ENGWE N1 Pro: Construction, Design and Workmanship
Assembling the ENGWE N1 Pro is quick and easy. The e-bike arrives almost pre-assembled, and the most important tools for the remaining assembly are included. Only the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and mudguards need to be attached. The instructions are clear, so even beginners should be able to manage. It's a good idea to tighten a few of the pre-installed screws before you start riding.
The ENGWE N1 Pro features a lightweight carbon frame without a prominent seat tube. This results in a rather unusual silhouette with a futuristic flair that is guaranteed to turn heads on the road. Thanks to the carbon frame, the e-bike weighs in at just 19 kilograms. The workmanship is excellent; everything is solid, nothing rattles, and even after a few weeks of everyday use, the finish remains flawless.
Many cables are hidden within the frame, keeping the look uncluttered. ENGWE hasn't solved this quite as elegantly at the front. A few cables visibly dangle directly in front of the headlight. This somewhat detracts from the bike's otherwise design perfection.
The LED matrix display is integrated directly into the handlebars and shows all important information clearly and brightly. Two RGB strips illuminate the left and right sides of the display, which can be adjusted or turned off via the app. Whether colorful lighting on the handlebars is necessary is a matter of taste. It certainly fits the striking design.
At the rear, the taillight operates independently with a solar cell. There's no brake light and no system control. It works, but feels less smart than the rest of the bike.
ENGWE N1 Pro: Driving performance and range
Looking at the technology, the ENGWE N1 Pro reveals its capabilities. The e-bike is TÜV Rheinland certified, thus meeting all relevant safety and quality standards and is legal to ride on German roads.
At the heart of the bike is the Ananda mid-drive motor, delivering 250 watts of power and a whopping 80 Nm of torque. You can feel this immediately when starting off and climbing inclines. The motor provides powerful propulsion, yet remains pleasantly quiet. Thanks to the torque sensor, the assistance feels natural, and the bike rides almost like a well-oiled trekking bike.
Shifting is done via a Shimano Tourney 7-speed drivetrain. While it's not high-end, it's more than sufficient for everyday use and proved reliable in testing. Shifting is smooth; a little adjustment was necessary after unpacking, but that's standard for direct-to-consumer bikes.
Braking is provided by Shimano hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear. They grip powerfully even in wet conditions and provide a secure feeling, whether in the city or on country roads.
In everyday use, the drive system's natural ride feel is particularly impressive. The assistance can be adjusted in five levels, from the economical Eco mode to maximum power for steeper climbs. It responds smoothly and never feels jerky or artificial. Especially on flat stretches, a low assistance level is often enough for a relaxed and fast ride.
On the climb, the N1 Pro really shows what it's capable of. The motor can even handle steeper sections, as long as you work with it a bit. The motor remains pleasantly restrained, even in terms of noise.
The battery delivers 360 watt-hours. This is enough for about 45 to 55 kilometers per charge in everyday use. If you ride in Eco mode and don't climb too many hills, you can get more out of it. In city traffic with frequent stops or with high levels of assistance and headwinds, the range shrinks.
However, this is perfectly sufficient for most commutes and leisure rides. The battery can be fully charged in about two hours with the quick charger, making spontaneous trips or recharging in between much easier.
ENGWE N1 Pro: Riding comfort and ergonomics
In everyday use, the ENGWE N1 Pro offers a sporty and responsive ride. The carbon frame effectively absorbs minor bumps while remaining pleasantly stiff, providing a confident feel. Especially on asphalt and well-maintained paths, the bike rides smoothly and effortlessly.
The handling is also impressive. The N1 Pro handles fast corners, narrow streets, and sudden lane changes with ease, making it a real joy to ride. Riding on dirt roads is a bit too stiff due to the lack of suspension, which is why I recommend riding mainly on asphalt.
The seating position is clearly geared for sporty riding. If you want to cruise through the city in a relaxed, upright position, this is probably not the right bike for you. The combination of low handlebars and a short seat post forces you to lean slightly forward. This is ideal for shorter rides and sporty routes. Unfortunately, the frame is only available in one size. For anyone taller than 1,80 meters, the seat post quickly becomes too short. Your leg can't stretch properly while pedaling, making longer rides uncomfortable.
Despite its sporty appearance, the saddle itself is adequately padded and remains comfortable even after several rides. The grips feel solid, but don't offer the best grip in wet conditions. Those who ride a lot in the rain may want to upgrade.
The built-in 700x42C tires provide good grip on asphalt and can also handle light gravel or dirt roads. However, they're too narrow for off-road riding or trails. The N1 Pro is simply not in its element there.
Security and theft protection
When it comes to security, the ENGWE N1 Pro is in a league of its own. The bike scores points not only with its classic locking mechanism, but also with a digital extra. The frame contains its own eSIM, which keeps the bike permanently online, independent of a smartphone.
This allows you to track your location at any time via the ENGWE app, even if the main battery is removed. A small additional battery in the frame ensures that the safety functions continue to function even when parked.
The bike locks automatically and can be unlocked via app, PIN, or even by proximity with your smartphone. If you want, you can activate geofencing. This will alert you if the bike leaves a specified area. The alarm is loud enough to attract attention.
In our tests, the system worked reliably, and push notifications arrived without delay. The eSIM features are free for one year from activation. Thereafter, an annual fee of €39 applies.
