Cargo E-Bikes Comparison Review: Engwe LE20 vs Decathlon R500 vs Tern GSD S10

Providing ample storage space, e-cargo bikes are ideal for urban commuting, family transportation, and deliveries as they gradually become a part of our daily lives.

So, which cargo electric bike is worth buying? With so many options available, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to choose the electric cargo bike that best suits you. Today, we will focus on comparing three excellent products: the Engwe LE20, Decathlon R500, and Tern GSD S10. Each model has its unique features, and we will evaluate their pros and cons to help you decide which one is the best purchase.

A Brief Comparison Among Cargo E-Bikes

Here's a quick overview of the key specifications for each bike:

A Detailed Cargo Ebike Comparison: Engwe LE20 vs Decathlon R500 vs Tern GSD

Let's start with the visual appearance of the bikes. Except for the Decathlon R500, it's clear that the other two bikes feature a step-thru design, which is convenient for daily loads or carrying small children because you can get on and off the bike easily. Then do they have any respective features, advantages and disadvantages? The following content will give you the answer.

1. Engwe LE20

The Engwe LE20 is a super long-range electric cargo bike equipped with a 250W mid-drive motor, providing powerful performance for your daily commutes and cargo transportation needs. With its impressive torque of 100Nm, the Engwe LE20 makes your uphill rides less strenuous. Another noteworthy feature is that the bike is equipped with a torque sensor, which adapts to your pedaling rhythm and enhances your power based on your effort.

This cargo e-bike has 2 battery versions, the 1844Wh high-capacity dual battery version ensures that you can travel up to 350 kilometers without worrying about frequent recharging. In addition, this e-bike also has innovative Engwe flash charging accessory options, which charge quickly and make your travel convenient. Its carrying capacity is also notable, with a maximum load of 440 pounds (200kg), making it ideal for transporting heavy items.

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Pros:

• Affordable price: The Engwe LE20 is reasonably priced. The early bird discount price makes it suitable for riders who want to enter the cargo e-bike world without spending too much.
• Super long range: With an impressive maximum range of up to 350 kilometers, the LE20 ensures you can travel long distances without frequent recharging.
• Powerful power output: The e-bike provides ample 250W power for extended rides, catering to both daily commutes and heavier transport needs. In addition, the mid-drive motor offers better climbing ability.
• Flash charge (optional accessory): Utilizing 8A fast charging technology, the Engwe LE20 significantly reduces charging time. It only takes 2-3 hours to fully charge, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery and get back on the road in no time.
• High safety: Equipped with integrated turn signals, hydraulic brakes, and safety board, this cargo e-bike ensures safety and reliability when transporting your children.

Cons:

• Less sophisticated gear system: The Shimano 7-speed transmission simple and easy to use, making it suitable for daily urban commuting and standard load needs. However, it may not be ideal for riders who frequently encounter varying terrain.
• Weight: Among the three models, the LE20 is not as light as the Tern bikes and is the second heaviest. The design focuses on stability, but it may feel a bit heavy for users who need something more portable.
• Vehicle Size: Due to its design for carrying people or cargo, it is larger in size, which may makes it difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces. However, this does not affect parking on wide roads in daily life.

2. Decathlon R500

The Decathlon R500 is a versatile electric cargo bike designed for urban commuting and family transport. It features a powerful 250W rear wheel motor that provides smooth and reliable performance, allowing riders to easily tackle inclines and navigate through city traffic. The bike is equipped with a 672Wh battery, offering a maximum range of up to 90 kilometers on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commutes and errands.

In addition to its impressive performance, the R500 boasts a sturdy frame and a spacious cargo area, accommodating various loads with ease. The Decathlon R500 features a front light and rear light that enhance safety and visibility for riders during evening or low-light conditions.

Pros:

• Modularity: Compatible with Btwin accessories (child seat, bags, baskets, cushion)
• More gear options: the 8-speed transmission is particularly useful for uphill, downhill, or varying load conditions.
• Smooth Riding Experience: The 26-inch double-layered aluminum front wheel features 36 spokes for extra strength, and the 20-inch rear wheel reduces loads for a more stable bike.

Cons:

• No fast charging function: The long charging time of 4 hours and 40 minutes, which can delay riders from quickly getting on the road, is a disadvantage for those who need to use their bike frequently.
• Limited acceleration and climbing ability: The hub-motor and A torque of 58 Nm may hinder performance, making it challenging for users to tackle steep inclines or carry heavy loads efficiently, which could lead to a less enjoyable riding experience.
• Less load capacity: Unlike the Engwe LE20 and Tern GSD S10, which both have a load capacity of 440lb (200 kg), the R500's load capacity is only 170 kg. This lower capacity means you won't be able to carry as much cargo in a single trip, reducing work efficiency.

3. Tern GSD S10

The Tern GSD S10 is a feature-rich electric cargo bike. Unlike the two models mentioned earlier, it incorporates a foldable design. Whether you're storing it at home or loading it into the trunk of a car, this bike offers exceptional flexibility, making travel more convenient. As a popular model in the Tern GSD bike series, it is equipped with a Bosch Cargo Line motor that provides up to 85 Nm of torque and Shimano 10-speed drivetrain, delivering powerful performance for cargo transport and family commuting. It also features a sturdy aluminum frame capable of supporting a combined weight of up to 440 pounds for both rider and cargo.

Equipped with Bosch dual-battery system, this Tern cargo bike can reach up to 195 km. What’s more, the Atlas wheels feature custom CNC machined hubs for extra strength and durability.

Pros:

• Excellent Gear System: The 10-speed Shimano Deore1 gear system provides smooth and reliable shifting, allowing riders to tackle various terrains without issue.
• Foldable design and vertical parking: won’t take up a lot of floor space and can be easy to store in a small living space.
• Superior Build Quality: The Tern GSD S10 is known for its robust construction and high-quality components, making it a long-term investment for those who prioritize durability and performance.

Cons:

• High Price: The Tern GSD S10 is the most expensive option in this comparison. While it offers premium features, the high price tag may not be justifiable for casual users or those with a limited budget.
• Shorter range: The GSD bike offers two battery options. If you choose the 400Wh capacity battery version, the maximum distance you can ride is 85 kilometers, which may not be suitable for riders looking to embark on long-distance adventures exceeding 100 kilometers. If you opt for the 900Wh capacity battery version, the maximum distance is 195 kilometers, which is nearly half of the range of the Engwe LE20.
• Not supported for fast charging: Equipped with a 4A charger, this tern electric cargo bike does not support fast charging, resulting in longer charging times, which may not be suitable for riders who need to set off quickly.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

When choosing an electric cargo bike, you need to consider the following factors: load capacity, motor power, battery range, folding and portability, shifting system, comfort and price etc.

Based on our Engwe LE20 vs Decathlon R500 vs vs Tern GSD S10 comparison, here’s a summary of the strengths of each bike:

• The Engwe LE20 is reasonably priced, with strong power, long battery life, excellent cargo capacity, and high safety. It also features a unique fast-charging accessory, making it a great choice for riders seeking high cost-performance.
• The Decathlon R500 is suitable for riding on slightly complex terrain.
• The Tern GSD S10 has high performance, is foldable, and is suitable for riders with a higher budget.

After comparing the Engwe LE20, Decathlon R500, and Tern GSD S10, it’s clear that each electric bicycle has its pros and cons, making them suitable for different types of riders. You can choose based on your daily needs and budget. If you prioritize practicality and affordability, then the Engwe LE20 might be your best option.

As this guide has shown, each electric bike provides something distinct to meet the needs of various riders. Whether you prioritize affordability or premium performance, there's an e-bike perfectly suited for you.

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