I Got a New E-Bike, And I’m Faster Than Ever

What You Need To Know

It was time for an upgrade…

We’ve done the e-bike thing here at Believe in the Run before. It was cool (if maybe a little confusing) back then, mostly because e-bikes have nothing to do with running — but also because I never thought I’d need a folding bike. But that’s what Engwe sent me with my original X26 model, and I loved every minute on it. Sure, Meg thought I was going to break my neck… or arm… or skull, but she was wrong (so far), and I got to keep feeling like a badass.

So, when Engwe reached back out to offer a new model, you better believe I said yes. Everything about the new M20 3.0 seemed like what I wanted in the first place — mostly that it didn’t fold, which means the seat is a lot bigger and the frame feels a bit sturdier, not that I was taking my X26 over big rocks or anything like that. Anyway, it took a week or two for Engwe’s signature gigantic box to show up, and here’s what I found when I peeked inside.

What’s new in the Engwe M20 3.0?

Alright, so, since my previous e-bike wasn’t the Engwe M20 2.0, I guess you could say everything about version 3.0 is new. At the very least, it’s all new to me. But since comparison is important, I’ll dig into what’s different between the M20 and the X26, as well as what Engwe has learned over the last three years.

Up first, the new model can go oh, so much further. It packs two 60V 20Ah batteries in place of the 48V cells of the folding bike, which effectively doubles its maximum range from around 150km (90 miles or so) to 180 miles in PAS mode 1. Realistically, you probably won’t see quite as much range since you’ll punch up the power a bit, but you could charge your bike only once or twice a month if you’re careful.

Also, Engwe has replaced its original 1200W motor with one that peaks at 3300W, boosting the maximum speed from 31mph to 40mph, which is above the speed limit for most of Baltimore. So, please, if you’re going to get this bike to go that fast, wear a helmet. Thomas says so, and he means it.

Otherwise, the updated 3.5-inch TFT display has been simplified, showing you your speed and overall mileage with simple indicators for the turn signals — yes, there are turn signals.

Because the Engwe M20 3.0 ditches the folding design, it packs a much bigger seat that doubles as onboard storage. You can lift it to stash some extra shorts or a jacket, which will stay nice and dry thanks to the IPX4 certification. Alright, technically that makes it splash-proof, but you weren’t going to ride into a pool with the bike, were you?

How hard is the Engwe M20 3.0 to assemble?

I’m not gonna lie — I didn’t want to build this bike. I remember the last one being a bit of a headache, and that one came with moving parts (like a hinge in the middle). But the good news is that I have two sons who can help me. So, like a good dad looking to teach a life lesson (with a little extra cash), I gave Theo the job. Two hours later, I’m glad I did.

I’m not sure if I got a fluke of a bike, but my Engwe M20 3.0 came without the usual instructions in the box, which left Theo to do a bit of trial and error. He did well, though, lining up the pedals, adjusting the lights — which do have a right and wrong position — and locking in the battery. I think most copies of the bike probably come with the required directions to assemble a bit more quickly, but that’s what we call a learning experience.

Either way, I can confidently say he did a pretty good job, as the bike has remained in one piece beneath me, no matter how bumpy the Baltimore roads have been beneath my feet — er, wheels.

Trusty steed, trusty speed

I gotta say, I’m still an e-bike guy. The Engwe M20 3.0 is one sweet ride, and I find myself reaching for it more and more as it gets warmer in Baltimore. It was a little chilly this past winter, but now that we’re hitting the 60s and 70s every day, it’s pretty much perfect. I can go fast enough to feel the wind whip through my hair — at least when I’m brave enough to go without a helmet for the afternoon.

So far, the battery life is pretty stellar, too. I’ve only plugged the M20 in once myself, though I think Theo has charged it a time or two since I’ve given him riding privileges in exchange for assembly. Either way, it’s charged and ready each time I reach for it, which is mostly all that matters to me.

If there’s one hiccup I’ve run into, though, it’s that I can never seem to hit the Engwe M20’s top speed of 40mph. I seem to hit a cap around 20 or 25mph, which is still quick on start-stop Baltimore streets, but a far cry from what’s advertised. I don’t know if there’s a secret limiter that I have to disable (which Meg would probably hate), but I think I’ll have to keep poking around.

If you wanna join my e-bike crew in the meantime, you can pick up the Engwe M20 3.0 from Engwe using the button below.