One of the cons I listed for the Engwe E26 was simple: it’s a big bike that may not fit shorter riders. The Engwe L16 is built the other way. It rolls on small 16 in fat tires with a low step-through frame, and Engwe’s fit tool shows riders as short as 4’11”. It also offers a second battery, and Engwe claims up to 150 miles of range with both. I haven’t ridden it. Everything below comes from Engwe’s official L16 page, checked on Oct 28, 2026 and linked at the bottom.
Small wheels, low frame
Engwe built the L16 around 16 x 4.0 in fat tires and a steel step-through frame, with a standover height of 14.9 in. The marketing line is “No leg lift. No back bend.”, and the page says you can get on in a skirt, a suit or slippers. The handlebar adjusts through 60 degrees, the saddle is extra wide, and there’s a front suspension fork. Engwe also says the wheels are cast, so there are no spokes to break.
There’s one catch on fit. The size chart lists riders from 4.0 ft to 6.0 ft, while the fit tool on the same page runs from 4’11” to 6’1”. If you’re near either end, ask Engwe before you order.
One battery or two
The standard L16 has a 48V 18Ah battery built into the frame, and Engwe rates it at up to 70 miles in pedal assist level 1. The dual battery version adds a 48V 23Ah pack that mounts on the rear rack and ships separately, and Engwe rates the pair at up to 150 miles, also in its lowest assist level. Real-world range at higher assist will be lower, as it is on any e-bike. Charging takes 6 to 7 hours with the included 3A charger.
That second battery adds weight. Engwe lists the single battery L16 at 87.3 lb and the dual battery version at 100.8 lb.
Motor, brakes and speed
The motor is rated at 750W with a 1500W peak and 75 Nm of torque. Engwe lists a top speed of 28 mph. The spec list doesn’t include a class or a throttle, so confirm both with Engwe, and check your local rules in our e-bike laws hub. Brakes are 160mm hydraulic discs, shifting is a Shimano 7-speed, and the display is an LCD. Engwe rates the bike IPX4.
Carrying things
Engwe pitches the L16 as a car replacement for errands, and the page shows it with a child seat, a front basket and a rear rack basket. On Oct 28, 2026, the rear basket was listed as a free gift with an L16 purchase. Front and rear fenders come in the box. Payload is listed at 264 lb, which is lower than the 330 lb Engwe lists for the E26 and EP-2 Pro, so heavier riders who plan to carry cargo should do the math.
How it fits with the Engwe bikes I’ve reviewed
The E26 I rode hauled me up every incline I tried at about 200 lb, but it’s a big bike on 26 in tires. The L16 has 16 in wheels and a frame aimed at shorter riders. I also rode the Engwe EP-2 Pro, which uses 20 in fat tires and folds to fit in a car trunk; the L16 doesn’t fold, and even the single battery version is about 21 lb heavier than the 66 lb Engwe listed for the EP-2 Pro. If you want a step-through Engwe with more climbing power, my E26 3.0 dual motor review covers the bike that got me up a steep gravel peak on throttle alone. For more options, see my best e-bike for seniors guide.
FAQ
Have I ridden the Engwe L16?
No. I haven’t ridden it. I rode and filmed the Engwe E26, E26 3.0 dual motor and EP-2 Pro, and this page compares the L16 with them using Engwe’s published specs.
How tall do you need to be for the L16?
Engwe’s fit tool shows riders from 4’11” to 6’1”, and its size chart says 4.0 ft to 6.0 ft. Standover is 14.9 in.
Is the 150 mile range real?
That’s Engwe’s figure for the dual battery version in pedal assist mode 1, level 1, under controlled conditions. Expect less at higher assist levels.
How heavy is it?
Engwe lists 87.3 lb with one battery and 100.8 lb with two.
Does the L16 fold?
Engwe doesn’t list it as a folding bike, and the specs don’t include a folded size.
Pros and cons (from the specs and sources)
Pros: 14.9 in standover with a step-through frame; fit tool starts at 4’11”; 75 Nm motor; hydraulic brakes; front suspension; optional second battery with up to 150 miles rated; fenders included; cast wheels; $649 starting price on Oct 28, 2026.
Cons: 87.3 lb even with one battery; 100.8 lb with two; 264 lb payload; no class or throttle listed; doesn’t fold; two different rider height ranges on the same page; 6 to 7 hour charging.
Who it’s for
On paper, the L16 fits shorter riders and anyone who wants a very low step-through for errands and easy rides, especially riders who want range more than light weight. If you have to lift your bike, or you and your cargo add up to more than 264 lb, look at the other Engwe models first.
Price
As of Oct 28, 2026, the Engwe L16 was $649 for the single battery version, down from a listed $1,299, and $999 for the dual battery version, down from $1,799. Both came in Champagne and Black, all in stock. The link redirects to Engwe’s US store at us.engwe.com.
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
