I felt a sense of familiarity with the flat tire you got far from home as I had the same thing happen here in Colorado Springs. I solved the problem by having a tire insert call Tannus Armour installed in each wheel. It is positioned between the tire and the tube providing 15 mm of protection on the top of the tube and 2 mm protection to the sides. Riding on the same area that I had gotten previous flats, I have never had a flat since getting the tanus armour installed. Here in the US it costs me $60 each tire including bike shop install on 20x3 inch tires. (Could have saved a bit if I was able to install them myself... but I'm totally non do it yourself capable.) And I see on their website it runs from 35 to 60 pounds in the UK not including installation based on size of tire. I do not mean for this post to sound like I'm a shill for Tannus Armour. I'm just a super happy customer who hopes and expects to never get another flat.
This review is invaluable to anyone trying to make their mind up between L20, L20 boost or Engine X. You covered all the info people would want to know about and helped me understand what the 'boost' is all about - thank you! I thought it might have been a button to get away from a stand still in the absence of a throttle, but I see it works whenever you want it. I like that but I thought the whole idea was to make a sort of legal throttle? I'm the same as you with the sensors too. I suppose it all depends on why you bought an ebike in the first place, to do the work or to help you work. Good job!
@e-VRC they have tried to make a legal throttle on it. But it's not supper responsive and does like 2mph or something. So not very useful really. In honesty I took the boost button to be a boost when advertised. Help when the bike struggles. That extra 25nm it gives really helps on hills or just to get you to 15.5mph quicker. Really glad you liked my review. My goal is always to try and give a fair but balanced opinion 🙂
Just actually realised you do reviews too lol. Like I've seen your vids but just realised it was you. You're feedback is cool. Thank you for the support. :)
Thank you for your review you have saved me from buying the L20 boost you have mixed up the sensors the L20 boost does not have a cadence sensor it has a torque sensor it senses how much effort you put into peddling and matches it that is why you are finding it more of an effort than your other bike that has a cadence sensor. It just detects the pedals are going round and give you max power. I am disabled and like you want my e-bike to do all the work I have spent a fortune on different e-bikes by different manufacturers and the best bike by far was the Engwe E26 but it was to big for me and I should have got the step through version but it had a cadence sensor and did 30 mph unlocked. So I bought the L20 to replace it like you I had the chance to go for the boost more torque boost button better display etc but the torque sensor put me off. So I just ordered the L20. When it came I was very happy it was just like the E26 except it’s top speed is 25 mph unlocked, I don’t know why Engwe chopped off 5mph from the E26 as it is basically the same motor (possibly because the smaller wheels). I was still thinking of buying the Boost to add to my collection thinking like you I could just keep pressing the boost button and it would help with the more challenging hilly routes me and a friend do. (That said the L20 copes pretty well even on the toughest hills) I was looking for reviews on the Boost to help me make a final decision there are not many because the bike is out off stock till the end of October, the fact it only does 20 mph is a deal breaker for me I already have trouble keeping up with my bike buddy on his E26. We live in Scotland and go touring all over the Highlands have three batteries each booking in to B&B’s to recharge we are off the beaten track so not bothering anyone at higher speeds (don’t see anyone for miles) and always reduce to 15mph in built up areas. We carry tools spare inner tubes puncture repair kits electric pump (its a task blowing up those fat tyres with a hand pump) I have had to take the back wheel of twice and repair a puncture and the front once in the middle of nowhere. (I have put Schwalbe puncture proof tyres on now that has cut out the punctures) As I say thanks for your review I will give it a miss.
@Maverick247 really glad I helped you. These bikes are alot of money and especially not satisfied with them. The L20 boost had so much potential and yet they chose to ruin it by restricting it 20mph. I do find the 25mph of the L20 odd too. My Engine X will get to 27mph with same size wheel and same power motor. I'd think that all the 250w Engwe bikes all have the sane motor. Maybe the sensor is different because of the display and that is why. Yeah another person in comments pointed out I'd mixed up the naming of the sensors lol. I did add a bit in description to correct my mistake. Sounds like you a d your friend have a great time exploring Scotland on your Ebikes 🙂
@@noob-ebike-guy I was thinking the E26 has a 20 amp controller the L20 is 18 amp I think that is the difference in speed why though I don’t know it uses the same 48v 16AH battery (I know the L20 comes with 13AH battery but they sell a 16AH version I have one) You can increase the output in the settings from 18 to a max of 26 (but I am sure it would go faster but burn out the controller) So after watching your video I just bought another L20 in a different colour I was thinking of buying another battery anyway and they are £300 I got the bike for £899 so a spare bike for £600 that I can rotate I have already nearly done 1000 miles in just over 2 months
@Maverick247 yeah. I mean at £900 you're basically paying £600 for the bike bits and £300 on the battery. For the sound of what you use it for, I personally would use my Engine X. That rear suspension makes a big difference. Although guessing you need the step through aspect. M20 dual battery I love the look of but annoying af they don't make a legal uk version. The L20 is far easier to switch over battery then the Engine X 5bf too 🙂
@@MarshalTriumph-p1h I bought them from Tredz they where only £40 looks like they are out of stock Amazon and Halfords do them but want £54.99 the tyre is the Schwalbe Super Moto X 20x4
I have an ADO Air s20 which is torque sensor and gear less system , it gets to 15.5 in under 3 seconds but i have to say, that speed it mind numbingly slow for me, and the bike does feel like it wants to go faster. my 20 inch 7 speed carreera folding bike gives me 25 on a normal day and i have overtaken 50cc mopeds on it, not bad for a 62 year old. i will be getting the throttle, which they send separately to get around stupid British laws. Then i will be able to derestrict the bike and get 25 out of it. This was a very honest review of a bike I was looking at and it turned me off getting the Engwe X , Im honestly very intrigued by your L20 so I will be looking in for your next review of it. Great to see Rhyl again, haven't been there for about 7 years. all my brothers live there and you have given me a hankering for a new visit.
Why did it put you off the Engine X? This was my L20 boost review. The Engine X is great, just the 50nm torque struggles with big hills. flat though or small hills its good. There is my Engine X review on here and the Ep2 pro. Basically same bike. Im hopefully going to get my next L20 boost review done over the next week :)
You have torque and cadence back to front. Torque means you have to put some effort, cadence just turn peddles and you get full power up to pas level your in .
Mate! I’m so glad I found your video. I’ve had my Boost for just over a week (first e-bike) and I was seriously concerned it had a fault. I emailed Engwe about it too. For me it felt like the assist after 2 added nothing. 3-5 just feel like 1-2. I tried deregulating the throttle but they didn’t seem to do a great deal. In the end, like you, I just got used to using boost - but this is surely draining battery and adds yet another process in to the ride which is just complicating. In hindsight I wish I’d gone for the L20 now myself. I am going to use this video to support my case with Engwe though. Maybe they’ll release a firmware update or something.
I fixed mine (puncture and new discs) but turned out my front tire had a thorn in too lol. So ordered a 2nd innertube that came today. Will fit that and then have another go and gie my opinion on the pedal assist levels :)
So I went out on mine again today and personally i cant tell any difference between any of the pedal assist modes. they all feel exactly the same to me. :)
@@noob-ebike-guyyeah, same. Engwe have said they’re going to send me a new controller, but I think it’s just the way the torque system works (I even think they added the boost to compensate). I also noticed on photos of the LCD panel it shows ‘eco, normal, sport’ - but there’s no obvious way to switch to these modes (if they exist).
I recognise some of your route as I live in North Wales too! I'm wondering now if I wait for the L20 Boost to come back on sale (forecast end of October), or buy the L20 in the green colour which I prefer? Engwe tell me when Boost come's back on sale, they will offer a 'Black' option! This will my first ever ebike which I'll use mainly to pop down the road and then up a 1/4mile farm track to visit my beehives. So after more riding time, do you think the L20 Boost is better than your Engine X which has similar running gear to the L20 - thoughts really appreciated as I'm confused!
@mr_wildgoose honestly? I don't know. Really still depends on price and how hilly where you live is? The Engine X has no issues at all with the H bridge in Rhyl or the road bridge that goes kimnel bay ti Towyn. It does struggle to get up the hill to the top part of Abergele castle though. And feels like it is straining the motor. That can't be great for it I'd guess. I need yo make a new video. After more riding I feel my L20 Boost is faulty. There is no difference in the 5 pedal assist modes, but there should be. So I don't technically know if it should be more powerful then mine without the boost. At a similar price I would still buy the boost instead of the standard L20 🙂
@@noob-ebike-guy I really would like to understand if the assistance level concern is a fault or a feature before I commit to buying a L20 Boost? Trawling on the internet and I've found you are not the only one who thinks the assistance level setting on the Boost is useless!!
Honestly that is an issue. Engwe customer support are based in China. Because of the time gap it is basically one reply a day. When I di make the new video I may name it pedal assist fault or something and ask viewers to comment how their bike is and if they have problems. As far as mine goes, I'm 95% confident that I will get the issue fixed, or I'll get a working replacement. However I'm not anticipating a quick resolution With the language barrier, sometimes it is hard to tell if they are answering politically or not quite understanding. Sometimes it's like they copy and paste from a manual. I so plan to make a video after I have a fully working boost and talk about how the process of getting it sorted went. But again I'd be shocked if that's soon. I can't really advise you if you should or shouldn't buy a boost or if its likely to be fully functional. If it's a batch flaw, the next ones will be a different batch as obviously not available atm. 🙂
@mr_wildgoose Engwe have said that the pedal assist should only be one setting. So they say my bike is how it is meant to be. I will still ask in groups if it actually is 🙂
I've also written to Engwe to ask if the concern you describe is a fault or a feature on the L20 Boost? If they come back and say they are all like that, then I'll buy the standard L20 instead!
you got that the wrong way round, the cadence is what you want, I have one of each, the torque sensor has a far better range as it work out what you are doing and doubles it or what ever its set to, the cadence sensor just looks to see if you are pedaling and pushes you up to 15, if its on level 5 or whatever you have it on. Subconsouisly you can let it doo too much and reduce its range.
@mr_wildgoose I'm not sure I'm happy with them tbh. My arms block a large bit of my view. I've bought some round cheap £4 ones that are under the handlebars and see alot more through those really. I live in a flat so bike leans on my wall. So don't want mirrors that extend beyond the handlebars. 2 pairs are working OK. But still himting for a pair I'm fully happy with 🙂
@noob-ebike-guy I've ordered two of the longer flexi mirrors to fit onto the centre cross bar. Hopefully they should just be long enough to see arourd my arms. I'll let you know how I get on with them!
@mr_wildgoose fingers crossed they are. It's a pain cos I hate messing with them. I just want ones o put on and don't have to adjust every time I use my bike lol 🙂
off ebay. although they seem to align with my arms lol. so not sure I'm fully happy with visability in that position. Ordered some cheap ones to go underneath too, :)
I felt a sense of familiarity with the flat tire you got far from home as I had the same thing happen here in Colorado Springs. I solved the problem by having a tire insert call Tannus Armour installed in each wheel. It is positioned between the tire and the tube providing 15 mm of protection on the top of the tube and 2 mm protection to the sides. Riding on the same area that I had gotten previous flats, I have never had a flat since getting the tanus armour installed. Here in the US it costs me $60 each tire including bike shop install on 20x3 inch tires. (Could have saved a bit if I was able to install them myself... but I'm totally non do it yourself capable.) And I see on their website it runs from 35 to 60 pounds in the UK not including installation based on size of tire. I do not mean for this post to sound like I'm a shill for Tannus Armour. I'm just a super happy customer who hopes and expects to never get another flat.
This review is invaluable to anyone trying to make their mind up between L20, L20 boost or Engine X. You covered all the info people would want to know about and helped me understand what the 'boost' is all about - thank you! I thought it might have been a button to get away from a stand still in the absence of a throttle, but I see it works whenever you want it. I like that but I thought the whole idea was to make a sort of legal throttle? I'm the same as you with the sensors too. I suppose it all depends on why you bought an ebike in the first place, to do the work or to help you work. Good job!
@e-VRC they have tried to make a legal throttle on it. But it's not supper responsive and does like 2mph or something. So not very useful really.
In honesty I took the boost button to be a boost when advertised. Help when the bike struggles. That extra 25nm it gives really helps on hills or just to get you to 15.5mph quicker.
Really glad you liked my review. My goal is always to try and give a fair but balanced opinion 🙂
Just actually realised you do reviews too lol. Like I've seen your vids but just realised it was you. You're feedback is cool. Thank you for the support. :)
Thank you for your review you have saved me from buying the L20 boost you have mixed up the sensors the L20 boost does not have a cadence sensor it has a torque sensor it senses how much effort you put into peddling and matches it that is why you are finding it more of an effort than your other bike that has a cadence sensor. It just detects the pedals are going round and give you max power. I am disabled and like you want my e-bike to do all the work I have spent a fortune on different e-bikes by different manufacturers and the best bike by far was the Engwe E26 but it was to big for me and I should have got the step through version but it had a cadence sensor and did 30 mph unlocked. So I bought the L20 to replace it like you I had the chance to go for the boost more torque boost button better display etc but the torque sensor put me off. So I just ordered the L20. When it came I was very happy it was just like the E26 except it’s top speed is 25 mph unlocked, I don’t know why Engwe chopped off 5mph from the E26 as it is basically the same motor (possibly because the smaller wheels). I was still thinking of buying the Boost to add to my collection thinking like you I could just keep pressing the boost button and it would help with the more challenging hilly routes me and a friend do. (That said the L20 copes pretty well even on the toughest hills) I was looking for reviews on the Boost to help me make a final decision there are not many because the bike is out off stock till the end of October, the fact it only does 20 mph is a deal breaker for me I already have trouble keeping up with my bike buddy on his E26. We live in Scotland and go touring all over the Highlands have three batteries each booking in to B&B’s to recharge we are off the beaten track so not bothering anyone at higher speeds (don’t see anyone for miles) and always reduce to 15mph in built up areas. We carry tools spare inner tubes puncture repair kits electric pump (its a task blowing up those fat tyres with a hand pump) I have had to take the back wheel of twice and repair a puncture and the front once in the middle of nowhere. (I have put Schwalbe puncture proof tyres on now that has cut out the punctures) As I say thanks for your review I will give it a miss.
@Maverick247 really glad I helped you. These bikes are alot of money and especially not satisfied with them. The L20 boost had so much potential and yet they chose to ruin it by restricting it 20mph.
I do find the 25mph of the L20 odd too. My Engine X will get to 27mph with same size wheel and same power motor. I'd think that all the 250w Engwe bikes all have the sane motor. Maybe the sensor is different because of the display and that is why.
Yeah another person in comments pointed out I'd mixed up the naming of the sensors lol. I did add a bit in description to correct my mistake.
Sounds like you a d your friend have a great time exploring Scotland on your Ebikes 🙂
@@noob-ebike-guy I was thinking the E26 has a 20 amp controller the L20 is 18 amp I think that is the difference in speed why though I don’t know it uses the same 48v 16AH battery (I know the L20 comes with 13AH battery but they sell a 16AH version I have one) You can increase the output in the settings from 18 to a max of 26 (but I am sure it would go faster but burn out the controller) So after watching your video I just bought another L20 in a different colour I was thinking of buying another battery anyway and they are £300 I got the bike for £899 so a spare bike for £600 that I can rotate I have already nearly done 1000 miles in just over 2 months
@Maverick247 yeah. I mean at £900 you're basically paying £600 for the bike bits and £300 on the battery. For the sound of what you use it for, I personally would use my Engine X. That rear suspension makes a big difference. Although guessing you need the step through aspect. M20 dual battery I love the look of but annoying af they don't make a legal uk version.
The L20 is far easier to switch over battery then the Engine X 5bf too 🙂
Hi mate, can you post the link for the Schwalbe tyres...cheers.
@@MarshalTriumph-p1h I bought them from Tredz they where only £40 looks like they are out of stock Amazon and Halfords do them but want £54.99 the tyre is the Schwalbe Super Moto X 20x4
I have an ADO Air s20 which is torque sensor and gear less system , it gets to 15.5 in under 3 seconds but i have to say, that speed it mind numbingly slow for me, and the bike does feel like it wants to go faster. my 20 inch 7 speed carreera folding bike gives me 25 on a normal day and i have overtaken 50cc mopeds on it, not bad for a 62 year old. i will be getting the throttle, which they send separately to get around stupid British laws. Then i will be able to derestrict the bike and get 25 out of it.
This was a very honest review of a bike I was looking at and it turned me off getting the Engwe X , Im honestly very intrigued by your L20 so I will be looking in for your next review of it. Great to see Rhyl again, haven't been there for about 7 years. all my brothers live there and you have given me a hankering for a new visit.
Why did it put you off the Engine X? This was my L20 boost review. The Engine X is great, just the 50nm torque struggles with big hills. flat though or small hills its good. There is my Engine X review on here and the Ep2 pro. Basically same bike. Im hopefully going to get my next L20 boost review done over the next week :)
You have torque and cadence back to front. Torque means you have to put some effort, cadence just turn peddles and you get full power up to pas level your in .
@KennethWare-bn9vr yeah I know. Was told previously lol. So I added a bit in description to say they where mixed up. 🙂
Nice review and some interesting findings...thanks for posting.
@@MarshalTriumph-p1h glad you liked it. Thank you 🙂
i have the L20 SE , my 1st e-bike and im more than happy with 15.5mph...
Can always change that on the toach screen. If your on private property or have insurance of course 😅
Mate! I’m so glad I found your video. I’ve had my Boost for just over a week (first e-bike) and I was seriously concerned it had a fault. I emailed Engwe about it too. For me it felt like the assist after 2 added nothing. 3-5 just feel like 1-2. I tried deregulating the throttle but they didn’t seem to do a great deal. In the end, like you, I just got used to using boost - but this is surely draining battery and adds yet another process in to the ride which is just complicating. In hindsight I wish I’d gone for the L20 now myself. I am going to use this video to support my case with Engwe though. Maybe they’ll release a firmware update or something.
I fixed mine (puncture and new discs) but turned out my front tire had a thorn in too lol. So ordered a 2nd innertube that came today. Will fit that and then have another go and gie my opinion on the pedal assist levels :)
So I went out on mine again today and personally i cant tell any difference between any of the pedal assist modes. they all feel exactly the same to me. :)
@@noob-ebike-guyyeah, same. Engwe have said they’re going to send me a new controller, but I think it’s just the way the torque system works (I even think they added the boost to compensate). I also noticed on photos of the LCD panel it shows ‘eco, normal, sport’ - but there’s no obvious way to switch to these modes (if they exist).
@rokk spare parts are good but think it's how it's built so doubt it's worth swapping everything over 🙂
@@rokkThose modes are on the Fiido bikes, and by pressing continously on the mode button you get a rocket icon and then the bike flies... Literally.
I recognise some of your route as I live in North Wales too!
I'm wondering now if I wait for the L20 Boost to come back on sale (forecast end of October), or buy the L20 in the green colour which I prefer? Engwe tell me when Boost come's back on sale, they will offer a 'Black' option!
This will my first ever ebike which I'll use mainly to pop down the road and then up a 1/4mile farm track to visit my beehives. So after more riding time, do you think the L20 Boost is better than your Engine X which has similar running gear to the L20 - thoughts really appreciated as I'm confused!
@mr_wildgoose honestly? I don't know. Really still depends on price and how hilly where you live is? The Engine X has no issues at all with the H bridge in Rhyl or the road bridge that goes kimnel bay ti Towyn. It does struggle to get up the hill to the top part of Abergele castle though. And feels like it is straining the motor. That can't be great for it I'd guess.
I need yo make a new video. After more riding I feel my L20 Boost is faulty. There is no difference in the 5 pedal assist modes, but there should be. So I don't technically know if it should be more powerful then mine without the boost. At a similar price I would still buy the boost instead of the standard L20 🙂
@@noob-ebike-guy I really would like to understand if the assistance level concern is a fault or a feature before I commit to buying a L20 Boost?
Trawling on the internet and I've found you are not the only one who thinks the assistance level setting on the Boost is useless!!
Honestly that is an issue. Engwe customer support are based in China. Because of the time gap it is basically one reply a day. When I di make the new video I may name it pedal assist fault or something and ask viewers to comment how their bike is and if they have problems.
As far as mine goes, I'm 95% confident that I will get the issue fixed, or I'll get a working replacement. However I'm not anticipating a quick resolution
With the language barrier, sometimes it is hard to tell if they are answering politically or not quite understanding. Sometimes it's like they copy and paste from a manual.
I so plan to make a video after I have a fully working boost and talk about how the process of getting it sorted went. But again I'd be shocked if that's soon.
I can't really advise you if you should or shouldn't buy a boost or if its likely to be fully functional. If it's a batch flaw, the next ones will be a different batch as obviously not available atm. 🙂
@mr_wildgoose Engwe have said that the pedal assist should only be one setting. So they say my bike is how it is meant to be.
I will still ask in groups if it actually is 🙂
I've also written to Engwe to ask if the concern you describe is a fault or a feature on the L20 Boost? If they come back and say they are all like that, then I'll buy the standard L20 instead!
you got that the wrong way round, the cadence is what you want, I have one of each, the torque sensor has a far better range as it work out what you are doing and doubles it or what ever its set to, the cadence sensor just looks to see if you are pedaling and pushes you up to 15, if its on level 5 or whatever you have it on. Subconsouisly you can let it doo too much and reduce its range.
@dazid1 yeah I wrote that I got the sensors mixed up in the description lol. 🙂
How do you find those rear view mirrors? Where did you end up mounting them, I noticed they moved from the horizontal centre bar onto the main bar?
@mr_wildgoose I'm not sure I'm happy with them tbh. My arms block a large bit of my view. I've bought some round cheap £4 ones that are under the handlebars and see alot more through those really. I live in a flat so bike leans on my wall. So don't want mirrors that extend beyond the handlebars. 2 pairs are working OK. But still himting for a pair I'm fully happy with 🙂
@noob-ebike-guy I've ordered two of the longer flexi mirrors to fit onto the centre cross bar. Hopefully they should just be long enough to see arourd my arms. I'll let you know how I get on with them!
@mr_wildgoose fingers crossed they are. It's a pain cos I hate messing with them. I just want ones o put on and don't have to adjust every time I use my bike lol 🙂
@@noob-ebike-guy
Those mirrors on a stalk were terrible - don't bother!
@mr_wildgoose my new ones came today. Will fit and try them under bars tomorrow lol 🙂
Where you get the mirrors
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295684129097
off ebay. although they seem to align with my arms lol. so not sure I'm fully happy with visability in that position. Ordered some cheap ones to go underneath too, :)
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/176327694507
@@noob-ebike-guytry ones that screw into the handle bar ends, excellent views and they fold in.