@chriswalden6519 it's my honest view and I don't think anything I said on it was unfair. I was actually excited to recipe the bike as i thought I'd bought an upgrade. Still disappointed with the bike tbh. 🙂
Thank you for this video. It is more rare than it should be for YT reviewers to be absolutely upfront and honest, as you are, about problems or concerns with ebikes. Also most of us don't get to ride multiple e bikes from the same manufacturer, and might not realize the trade offs with different, but similar, models. Your comparison of the L20 vs the L20 boost will guide me to consider all the trade offs even if I am considering models from different manufacturers.
@GregB-f1x thank you. That was my gaol from the start. I think all bikes should be reviewed from a customer stand point. Probably not helping my chance of companies sending me bikes to test but I'd rather be honest. 🙂
Thanks again for your update I commented in your previous video that you saved me from an expensive mistake buying the L20 Boost I own the normal L20 and like you love that bike mine unlocked does a top speed of 25mph and it is quite good on hills (better than most I have had a few bikes to compare) So when the L20 boost came out I thought it was a no brainer like you it must be a L20 only better. The only pause for thought was the torque sensor I personally having a disability in my legs hate them. Was hoping that maybe Engwe would offer you a choice of cadence when ordering some manufacturers do. So I held back and the bike went out of stock. Then I saw your video and could not believe they deliberately crippled the bikes speed etc, and bought another L20 I use my bike all the time racking up over 700 miles in 8 weeks so with offers etc got the other one at a great price.The best Engwe bike I owed by far was the E26 it did 30 mph you could program each PAS level individually, it was a beast on hills too. The only thing was it was just too big for me and I stay in a multi storey and had to stand it up in the lift, not an easy task. (although I did get better with practice) If they could put the software and controller and the E26's display plus the boost button with cadence sensor on the L20 wow what a bike that would be
Hi Noob, I am a first time ebike owner, and as you said in your commentary, if the L20 Boost is your first ebike you'll love it, and I do! So I have nothing to compare it to, and any of the following comments are based on my own limited experience, and also research I made prior to receiving my bike (which like you, took a long time!). You are right that the top speed is lower that the L20. It uses the same motor as the L20 but has greater torque. This is possible because the gearing in the Boost's motor is lower; that's how it achieves a higher torque figure but at the cost of top speed. To get within the limits of European classification similar to a non powered bicycle, the motor has to have a nominal rating of 250W or under. But, it can peak higher. A nominal rating is the ability of an electric motor to safely operate for one hour without failing. Peak power is unlimited. If the same motor were to run at peak power for an hour it would probably fail. The gearing of the motor is the main difference between the L20 and the L20 Boost. The Boost button is a clever and effective way of raising peak power without breaking UK and EU law; that's an imaginative move by Engwe. I agree with you to an extent about the different mode powers. I can feel a lot of difference between power 1 and power 5, but not that much in between. However, the power differences are more noticeable when used in the lower gears which effectively are at lower speeds. Try riding on a moderate incline at a slow speed say in first, second or third gear in mode 1, then change to mode 2, 3, 4 etc and you will definitely feel the difference. I can't understand why Engwe told you the power modes offer no differences. I ride my bike either for fun or convenience. If I have a long journey of say a 25 to 30 mile round trip on mettled roads, I'll be as conservative as I can with the battery. Sticking with mode 0 or 1 greatly improves the efficiency of the battery. I know that sounds obvious, but it makes a big difference. Going down hill I'll coast in mode 0 or 1 if it's comfortable to do so. Using the boost button eats power, but is incredibly useful for safely negotiating dangerous junctions or accelerating passed slow moving or parked cars. The use of a light throttle (where this is allowed!) and pedalling at the same time is also very useful, feathering between the two can again save battery drain. Riding for fun on a forest trail for example is most rewarding. Liberal use of the power available makes for a great ride, so long as you're not too far from home or if you have a downhill return journey home. The difference between torque and cadence sensor designed ebikes is not something I've experienced; as I said earlier this is my first and only ebike. Have you ridden the L20 to come to the conclusions you mentioned? That's not a criticism, just a genuine question. To change the subject, I ordered some mirrors off Amazon that allowed me to see myself, but nothing of the view behind. Mounting the left one on the right, and the right on the left, below the handle bars gave a much better view, although the view is quite narrow. Yours look much better. Are they OK, and if so do you have a link? Initially I ordered a right hand one located in the end of the right handle bar, but I couldn't fit it as there is some metal within the tube of the bar making it not possible to insert. I like your hands on real world reviews, but suspect you may be expecting too much of the Boost due to the technical limitations of it's increased power. I think Engwe have made a good compromise of innovation over legislative restrictions. This ebike suits a more sedate ride where low down power restricts outright speed.
@rfbarry if you watch my previous video, my comparison is actually against the Engine X and Ep2 pro. Basically I feel that it's save to assume that all Engwe 20x4 fat tire 250w ebikes use the same motor. Also I there is a comparison out there showing a 750w ep2 pro vs a 250w engine X. The guy unrestricted both and sis the same test and they both perform identical. So I doubt the 250w motor is actually 250w lol. The thing with a cadence sensor is it's best when going up hill for arguments sake. The motor wants to get that 15.5mph always so it pushes you lots when it's hard. I will try the low gears tomorrow and see. And if still no difference Engwe are getting another Email as if yours has a difference in modes then mine should or is broken. As far as the torque/speed compromise, I don't buy it. At 20mph it doesn't feel like the bike is working anywhere near straining itself and I feel the Engine X can probably do more then the 27. Also the way Engwe advertise this bike is by saying its 50nm. So it's kinda the same. They say the other 25nm comes from the boost button. On flat ground it definitely under performs. The cadence sensor always wants to get the 15.5mph. So your pedaling puts you at 16/17mph with little effort. I find on the boost I'm under 15 alot. I towed my trailer on Friday and it felt alot more work then on my Engine X. My trailer was heavier then normal but maybe 10/20kg max more. But when I'm 90kg and normally pull the trailer. The bike combined weight is nowhere near a 30% increase so the bike shouldn't have an issue with the 30% extra torque. The wing mirrors I have your issue. I see my arms through them lol. I've ordered more that I hope will be good under the bars but will let you know. I bought £4 ones that go under and have those on too atm and that works 🙂
@fastandyc my point is simply that when they claim it's more powerful, it shouldn't be slower then the original. And of course torque and speed are related as they require different gearing.
@fastandyc maybe/maybe not. That's a small fraction of my point. They've packaged the bike as a shiny new upgrade. I'm inclined to think it's not as simple as you suggest. Can't fully say cos I don't know. But if you are right then Engwe have done nothing clever at all. The bike as standard uses 2/3 the motor standard power. With the other 3rd on the boost button. Yet despite using less of the power more often and the torque sensor, the battery still only manages the sane 30 mile to s charge. Also if you are right then that would indicate the new cargo bike they just brought out, will do a max of 15mph unlocked as they state that is 250w and 100nm 🙂
This review conflicts all other reviews I have watched of the L20 boost
@chriswalden6519 it's my honest view and I don't think anything I said on it was unfair. I was actually excited to recipe the bike as i thought I'd bought an upgrade. Still disappointed with the bike tbh. 🙂
Thank you for this video. It is more rare than it should be for YT reviewers to be absolutely upfront and honest, as you are, about problems or concerns with ebikes.
Also most of us don't get to ride multiple e bikes from the same manufacturer, and might not realize the trade offs with different, but similar, models. Your comparison of the L20 vs the L20 boost will guide me to consider all the trade offs even if I am considering models from different manufacturers.
@GregB-f1x thank you. That was my gaol from the start. I think all bikes should be reviewed from a customer stand point. Probably not helping my chance of companies sending me bikes to test but I'd rather be honest. 🙂
Thanks again for your update I commented in your previous video that you saved me from an expensive mistake buying the L20 Boost I own the normal L20 and like you love that bike mine unlocked does a top speed of 25mph and it is quite good on hills (better than most I have had a few bikes to compare) So when the L20 boost came out I thought it was a no brainer like you it must be a L20 only better. The only pause for thought was the torque sensor I personally having a disability in my legs hate them. Was hoping that maybe Engwe would offer you a choice of cadence when ordering some manufacturers do. So I held back and the bike went out of stock. Then I saw your video and could not believe they deliberately crippled the bikes speed etc, and bought another L20 I use my bike all the time racking up over 700 miles in 8 weeks so with offers etc got the other one at a great price.The best Engwe bike I owed by far was the E26 it did 30 mph you could program each PAS level individually, it was a beast on hills too. The only thing was it was just too big for me and I stay in a multi storey and had to stand it up in the lift, not an easy task. (although I did get better with practice) If they could put the software and controller and the E26's display plus the boost button with cadence sensor on the L20 wow what a bike that would be
Hi Noob,
I am a first time ebike owner, and as you said in your commentary, if the L20 Boost is your first ebike you'll love it, and I do! So I have nothing to compare it to, and any of the following comments are based on my own limited experience, and also research I made prior to receiving my bike (which like you, took a long time!).
You are right that the top speed is lower that the L20. It uses the same motor as the L20 but has greater torque. This is possible because the gearing in the Boost's motor is lower; that's how it achieves a higher torque figure but at the cost of top speed. To get within the limits of European classification similar to a non powered bicycle, the motor has to have a nominal rating of 250W or under. But, it can peak higher. A nominal rating is the ability of an electric motor to safely operate for one hour without failing. Peak power is unlimited. If the same motor were to run at peak power for an hour it would probably fail.
The gearing of the motor is the main difference between the L20 and the L20 Boost. The Boost button is a clever and effective way of raising peak power without breaking UK and EU law; that's an imaginative move by Engwe.
I agree with you to an extent about the different mode powers. I can feel a lot of difference between power 1 and power 5, but not that much in between. However, the power differences are more noticeable when used in the lower gears which effectively are at lower speeds. Try riding on a moderate incline at a slow speed say in first, second or third gear in mode 1, then change to mode 2, 3, 4 etc and you will definitely feel the difference. I can't understand why Engwe told you the power modes offer no differences.
I ride my bike either for fun or convenience. If I have a long journey of say a 25 to 30 mile round trip on mettled roads, I'll be as conservative as I can with the battery. Sticking with mode 0 or 1 greatly improves the efficiency of the battery. I know that sounds obvious, but it makes a big difference. Going down hill I'll coast in mode 0 or 1 if it's comfortable to do so. Using the boost button eats power, but is incredibly useful for safely negotiating dangerous junctions or accelerating passed slow moving or parked cars.
The use of a light throttle (where this is allowed!) and pedalling at the same time is also very useful, feathering between the two can again save battery drain.
Riding for fun on a forest trail for example is most rewarding. Liberal use of the power available makes for a great ride, so long as you're not too far from home or if you have a downhill return journey home.
The difference between torque and cadence sensor designed ebikes is not something I've experienced; as I said earlier this is my first and only ebike. Have you ridden the L20 to come to the conclusions you mentioned? That's not a criticism, just a genuine question.
To change the subject, I ordered some mirrors off Amazon that allowed me to see myself, but nothing of the view behind. Mounting the left one on the right, and the right on the left, below the handle bars gave a much better view, although the view is quite narrow. Yours look much better. Are they OK, and if so do you have a link? Initially I ordered a right hand one located in the end of the right handle bar, but I couldn't fit it as there is some metal within the tube of the bar making it not possible to insert.
I like your hands on real world reviews, but suspect you may be expecting too much of the Boost due to the technical limitations of it's increased power. I think Engwe have made a good compromise of innovation over legislative restrictions. This ebike suits a more sedate ride where low down power restricts outright speed.
@rfbarry if you watch my previous video, my comparison is actually against the Engine X and Ep2 pro. Basically I feel that it's save to assume that all Engwe 20x4 fat tire 250w ebikes use the same motor.
Also I there is a comparison out there showing a 750w ep2 pro vs a 250w engine X. The guy unrestricted both and sis the same test and they both perform identical. So I doubt the 250w motor is actually 250w lol.
The thing with a cadence sensor is it's best when going up hill for arguments sake. The motor wants to get that 15.5mph always so it pushes you lots when it's hard.
I will try the low gears tomorrow and see. And if still no difference Engwe are getting another Email as if yours has a difference in modes then mine should or is broken.
As far as the torque/speed compromise, I don't buy it. At 20mph it doesn't feel like the bike is working anywhere near straining itself and I feel the Engine X can probably do more then the 27.
Also the way Engwe advertise this bike is by saying its 50nm. So it's kinda the same. They say the other 25nm comes from the boost button.
On flat ground it definitely under performs. The cadence sensor always wants to get the 15.5mph. So your pedaling puts you at 16/17mph with little effort. I find on the boost I'm under 15 alot.
I towed my trailer on Friday and it felt alot more work then on my Engine X. My trailer was heavier then normal but maybe 10/20kg max more. But when I'm 90kg and normally pull the trailer. The bike combined weight is nowhere near a 30% increase so the bike shouldn't have an issue with the 30% extra torque.
The wing mirrors I have your issue. I see my arms through them lol. I've ordered more that I hope will be good under the bars but will let you know. I bought £4 ones that go under and have those on too atm and that works 🙂
A 200,000w hub motors shall “nominally” run at 250w “maximum” should I choose it to.
Hence the L20 48v uses the 750w hub motor from the Engine Pro 😉
@@Hrossey That may be beyond the laws of physics!
For the money is it a good bike yup
@GarysE-BikeAdventures for £977 it is. But not for £1300. It's nowhere near £300 better then the standard L20. 🙂
Torque isn't related to top speed,it means basically pulling ability,I'd it should be better on hills
@fastandyc my point is simply that when they claim it's more powerful, it shouldn't be slower then the original.
And of course torque and speed are related as they require different gearing.
@noob-ebike-guy it's the same 350watt motor just geared to produce more torque
@fastandyc maybe/maybe not. That's a small fraction of my point. They've packaged the bike as a shiny new upgrade. I'm inclined to think it's not as simple as you suggest. Can't fully say cos I don't know. But if you are right then Engwe have done nothing clever at all.
The bike as standard uses 2/3 the motor standard power. With the other 3rd on the boost button. Yet despite using less of the power more often and the torque sensor, the battery still only manages the sane 30 mile to s charge.
Also if you are right then that would indicate the new cargo bike they just brought out, will do a max of 15mph unlocked as they state that is 250w and 100nm 🙂
@noob-ebike-guy they've given it more torque, slightly better capacity battery, torque sensor, can't remember what else
@fastandyc battery is same 13ah as standard L20. Not sure it's an improvement. More an alternative. 🙂
If you are going to make a UA-cam video, make sure that we can actually ear you. Volume extremely low and poor.
@michellebrown6824 for the record it's just the background noise channel u didn't lower enough. I do agree should be lower and usually is. 🙂