⚙️ Gear Count

The Engwe ENGWE P20 comes with a single-speed drivetrain, compared with the category average of seven speeds. That means the P20 offers only one fixed gear ratio for pedaling and motor assistance, whereas most other e-bikes let you shift through seven distinct gears. Riders on the P20 will experience the same pedaling resistance whether they’re starting from a stop, cruising on flat ground, or climbing a small incline. In contrast, a seven-speed setup typically covers a wider range of riding conditions by letting you choose lower gears for easy hill climbs and higher gears for faster flats.

For riders who travel mostly on flat city streets or bike paths and prefer a simple, low-maintenance setup, the P20’s one-speed design can be an advantage. With no derailleurs or shifters to adjust, there’s less to clean, tune, or break, and you can focus on a straightforward ride. However, if your route includes steeper hills or you value the ability to fine-tune your pedaling effort—say, from a comfortable cadence of around 60 revolutions per minute on climbs up to 6–8 percent grade to a faster 80 rpm on flats—a multi-speed e-bike with seven gears will offer significant flexibility and efficiency gains.

Ultimately, the single-speed P20 suits commuters whose daily rides stay under moderate gradients and who value simplicity over performance tuning. But riders tackling varied terrain, carrying heavier loads, or covering longer distances may find the average seven-speed e-bike better matched to their needs, thanks to a broader gear range and more precise control over pedaling effort.