Tenways has just launched its new CGO Compact electric bike in Europe, designed to fit in tight spaces like car trunks, apartment hallways, and train compartments.
To achieve this goal, the CGO Compact is equipped with small 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar with a slim, wall-hugging profile. The adjustable steering column and low step through frame also make it suitable for a wide range of rider heights, so it could be a good e-bike for families. And its MIK HD rear carrier system is good for hauling up to 27 kg (about 60 pounds) around town, with mounting points for extra accessories like a crate or child seat.
Tenways may not be a household name globally, but the Chinese e-bike company headquartered in the Netherlands is making a name for itself in Europe thanks to 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 tag 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 for sale in Europe to date. It has a 250W rear hub motor 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 so it’s best suited for relatively flat towns. The suspension seatpost should help absorb the bumps if your ride strays from the asphalt. There’s also an integrated torque sensor to ensure smooth delivery of pedal-assisted power, 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. It weighs 19.8 kg (about 44 pounds) or 22.1 kg (about 49 pounds) with all the accessories you’d want in a wet urban environment. This makes it heavier than many full-size e-bikes, even Tenways, and less versatile than the excellent 20-inch Brompton G foldable, which also weighs less but costs more than twice as much.
