The Engwe P275 Review: The Sophisticated Commuter for the Modern Londoner

In a market dominated by rugged, aggressive "fat tyre" bikes, the Engwe P275 arrives as a breath of fresh air. It is sleek, silent, and incredibly efficient.

While models like the M20 shout for attention, the P275 whispers. It is designed for the serious urban commuter—the rider who needs to get from Zone 4 to the City via the Cycle Superhighway, arriving fresh, clean, and on time.

If you are looking for a true car replacement for the streets of London, here is why the Engwe P275 series (Pro and ST) should be at the top of your list.

1. Design: Minimalist Elegance

The first thing you notice about the P275 is its design. It doesn't look like a sci-fi gadget; it looks like a premium, modern bicycle.

• The Frame: Crafted from aluminium alloy with smoothed welds, it has a clean, "unibody" aesthetic.
• The Riding Position: It offers an upright Dutch-style riding position. This is ideal for London traffic, giving you excellent visibility over cars and keeping your back comfortable during long rides.
• The Look: Available in subtle, matte colours (typically Black/Orange or White/Orange combinations), it fits perfectly outside a coffee shop in Shoreditch or an office block in Canary Wharf.

2. The Range: A Game Changer

The headline feature of the P275 is, without a doubt, the battery life.

Engwe claims an staggering range of up to 260km (161 miles) in Eco mode on a single charge.

Even if we are conservative and account for British winds and stop-start traffic, you are looking at a bike that can easily handle a week's worth of commuting without needing to see a plug socket.

The Samsung cells battery (19.2Ah) is tucked neatly behind the seat tube, keeping the bike balanced and visually tidy.

3. The Drive System: Silence is Golden

This is where the P275 splits into two distinct experiences, but both are excellent for the city.

The P275 Pro (The Premium Choice):

• Gates Carbon Belt Drive: Say goodbye to rusty, greasy chains. The Pro version uses a carbon belt which is silent, maintenance-free, and won't ruin your trousers with oil grease.
• Automatic Gearing: It features a Bafang 3-speed automatic gear hub. You don't need to think about shifting; the bike does it for you. It is the ultimate "get on and go" experience.

The P275 ST (The Sportier Choice):

• Traditional Chain: It uses a reliable Shimano 9-speed gear system, giving you more control if you prefer to tackle steeper hills manually.

4. Ride Quality: The "Magic" Torque Sensor

Unlike cheaper e-bikes that use a cadence sensor (where the motor kicks in with a jolt after you start pedalling), the P275 uses a Torque Sensor.

Why does this matter?

The bike measures how hard you are pushing on the pedals and matches your effort instantly. The result is a ride that feels incredibly natural and intuitive. It doesn't feel like the bike is dragging you along; it feels like you have bionic legs.

Rolling on 27.5-inch wheels with anti-puncture urban tyres, it glides over tarmac much more efficiently than its fat-tyre cousins.

5. Practicality for the City

• Weight: At roughly 25kg, it is lighter than many e-bikes in its class, making it easier to manoeuvre into bike storage.
• Lighting: Integrated front and rear lights run off the main battery.
• Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes ensure you can stop safely, even in typical British drizzle.

Engwe P275 Pro Specs at a Glance

The Verdict

The Engwe P275 is not an off-road toy; it is a serious tool for the urban environment.

Pros:

• Class-leading range (potential for 100+ miles real world).
• Torque sensor provides a premium, natural ride feel.
• Low maintenance (especially the Pro with the Belt Drive).
• Elegant, non-aggressive design.

Cons:

• Lack of suspension (rely on tyre pressure for comfort).
• Not suitable for off-roading or deep mud.

If your primary goal is commuting in London with style, efficiency, and minimum maintenance, the Engwe P275 is arguably the best bike Engwe has ever produced for the city rider.

Disclaimer: UK Regulation

The Engwe P275 is sold as a street-legal pedelec in the UK. It is limited to 250W continuous power and 15.5mph assistance, making it fully legal to ride on roads and cycle paths without a licence or insurance.