Engwe's X Series E-Bikes Are Triple-Suspension Machines With Insane Power: Bye-Bye Cars

Folks, Engwe is a crew born in California but building and manufacturing their bikes in China, like 95% of the cycling industry. But, Engwe has made a name for itself by offering e-bikes with massive power and designed to do a bit more than just carry you around town. Oh, and from what I've seen, they love their fat tire machines.

For example, the X Series includes three bikes, all of which are built around 4 in cross-section fat tires and, wait for it, folding frames! That's right, these hunks of aluminum can be reduced to nearly half their size, making it much easier to load up in a car or RV, and hit the outskirts of town like there's no tomorrow. even in an urban setting, a folding frame can prove indispensable for hopping on the metro, a bus, or even in an elevator.

Overall, three beasts have been showcased in the new lineup, and all feature the same motor and battery specs. The smallest of the bunch, the X20 can still hit a peak of 93 miles (150 km), under optimum conditions, of course, and the X26 can achieve the same numbers, even though it comes with a larger frame that's bound to weigh more.

This is made possible by the presence of a peak 1,200 W motor and a massive 19.2 Ah battery that's integrated into the seat tube. Actually, the battery is the seat post. But that 93 mi range seems to only be possible once a second battery is integrated into the mix. As for a top speed, 31 mph (50 kph) is what you can hit with these babies, but that's a software-limited number, so you can figure out a way to unlock that number.

Oh, 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) of torque also means quite a bit for future owners of an X Series machine. For example, this is more torque than we often find on e-MTBs, and in an urban setting, it's more than enough to handle whatever your lifestyle demands. Do you have hills in your area? Not a problem for this much power. Need to carry some groceries on the way home? Go for it! By the looks of things, the rear saddle insinuates that you can even carry a friend along for a ride.

All this brings us to the suspension systems these buggers are equipped with. As I mentioned, not one, not two, but three suspensions are incorporated into the X Series frames. Starting with the front, the X20 includes a classic-like bicycle fork with what looks to be around 60 mm (2.3 in) of travel, while the X24 and X26, the big boys of the bunch, are rocking a motorcycle-like fork with a bit more travel than the X20.

Continuing our exploration, the next system we see is that mid-mounted shock sitting above the crankset and supporting part of the rear saddle's construction. But, the final twist in this scenario is those rear-mounted shocks. It's not clear how much travel these babies offer, but they seem to be adjustable, and that might be just what the doctor ordered.

The result of all these systems? Well, it can go one of two ways; it's either going to be the softest urban machine we can get out hands on, or the bounciest, which isn't ideal. I'm sure we'll need to tamper with compression and spring load to optimize these puppies to our individual bodies and lifestyle.

Come to think of it, a fourth suspension system is found on these buggers, the tires. Because fat tires place four inches of air between the ground and bike rims, this feature, too, is sure to absorb some of the impacts you take up from curbs, cracks, speed bumps, and, come to think of it, even some gravel roads or a small exposed root. Yes, these EVs look like they can handle some light off-road use.

What does all this mean for us? Well, I'm personally looking forward to seeing what these suspension systems can achieve; I have an X26 waiting to be tested! But, we can kind of get the idea from Engwe that this is going to be one soft ride.

We then need to consider what this much power and capability can help us achieve. That rear seat is a clear hint at what's possible with these babies. Talk about replacing the car for some urban activities. Oh, and if you happen to go for the dual-battery setup, you won't have to worry about recharging for days of daily use.

So, how much can we expect to pay for these babies? Well, it all depends on how much attention you pay to this article. At this time, the X20 is going for $1,600 (€1,450 at current exchange rates), the X24 is spotted at $1,800 (€1,650), and the X26 is at a solid $1,900 (€1,730). But, and this is for your own benefit, Engwe is granting $100 off their machines during the launch period, and there's even a giveaway you can enter to win one of 100 X Series e-bikes. That's one way to raise interest in the newly launched series.