Europe’s Electric Bike Problem
Direct-to-Consumer E-Bikes Flood the Market, Defying EU Restrictions
Europe is facing a growing problem with direct-to-consumer e-bikes, particularly from inexpensive Chinese brands like Engwe. These e-bikes can be easily purchased online, despite openly flouting EU regulations. Many of these e-bikes feature throttles and powerful motors that can be easily unlocked to exceed the 25km/h (16mph) legal speed limit, often without the need for pedaling.
A Growing Concern in the Netherlands
In Amsterdam, the city’s renowned bicycle lanes have become increasingly chaotic and dangerous due to the proliferation of cheap Super73 knockoffs, ridden at nearly twice the legal speed. Across the Netherlands, over 10,000 electric "fat bikes" were seized in 2024.
Engwe’s New Attempt to Go Legit
Engwe, a company known for its souped-up electric fat bikes and foldables, is attempting to go legit with its new Mapfour lineup, designed exclusively for European roads. Claiming that these e-bikes cannot be unlocked for more speed, Engwe is trying to establish a new standard for premium commuter e-bikes.
The Engwe N1 Pro: A Review
I’ve been riding the new Mapfour N1 Pro model, which lists for €1,899 (approximately $2,000) or €1,799 during the initial launch. With a price that brings high expectations, I’ve been testing the N1 Pro’s features and performance.
Premium Capabilities and Features
The N1 Pro is slathered in premium capabilities, including GPS/GSM tracking, monocoque frame and fork made from carbon fiber supplied by Toray, turn-by-turn navigation built into the full-featured app, a large colorful display integrated into the handlebars, and a built-in mechanical lock in the rear wheel hub that automatically engages when the bike is turned off and stationary.
Riding Experience
My review bike was missing a fender bolt, occasionally flashed a strange error code, and the solar-powered rear light wouldn’t turn on. Despite these issues, the N1 Pro is likely the highest-quality electric bike Engwe has ever made.
Range and Performance
The 250W mid-drive Ananda motor is nearly silent under the din of road noise, and the integrated torque sensor provides an intuitive pedal-assist at all speeds. It produces up to 80Nm of torque, allowing me to easily start from a dead stop in fourth gear (of seven) on flat roads. However, testing on a hill with a 15% gradient required a start from first gear.
Despite claiming a range of up to 100km from its modest 360Wh battery, my first test yielded just 23km off a full charge in near-freezing conditions. The second test, performed on a single warmer day, improved the range to 27km with 28% charge remaining – or an estimated 36km if I had time to run the battery dry for a below-average 10Wh consumed per kilometer traveled.
Worries and Concerns
Worrisome for a "premium" e-bike: on two occasions, I saw an "09" error message flash on the display, which Engwe is still diagnosing. Once, while starting the bike after it had been sitting outside in the rain for a few hours, and another time after riding home on a rain-soaked street while switching between the N1 Pro’s regular and high-beam lights.
Conclusion
The Engwe N1 Pro is a decent e-bike, but it’s not great despite checking off many features on a marketing sheet. Just remember that servicing a direct-to-consumer e-bike can be a problem, requiring the ready availability of spare parts and the knowledge to replace them. As with any electric bike exposed to the elements and regular road use, the N1 Pro’s motor and proprietary electronics will eventually need servicing.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of the Engwe N1 Pro?
A: The list price is €1,899 (approximately $2,000) or €1,799 during the initial launch.
Q: What features does the Engwe N1 Pro have?
A: The N1 Pro features GPS/GSM tracking, monocoque frame and fork made from carbon fiber, turn-by-turn navigation, a large colorful display, and a built-in mechanical lock.
Q: What is the range of the Engwe N1 Pro?
A: The claimed range is up to 100km from its modest 360Wh battery.
Q: What kind of motor does the Engwe N1 Pro have?
A: The N1 Pro has a 250W mid-drive Ananda motor.
Q: Is the Engwe N1 Pro a good e-bike?
A: The N1 Pro is a decent e-bike, but it has some issues, such as occasional error messages and a limited range.
