp. This is particularly useful for larger rigs, where driving into town is often a stressful and unpleasant experience (and in some places, access is restricted altogether). The ability to park safely at a nearby campsite or on the outskirts of town, then effortlessly travel into the centre is very appealing.
I’m sure many people will ask what’s wrong with a standard bicycle, and I get that, but you have to consider those folks who aren’t as mobile or are simply uninterested in cycling. This approach makes life easier for many overlanders, reduces congestion, and lessens pollution.
Electric bikes certainly aren’t cheap, so the ability to store them safely inside is preferential; however, many of these bikes are bulky, heavy, and take up a lot of space. Fortunately, electric bike manufacturer Engwe is here to help with a range of innovative fold-up e-bikes, promising class-leading performance in a compact package. Over the past 20 years, the company has focused on e-bike development and sold over 600,000 bikes worldwide. Today we’re taking a look at one of their latest models, the Engine Pro 750W.
At the heart of the Engine Pro is a powerful 8-speed, 750-watt brushless gear hub motor, powered by a 48-volt 12.8Ah lithium removable battery. This setup provides an impressive 70+ mile range and speeds up to 45 kph. It takes between five and seven hours to fully replenish the battery, which can be done in-frame or removed for external charging. There are three user modes: Pedal Mode (pedal like a regular bicycle), Pedal Assist Mode (you control the amount of assist the system provides), and Throttle Mode (which requires no pedalling; speed is controlled with the “thumb throttle”). Additionally, there’s cruise control, an auto-front LED light (and traditional LED rear light), color LCD display, front and rear suspension, Tektro 180-millimetre mechanical disc brakes, and 20- x 4.0-inch all-terrain fat bike tires. However, the Engine Pro’s party piece is its easy three-step foldable 6061 aluminium frame, which “folds in seconds” and easily stores in most vehicle trunks. Finally, Engwe bikes arrive almost entirely assembled (just install the pedals), and new owners will benefit from a one-year warranty.
The Engwe Engine Pro showcases impressive performance and range whilst being the perfect option for those seeking a super-compact E-bike option. It’s not cheap, but it’s fairly priced against comparable rivals and will save you money on gas long-term.
$1,700 | engwe-bikes.com
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to make sure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
