Tenways has just launched its new CGO Compact e-bike in Europe, which is designed to fit into tight spaces such as car trunks, apartment corridors and train compartments.
To achieve this, the CGO Compact features small 20-inch wheels, folding pedals and handlebars with a swivel stem to create a slim, wall-hugging profile. The adjustable handlebar and low through frame also makes it suitable for a wide range of rider heights, so it could be a good shared e-bike for families. And its MIK HD rear carrier system is good for hauling up to 27kg (almost 60lbs) around town, with attachment points for extra accessories like a crate or child seat.
Tenways may not be a household name worldwide, but the Dutch-based Chinese e-bike company is making a name for itself in Europe with aggressive pricing, sleek design and more than 1,500 stores and service centers. And while the CGO Compact’s €1,999 (about $2,365) price isn’t cheap, it’s well below the €2,681 average for European e-bikes.
The company sells e-bikes in the US, but the CGO Compact is only available in Europe as of today. It features a 250W motor in the rear hub connected to a Gates Carbon belt drive for maintenance-free propulsion. It promises a range of up to 100km from its 500Wh removable battery, but its single-speed drivetrain produces just 45Nm of torque, making it best suited to relatively flat towns. If your commute deviates from the tarmac, then a suspension seatpost should help absorb the bumps. There’s also an integrated torque sensor to ensure smooth power delivery with the pedals, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes should keep any sudden stops under control.
The CGO Compact lives up to its name in terms of size, but it’s not that light. Weighs in at 19.8kg (nearly 44lbs) stripped, or 22.1kg (nearly 49lbs) with all the accessories you’ll want in a humid urban environment. This makes it heavier than many full e-bikes, even from Tenways, and less versatile than the excellent 20in folding Brompton G, which also weighs less but costs more than twice as much.