Engwe’s new Zip folds with a single‑side front fork, carries up to 120 kg, and offers a 360 Wh battery that delivers up to 120 km of assisted riding. At €1,099 it adds a 100 W USB‑C Power‑Delivery charger and Bluetooth‑linked LCD, targeting commuters who need compact storage without sacrificing range.
Engwe has rolled out the Zip, a fold‑up electric bike that tries to blend commuter‑grade range with a suitcase‑size footprint. The bike folds along a single‑side front‑fork hinge, collapsing to 62.5 × 67.3 × 37.4 cm and weighing 19.4 kg (including the battery). The steel frame is rated for a 120 kg payload, so it can comfortably carry a rider plus a small backpack.

Powertrain and range
The Zip is driven by a 250 W rear hub motor that delivers 40 Nm of torque. Coupled with a 360 Wh removable battery, the system promises up to 120 km (≈75 mi) of assisted mileage on a single charge – a respectable figure for a bike in the sub‑€1,200 segment. The battery is EN50604‑certified and includes an integrated BMS, which protects against over‑charge, over‑discharge, and short‑circuit events.
USB‑C PD charging – a practical twist
What sets the Zip apart from most budget e‑bikes is the 100 W USB‑C Power‑Delivery input. In practice, this means you can top up the bike’s battery from a standard laptop charger, a power‑bank that supports PD, or any USB‑C wall adapter. The spec sheet lists a full charge time of roughly 4.5 hours using a 100 W charger, compared with the typical 6‑hour window on the 2‑A barrel plug found on many rivals.
Ride‑feel components
- Suspension – a modest seat‑tube fork smooths out city bumps without adding weight.
- Tires – 16 × 1.95 in urban hybrid tires provide a good balance between rolling resistance and grip on paved streets.
- Brakes – hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors deliver reliable stopping power, though the smaller rotor size may feel a touch light under hard braking compared with the 180 mm rotors on higher‑priced models.
- Display – a 3.2‑inch colour LCD shows speed, battery level, riding mode, and distance. Bluetooth connectivity streams the same data to a smartphone app, allowing firmware updates and ride statistics to be logged.
Pricing and colour options
Engwe offers the Zip in olive green and space gray for €1,099 (approximately $1,180). The price includes the removable battery, charger, and a basic lock‑up kit. Direct sales are handled through the official Engwe website, which ships worldwide.
How it stacks up against the competition
| Model | Motor | Battery | Range (claimed) | Folded size | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engwe Zip | 250 W rear hub | 360 Wh | 120 km | 62.5 × 67.3 × 37.4 cm | 19.4 kg | €1,099 |
| Brompton Electric | 250 W rear hub | 300 Wh | 70 km | 58 × 65 × 30 cm | 16.6 kg | €3,300 |
| Xiaomi QiCycle | 250 W rear hub | 280 Wh | 80 km | 65 × 70 × 35 cm | 18.5 kg | €1,200 |
The Zip’s range exceeds that of the Xiaomi QiCycle and comes close to the premium Brompton Electric, but it does so at a fraction of the price. The trade‑off is a heavier frame and smaller brake rotors, which may be noticeable on steep descents. The USB‑C PD charger is a convenience that neither competitor currently offers.
Who should consider the Zip?
- Urban commuters who need a bike that fits in a small apartment or office locker.
- Travelers who want a bike that can be packed into a car trunk or airline‑approved luggage case.
- Tech‑savvy riders who appreciate fast, universal charging and Bluetooth integration.
- Budget‑conscious buyers who want a respectable range without paying a premium for a folding system.
If you prioritize ultra‑light weight or high‑performance brakes, a more expensive folding e‑bike may be a better fit. For most city riders who value range, charging flexibility, and a price under €1,200, the Engwe Zip presents a compelling package.
Engwe’s official product page provides the full spec sheet and ordering details.

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