ENGWE EP-2 Pro

In this review of ENGWE’s EP-2 Pro folding e-bike, we’ll put it through our standardized tests to see how it performs and compares to similar models.

What Is the ENGWE EP-2 Pro?

ENGWE is an e-bike brand with a broad lineup of fat-tire models, many of which fold. The EP-2 Pro is one of its more popular and inexpensive models.

This bike is intended for general urban and recreational riding. It has commuter accessories, a 750W rear hub motor, a 13Ah battery, and a 7-speed Tourney drivetrain.

The EP-2 Pro ships with a 15.5mph speed limit, the legal limit for e-bikes in the UK and Europe. North American users can unlock the bike to reach Class 3 speeds of 26mph.

Now, let’s dive into the pros and cons to find out how it performed in testing.

Pros

Good Range

The EP-2 Pro’s modest 13Ah (624Wh) battery exceeded expectations, achieving great results in our two standardized range tests. In PAS 5, we covered 26.2 miles and 1,066 feet of elevation at 17.5mph; in PAS 3, we covered 41.2 miles and 1325 feet of elevation at 12.8mph, solid results for a bike at this price point.

The EP-2 Pro’s charge drops consistently, as shown by the five-bar battery indicator on the display. This reliable taper makes it easier to determine the amount of charge and range left.

The bike is programmed to provide consistent power output until the low-battery warning. At this point, power output is restrained, and the battery lasts roughly one mile before dying.

Powerful Motor Assist

The EP-2 Pro’s 750W motor performed well in testing, achieving slightly above-average results in our climbing and acceleration tests. The acceleration is smooth and measured, pleasantly bringing the bike to 20mph. The motor also provides consistent power until the low battery warning.

Adjustable Speed Limit

The EP-2 Pro comes programmed with a maximum speed of 15.5mph, but ENGWE allows users to unlock the bike and choose their preferred speed limit (up to 26mph). Most e-bikes don’t allow users to select a specific speed.

Cons

Power Surges

The only negative characteristic of the motor assistance is that when the bike reaches its top speed, instead of maintaining it, motor assistance stops, the speed drops slightly, and then assistance kicks in again, surging back to the top speed and then repeating the process.

Drivetrain

The EP-2 Pro comes with a budget Shimano Tourney drivetrain, including a TX50 shifter and derailleur, a 14-28t cassette, and a 48t chainring. This setup is suited to riding at speeds up to 20mph but lacks high-end gears, leading to ghost pedaling above 20mph.

This ghost pedaling and the surging described when riding at the top speed make the EP-2 Pro frustrating to ride at high speed. If you plan to ride at speeds above 20mph regularly, consider other options.

Ride Quality

When compared to other non-folding bikes, the EP-2 Pro feels quite small. It has a long seatpost and an adjustable stem to expand rider fit, but the ride still feels strange to me as a taller rider (6’0″).

The EP-2 Pro isn’t comfortable and doesn’t inspire confidence when riding at speed. It felt unstable, and I found myself braking more frequently instead of letting the bike reach high speeds. The 70mm suspension fork is also easy to bottom out, limiting its utility.

No UL Certification

The ENGWE EP-2 Pro and its battery are not UL-certified, which is a significant drawback. UL certifications ensure the electrical components and batteries meet a minimum safety standard. Non-certified parts may be at greater risk of failure. This is especially dangerous with e-bike batteries, which can cause fires if defective.

What Does It Do Best?

The EP-2 Pro is a folding e-bike that is practical for saving space at home or transporting in a vehicle. Its folding function operates in the same way as most other bikes in its class.

The long seatpost and height-adjustable handlebar suit a wide range of rider heights (ENGWE states 5’4″ to 6’2″).

The motor is powerful and easily maintains speed, even when climbing moderate gradients. ENGWE also programmed the bike so owners can set a custom speed limit.

Overall, the EP-2 Pro is easy to operate and performs well in urban environments despite having entry-level components.

Reasons to Look Elsewhere?

The main drawbacks are the cheap, limited drivetrain and brakes and the lack of UL certification. Riding at speeds above 20mph is uncomfortable.

The mechanical brakes and 160mm are also disappointing, though the stopping power is reasonable. These attributes mean the EP-2 Pro best suits Class 2 riding (up to 20mph).

Conclusion

ENGWE’s EP-2 Pro is a budget folding e-bike. The low price and folding design bring characteristics that detract from the ride quality and performance.

The compact frame and folding geometry mean the bike feels small compared to a non-folding bike, and the low-cost components result in some discomfort.

On the other hand, the EP-2 Pro has a powerful motor that accelerates smoothly, the speed limit is fully adjustable, and it gets great range from a modest battery.

So, if you need a cheap, space-saving e-bike with lights, fenders, and a rear rack, the ENGWE EP-2 Pro is worth considering.

Specs

Electric Bike Class: Class 2, Class 3
Warranty: 1-12 months, depending on the part affected
UL Certification: No
IP Rating: IPX5
Total Weight: Claimed: 66 lb – Actual: 67 lb
Motor Brand: Engwe Branded
Motor Type: Rear Hub
Motor Nominal Output: 750W
Max Torque: 55Nm
Battery: 48V 13Ah (624Wh)
Range Claimed: 75 Miles
Range Tested: Level 5 20 mph – 26.17 mi – 1,066 ft – 1h 29m – Avg 17.5 mph
Top Speed: 26mph
Throttle: Half-twist
Pedal Assist: 5 Levels
Charger: 54.6V 2A output
Charge Time: 7 hours
Display: 2.75″ LCD, black and white
Frame: Aluminum
Fork: 70mm coil suspension fork – preload and lockout adjustment
Brake Levers: Wuxing mechanical levers
Brake Calipers: Filel mechanical brake calipers
Brake Rotors: 160mm F+R
Crankset: 48t 170mm, aluminum
Derailleur: Tourney 7-speed
Shifter: Tourney TX50 7-speed
Freewheel: 14-28t
Rims: 20″ 1-piece cast alloy
Tires: 20″ x 4” Chaoyang
Fenders: Included, aluminum
Lights: Front LED – rear LED – brake light
Grips: Rubber slip-on, ergonomic
Saddle: Faux-leather
Pedals: Plastic platform, folding
Handlebar: 20mm Riser
Kickstand: Single-sided, aluminum and plastic
Payload Capacity: 330lb
Rear Rack Capacity: N/A

Frame and Geometry

The EP-2 Pro’s frame is similar to the other folding e-bikes we have tested. It folds at the stem and frame.

The long seatpost and adjustable handlebar height allow riders from 5’4″ to 6’2″ to find a suitable position. However, taller riders may feel like they’re positioned quite high above the small frame.

The bike has a 70mm suspension fork with lockout and preload adjustment. This is a budget fork that offers little benefit.

Seat Tube: 16“ (406mm)
Reach: 18.1” (460mm)
Stack: 19” (229mm)
Stand Over Height: 27.1” (688mm)
Virtual Top Tube Length: 24” (610mm)
Min Saddle Height: 33.8” (859mm)
Max Saddle Height: 40.1” (1019mm)
Min Handlebar Height: 47.2” (1199mm)
Max Handlebar Height: 51.1” (1298mm)
Wheelbase: 44.6” (1133mm)
Recommended Rider Height: 5’4” – 6’2”

Folded Dimensions
Height: 29.9” (759mm)
Length: 38.9” (988mm)
Width: 21.6” (549mm)

Display and Control

The EP-2 Pro requires the key to be inserted for the bike to operate. The slot is located on the underside of the down tube, making it annoying to use.

The bike has a five-button control panel for the 2.75″ centrally mounted black-and-white display. The display is easy to read and shows speed, power output, assist level, and charge. Battery level is shown as a basic five-bar graphic. Users can also toggle between odometer, trip distance, average speed, and top speed.

The control pad has a button to control the lights. The lights are integrated with the bike’s electronics and feature a brake indicator that activates when you pull the brake levers.

The bike also has two settings menus. The first is activated by pressing and holding the up and down buttons, and the other is accessed by pressing and holding the menu and down buttons. This menu allows you to change the wheel size and adjust the speed limit. Then, press and hold the light button and down button to save the settings and exit.

Motor

The EP-2 Pro’s 750W rear hub motor and cadence sensor provide smooth and measured acceleration, and the bike feels powerful on moderate inclines. It maintains speed well and requires minimal input from the rider, which is great if you don’t want to work very hard.

The max torque output of 55Nm was enough to achieve good results in our climbing and acceleration tests. The motor performed slightly better than most of the other 750W folding bikes tested, and the motor’s noise level was similar.

Again, the main downside of the motor’s programming is the surging mentioned in the cons section above.

Battery and Charger

The EP-2 Pro has a 48V 13Ah (624Wh) battery, the largest of the four folders we’ve tested.

The bike achieved great results in both range tests, coming in just behind the Heybike Mars with over 26 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation at max assist, with a high average speed of 17.5mph. In the PAS 3 range test, we covered 41.2 miles and 1325 feet of elevation at a 12.8mph average speed.

Like most other folders, this 13Ah battery is integrated into the frame and locked with a key. You must fold the bike to remove the battery. The charge port is on the side of the down tube.

The bike is charged with a small 2A charger, which takes roughly seven hours to fully charge. Neither the bike nor the battery are UL-certified.

Drivetrain

The EP-2 Pro has a 48t chainring and 14-28t cassette. This limited gear ratio results in ghost pedaling at around 20mph, meaning the bike is more enjoyable to ride at slower speeds. The bike would benefit from a smaller cog and better shifter to improve ride quality.

Brakes

The EP-2 Pro has Wuxing aluminum levers, Filel mechanical disk brakes, and small 160mm rotors instead of the 180mm rotors that are standard on most e-bikes. This smaller surface area means the brakes will struggle to shed heat buildup from prolonged braking.

The mechanical levers aren’t reach-adjustable, and I noticed the pads rubbing on the rotors, which required adjustment to eliminate.

Despite the budget components and small rotors, the bike performed on par with or better than many higher-priced hydraulic disc setups, with an average stopping distance of 18.5 feet. The most notable comparison is to the Lectric XP 3.0 folding e-bike, which had a much worse result of 25 feet.

All things considered, I would still prefer to have hydraulic brakes for their improved power and lever feel and reduced maintenance needs.

Wheels and Tires

ENGWE chose a set of 20″ x 4″ Chaoyang tires and one-piece cast alloy rims. One-piece rims eliminate the risk of broken spokes.

These inexpensive tires have light tread and offer good traction on pavement and hardpacked dirt. However, they lack traction on looser terrains and aren’t puncture-protected.

Accessories

The ENGWE EP-2 Pro comes with a full set of accessories, including fenders, lights with brake activation, and a rear rack. The bike doesn’t have attachment points for a front rack or bottle cage.

The aluminum fenders are attached securely and appear well-designed to protect from road spray. The lights are also adequate for this price point.

The bike comes with a single-sided kickstand. The one on our test bike was slightly broken, allowing the stand to move past its locked point, making it easy to knock it over. I would be interested to see if other users have experienced this issue.

Touchpoints

The EP-2 Pro comes with slip-on rubber grips with ergonomic flairs. The half-twist throttle on the left side reduces the size of the left grip. As these move around on the bars, I would prefer lock-on grips.

The saddle is generic, with a faux leather covering. I found it uncomfortable during the range tests. After around 20 miles, it caused pain, leading me to stand for some relief. I would change the saddle if this were my main bike.

Finally, the EP-2 Pro has plastic and metal platform pedals with small metal pegs that provide reasonable traction.

An affordable bike that feels high-end.

If you’re looking for a good electric bike that offers a sleek design, easy setup, and custom controls, then the ENGWE EP-2 Pro may be one of the best options.

My only real complaints are the weight and noisy brakes, but apart from that, the EP-2 Pro is a great buy!

Outside of some complications during assembly and a few features that need a slight quality upgrade, the EP-2 Pro is a solid option for your next e-bike.

For a compact, folding e-bike, the ENGWE Pro-2 handles surprisingly well, even off-road, and despite some niggles, it is recommended.

The ENGWE EP-2 Pro’s ride quality and ability to tackle a range of surfaces surprised us. Though we’re still not totally convinced by folding bikes, we recommend the EP-2 at this price point.