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MagyarEngwe P1 folding e-bike tried out - Everyday foldable
Folding bikes with electric drive are currently booming. Engwe has several bikes of this type in its range, including fat bikes and full-suspension models. The Engwe P1, on the other hand, is positioned in the entry-level segment and is correspondingly affordable.
Folding bikes not only fit more easily in the trunk of a car, they can also be taken on the train free of charge because they count as luggage. The wheels must not be larger than 20 inches.
Delivery and assembly - Engwe supplies many accessories
The Engwe P1 is supplied in a large cardboard box. Many molded parts and foils are designed to protect it from damage and scratches. Our test bike has one piece of paint damage, a chafe between the fork and the luggage rack. Apart from that, the bike is well packed.
The scope of delivery is large. The manufacturer supplies a whole set of tools for assembly and maintenance, the quality is moderate, but the assembly is successful. In addition to the bike and tools, the box also contains a charger, a bag for the rack, a basket and a smartphone holder.
Although the packaging is large for a folding bike, a few assembly steps are still necessary. The light, mudguard and front wheel have to be fitted to the fork. The axle is not yet in the wheel and still needs to be fitted with nuts and spacers. It is also completely free of grease.
The steering tube must also be inserted and the handlebars fitted. The same applies to the seat tube and saddle. All work steps are explained in the enclosed instructions with pictures. The instructions are in several languages, including German.
Equipment and appearance - Extensive everyday equipment of the Engwe P1
The Engwe P1 is compact, the proportions are typical of a folding bike, as are the 20-inch tires. The frame, on the other hand, looks unusually solid, which is due to the fact that the 468 Wh battery is integrated into the frame. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, dominated by one large rectangle as the central element.
The 250 watt brushless motor is installed almost invisibly as a rear hub motor. The low price is particularly evident in the add-on parts. Although the P1 has disc brakes, these are not from a well-known manufacturer and are controlled mechanically. The fork is not adjustable, has no air support and is far too soft.
Seven gears, on the other hand, are not unusual on a folding bike. The rear derailleur and trigger come from Shimano. However, the Tourney series is already old and in the entry-level range. With a folding bike, the focus is naturally also on the folding function. The P1 folds approximately in the middle of the main frame. The steering tube can also be folded down above the steering head. Folding pedals also ensure a slim line.
The Engwe folding bike can be rolled when folded. A bracket also ensures that it stands securely without damaging the frame. Unfortunately, the bike cannot be fixed when folded and the frame parts move apart when pushed. There are also chafe marks between the fork and the luggage rack.
Engwe only offers the P1 in one size. An adjustable seat tube and an adjustable steering tube ensure size adjustment. The tires and rims are unusual. The manufacturer does not use spoked wheels, but cast wheels. In addition, the tire width of the no-name tires is large at 2.3 inches, which is a mountain bike format, and the implied off-road profile matches this.
The many cables and wires, which are all routed on the outside of the frame, are striking. Some of them are sheathed, but most of them run quite openly. This doesn't look nice, but at least the cables don't restrict the folding function and they don't get caught in moving parts.
| Equipment | |
|---|---|
| Gears | derailleur gears, Shimano Tourney, 7 gears |
| Brakes | mechanical disc brakes, 160 / 160 mm |
| battery | 468 Wh |
| Motor | rear hub motor 250 watts |
| Max. Torque | 40 Nm |
| Weight (with pedals) | 24.02 kg/~53 lb |
| Max. Payload | 120 kg/~265 lb |
The everyday equipment of the P1 is extensive. The bike comes with a lighting system powered by the battery, bell, kickstand, metal mudguards and pannier rack. The latter can carry a load of up to 25 kilograms (~55 lb). There is no lowrider for attaching saddlebags lower down, nor is there a spring flap.
The built-in ignition lock is unusual for an eBike. It is located on the underside of the frame. It is used to activate the bike's power supply and can also be used to unlock the battery. The battery can be charged both installed and removed; the battery is removed via the bend in the frame.
The contact points on the handlebars are interesting. The grips have ergonomic fins, but are short overall and made of hard material. The brake levers are non-adjustable and made of plastic. Ribbed rubber pads are screwed on for better grip. The display is monochrome and the control buttons are located directly on the panel. If the protective film is removed, the buttons are no longer labeled.
Display and app - Engwe P1 without app connection
Engwe has generally dispensed with smart functions on the P1. There is no app connection. Settings can only be made directly on the display. Although the display is Bluetooth-enabled, the user has no access to this function.
There are a total of three buttons on the P1 display. A power button switches the display on or off with a long press. A short press switches between different information in the on-board computer, such as total mileage, trip odometer, average speed and maximum speed.
In addition, the current speed, the selected assistance level and the battery status are visualized with five bars. The assistance has a total of five levels and is increased or reduced in 5 km/h (~3 mph) increments using two buttons; the P1 provides maximum assistance up to 25 km/h (~15 mph).
The buttons on the display can be used to activate the light and the pushing aid by pressing and holding them. However, the pushing aid is weak and cannot be used to roll over obstacles such as curbs. The display brightness is automatically reduced when the light is switched on.
Battery, engine and range - P1 manages 40 km/~25mph under full load
The rear hub motor is very well tuned. Although the Engwe P1 has to make do without a torque sensor, the interplay between motor and muscle power is pleasantly well-balanced. The five support levels of the motor have no influence on the characteristics or the torque of the drive. It always works with the maximum force of 40 Nm. The levels only change the maximum speed up to which the motor pushes.
Another good solution is the fade-out of the drive when the maximum speed is reached. The drive disengages slowly and does not nervously start up again and again only to die shortly afterwards. The disadvantage of this harmonious set-up is a significant delay before the drive starts up again. It takes several seconds and turns of the crank before the drive kicks in again after a bend, for example.
The P1 barely manages the 40 kilometers (~25 miles) in the Alps with 610 meters (~2000 ft) of ascent on a single battery charge. We then recharge 525 Wh until the battery is fully charged, which takes 6.5 hours. This corresponds to the maximum load on the drive. On the flat, 50-60 kilometers (~31-37 mi) should be easily achievable.
The battery can only be removed using the key. A safety bolt is pushed back via the lock and the battery can be pulled out of the frame. A carrying handle helps with handling.
On the road - Engwe P1 with amazing comfort
With the Engwe P1 fully loaded battery, we set off on our first proper drive after the initial roll-on during the build. The disc brakes need to be broken-in, they are very toothless ex works. More annoying, however, is the short seat tube. The tester is 185 cm (~6 ft) tall, but has short legs, Engwe recommends a rider height between 150 and 190 cm (~5' and 6'2"). If the Max mark is adhered to, the tester sits too low, which is uncomfortable on long rides.
Apart from that, the ergonomics of the folding bike are good. Overall, the posture is very upright due to the small distance between the saddle and handlebars. This is not sporty, but provides a good overview. Despite the width and tread pattern, the tires roll smoothly and quietly. The e-drive, on the other hand, tends to be loud for a hub motor and is always audible while riding.
We were pleasantly surprised by the frame stiffness. Even at speeds of 40 km/h (~25 mph) and above, the Engwe P1 remains stable. It follows radii reliably and conveys safety. Hands-free riding is also possible without banging the handlebars. The fork, on the other hand, is unusable. It is tuned so softly that it can easily be made to bounce when standing. The inferior quality is even evident in the paintwork, with the black of the triple clamp extending to the fork tubes.
The P1 gear ratios are well chosen. With the seven gears and engine power, even moderately difficult climbs are conquered with ease. On flat terrain, pedaling at 30 km/h (~18.6 mph) is also possible in the highest gear. The shifting distances are a little long, but apart from that, the derailleur works smoothly and is set up correctly ex works.
On our 50-kilometer (~31 mi) test ride with many climbs, the Engwe P1 was surprisingly comfortable. We would replace the contact points such as the overly hard grips and the saddle. Even after repeated tightening, the saddle cannot be mounted on the seat tube without play.
Folding the bike is a breeze. The folded P1 even fits in the trunk of a small car, such as a Fiat Panda. All folding locks are secured against accidental operation. Saddlebags can be used without any problems. They neither interfere with the rear derailleur nor come into contact with shoes.
Verdict - Engwe folding bike with everyday qualities
The Engwe P1 offers a wide range of uses. As a folding bike, it is particularly suitable for commuters and vacationers who appreciate its small footprint. It even fits into small cars and can be taken on the train free of charge. Thanks to the electric drive, commutes can also be completed without breaking a sweat.
Irrespective of its folding qualities, the P1 impresses with a harmoniously tuned drive, its complete everyday equipment, a stable frame and a relatively large battery. Even longer tours and luggage transport are possible with the Engwe folding bike. With its wide tires, it doesn't even shy away from unpaved roads.
The low price of the P1 is particularly evident in the add-on parts. Contact points such as grips and saddle are uncomfortable on long journeys, but can be easily replaced. More annoying are the fork, which is far too slack, and the toothless brakes.
The Engwe P1 is easy to take with you and still offers a lot of features and even comfort. And it's not even expensive.
For a price between 600 and 700 Euros (~$642 and $748), the Engwe P1 offers a lot of bike for the money. Of course, there are better, lighter and more comfortable bikes. But the overall package is coherent and the folding bike does not stand out negatively in any category. The low price makes it interesting for occasional riders.
Price and availability
The Engwe P1 is available from various retail portals such as our loaner Geekbuying. On Amazon or in the manufacturer's online store the P1 is not currently listed, but the EP-2 Pro with the same frame, more powerful motor and fat tires is. At the time of testing, the P1 is being sold on Geekbuying for 649 Euros (~$694).
Transparency
The present review sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
