E-bike Engwe P1 in the test: A fully equipped folding e-bike for only 650 euros

E-folding bikes are affordable, stylish, quick and can be stored in even the smallest of spaces. Electric folding bikes from China in particular are competing with established brands because nowhere else can you get such a good price-performance ratio. We show the best e-folding bikes in our best e-folding bike list.

The Chinese manufacturer Engwe is no longer unknown in the e-bike market. We have already tested the Engwe E26 electric fat bike, which we particularly liked for its long range, neat workmanship, comfortable gear shifting and safe brakes. The electric city bikes Engwe P275 Pro (test report) and Engwe P275 ST (test report) also stand out positively with their good mid-engine, belt drive and large battery. Technically, they are at the forefront when it comes to affordable e-bikes.

The Engwe L20 (test report) is a particularly small low-entry e-bike with a powerful motor, large battery, luggage basket and a load capacity of up to 120 kg. The latter is rare with the Engwe engine folding bike. If you are looking for the best folding e-bike, we recommend testing the Fafrees F20 X Max (test report).

Let’s now take a closer look at the Engwe P1. It has thin tyres and no rear suspension, but otherwise it’s perfect for the low price 650 Euros Very well equipped on Geekbuying. In addition to mechanical disc brakes, a powerful 40 Nm motor and a 486 Wh battery, the mudguards, luggage rack, luggage rack bag and large handlebar bag are particularly positive. The purpose of this test is to clarify whether the e-folding bike fulfills the promise of Angwe.

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The Engwe P1’s build is a little more extensive than comparable e-bikes, but should be easily managed for anyone with a little technical skill. All necessary equipment is included. Front wheel, pedals, handlebars, handlebars, seat post with saddle, front mudguard, front light, stand, saddle bag, handlebar bag with click system and smartphone holder should be mounted. It took us about an hour to inflate the tires and tighten all the screws.

A gas ring is optionally included in the package, but is not permitted in Germany. Furthermore, at first glance the e-bike appears to meet the requirements to be able to run legally on German roads as a pedelec.

Visually, this e-bike appears inconspicuous. Folding bikes in this form factor are often seen nowadays. The matte black paintwork is fine, but we don’t like the writing on the orange arrows. If you install the two included bags, the design almost looks a bit old-fashioned. Like most e-folding bikes, cable management is only marginally resolved; all cables run on the outside of the frame;

In terms of workmanship, the e-bike makes a good first impression. Nothing wobbles or creaks while driving. Still, very cheap components are used here that can wear out more quickly. Positive: The Engwe P1 can handle a high maximum payload of 120 kg. The weight is around 25 kg.

When opened, the bike measures 163 cm x 63 cm x 122 cm; when folded, the dimensions are reduced to 95 cm x 85 cm x 45 cm. It also fits in most trunks. Free transport on local public transport is possible without any problems. To fold it, first open the safety lever on the main frame and fold the bike. The handlebars can then be pulled back and folded, the seat post can be lowered and the pedals can be folded inwards.

The Engwe P1 has a simple Shimano gearshift on the right side of the handlebar. On the left is a monochrome display that shows speed, assistance level, battery capacity and daily mileage. Positives: The handlebars are height adjustable, which improves ergonomics. The bell is conveniently integrated into the left brake handle. The handles are ergonomically shaped and suitable even for long trips.

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Thanks to the click system, the large handlebar bag can be easily removed and folded when not in use. Most small purchases should be easily accomplished. The mobile phone holder included in the delivery is practical and holds the smartphone securely in place. If you are looking for the best cell phone holder, we recommend the top 10: Best cell phone holders for bikes.

The front light is bright and can be adjusted in orientation. The rear light is also pleasantly bright and lights up when braking – not a common occurrence in this price range. The rear luggage rack can load up to 25kg of luggage. The matching bag holds about two cola bottles, looks high quality and should be waterproof.

Engve states a recommended height of 150 to 190 cm. However, our 186 cm tall test rider did not feel comfortable on the P1 because the seat post is quite short for him. Riders over 175 cm should purchase a longer seat post. The saddle itself is pleasantly soft padded and has white decorative stitching. It offers a very high level of seating comfort – if you have the right body shape.

The Engwe P1’s 250-watt rear motor has a decent torque of 40 Nm. It starts after about one turn of the pedal. There is no torque sensor, so the drive reacts somewhat late. However, once it develops its full power, it accelerates quickly to the maximum speed of 25 km/h allowed in Germany.

The front and rear mechanical disc brakes on our test bike hold up well. Experience has shown that they often have to be readjusted at first, especially with very inexpensive e-bikes.

The simple gearshift works satisfactorily. However, the gear ratio is a bit high for speeds above 25 km/h. The front suspension fork is quite short, but at least it absorbs small bumps and thus enhances driving comfort.

The 20-inch wheels have a good profile and a decent width. But they don’t come close to the extremely thick tyres on the Angwe Engine X (test report).

The Engwe P1’s battery capacity is 468 Wh. It can be removed with a key and can be fully charged in about six hours using the included power adapter.

The manufacturer advertises a maximum range of 100km – but that’s under ideal conditions such as flat roads, moderate speeds, gentle drivers and mild temperatures. In real use with a lot of stop and go, high speeds and a payload of 80kg, we achieved a significantly lower, but still decent, range of 30km.

Engwe P1 is available cheap on Geekbuying 650 Euros available. In return you get a fully equipped folding electric bike with a powerful motor and a large battery.

The Engwe P1 is a very interesting e-folding bike that combines extensive features, compact dimensions and an extremely low price. Particularly noteworthy are the powerful motor, the fairly large battery, the full lighting system with brake lights and a number of practical extras such as luggage racks and bags.

However, you also have to make compromises in this price range: the built-in components are relatively simple, and there is still room for improvement when it comes to cable management and appearance. Also, the seat post is too short for taller riders. But overall you get a lot of e-bike bang for the buck.

If you are looking for an affordable, well-equipped electric folding bike for flexible use in the city and on the train and are willing to compromise, you will find the Engwe P1 an exciting candidate.

But no e-folding bike? Then one of our other best lists will help:

As part of this article, we tested the e-bike in various scenarios such as paved bike paths, gravel field paths and steep climbs. This way, we cannot detect long-term problems that may arise after months or years of everyday use. If we find an error after our test report is published or something is pointed out by our readers, we will report it.

If you buy from a Chinese dealer, you will often pay less. However, there is a risk of poor service in the event of a warranty or guarantee. In addition, asserting consumer rights (returns, warranty) is subject to obstacles or not possible. We add here retailers with whom we have had generally good experiences.