Engwe LE20 Review: A Practical Longtail E-Bike with Dual Batteries and a Mid-Drive Motor

The Engwe LE20 combines a spacious passenger-friendly design, a dual-battery system with nearly 40Ah of total capacity at 48V, and an Ananda mid-drive motor. With comfortable seating, 20 × 3-inch tyres, hydraulic brakes, and versatile cargo options, it is built for family transport and everyday utility, with a few compromises in gearing and charging convenience.

Unboxing and Assembly

The Engwe LE20 offers a relatively straightforward unboxing and assembly experience. Most of the setup is simple, although there is one minor detail worth mentioning: the mounting holes for the passenger footrests are not threaded. Instead of simply tightening the screws into the frame, you need to secure them with nuts from the other side.

It is not a major issue, but it adds an unnecessary step to an otherwise tidy assembly process.

Passenger Comfort and Seating

Passenger comfort is one of the LE20's strongest features. The main saddle is generously sized and comfortable, making it suitable for everyday riding.

The rear passenger seat is particularly impressive. It offers good padding and a comfortable seating position, providing enough space for an adult passenger rather than being limited to small children.

The passenger footrests are another highlight. They feel sturdy, are generously sized, and provide a comfortable place to rest your feet. Together with the rear seat, they make the LE20 a practical option for families who need to transport children or occasionally carry an adult passenger.

As always, riders should check the manufacturer's specified passenger capacity and weight limits before carrying anyone on the bike.

Riding Position and Display

The riding position is generally upright, although riders may find their arms reaching slightly forward towards the handlebars. It is not necessarily uncomfortable, but it may take some time to get used to, depending on your height and preferred riding posture.

The display is a more immediate highlight. Its clear layout, attractive colours, and good brightness make it easy to read, even in direct sunlight. For a utility-focused e-bike, this is a well-executed feature that makes everyday riding information easy to check at a glance.

Tyres and Road Comfort

The LE20 uses 20-inch tyres measuring 3 inches wide. This is a practical choice for a longtail cargo bike, offering a useful balance between grip, comfort, and rolling efficiency.

On the road, the tyres feel relatively quiet and provide reassuring traction. Their wider profile also helps create a more stable, comfortable ride, which is particularly valuable when carrying additional weight or transporting passengers.

The front suspension fork adds another layer of comfort. Although its travel is limited, it helps soften smaller bumps and rough patches. It is not designed for serious off-road riding, but it is a welcome feature for dealing with imperfect urban roads.

Dual-Battery System: The LE20's Biggest Advantage

The dual-battery configuration is arguably the most compelling feature of the Engwe LE20.

With nearly 40Ah of combined capacity at 48V, the bike has a substantial energy reserve for longer commutes, family outings, and cargo-heavy journeys.

During my test ride around the city, one battery still showed 100% charge, while the other had dropped to 85%. This was an encouraging result, although the exact distance covered and riding conditions will affect how useful that observation is as a range indicator.

What makes the system particularly interesting is its sequential operation. Rather than drawing power from both batteries simultaneously, the bike uses one battery at a time. This allows you to charge one battery while continuing to ride using the other, provided you have access to a suitable charging setup.

The rear battery can also be removed by folding the saddle forward, making access more convenient.

For riders who frequently cover long distances or use their e-bike throughout the day, this arrangement offers considerable flexibility. Instead of relying on a single battery to get through every journey, you have a second power source ready to use.

Cargo Capacity and Everyday Practicality

The LE20 is designed around utility, and its front mounting plate adds useful flexibility. It can accommodate a compatible basket or crate, creating extra space for groceries, bags, and other everyday items. With an appropriate carrier and secure setup, it may also be useful for transporting a small dog.

The centre stand is another practical feature. It feels stable and provides a solid base when the bike is parked, which is especially important for a longtail model carrying additional weight.

However, centre stands can be less convenient to operate than conventional side stands. Depending on the bike's load and your strength, getting the stand into position may require a little more effort. It is a reasonable trade-off for improved parking stability, but one worth considering if you frequently stop and start during short.