Electric Bike Boasts More Pulling Power Than a Honda City and a 161-Kilometer Range

Engwe’s E26 3.0 is an electric mountain bike with a headline figure more commonly associated with cars: the manufacturer claims it can tow up to 1,200 pounds, or roughly 544 kilograms. Engwe has not disclosed the testing conditions used to reach that figure.

The E26 3.0 is the company’s first dual-motor electric bike. Each motor can produce up to 1,000 watts, giving the bike a combined peak output of 2,000 watts, or about 2.7 horsepower. Its total claimed torque is 160Nm, higher than the 145Nm listed for a Honda City.

The bike uses both cadence and torque sensors to control pedal assistance, and riders can switch motor operating modes depending on conditions. An eight-speed Shimano drivetrain is intended to help on climbs and difficult terrain. The 26-inch wheels carry four-inch fat tires, which Engwe says are suitable for asphalt, dirt, sand and snow.

Pedal assistance can take the bike to a claimed top speed of 50km/h, and the E26 3.0 also includes a throttle. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors control the relatively heavy, powerful machine. The bike carries an IPX5 water-resistance rating, while its battery is rated IPX7.

Front suspension offers 120mm of travel and the rear shock 80mm. That setup targets rough roads and reduces vibration, but it contributes to the bike’s 39kg weight. Engwe lists a maximum payload of 181kg. In Eco mode with one motor, the company claims a range of up to 161km per charge. Using both motors cuts the claimed maximum range to about 113km. The removable battery takes around six hours to fully charge, and riders can carry a spare for longer trips.

Engwe promotes the E26 3.0 for towing a trailer, but towing hundreds of kilograms depends on more than motor power. Braking, traction, trailer construction, gradients and road conditions can all affect safety. The launch price is $1,800, or about 47 million Vietnamese dong, roughly the price of a Honda Air Blade.