Electric bikes (e-bikes) come in all different shapes and sizes these days. While many resemble traditional bicycles with an electric motor added, others have more of a motorcycle or dirt bike aesthetic.
The ENGWE M20 falls into the latter category, with fat tires, front and rear suspension, and a style reminiscent of a gas-powered motorbike.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the specs, performance, and overall ride quality of the unique and powerful ENGWE M20 electric dirt bike.
Contents
Overview of the ENGWE M20 Electric Dirt Bike
At first glance, the ENGWE M20 sets itself apart from the typical e-bike with its motocross-inspired design. The model we reviewed came in a matte white color, but it’s also available in orange and black.
Some key features and components of this e-bike include:
- 750W rear hub motor (900W peak output)
- Dual removable 13Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Total estimated range of 75 miles per battery (150 miles total)
- 4″ wide CST Chao Yang fat tires
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain
- Front suspension fork with 3.5″ of travel
- Rear air shock with 2″ of travel
- Mechanical disc brakes (160mm rotors)
- Bright LED headlight and brake light
- Digital display with speedometer and battery gauge
- Throttle twist grip for pedal-assist free riding
With its motorcycle-esque looks and beefy components, the M20 is positioned as an electric dirt bike capable of off-road adventures. The dual battery setup provides tons of range, while the fat tires and suspension soak up bumps and add stability on rough terrain.
But how does it actually ride? Let’s take a closer look at the M20’s performance and overall user experience.
Unboxing and Assembly
The ENGWE M20 arrived securely packed in a large cardboard box. Foam padding protected the bike from damage during shipping.
Assembly was required to install the front wheel, handlebars, second battery, and a connector cable for the dual battery setup. Overall, it took about 30-45 minutes to fully assemble the bike with the included tools. The instructions were reasonably clear with diagrams to follow.
It’s handy that both batteries can be charged while mounted on the bike or removed for charging indoors. Each battery has its own key switch and power button.
Design, Build Quality and Components
Let’s examine the M20’s design and component specs in more detail:
Frame
- Aluminum alloy frame with matte finish
- Lower step-through design like a dirt bike
- No adjustable seat height
Wheels & Tires
- 20 x 4.0” CST Chao Yang fat tires
- Rear hub motor with alloy rim
- Alloy rim front wheel
- Max tire PSI: 20 (run at ~11-12psi for cushion)
Motor
- 750W rear geared hub motor
- 900W peak output
- Cadence sensor for pedal assist
Batteries
- Dual 48V 13Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Can use batteries separately or combined
- Charging time: ~8-10 hours per battery
- Battery lock and second spare key
Drivetrain
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney derailleur
- 14-28T cassette
- 52T alloy crankset
Brakes
- Mechanical (cable) disc brakes
- 160mm brake rotors
- Motor cutoff when braking
Suspension
- Front suspension fork, 50mm stanchions
- Rear air shock with lockout option
Extras
- LED headlight & brake light
- Bell horn
- Phone charging port
- Rear alloy cargo rack
The M20 uses some recognizable brand name components like Shimano gears, Wellgo pedals, and Waxon hydraulic disc brakes. Overall construction quality appears solid, with clean welds and a sturdy aluminum frame.
Small details like the integrated rear carry handle demonstrate thoughtful design. The rear rack holds the dual battery setup well. The only minor issue is some minor rattling from the controller that was easily fixed with zip ties.
Overall, the ENGWE M20 makes a quality first impression with the look and feel of a more premium electric dirt bike.
Riding Experience and Performance
After fully assembling the M20, it was time to hit the road and trails to test out the riding performance. Here are some impressions from testing it in various conditions:
General Handling
The ENGWE M20 feels stable and planted at slower speeds thanks to the fat tire design. The tires have a somewhat loud hum on pavement but help smooth out smaller bumps in the road. The fixed seat height may not work for all riders, but the lower motorcycle-like position provides a comfortable cruising stance.
The cadence sensor offers smooth pedal assist pickup. The 750W motor provides solid acceleration for keeping up with traffic and climbing moderate hills. The throttle twist grip gives you the option for throttle-only operation without pedaling.
Passenger Comfort
The seat itself is moderately padded. It’s wide and forgiving for shorter rides but lacks the adjustment of a traditional bike seat height. Taller riders may find their knees come close to the handlebars when pedaling.
Vibration from the fat tires and riding position does transfer more shock to your hands and feet than a regular e-bike. So the M20 offers a more raw, unpadded riding sensation overall.
Handling & Control
Steering feels fairly nimble and direct despite the 62 lb weight. The mechanical disc brakes deliver adequate stopping power for the speeds this e-bike is designed for. Just don’t expect the same precision and modulation as hydraulic brakes.
Shifting through the 7 gears is smooth and consistent. The cadence sensor provides decent low-speed torque for starting from a stop even in a high gear.
Off-Road Performance
With its fat tires and dual suspension, the M20 handles gravel, dirt paths, and bumpy ground respectably well. The tires float over smaller obstacles and the front fork absorbs roughness.
The motor assists effectively even on looser ground. Just don’t expect true motorcycle suspension travel or ground clearance for extreme trails. For intermediate level off-roading, it’s a capable machine.
Range & Battery Life
ENGWE claims up to 75 miles (120km) per battery, or 150 miles (240km) total range. For riding primarily in the 25km/h pedal assist modes, getting 100-125 miles total range seems realistic.
Using maximum throttle and pedal assist will drain the batteries much quicker. Charging the batteries takes a full 8-10 hours each. Having the dual battery setup definitely extends your riding range substantially compared to a single pack.
Pros
- Unique dirt bike aesthetic stands out
- Powerful 750W motor with good torque
- Dual battery setup provides tons of range
- Fat tires add comfort and off-road stability
- Quality name-brand components
- Fun, throttle-controlled riding option
Cons
- No adjustable seat height
- Mechanical disc brakes adequate but not excellent
- Significant tire hum/noise on pavement
- Not optimized for serious off-roading
- Long battery charge times
Who is the ENGWE M20 Good For?
The ENGWE M20 targets riders looking for an e-bike that stands out from the crowd with its motorcycle styling. It provides a more adventurous, go-anywhere capability compared to a standard commuter e-bike.
Here are some of the best applications for this e-dirt bike:
Urban Cruising
With the fat tires and dual suspension, the M20 serves as a cushy urban cruiser that can absorb cracked streets and handle curbs with ease. The stepthrough frame makes it accessible. The 750W motor gives you zip at traffic lights. Just don’t expect to keep up with road bikes on long stretches.
Off-Road Exploration
While it’s not a high-performance trail bike, the M20 can handle intermediate level dirt, gravel, forest roads, etc. The fat tires and relaxed rider position instill confidence over bumps. With judicious throttle usage, you can explore well beyond where normal e-bikes travel.
Ranch/Farm Use
The M20 provides farmer or ranchers a fun way to zip around their property. It’s powerful enough to haul some cargo on the rear rack too. The throttle-only option allows you to cruise hands-free when needed.
Throttle-Based Joyrides
Unlike most e-bikes, the twist throttle provides motorcycle-like acceleration control. For those used to gas bikes, it makes the ENGWE M20 feel more like a powered “toy” for recreational rides rather than basic transportation.
ENGWE M20 Electric Dirt Bike: The Verdict
While the ENGWE M20 won’t compete with high-end electric motorbikes, it succeeds as a jack-of-all-trades e-bike that leans into motorcycle styling and performance.
The beefy fat tire design mixed with capable dual suspension gives it legitimate off-road skills. A throttle-controlled ride plus enormous battery range grant true adventure potential. Factor in the eye-catching aesthetics, and the ENGWE M20 is simply a fun change of pace from traditional e-bikes.
It does have some quirks like limited seat adjustability and unrefined mechanical disc brakes. The bike’s priorities are clear: rugged looks and feel over refined ergonomics. So expect a more raw, tough riding experience rather than a plush cruiser.
If you love the moto aesthetics, enjoy tinkering with machines, and want to explore far beyond the bike path, the unique ENGWE M20 will bring huge smiles per mile. This electric dirt bike opens up backcountry access and adrenaline-pumping throttle-controlled riding that typical e-bikes just can’t match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ENGWE M20 weigh?
It weighs approximately 62 lbs with both batteries installed. The heavier weight compared to a standard e-bike comes from the fat tires, dual suspension, and motorcycle-inspired frame design.
What’s the seated height and standover clearance?
The seated height is approximately 31.5″. Since the seat is not adjustable, taller/shorter riders may find issues with leg extension and standover clearance.
Refer to the product dimensions for exact measurements to see if it will fit your body type. Those over 6 ft tall may find it too small.
How fast can it go?
ENGWE claims a top speed of 28mph. However, real-world speeds in the 20-25mph range are more common depending on conditions. The 750W motor paired with fat tires is best suited for slower backroad cruising rather than high speed.
Does it have pedal assist? Throttle only?
Yes, the ENGWE M20 offers 5 levels of pedal assist as well as a thumb throttle for full electric control without pedaling. You can operate it like a normal e-bike or a mini electric motorcycle.
How difficult is assembly?
Assembly just involves installing the front wheel, handlebars, and second battery. With the included tools, it takes 30-60 minutes for most users. The process is relatively straightforward but does require some mechanical skill.
Can you ride it without power?
You can ride the ENGWE without any battery power or pedal assist, but it will be extremely difficult. The fat tires have high rolling resistance and the bike is very heavy at 62lbs. Expect to expend major effort pedaling without electric help.
Is the ENGWE M20 waterproof?
No, you’ll want to avoid submerging the M20 or riding in extremely wet conditions. The components and batteries are not IP rated or designed to withstand heavy water exposure. Light rain should be fine, but don’t take it through deep puddles.
How long do the batteries take to recharge?
ENGWE lists a full recharge time of 8-10 hours for each of the 13Ah batteries. So plan on charging overnight after each use. Carrying a backup charger can minimize downtime on longer trips.
What age is the bike suitable for?
ENGWE recommends the M20 for ages 13 and up. Riders under 18 should have adult supervision. The bike’s power and 62 lb weight mean younger children may find it difficult to control safely. Riders must also meet minimum height requirements to fit the fixed seat and reach the pedals.
Does it have Bluetooth connectivity?
No, the ENGWE M20 does not currently offer Bluetooth connectivity or a companion smartphone app. The digital display is self-contained. Some custom programming options may be available through a connection to the controller, but otherwise it lacks wireless connectivity.
Can you extend the rear carry rack?
The alloy rear rack does not provide built-in attachment points or extenders for holding longer items. You may be able to carefully zip tie or clamp additional pieces onto the sides or back portion of the rack to hold larger cargo. But verify it does not interfere with pedaling or the rear tire.
Where are ENGWE e-bikes manufactured?
ENGWE sources its e-bike components from various manufacturers in Asia. The bikes themselves are designed in Canada and assembled in a factory in China. ENGWE partners with a factory that produces bikes for other major brands.
Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, ENGWE offers a 1-year limited warranty on the M20 electric bike frame and components. Extended warranty options are also available. Refer to their website for full warranty terms and conditions.
Alternatives to Consider
The ENGWE M20 combines aspects of e-bikes and electric motorcycles into one unique package. But depending on your priorities, you may want to consider these alternative electric two-wheelers:
Traditional Electric Bikes
- Commuter e-bikes – Better optimized for efficient urban transportation with lighter weight, thinner tires, and easy stepover frames.
- Off-road e-MTBs – Offer greater legit mountain biking performance for hardcore trails.
- Fat tire e-bikes – Provide cushioned ride with traction for winter/sand without dirt bike styling.
Electric Motorcycles
- Zero FX – True electric dirt bike with high power, suspension travel, and trail performance but also a ~$9K+ price tag.
- Cake Kalk – Cool minimal electric enduro bike with ~50 mile range. Also expensive at $13K.
- SUR-RON Light Bee – Fun electric trail/dirt bike with 60V battery and 60 mile range. More affordable at $5-6K.
The ENGWE M20 strikes a nice middle ground of capability versus affordability in the electric two-wheeler category. For the price point, nothing else really matches its moto-inspired design and well-rounded performance.
Final Thoughts
The ENGWE M20 sells itself as a mini electric motorcycle disguised as a beefy e-bike. While it won’t beat true electric dirt bikes at hardcore trails, it brings an adventurous spirit and versatility the average commuter e-bike lacks.
Approach the M20 as a jack-of-all-trades machine – equally at home exploring country backroads as cruising downtown. For riders seeking tough looks and all-around function over polish, it hits a compelling balance.
So for those bored with traditional e-bikes who want to explore more terrain with a bike that stands out from the crowd, the ENGWE M20 is an electrifying choice. It delivers acres of style and miles of grins for the inner dirt bike rider in all of us.
