Engwe N1 Air Review: A Lightweight Urban Commuter with High-Tech Features
If you're in the market for a lightweight, stylish, and tech-packed electric bike, the Engwe N1 Air might just be the one for you. With its carbon fiber frame, anti-theft features, and impressive range, it stands out in the competitive urban e-bike market. But does it live up to expectations? Let's dive in.
Unboxing and Assembly
The N1 Air arrives in a compact, well-packaged box with all components neatly wrapped to prevent damage during transit. Assembly is straightforward and quick—just attach the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and seat. It took me about 20–30 minutes to set up, even without a manual (since my test version didn't include one). If you’re comfortable with a hex key, you’ll have no trouble getting this e-bike road-ready.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the N1 Air feels modern and refined. The carbon fiber frame is the standout feature—it gives the bike a sleek look while keeping the weight incredibly low at just 15.6 kg (34.3 lbs). This makes it one of the lightest e-bikes in its class and a dream to maneuver, especially in tight urban spaces. The compact form factor also means easy storage for apartment dwellers or commuters.
Specs and Features
Here’s a quick rundown of what the Engwe N1 Air brings to the table:
250W rear hub motor – Ideal for city commuting, offering smooth pedal assistance.
36V 10Ah removable lithium-ion battery – Provides a claimed range of up to 100 km (62 miles), which I found to be quite accurate in real-world use.
20-inch x 1.95-inch tires – Great for urban riding with a smooth and stable feel.
Mechanical disc brakes – Functional but could be improved.
Single-speed carbon belt drivetrain – Low maintenance and quiet, but not ideal for steep hills.
Minimalist LCD screen – Displays speed, battery level, and assist mode.
Riding Experience
The N1 Air is a zippy and responsive urban commuter. The 250W motor delivers smooth pedal assistance, making daily rides effortless. With a top speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph), it complies with most e-bike regulations in Europe and other regions.
Despite its lightweight build, the bike feels stable. The 20-inch tires provide decent grip and a comfortable ride on city streets. However, due to the lack of suspension, you’ll feel bumps on rougher roads—but that’s expected from a bike of this category.
Battery and Range
One of the most impressive aspects of this bike is its battery efficiency. Despite having a smaller 360Wh battery, the lightweight design allows for a claimed range of 100 km (62 miles). I tested the bike for about an hour (covering 25 km) with maximum pedal assist, and the battery only dropped to 80%. This suggests that the range estimates are fairly accurate under normal conditions.
Security Features: Built-In Anti-Theft System
One of the most unexpected and welcome surprises is the built-in alarm system. After connecting to the Engwe app, you can:
Track your bike's location in real time.
Trigger an alarm, even when the bike is off.
Enable navigation tracking for added security.
This level of anti-theft tech is rare in e-bikes at this price point, and I’m genuinely impressed.
Carbon Fiber: The Future of E-Bikes?
The use of carbon fiber is becoming a new trend in the e-bike industry, and the N1 Air embraces it fully. It’s exciting to see this premium material on a relatively affordable e-bike. Not only does it make the bike significantly lighter than aluminum or steel alternatives, but it also adds a sleek, high-end aesthetic.
Quirky Startup Sound?
A weird but amusing feature of this bike is the startup sound. When you power it on, it makes a computer-like boot-up noise—definitely unexpected. I’m not sure if this is just on my test model or a standard feature, but it’s something worth mentioning.
Areas for Improvement
While the Engwe N1 Air is a fantastic urban e-bike, there’s always room for refinement:
Mechanical disc brakes – These work fine, but at this price point, hydraulic brakes would be a better fit.
Frame component issues – The alarm system compartment on my test unit wasn’t installed properly.
Rear rack fitment – The separately shipped rear rack didn’t fit properly, though Engwe has assured that the production model will address this.
Aesthetic updates – A mudguard box around the chain will be included in the final release model, which is a nice touch.
Final Thoughts: Is the Engwe N1 Air Worth It?
The Engwe N1 Air represents a significant step forward for Engwe. Unlike their traditional fat tire e-bikes, this model is lighter, simpler, and more refined—aimed at an older and more urban-focused audience.
With a carbon fiber frame, built-in security features, and an impressive range, this is a strong contender in the urban e-bike market. The price is expected to be around €1400, which is a great deal for an e-bike with these high-end materials and features.
If you’re looking for a sleek, lightweight, and well-equipped commuter e-bike, the Engwe N1 Air is absolutely worth considering!
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