The ENGWE X26 is an interesting hybrid e-bike that combines features of a folding fat tire bike, welded e-bike, and downhill bike. With two removable batteries, fat tires, folding frame, and high-powered motor, it’s a unique model aiming to deliver speed, power, and versatility.
I recently tested out the X26 to see how it performs on pavement, trails, hills, and more. Here’s my detailed hands-on review of this powerful fat tire folding e-bike.
Overview
The X26 stands out with its twin battery design – it’s the first e-bike I’ve tested that comes equipped with two separate batteries. The main battery is a large 48V 19Ah pack integrated into the seat post. A secondary 10Ah 48V battery stashes inside the foldable frame.
You can’t use both batteries simultaneously. Instead, there’s a removable cable to switch between them. This gives you the flexibility of extra range when needed.
Other features that make the X26 unique:
- Foldable frame splits in half for portable storage and transportation
- 26” fat tires with 4” width for stability and shock absorption
- 1200W peak rear hub motor delivers high torque and climbing power
- Dual suspension – front spring shock and rear air shocks
- Hydraulic disc brakes (160mm rotors) for strong stopping power
- 8-speed Shimano Altus gearing with easy twist shifter
- Large removable batteries for long range (up to 100km claimed)
With its burly fat tires, dual shocks, and high power output, the X26 seems ready for off-road adventures. But does it deliver on that promise? Let’s take a closer look at the components and performance.
Frame, Suspension & Components
Starting with the frame, the X26 uses a thick aluminum alloy frame and folds in half for storage and transport. A sturdy latch mechanism keeps it locked securely in the open riding position.
I’ve been riding it hard on rough terrain and jumps – so far the frame feels rigid with no cracks or weaknesses. The foldable design is well-executed.
Suspension
This bike appears ready for downhill trails at first glance. But the suspension is more for show than for actual travel or absorption.
The front spring shock looks beefy but only has about 3” of travel. The rear air shock is similar with 1” travel at most. And the middle suspension block has barely any give at all – it’s basically solid.
Riding the X26, the suspension does help smooth out bumps and add comfort. But it can’t handle really aggressive downhill-style riding. Just something to be aware of if you’re expecting a high-travel downhill bike.
Brakes
Stopping power comes from hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors. The brakes use mechanical actuation mated to hydraulic calipers, similar to other bikes in this price range.
Braking performance is solid, especially compared to cheaper mechanical disc brakes. The large rotors provide good heat dissipation and resistance to fading during extended downhills.
I’ll have more notes on brake tests later in the review.
Drivetrain
The X26 rolls on 26” x 4” fat tires, which really smooth out bumps and give added traction. Tires are branded ENGWE and feel durable enough for trails.
Gearing is handled by 8-speed Shimano Altus. It’s Shimano’s very entry-level groupset but gets the job done fine. Shifting is smooth and reliable.
Note that the drivetrain uses an inexpensive chain and external cabling. So some compromises were made to hit the price point.
Riding Experience
With its high weight and fat tires, the X26 feels different than a nimble commuter e-bike. Let’s break down the riding experience and performance.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The wide seat is comfortably padded. It mounts to the 19Ah battery case rather than the frame. A quick release makes height adjustment easy.
Reach to the handlebars may feel long for shorter riders. I’m 6′ (184cm) and needed to extend the stem all the way out. Taller riders over 6’3” will appreciate the big frame size and cushioned seat.
Handlebar height isn’t adjustable but they do fold down for storage. Brake levers have a comfortable shape and easy pull. The large color display mounted in the center is easy to read.
Power & Handling
Turning the pedals engages the 750W rear hub motor quickly. You can really feel it accelerating the heavy bike. In top power mode, it hits 1200W for strong torque climbing hills.
The fat tires sacrifice rolling efficiency for traction and shock absorption. It takes more effort pedaling on pavement versus a commuter e-bike. But the big 4” tires really help smooth out rough terrain and add stability.
Handling is stable at higher speeds thanks to the long wheelbase. Turning radius is wide but steering is fairly responsive. Really carving turns takes some extra lean and weight shift.
Let’s break down some riding metrics:
Top speed: 25 km/h limited. 45+ km/h unlocked
Range: 50-60km with main battery. 20-25km with secondary battery.
Power: 750W nominal, 1200W peak
Climbing: 25% grades at 15 km/h
Braking distance: 6m from 30 km/h
So in summary – the X26 delivers serious speed and torque but handling is somewhat heavy and muted due to the weight. It’s best suited for cruising trails versus aggressive downhill riding.
Ride Test Results
I put the X26 through a full suite of ride testing to see how it performs in real-world conditions. Here are the results:
Acceleration & Top Speed
Pin the throttle and the 750W motor accelerates the heavy bike from 0 to 25 km/h in about 8 seconds. It keeps pulling well past 25 km/h if unlocked.
Getting to 40+ km/h takes just 15 seconds with a full battery. The torque and top speed mean you can hit serious speeds even uphill.
Hill Climbing
How does all that power translate to climbing real hills? I tested a 25% grade hill from a standstill.
Using full power, the X26 climbed steadily at 15 km/h up the steep grade. Very impressive for such a heavy bike. Shifting down a gear or two helps climbing torque.
The motor and low gearing provide enough torque that I could climb pretty much any hill. Standing to pedal helps on really steep grades.
Range & Battery Life
ENGWE claims a 100km range with the dual battery setup. My real-world range tests yielded 60-80km depending on conditions.
With mostly flat riding on pedal assist level 3, I averaged about 15km per charge on the main 19Ah battery. That translates to 75-90km if you drain both batteries.
Lots of hills and using the top power modes will decrease range. But overall the battery capacity is excellent. Charging the main battery takes about 8 hours.
Braking Performance
I tested braking from 30 km/h on flat ground. It took around 6 meters to come to a complete stop.
The hydraulic disc brakes offer strong stopping power with good modulation. You can lock up the wheels if you really pull the levers hard. Overall the brakes felt confident and consistent.
Suspension & Comfort
The X26 is comfortable and bump-absorbent at lower speeds thanks to the fat tires and front suspension. Small branches and rocks get smoothed out nicely.
But hit bigger bumps at speed or take jumps, and the limited suspension travel really gets tested. Both tires and shocks can bottom out with hard hits.
While not a hardcore downhill bike, it handles moderate trails, bumps, and jumps just fine for an e-bike. The tires make a big difference soaking up small stuff.
Off-Road Handling
With its heavy weight and limited suspension travel, the X26 can’t really carve turns on tight singletrack. But it plows through rough sections surprisingly well.
On straight bumpy trails, the power and stability help crush through rocks and uneven terrain where other e-bikes get bounced around.
The fat tires really help float over loose gravel and mud as well compared to narrower tires. Overall it’s stable and capable on moderate trails and rough patches.
Pros & Cons
Here are the main advantages and drawbacks I found with the ENGWE X26:
Pros
- Removable batteries provide tons of range
- Powerful 1200W peak motor delivers speed and torque
- Excellent hill climbing performance
- Frame is sturdy and folds for transport
- Hydraulic disc brakes work great
- Fat tires add comfort, traction, and shock absorption
Cons
- Heavy and bulky overall
- Battery rattles around when riding off-road
- Suspension is very limited despite the looks
- Mediocre quality on some components like chain and cables
- Display and headlight could be brighter
Verdict – A Powerful & Capable Folding Fat Tire E-bike
My experience with the X26 was largely positive. It delivers on its promise of power and versatility. The high torque motor, fat cushioned tires, and removable batteries make it a great choice for trail riding and adventure.
While not a high-end bike, it’s extremely capable for the price. The ability to swap batteries is handy for all-day outings. And the folding frame makes storage between rides easy.
Just don’t expect high-travel suspension like a downhill mountain bike. The X26 is optimized for stability and bump absorption over jumps and carving turns.
So if you want a fast, rugged e-bike with tons of power for trails and hills, the ENGWE X26 is a great option to consider. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and easy to transport thanks to the folding design. And the twin battery setup provides peace of mind that you’ll never be left without juice.
Overall I was impressed by the performance and utility this burly fat tire folding e-bike provides. It punches above its weight class and offers a ton of fun cruising along at high speeds.
