Engwe X26 Vs X24 Ebike

Electric bikes (ebikes) have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering an exciting new way to get around. With an ebike, you get the freedom and fresh air of a regular bicycle combined with a motor to give you an extra boost when needed. This opens up cycling to more people, including those who live in hilly areas or who don’t want to work up a sweat on their commute.

Ebikes come in many shapes and sizes these days, ranging from basic models with a small motor on the front wheel to high-powered “moped style” ebikes with motorcycle-like power and speeds. There are ebikes optimized for urban commuting, off-road riding, cargo hauling, and more.

In this hands-on review, we’ll be taking a close look at a new series of electric bikes from the company Angway. Angway is a relative newcomer to the ebike scene, founded just 5 years ago in 2017.

However, they’ve quickly grown their catalog with a range of affordable and innovative ebike designs.

The X-Series in particular caught our attention as a powerful, full-featured electric bike priced under $2,000.

We got our hands on two different models from the X-Series line – the X24 and X26 – to see how they perform out on real roads and trails.

Overview of the Angway X-Series

The Angway X-Series stands out for its high power levels, long range estimates, and unique styling.

Here are some key specs and features of these electric bikes:

• Motor: 48V 1000W brushless rear hub motor (1200W peak)
• Battery: 48V 1400Wh lithium battery (dual batteries)
• Range per charge: Estimated 35 – 62 miles (depends on model, terrain, riding style)
• Top speed: 28 mph in normal mode, 31 mph in “sport” mode
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
• Suspension: Front suspension standard, rear suspension on X26 model
• Wheels: 26″ wheels on X26, 24″ wheels on X24
• Weight: Around 110 lbs for X24, 113 lbs for X26

Both the X24 and X26 have a class 3 designation, meaning they offer pedal assist up to 28 mph thanks to the powerful Bafang hub motor. They can hit an even quicker 31 mph in “sport mode”, albeit only for short bursts.

The 48V battery capacity is very generous at 1400Wh, providing an estimated range between 35-62 miles depending on the model and riding conditions. For comparison, many competing ebikes in this price range only provide around 500-800Wh batteries.

Angway X26 ebike

Styling-wise, the X-Series has an aggressive, moped-inspired look. The X26 especially stands out with its exposed rear shocks and large 26″ mag wheels. A rack-mounted rear seat comes standard on both models for carrying a passenger.

Both the X24 and X26 provide a lot of value at their sub-$2,000 price point. Let’s take a more detailed look at each model.

Angway X26 Overview

The Angway X26 is the largest model in the series, built around a full-suspension 26″ frame with 4″ wide tires. With its exposed rear shocks and chunky mag wheels, it resembles a small electric motorcycle more than a typical ebike.

Here are some key specs on the X26:

• Aluminum alloy full-suspension frame
• 26” x 4” fat tires
• 8-speed Shimano gearing
• Five shock absorber suspension system
• 1000W rear hub motor (1200W peak)
• Dual 1400Wh batteries
• 31 mph top speed
• 113 lb weight

The X26 really stands out for its styling, with those moto-inspired mag wheels and rear shock absorbers. It almost looks like a miniature dirt bike!

The rear shocks, plus front suspension and fat tires, allow the X26 to absorb bumps extremely well. This is the cushiest electric bike I’ve tested off-road. Even fairly rocky trails and 6-12″ drops are dampened nicely by the long travel shocks.

Comfort is excellent thanks to the rear booster seat and suspension. The four inch fat tires soak up imperfections in the road or trail. I’m 6′ 2″ and the X26 provides plenty of legroom even for taller riders.

The five shock system combined with fat tires makes this a very comfortable ride even on bumpy terrain. Suspension travel is impressive.

Performance is snappy thanks to the 1000W motor. It will hit 31 mph in Sport mode with a bit of pedaling. Acceleration is quick for such a heavy bike. The 8 speed Shimano drivetrain provides a good range of gears for optimal pedaling cadence.

Range is outstanding. Despite repeated fast runs, I averaged about 40Wh per mile ridden. That translates to a projected 35+ mile range from the dual 1400Wh batteries. Lighter riders sticking to bike paths could potentially see 50-60 mile range.

X26 Downsides

No bike is perfect, and the X26 does come with some downsides. The most obvious is the weight – at 113 lbs, this is an extremely heavy ebike. Lifting it up stairs or onto a bike carrier is tough. The weight also makes it more of a handful on tighter mountain bike trails.

The top bar is also quite high. At 6′ 2″, I can still swing my leg over fine, but shorter riders may struggle. There’s no good place for the passenger foot pegs either.

Lastly, I wish the tires had more aggressive tread instead of a smoother street tread pattern. The fat tires have plenty of grip, but something with more bite would enhance the mini dirt bike aesthetic.

Overall though, the X26 delivers outstanding comfort, speed, and range in a unique package. Next let’s look at Angway’s smaller X24 model.

Angway X24 Overview

The X24 folds for convenient storage and transport

While the X26 caters more to taller riders, the X24 shrinks things down a bit for smaller riders while retaining most of the performance.

Some key specs on the X24:

• 24” x 4” fat tires
• Foldable aluminum alloy frame
• 8-speed drivetrain
• 1000W motor and dual 1400Wh batteries
• 31 mph top speed
• Five shock suspension system
• 108 lb weight

The X24 uses smaller 24” wheels versus the 26” wheels on the X26. This slightly shrinks down the overall size of the bike. It also lowers the minimum seat height to accommodate shorter riders.

Unlike the X26, the X24 can fold down for convenient storage and transport. It’s not quite as compact as some folding ebikes, but it does shrink down the footprint nicely.

Performance specs including the motor, battery capacity, and top speed remain the same between the two models. So you aren’t giving up much speed or power opting for the smaller X24.

One difference is the X24 lacks the striking mag wheels found on the X26. It uses normal spokes instead. I do prefer the looks of the mags, but spokes are more durable and easier to service.

Riding Impressions: Comfort and Performance

Now that we’ve covered the specs and features, let’s get into how these electric bikes actually ride out on the trails and streets.

Over three weeks of testing, I logged over 50 miles of riding on the X24 and X26 models. Most testing was done on gravel and packed dirt trails, along with some paved suburban streets.

Comfort

Comfort is fantastic on both the X24 and X26. The combination of fat tires, adjustable suspension, an ergonomic seat, and swept back handlebars makes for a smooth, pillowy ride even on rough terrain.

I’m 6′ 2″ and around 200 lbs. Many stock bike seats are painfully narrow for me. But the X-Series seats are perfectly comfortable even on 2+ hour rides.

Suspension

The long travel suspension is what really takes the comfort up a notch. Front suspension helps smooth out bumps and divots in the trail.

But it’s the rear shocks that really impress. Hitting bumps and drops while seated feels like riding a full suspension mountain bike.

The rear shocks do a great job isolating excess movement. This prevents the bumps from translating into torso or arm movement like on rigid bikes. Steering remains steady and controlled since your upper body isn’t being jarred around.

Fat Tire Cushion

The 4″ fat tires complement the suspension beautifully. They act like built-in cushions, soaking up smaller bumps and vibration.

Riding washboard gravel roads feels like gliding on air. The tires minimize road buzz and offer great stability at high speeds thanks to the wide contact patch.

Overall the ride feels plush yet well-controlled. It’s a very comfortable and confidence inspiring ride at speed on rough surfaces.

Handling and Stability

Handling is solid considering the weight of these bikes – 113 lbs for the X26 and 108 lbs for the X24.

The low center of gravity helps handling. You do notice the weight when maneuvering, especially at low speeds. But it handles surprisingly well at speed thanks to the stability provided by the fat tires and long wheelbase.

Slow speed handling is heavier than a typical mountain bike but very manageable once you get used to it. The X24 feels a little more nimble thanks to the smaller 24” wheels and foldable design. The X26 can feel a bit cumbersome on tighter trails.

High speed stability is excellent on both models. They feel very composed at 25+ mph on loose gravel where many bikes start to feel sketchy. The long wheelbase provides welcome stability when descending or braking hard.

Overall the handling is impressive for such hefty ebikes. The stability inspires confidence, allowing you to push faster speeds on sketchier surfaces compared to most electric bikes. Just don’t expect motorcycle-like agility around tight turns.

Motor Power and Throttle Response

Both the X24 and X26 are motivated by the same 48V 1000W rear hub motor. It may not sound as beefy as some 2000-3000W “monster motors” on high end electric bikes. But the power delivery here is very pleasing.

Throttle response is snappy and intuitive. Twist the throttle and it accelerates smoothly with a mellow whirring sound from the geared hub motor. There’s no jerky on-off throttle response which is great.

Pedaling cadence stays steady thanks to the geared hub. With direct drive motors the pedal cadence tends to spike up and down as motor power ramps on and off. But here it delivers smooth consistent power.

Torque feels on par with the claimed 70 Nm rating. It tackles loose gravel climbs and rolls over obstacles easily despite the heavy overall weight. Wheelies are possible on flat ground if you goose the throttle.

Top speed lived up to its billing. I saw 31 mph on flat ground in Sport mode with some light pedaling. It takes a sustained 15-20 seconds at full throttle to hit 31 mph starting from a standstill. But the speed holds steady once reached.

Downhill on a 15% grade I saw 38 mph with just the throttle, no pedaling. The motor maxes out around 41 mph during my testing.

Power feels abundant, even for a larger rider like myself. The ~200 lb bike and rider combined weight hardly dulls it. It will climb very respectably on loose surfaces and punch up shorter inclines at 20+ mph with some pedaling effort.

Overall power is very solid for a nominal 1000W motor. It delivers speed and torque similar to more expensive mid-drive bikes I’ve tested. The power band is wide enough for spirited trail riding or high speed commuting. Next let’s look at range.

Battery Range

The X-Series packs a huge 1400 watt hour (Wh) battery capacity using two separate batteries – a large downtube pack and a smaller bag mounted to the top tube.

Many ebikes in this price range have single 500-800Wh packs, so this is a ton of battery capacity. However, the powerful motor and my aggressive riding style put the range to the test.

I rode 7.1 miles composed of fast mixed trail riding with bursts of full throttle. This depleted both batteries from 100% to empty.

Total power consumption was 288 Wh over the 7.1 miles. That translates to 40 watt hours per mile.

Given the total 1400Wh capacity, that means the X24 should deliver around 35 miles of range in similar aggressive off-road conditions.

For lighter riders sticking to paved paths at 15-20 mph, range would likely extend to 50-60+ miles. Angway’s own estimate is 62 miles of gentle mixed riding.

Considering my heavy throttle use and testing on loose gravel, depleting both batteries in just 7 miles is impressive. The range is outstanding given the performance level and power output.

Braking Performance

Stopping power comes from Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors front and rear. The discs provide strong and consistent braking whether dry or wet.

From a 12 mph roll, I stopped in 12 feet on average over multiple runs. That’s about 3 bike lengths – not bad considering the heavy bike weight.

Braking feel is intuitive with a responsive lever pull. The big 4 piston calipers offer excellent modulation from light braking to aggressive stops.

The rear did lock up a couple times during hard braking. But easing off allowed it to regain traction. I’d recommend getting used to the brakes in a low risk area before riding at high speeds.

Overall though, the brakes offer ample power to slow this heavy bike even when loaded down with cargo or a passenger. Just be conservative with the rear brake application at first.

Ride Modes

The X-Series offers a choice of power modes to suit different riding needs:

Eco Mode: Limits assist to about Half power to conserve battery. Best for longer rides when range is a priority.

Normal Mode: Full power with assist up to 28 mph, for everyday riding.

Sport Mode: Unleashes full power with assist up to 31 mph for up to 3 minutes. Fun for joy riding but battery drains faster.

Walking Mode: Slow 6 mph assist for walking next to the bike. Useful if you run out of power.

Cruise Control: Maintains constant speed with throttle pre-set. Nice for long flat cruising sections.

The 28 mph Normal and 31 mph Sport modes offer plenty of speed for legal street riding in most regions. It’s nice having that extra kick of the Sport mode for bursts of full power.

Cruise control works well for steady speed cruising. But I’d like to see an “Eco Cruise” mode which limits cruise to 20-25 mph to maximize range when desired.

The mode selection combined with the dual battery setup allow you to fine tune performance vs range as needed. It’s a versatile setup.

Motor and Electrical Components

The X-Series uses a proven drive system consisting of a Bafang 48V 1000W geared rear hub motor, matched with a 48V downtube battery and 48V bag battery.

Motor

The Bafang rear hub motor provides ample torque while remaining smooth and quiet. It’s geared for good efficiency rather than outright power.

There’s none of the “jack-hammering” you may feel with direct drive hub motors. The internal 8 speed freewheel allows normal coasting and pedaling like a regular bike.

Heat is well managed even under heavy 1500W+ loads during testing. The motor housing barely gets warm to the touch.

ESC

The matching electrical controller (ESC) manages power smoothly. Throttle response is smooth with no sudden surges. Top speed and power were consistent during back to back hard runs.

Batteries

Two 48V lithium batteries add up to a very sizeable 1400Wh capacity:

• Main downtube pack: 48V 21Ah estimated 1,000Wh
• Upper bag: 48V 10Ah estimated 480Wh

This dual battery setup means you can deplete the small bag first as a “range extender”, saving the downtube for last. Or run them simultaneously for maximum range. Having two separate packs is a unique advantage.

The downtube pack locks securely in place for anti-theft protection. However the upper bag uses a simple rubber strap. I’d recommend a secondary lock on the upper bag if parking in public.

Both batteries are simple to remove for charging. Charging time is around 5 hours total from empty.

Additional Components

Here are some notes on other components that stood out:

• Drivetrain – 8 speed Shimano provides smooth gear changes. The ratio range works well with the electric assist.
• Saddle – Surprisingly comfy and supportive stock seat, even for longer rides. Wide cushion supports a variety of riding positions.
• Handlebars – The backswept style handlebar prevents an aggressive hunched position, reducing strain on the wrists and back. Height is adjustable.
• Brakes – Hydraulic discs provide great power and feel. 203mm rotors front and rear are oversized for the power.
• Suspension fork – Offers 100mm of travel with preload and rebound adjustment to dial in stiffness. Soaks up bumps nicely.
• Tires – The 4″ CST fat tires have a smooth street tread pattern. They provide a soft ride but lack traction on loose terrain compared to a knobby tire.

Overall the components chosen complement each other nicely. The specs indicate these are designed for high speed street riding rather than technical trail riding. Next let’s go over pros and cons.

What We Like About the X-Series

• Striking, moped-inspired style stands out
• Plush ride quality and stability at high speeds due to the suspension and fat tires
• Good power levels and snappy

Here is the continuation:

• Striking, moped-inspired style stands out
• Plush ride quality and stability at high speeds due to the suspension and fat tires
• Good power levels and snappy throttle response from the geared hub motor
• Excellent electrical system tuning with smooth power delivery from the ESC
• Huge 1400Wh battery capacity provides impressive 35+ mile range even under heavy use
• Dual battery system allows using the smaller battery first to maximize overall range
• Hydraulic disc brakes offer great power and modulation
• Suspension fork and adjustable rear shocks provide a comfy ride across rough terrain
• Surprisingly comfortable saddle and ergonomic handlebar placement reduce fatigue on long rides
• 8 speed drivetrain gives a good range of pedaling cadences in electric mode
• Sport mode provides an extra kick of power and speed when desired
• Cruise control is useful for steady speed long distance rides to conserve battery
• Matte black finish and orange accents look great in my opinion
• Fenders and rear rack come standard for hauling cargo or a passenger
• Two frame sizes via the X24 and X26 to fit a wide range of riders
• Amazing value given the specs and performance

Overall, the X-Series packs in impressive performance and technology at a mid-range price point. The power, comfort, and battery range are very competitive with bikes double the cost.

What Could Be Improved

• Very heavy – lifting and maneuvering require effort
• Limited cargo capacity – small rear rack only
• Non-removable batteries require bringing the whole bike to charge
• No kickstand included
• Rear suspension only on X26 model
• No foot pegs for passenger on X26 rear seat
• Tires optimized for pavement, lack grip off-road
• Thumb throttle gets uncomfortable on long rides
• Steel spokes on X24 don’t match the cool mags on X26
• No integrated lighting system for night riding

While the X-Series delivers great performance for the price, there are still some areas for improvement. The most obvious is the very heavy overall weight. Cargo capacity is also limited.

Adding a kickstand, foot pegs, and upgrades to the tires would improve the package. Integrated lights for visibility would also be a nice addition.

Who Are These Ebikes For?

The X-Series packs a ton of performance and value at under $2,000. But who are these ebikes best suited for?

New and Intermediate Riders

The approachable price, quality components, and easy riding manners make the X-Series a great entry point for new ebikers. More experienced riders will also appreciate the power and range.

Commuters Seeking Comfort and Speed

With its suspension, cushy seat, and 31 mph top speed, the X-Series makes an excellent suburban commuter or urban assault vehicle. The five shocks soak up poor roads.

Larger Riders

The sturdy frame, fat tires, and high weight capacity make these great picks for heavier riders up to the 330 lb limit.

Off-Road Adventure Riders

While not a hardcore mountain bike, the X-Series is one of the most off-road capable affordable ebikes thanks to the fat tires and suspension. Great for gravel, hardpack, forest roads, etc.

Anyone Seeking Range

The huge 1400Wh battery capacity provides longer range than almost anything in its price class. Riders who need to travel 30-60 miles between charges should shortlist the X-Series.

Casual Trail and Street Riders

With its blend of suspension, fat tires, motor power, and quality parts, the X-Series straddles street and trail riding. It’s a jack of all trades ebike.

X-Series: Final Verdict

After extensive testing, I came away very impressed with Angway’s new X-Series electric bikes. They manage to pack in some serious performance and technology for well under $2,000.

The power, comfort, and battery range compete with bikes double the cost. Despite some component limitations, they work extremely well as rugged commuters, backroad tourers, and capable trail bikes all in one package.

And their super unique styling will turn heads anywhere you ride. With its exposed shocks and chunky proportions, the X26 especially looks like no other ebike.

For new riders seeking a quality first ebike, or experienced riders wanting more power and range for the dollar than a basic hub drive bike, the X-Series checks a lot of boxes.

Given the performance gains over more entry-level ebikes, the X-Series earn a strong recommendation in my book. They deliver outstanding value by any measure.