Tenways: The Ultimate Shareable City E-Bike?
▼ Summary
– The Tenways CGO Compact is a shareable, €1,999 e-bike designed for multiple riders, as it quickly adjusts to fit different heights without tools.
– Its compact, foldable design with 20-inch wheels and a twistable handlebar makes it space-efficient for storage and transport in cars or trains.
– The bike provides a sturdy, comfortable ride with an upright geometry, wide tires, a heavy frame, and a robust rear carrier capable of holding significant weight.
– It features intuitive pedal-assist from a quiet 250W motor, but its single-speed and 45Nm torque limit its best performance to mostly flat terrain.
– Designed for European cities, it includes practical features like integrated lights, mudguards, and a good service network, though its app is basic and the seat post lacks theft protection.
Finding a high-quality electric bike that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a quest. The innovative approach from Tenways suggests a compelling alternative: invest in one well-designed e-bike and share it effortlessly with family or friends. This concept is embodied in the CGO Compact, a model engineered for adaptability. Over a two-week period, this e-bike seamlessly accommodated three riders of different sizes in my household, proving its worth as a versatile urban machine.
What makes sharing so practical is the bike’s thoughtful design. A low-step frame provides easy access, while a quick-release seat post and an ingeniously adjustable handlebar allow for tool-free size changes in mere seconds. Its compact nature is another major advantage. With 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar that swivels to lie flat, the bike presents a remarkably slim profile. This makes it easy to store against a wall at home or to slide into a car or onto a train without a fuss.
Despite its smaller footprint, the CGO Compact doesn’t compromise on ride quality. The geometry promotes a comfortable, upright riding position. Paired with wide 2.4-inch tires and a solid aluminum frame, which is surprisingly weighty for its class, the bike feels stable and planted on the road. This sturdy feel extends to its utility; the integrated rear carrier system is robust enough to handle a significant load of groceries or even a child seat.
The brand behind this bike, Tenways, has carved out a strong position in the European market. By utilizing reliable, off-the-shelf components and backing them with a widespread service network, they offer premium aesthetics and performance at a price point notably below the regional average. This focus on value and safety, without the worry of subscription upsells, is a significant part of their appeal.
Assembly was straightforward, taking about twenty minutes for someone familiar with direct-to-consumer bikes. The real magic, however, is in the adjustability. The Byschulz Speedlifter Twist Stem is a standout feature. A simple lever adjusts the handlebar height, and a pin release allows the entire unit to rotate sideways for compact storage. Everyone from my 5’5″ wife to my 6-foot self found a perfect fit almost instantly, and the suspension seatpost effectively smoothed out minor road imperfections.
On the road, the bike shines with its intuitive torque sensor. The 250W rear-hub motor delivers assistance that feels perfectly matched to your pedaling effort, making for a natural and quiet ride. While its single-speed setup and 45Nm of torque make it best suited for flatter terrain, it handled moderate inclines better than anticipated, outperforming other models with less torque. The pedal-assist cuts out at the EU-regulated 25 km/h (16 mph), but on downhills, the gearing allows for comfortable pedaling at higher speeds.
Practicality is clearly a priority. The bike comes fully equipped for city life with integrated lights, fenders, a bell, and a kickstand. A clever handle built into the frame aids in carrying it upstairs. The MIK HD rear carrier system is a highlight, offering a click-and-go solution for attaching bags or child seats with a impressive 27kg weight capacity. Battery performance was reliable, delivering over 40 miles on a charge, with helpful low-power alerts sent to a connected phone or watch.
The accompanying mobile app is functional but basic, primarily useful for changing the bike’s PIN code or locating service. Its promised ride-tracking feature failed to work during testing. It’s also worth noting that the quick-release seat post, while convenient for adjustment, could be a theft concern in some urban areas, as it lacks a secondary security lock.
Ultimately, the Tenways CGO Compact stands out as a brilliantly executed city e-bike. It delivers a superb, sturdy riding experience in a package that transforms to fit different riders and tight spaces with ease. Its shareable nature is a huge benefit, but its overall quality and thoughtful design are such that you might just want to keep it all to yourself.
(Source: The Verge)
