Not a small package!
Upon receiving the package, you realize the magnitude of the task: the box containing the ENGWE LE20 Cargo is significantly larger than that of some more conventional electric bikes. The reason is simple: this model was designed as a "mini-cargo" or "compact cargo," which means a more robust frame, larger tires, and the installation of two batteries. The carrier is not always able to deliver the package alone, because it exceeds the regulatory limit of 35kg, which requires two people to handle it (the box weighs nearly 50kg). It is therefore recommended, if possible, to be accompanied when collecting the bike, if only to make unloading the box easier!
Once the box is opened, you will discover a rather well-designed packaging: everything is wedged with foam and polystyrene, so that the frame (pre-assembled with the rear wheel), the front wheel, the handlebars, the saddle, the pedals and the accessories (mudguards, luggage rack, small tools, charger) are not likely to collide. The included instructions provide an overview of the assembly, and the basic tool kit allows you to tackle the assembly of the bike immediately. As always, it is better to take your time for this step, especially since a cargo bike can reach a weight of more than 40kg once assembled. Assembly involves installing the front wheel in the fork, attaching the handlebars and stem, installing the saddle (the height of which is easily adjustable), screwing in the pedals, respecting the left/right markings, and then making the first adjustments to the brakes and tire pressure. This phase generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your DIY skills. It is more comfortable to do it with two people, especially when removing the frame from the box or handling the front wheel.
Once the bike is fully assembled, the first visual impression is that of a "muscular" two-wheeler, more massive than a simple 20-inch folding bike. The frame, made of aluminum alloy, has relatively wide tubes, capable, according to ENGWE, of supporting up to 200 kg of total load, including the cyclist. At the rear, the luggage rack extends above the wheel and allows for the installation of a child seat, a passenger cushion, or even a tray for parcels and shopping bags. Depending on the LE20 Cargo version, a luggage rack can also be attached to the front, further increasing its carrying volume. The 20x3.0-inch tires reinforce the bike's solid appearance and promise good grip on a wide range of terrain, from asphalt to gravel paths, while absorbing road irregularities thanks to their generous width.
Design, ergonomics, features
Right from the start, one detail catches the eye: the presence of two batteries, if this configuration is chosen. Typically, the first is integrated into the frame, sometimes semi-visible, and the second is installed behind the saddle, in a vertical position. It may seem surprising at first glance, but this choice of location aims to maintain a balance of weight, rather than concentrating everything at the rear. Each battery is equipped with an on/off button and a lock, allowing it to be secured or removed for separate charging. ENGWE announces a potential capacity of 19.2Ah (48V) for each battery (so 1842Wh if you add the two together). In any case, the dual battery operation is interesting for those who want to travel long distances or who prefer to reduce the frequency of charging. It is possible to charge only one at a time, since the batteries connect to each other when you plug the charger into one of them.
A quick technical overview reminds us that this Cargo model is equipped with a hub motor at the bottom bracket, with a nominal power of 250W (48V), in accordance with the regulations in force for European e-bikes. The torque provided by this motor is 100N.m, which remains more than sufficient for city trips or slightly hilly roads, provided you don't overload the bike too much on hills! The transmission is via a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, and the levers on the handlebars allow for easy gear changes. The cockpit is adorned with a 3.5″ LCD screen, which displays the speed, assistance level, estimated range and distance traveled. In terms of equipment, there are hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors, LED lighting at the front and rear, and an open frame that makes climbing easier, especially for users who install a child seat on the rear rack.
The 20-inch wheels are fitted with wide tires with low knobbly edges. These "semi-slick" tires offer a good compromise between grip and performance on asphalt. Their generous section provides stability and absorbs road irregularities, while the profile remains sufficiently rolling to not penalize too much the effort or the autonomy. In addition, these reinforced tires reduce the risk of punctures, a significant detail for a bike designed to tackle sidewalks, potholes, and other urban pitfalls.
At the front, there is a suspension fork that relieves wrist pressure on cobblestones and absorbs shocks when climbing a sidewalk. This suspension is not designed for committed off-road riding, but it plays its role perfectly in the city by improving riding comfort.
Finally, the standard equipment of the ENGWE LE20 lives up to its urban ambitions. The bike comes with full mudguards, both front and rear, effectively protecting the rider from splashes in the rain. A sturdy luggage rack is also standard (with a cushion), directly attached to the frame. It can carry bags, groceries, or even install a child to take the little ones to school.
Lighting, an essential safety feature, is also integrated: a front LED headlight, powered by the main battery, sufficiently illuminates the road in the dark to ride safely at night or in winter, while a red light at the rear ensures that the cyclist remains clearly visible to motorists. In addition to these lights, reflectors are placed on the wheels and pedals, in accordance with standards, to improve lateral visibility. All these technical and practical details confirm that the ENGWE LE20 Cargo has been designed for complete urban use, ready to use right out of the box.
Autonomy, journeys, comfort
On the road, the ENGWE LE20 Cargo reveals stable behavior. The driving position is upright, even slightly upright, which offers good visibility in urban traffic. The wide tires not only provide grip, but also a certain natural suspension effect, in addition to the suspension fork placed at the front. The saddle, often thick and equipped with springs, further smooths out the roughness of the road. For those not used to electric cargo bikes, the size can be surprising at first, especially if you have to slalom between cars or cross sidewalks. However, thanks to the 20-inch wheels, the bike remains more maneuverable than many cargo models equipped with 24 or 26-inch wheels. It slips through quite easily, taking into account the fact that its total weight, which easily exceeds 40 kg. The motor, although only announced 250W, is responsive at start-up, which is valuable when the light turns green: you can feel the engine pushing in the first few turns of the pedals, helping to carry the weight of the bike and possibly that of a child passenger. On the flat, you can easily maintain the speed limit of 25 km/h imposed by the regulations. On a 15% slope, however, the engine struggles a little if you are carrying a passenger: you then have to use the lowest gear and really use your legs, while the assistance comes in to help you avoid exhaustion.
The dual battery really comes into its own when you want to make several trips without recharging. On paper, ENGWE boasts impressive figures, with a range of up to 350 km in eco mode. In reality, during our city test, punctuated by numerous stops and starts, we were able to easily travel 200 to 250 km with both batteries. This is a very comfortable performance for urban or suburban use, especially considering that most daily trips do not exceed a few kilometers. There is no option to charge one of the batteries while riding with the other, since they both power the motor, but you can keep only one battery for shorter trips, in order to slightly lighten the bike. This is a significant advantage if you live in a building without an elevator and have to hoist the bike at least onto a landing or for storage. On the other hand, completely removing both batteries makes the beast significantly lighter if you need to handle it when not riding!
In terms of riding comfort, several details stand out. First, the open frame, which makes it easy to step over, is very practical when you frequently get on or off the saddle to load or unload things, or to help a child get in. Then, the riding position is rather neutral, neither too sporty nor too high, which limits fatigue on long journeys and provides good visibility on the road. The front suspension fork plays its role well in softening shocks and vibrations on cobblestones or small holes, while the wide, cushioned saddle proves its usefulness as soon as you take a damaged road. In addition, the center of gravity is relatively low for a cargo bike, because the main battery is integrated into the frame, and the secondary battery, although it is placed behind the saddle, does not protrude too far at the rear. This geometry helps stabilize the bike and limit the feeling of heaviness when cornering, even if the overall weight is still felt during sudden changes of direction.
The ENGWE Connect app, available on iOS and Android, offers additional features:
- GPS trip tracking
- Detailed statistics (average speed, elevation, etc.)
- Remote bike diagnostics
- Firmware updates
Safety and maintenance
Safety is not overlooked. The ENGWE LE20 Cargo comes with a battery-powered lighting system, consisting of a front LED headlight and a rear light. These elements allow you to ride at night or in low light while remaining visible to motorists. There are also side reflectors on the wheels, as required by European standards, and a horn integrated into the handlebars. The disc brakes already provide good stopping power, but the hydraulic version offers more bite. We appreciate the fact that the battery has a lock, which discourages theft if the bike is parked outside: you cannot remove the battery without the appropriate key. However, we always recommend using a solid lock to secure the frame and front wheel, as a cargo bike of this caliber can arouse covetousness.
In terms of maintenance, the ENGWE LE20 Cargo does not present any major constraints. The motor in the crankset is a sealed unit that does not require any special maintenance. The batteries recharge in a few hours using a standard charger connected to the mains. As with any bike, it is advisable to regularly check the tire pressure and the good condition of the brakes. The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain needs to be lubricated from time to time, and the cables may need a little adjustment over the miles if you notice any loosening. A wipe with a damp cloth after a ride in the rain is usually enough to preserve the bike's aesthetics and longevity.
Review after several weeks of use
The ENGWE LE20 Cargo was expected to perform in everyday use, and it doesn't disappoint. Its very design seems to have been thought out to adapt to the varied needs of today's urban cyclists, including those with busy family lives. The bike's size, with its 20-inch wheels and lowered frame, is an asset in crowded environments: it's as easy to maneuver as a standard-sized e-bike. While it's not a folding model, its size is still compact, which helps limit the space taken up when storing.
For parents, the ability to install a child on the luggage rack transforms the LE20 Cargo into a true family vehicle. We tested the bike with a child of around 15 kg on the back: the structure of the bike withstands this additional load well. Stability remains good, and the child is comfortably seated thanks to the horizontal position of the luggage rack and the low height of the frame (which also allows the adult to get on and off without disturbing the little one). Rides to school are easy, and the electric assistance compensates for the weight of the passenger, preventing you from ending up in a sweat.
But beyond transporting children, the LE20 Cargo is also practical for shopping. The luggage rack accepts side bags or a basket, and the low floor of the frame also makes it easy to straddle the bike even with bags at the front (attached to the handlebars) or at the back. The bike remains well balanced as long as the load is distributed reasonably. It would be possible to add a child or cargo trailer thanks to the standard rear wheel axle, which would further expand the family capabilities of the set.
The only downside for intensive urban use could come from the weight of the bike: with more than 40 kg on the scale (batteries included), the LE20 Cargo is not a featherweight! This is not really felt when riding thanks to the assistance, but it is felt when you have to carry it up a few steps for example.
Overall, this electric bike keeps its promises and establishes itself as a reliable companion for daily travel and family outings. Among the notable advantages, we will firstly note its excellent equipment/price ratio: for a reasonable price (1549 euros), the LE20 Cargo offers a complete range of accessories (mudguards, luggage rack, lighting, suspension, seat) that do not need to be added as an option. Riding comfort is also another undeniable strong point, made possible by the upright position, the good suspension and the comfortable tires. Riding the ENGWE LE20 Cargo is a pleasure, even on poor roads, and this encourages you to use the bike more often, without worrying about your back or arms. The autonomy completes this positive picture: with up to 250 km real range in mixed use, most users will only need to recharge the batteries once a month (and even then)! In terms of practicality, its size and open frame are very appreciable for everyday use, especially for families: it can be used both for going to work and for taking the children for a ride.
However, no bike is perfect, and the LE20 Cargo also has some limitations that should be kept in mind. The first, as we mentioned, is its significant weight. While the assistance eliminates this constraint while riding, it reappears when you have to handle the bike while stationary. It is best to avoid having to carry it frequently over long distances or up many stairs. Then, although the 250W motor is sufficient in the city, it will show its limits for those who live in very hilly areas or who want to tow heavy loads. Finally, the components chosen are well made but remain entry-level: they are perfectly suitable for normal use, but a very demanding cyclist will note, for example, that mechanical brakes require a little more finger strength than hydraulic ones, or that the basic suspension fork reaches its limits on major impacts.
Where to buy it?
The Engwe LE20 Cargo is available at a price of 1549 euros but currently, to celebrate the brand's 11th anniversary, you can benefit from a reduction of 150 euros by entering the code ENGWEV150OFF, which will allow you to have it for only 1399 euros!
Note that different versions exist depending on the options desired.
0 Comments