ENGWE Engine X Folding E-Bike Review (2024)

Brutally Honest: 🟢 Worth It or 🛑 Walk Away?

If you’re considering the ENGWE Engine X folding e-bike, don’t hit buy just yet. This review cuts through the hype with real-world performance, genuine pros and cons, and no sugar-coating. Let’s dive in and see if it’s a smart buy—or a regret waiting to happen.

🔍 Quick Specs & Origin

✅ PROS: What’s GOOD? 🟢

• Foldable Frame: Compact for apartments, cars, or small garages 🚗🔁.
• Fat Tires: Ideal for sand, gravel, and trails—adds comfort & stability 🏖️.
• Battery Range: Up to 80KM in real-world usage (claimed 120KM is optimistic).
• 7-Speed Shimano Gears: Great for flexibility on hills or cruising 🔄.
• Dual Suspension: Better comfort on bumpy roads 🛣️.
• Legal in EU: No license, no registration needed 🆗.

❌ CONS: What’s BAD? 🛑

• Weight: 31.6KG is very heavy for a folding bike (tough to lift upstairs or into trunks) 📦.
• Build Quality: Some users report loose bolts or cheap feeling materials—check everything before riding 🛠️.
• Real Range: Expect 60–80KM depending on rider weight, terrain, and wind (not 120KM) ⚠️.
• Customer Support: Mixed feedback—slow responses, warranty claims can be frustrating 🕒.
• Assembly: Claimed “85% pre-assembled,” but manual is unclear and frustrating for beginners 📖❌.

📱 LCD Display & Features: Is It User-Friendly?

The ENGWE Engine X comes with a basic but functional LCD display (not a premium color screen). Here’s what you get:

✅ What’s Good? 🟢

• Speedometer (current & max speed) 🚴♂️
• Battery Level Indicator (5-bar system) 🔋
• Odometer (tracks total distance) 📏
• Pedal Assist Level (PAS) Selector (1-5 levels) ⚙️
• Headlight Control (toggle on/off) 💡

⚠️ What’s Missing? 🛑

• ❌ No Bluetooth/App Connectivity (unlike premium e-bikes)
• ❌ No GPS/Navigation (just basic stats)
• ❌ No Backlight Adjustment (hard to see in direct sunlight)

Verdict: “A simple, no-frills display—gets the job done but lacks smart features.”

⚖️ Legal Status: Is This E-Bike Street Legal?

The ENGWE Engine X has a 250W motor, which makes it legal in most regions, but laws vary. Here’s the breakdown:

🇪🇺 Europe (EU/UK) ✅

• Legal without license: 250W motor, max 25 km/h (pedal assist only).
• Throttle restriction: In some EU countries, throttle-only mode is illegal (must pedal to engage motor).
• No registration/insurance needed (classed as a “pedelec”).

🇺🇸 USA (Varies by State!) ⚠️

• Federal law: Allows 750W motors (but ENGWE’s 250W is underpowered for US standards).
• State laws differ:
  • California: Legal if under 28 mph (but 250W is too weak for that).
  • New York: Throttle e-bikes banned unless pedal-assist only.
• Not ideal for US riders—better to get a 500W+ model for American roads.

🇨🇦 Canada

• Legal if under 500W & 32 km/h (ENGWE fits this).
• Throttle allowed up to 20 km/h without pedaling.

🇦🇺 Australia

• Legal if 250W max & 25 km/h (ENGWE complies).
• Throttle banned in some states (must use pedal assist).

🚨 Key Legal Notes:

• 250W is weak for hills—may struggle in steep areas.
• Throttle mode may be restricted (check local laws).
• No license needed in most places (but helmet required).

Verdict: “Great for EU/UK/AU riders, but underpowered for the US market.”

⚖️ Speed & Legality Certificate: What If You Exceed 28 KM/H?

📌 Quick Legal Summary:
Here’s what’s allowed for electric bikes in most countries (like Europe & the UK):

🔹 Max Motor Power: 250W (like the ENGWE Engine X) ⚙️
🔹 Max Speed: 25 KM/H (pedal-assist only) 🚴‍♂️
🔹 No License/Insurance/Registration Needed ✅
➡️ They’re legally considered “regular bicycles.”

⚠️ But What If You Go Over 25 KM/H (e.g., 28 KM/H or more)?

It’s no longer a bicycle in the eyes of the law.

🛵 It’s classified as a light motor vehicle or electric moped in many countries.

🪪 Requires:

• Driver’s license
• Registration 📝
• Insurance 💸

❌ It’s illegal to ride such bikes on public roads without proper documentation in most of Europe!

🚨 What Happens If You Modify Your E-Bike to Go 28 KM/H+?

In Europe and the UK 🇪🇺🇬🇧:
🛑 It’s illegal on public roads without registration and insurance.
💰 Heavy fines (e.g., up to €1,000 in Germany).
📄 Points may be added to your driving license if you repeat the offense.

🇺🇸 In the United States:
Some states allow up to 28 MPH (≈45 KM/H) under Class 3 e-bike laws.

✅ Requirements vary by state:

• Max motor: 750W
• May require insurance or license plates in states like California or New York.

🇨🇦 In Canada & 🇦🇺 Australia:
Top speed allowed is 25–32 KM/H depending on the province/state.
⚠️ Over the limit? It’s considered an automated vehicle.

🔍 What About 750W E-Bikes (like some American models)?

• In Europe/UK: ❌ Illegal unless on private tracks or areas designated for such use.
• In America: ✅ Legal in most states with a max speed of 28 MPH (45 KM/H).

The Difference Between 250W and 750W:

• 250W: Legal and good for flat areas, but less powerful on hills or rough terrain.
• 750W: Much more powerful, great for steep hills and rough trails, but requires a license in Europe.

🔬 REAL USER FEEDBACK (Unfiltered)

🟢 POSITIVE:

• “Fat tires are amazing—rides super smooth off-road.”
• “Perfect for my 20KM daily commute. Battery lasts 2 days.”
• “Easy to fold and store in my hallway.”

🔴 NEGATIVE:

• “Battery died after 6 months—no response from customer support.”
• “Too heavy to lift into my SUV alone.”
• “Brakes started squeaking after a rainy day.”

🆚 How Does It Compare?

Verdict: ENGWE is more affordable but heavier and has weaker support compared to top competitors.

💡 Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?.

✅ YES — If you want:

• A budget-friendly foldable e-bike.
• Casual rides on gravel, parks, or short commutes.
• Fat tires and good suspension for bumpy paths.

❌ NO — If you need:

• Lightweight design (for daily lifting or upstairs).
• Excellent customer support and warranty protection.
• A premium build or extended real-world range.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
Decent performance for the price, but be ready for trade-offs.

🔥 Pro Tip

Wait for Black Friday or seasonal sales—ENGWE often offers major discounts up to 20–30% off. 🛍️

💬 Your Turn!

Have you ridden the ENGWE Engine X? Drop your honest review in the comments below! 👇