Engwe L20 vs L20 Boost: Which is Best for Delivery Riders?

The original Engwe L20 electric bike has been with us for over a year and has become a good seller in the UK. The brand’s latest offering is the revised L20 Boost which features a torque sensor and a boost button, for an on-demand surge in power. But is the new model worth the extra money and how do both bikes compare when used for delivery riding?

I occasionally do Stuart Delivery as a side hustle. My local city of Plymouth, is an excellent testing ground for e-bikes due to its challenging hills. I still get sent e-bikes to review through my freelance writing work, which means I can test them in real-world delivery scenarios.

A Bit More About the Bikes

At a glance, the Engwe L20 and L20 Boost look identical. Both share the same frame, 624Wh battery and 250W rear hub motor. However, when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find some key differences. 

The original L20 uses a cadence pedal assist sensor that measures pedal rotation. The L20 Boost, on the other hand, is equipped with a torque sensor, which measures both pedal rotation and pedalling force. This allows for a more instant and responsive riding experience. 

Both bikes are sold as road-legal in the UK, with the maximum assisted speed capped at 15.5 mph. However, while the L20 has discernible differences between each assist level, the Boost does not. Instead, it has a dedicated button that activates a temporary power surge. This is especially useful for climbing steep hills or making quick getaways at traffic lights. 

Both bikes were delivered in sturdy boxes and required an hour for assembly. They’re both very heavy, weighing over 30 kg each, so you’ll need to keep that in mind. The assembly process for both bikes is the same. You will need to fit the handlebars, front cargo rack, front wheel and mudguard. This must be done correctly, as you don’t want anything to come loose whilst riding (more on that later). 

From the outset, the Engwe L20 impressed me with its performance. The 48v 250W hub motor makes riding in a hilly city like Plymouth much easier. However, you must pedal half a turn before the motor starts, which can be frustrating when starting on a hill. Once the assist kicks in, the power delivery is smooth and linear, taking you quickly up to the 15.5 mph cut-off point. 

Comfort-wise, the L20 scores highly. The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy, especially if you’re carrying a heavy backpack filled with groceries. The BMX-style handlebars provide an upright riding position, and even after three hours of riding, I had no complaints.

In terms of battery range, the L20 performed respectably. After covering 30 miles and climbing over 3,000 feet, the battery was down to one bar (out of five). Based on this, I estimate a maximum range of around 35 miles in hilly areas, assuming you’re using assist levels 3 or 4 most of the time (As a side note – I decided not to run the battery empty, as these bikes are tough going without electric assist).

Another strong point is the handling. The centrally mounted battery ensures good weight distribution, giving the bike a stable and balanced feel. The 4-inch-wide tyres and front suspension do an excellent job of absorbing the bumps and potholes of poorly maintained city streets. At low speeds, it feels cumbersome and takes a little getting used to.

The main downside of the L20 is its mechanical disc brakes, which feel underwhelming given the bike’s weight. They lack stopping power, feel spongy, and require a firm squeeze to work effectively. Upgrading to hydraulic brakes would make a world of difference.

Unfortunately, the inaugural test ride was not without its drama. I’d neglected to fully tighten the front mudguard securing bolt on the fork bridge. This resulted in the bolt coming loose – foolishly, I ignored the rattling. I was on a cycle path and hit a bump. This caused the mudguard to detach from the fork, wrap-around, and jam the front wheel while I was going around 12 mph. This sent me flying over the handlebars.

Thankfully, I only suffered minor bruising and gravel rash. The worst injury was a sprained shoulder rotator cuff, which meant I couldn’t ride for a week after the accident. Apart from that, the bike was relatively unscathed. Heed my warning—always make sure you tighten bolts properly—it could have been a lot worse had I been riding on the road.

I had high expectations for the L20 Boost, given its upgraded torque sensor and the addition of the boost button. Initially, the pedal assist felt much smoother and more responsive in level one. However, as I shifted through levels 2 to 5, I noticed no change in the assistance provided. It turns out that all five levels offer the same assist, with the boost button being the only way to access extra power.

To activate the boost, you need to press and hold the button for the desired amount of time. It does its job well, delivering a significant surge in power when pressed. Unfortunately, it can only be used for up to 60 seconds at a time, so tackling long, steep hills requires repeatedly pressing the button. Additionally, frequent use of the boost button drains the battery quickly. After a 23-mile delivery shift with 2,300 feet of climbing, the battery indicator had dropped to one bar. This is less efficient than the standard L20, which managed 30 miles on a tougher route.

Another disappointment was the torque sensor. On most e-bikes with this feature, the motor adjusts power based on how hard you pedal—light pedalling gives minimal assistance while pushing harder delivers more power. Unfortunately, the L20 Boost doesn’t quite work like that. The pedal assist kicks in with an initial surge of power, but then it tapers off and feels more like a standard cadence sensor. Even when you pedal harder, there’s no extra power, meaning you’re left relying on the boost button for additional assistance.

The problem is, that the single assist level doesn’t give quite enough power to enable comfortable cruising at 16 mph. Instead, every slight incline leaves you reaching for the boost button, which in turn drains your battery quicker. On the original L20, I can comfortably cruise at 15-16 mph in level 3 or 4. I think the Boost set-up would work best on flattish terrain with the occasional short and steep incline. On the long and steep hills of Devon and Cornwall, it’s not so good. 

Like the L20, the Boost model uses mechanical disc brakes. Given the higher price point of this model, this feels like a missed opportunity for Engwe to include hydraulic brakes as standard.

Specifications

The aluminium step-through frames of both bikes are well-designed and neatly finished. The L20 came in matt black, while the Boost is available in an attractive sea blue. Both frames feature clean welds and no visible imperfections. 

The 48V 250W rear hub motor is powerful and smooth. While Engwe claims the Boost model offers 75Nm of torque compared to the standard model’s 50Nm, I couldn’t detect a noticeable difference in performance. The Boost button simply replicates the standard L20’s highest assist level. The Boost motor is slightly quieter, but the original motor’s hum is only noticeable at full power.

Both bikes feature functional displays mounted by the left-handlebar grip. While the Boost’s colour display looks more sophisticated, it offers no additional functionality over the standard model’s monochrome display.

The 624Wh battery on the L20 should deliver a realistic range of 30-35 miles in moderately hilly conditions with a heavy (110 kg) rider. However, the Boost model drains its battery faster due to the frequent use of the boost button. I reckon 30 miles maximum in similar conditions.

Other shared features include sturdy metal mudguards, a tough kickstand, and cargo racks capable of carrying 13kg at the front and 25kg at the rear. Both bikes weigh a hefty 31kg, so they’re best suited to ground-floor storage.

Comfort and Sizing

At 6 feet tall, I found both models to be generally comfortable for extended rides. However, I did need to raise the seat post to just above the minimum insertion point to achieve a proper pedalling position. The step-through frame design made mounting and dismounting easy, especially when carrying a backpack or cargo. The upright riding position provided by the wide, high-rise handlebars felt natural and helped reduce strain on my back and shoulders during 2-3 hour shifts. Overall, the bikes are suitable for riders of various heights, but taller riders may need to adjust the seat and handlebars to optimise their comfort.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

After testing both models, I’d say either could be used for delivery side hustles, depending on where you plan to ride. For hillier terrain, the L20 is the better option, offering a more predictable riding experience with its five assist levels to choose from. The main drawback is the slight delay in power delivery from the cadence sensor, which can be frustrating on hill starts. On the other hand, if you prefer the instant response of a torque sensor, the L20 Boost might suit you better. However, with only one assist level and heavy reliance on the battery-draining boost button, it’s far more practical for flatter areas where the extra surge of power isn’t needed as often.