Tenways’ sleek e-bike bends and collapses to lay flat

Tenways has recently unveiled its new CGO Compact electric bicycle in Europe, which is designed to fit snugly into confined spaces such as car trunks, apartment corridors, and train carriages.

To facilitate this, the CGO Compact is equipped with compact 20-inch wheels, collapsible pedals, and a handlebar with a twistable stem to provide a narrow, wall-hugging silhouette. The adjustable steering column and low-step frame also cater to a diverse range of rider heights, making it an ideal sharable e-bike for families. Additionally, its MIK HD rear carrier system allows for transporting up to 27kg (nearly 60 pounds) around the city, with attachment points for extra accessories like a crate or child seat.

While Tenways might not be a well-known name internationally, the Chinese e-bike firm based in the Netherlands is carving out its niche in Europe through competitive pricing, stylized designs, and a network of over 1,500 shops and service locations. Although the CGO Compact’s price of €1,999 (around $2,365) is not inexpensive, it is significantly lower than the €2,681 average for e-bikes in Europe.

The company does offer e-bikes in the US, but the CGO Compact is currently available only in Europe. It features a 250W rear-hub motor linked to a Gates Carbon belt drive for hassle-free propulsion. It promises a range of up to 100km with its 500Wh removable battery, although its single-speed drivetrain produces only 45Nm of torque, making it more suitable for relatively flat urban settings. If your route does divert from paved paths, the suspension seat post should help in absorbing shocks. Moreover, there is an integrated torque sensor that guarantees smooth powered assistance, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes ensure that any abrupt stops can be managed effectively.

The CGO Compact certainly lives up to its name in terms of size, but it’s not particularly light. It tips the scales at 19.8kg (around 44 pounds) without extras, or 22.1kg (nearly 49 pounds) with all the necessary add-ons for wet urban environments. This weight makes it heavier than many full-sized e-bikes, even from Tenways, and less practical compared to the impressive 20-inch Brompton G foldable, which weighs less but comes at more than double the price.