Good electric bikes are expensive. So why not buy one and share it?
That’s the idea behind the Tenways CGO Compact e-bike. It adapts in seconds without any tools to comfortably fit riders of varying heights thanks to its low-entry frame, quick-release seat post, and height-adjustable handlebar.
It also takes up less space than an ordinary bike with its 20-inch wheels, folding pedals, and a handlebar that twists to create a slim, wall-hugging profile that goes flat inside a car or train.
The CGO Compact’s geometry puts riders into a comfortable upright body position. Combine that with wide tires and a heavy aluminum frame – heavier than many full-sized e-bikes – and it feels remarkably sturdy despite its size, with a rear carrier system strong enough to hold a child or a few days of groceries.
The shareable e-bike isn’t a new idea, but Tenways comes close to perfecting it with the €1,999 (about $2,365) CGO Compact.
Tenways CGO Compact e-bike
The Good
- Saddle and handlebar adjust quickly
- Twists and folds to go flat
- Rides big and sturdy
- Good hauling capacity for size
- No service upsells
- Low battery alerts
The Bad
- App is just fine
- Quick release seat easy to steal
Tenways, the Amsterdam-HQ’d e-bike company of Chinese origin, has been on a tear in Europe thanks to the post-pandemic chaos that took out much of its competition. The brand makes great looking e-bikes from off-the-shelf parts supported by a robust service network. Importantly, they sell below the €2,681 (about $3,160) e-bike average — expensive compared to the US, but far less likely to burst into flames.
The Tenways review e-bike arrived at the front door in a giant cardboard box. It seemed big enough to fit the CGO Compact fully assembled and with the handlebar twisted, yet the steering column and front wheel still required attachment. The e-bike took about 20 minutes to unbox, but assembling direct-to-consumer e-bikes is a frequent task for some.
Quickly adjusts to fit a rider who is 164cm (5ft 5in) tall.
The handlebars and shock-absorbing seat can be raised in seconds to fit a 183cm (6ft) frame.
Open the release to raise and lower the handlebars, lift that little pin to twist them out of the way.
The folding pedals help create a wall-hugging profile that’s easy to walk past.
The Byschulz Speedlifter Twist Stem allows for quick adjustment of the handlebar height and also enables it to twist out of the way for a slimmer profile. This feature requires a bit of practice to master.
The small LCD dashboard is bright and colorful even in the sun. A four-digit PIN code must be entered at power-on, which can only be changed in the rudimentary app over Bluetooth. This is the only theft-deterrence Tenways offers on the CGO Compact, meaning it avoids upsells on subscriptions or software-locked features.
Despite varying rider heights, from 164cm to 183cm (5ft 5in to 6 feet), the CGO Compact proved to be very comfortable. Adjusting the handlebar and saddle takes less than 10 seconds, and the suspension seatpost did a good job of soaking up small bumps. However, the seat’s quick release mechanism offers no additional security to prevent the post and saddle from being stolen, which is a concern in large European cities this bike targets.
The e-bike’s torque sensor provides an intuitive ride, adjusting the 250W rear-hub motor’s power to match pedal force. The motor operates quietly, with its sound often masked by the wide, 2.4-inch tires on asphalt.
The Tenways motor offers 45Nm of torque. Without additional gears, the CGO Compact is primarily suited for flatter terrains. However, it performed better than expected on hills, surpassing the 35Nm Raleigh One. For instance, a bridge with a 10 percent incline, which challenged the Raleigh One, could be crossed with a rolling start; otherwise, dismounting and pushing was necessary. On downhill slopes, the large chainring allows for comfortable pedaling at speeds near 30km/h without rapid leg movement. In Europe, pedal-assist ceases at 25km/h (16mph).
The bike avoids the twitchiness often associated with folding bikes that have shorter wheelbases, smaller 16-inch wheels, and narrow handlebars. Pedal-assist levels 3 or 4 out of 5 were generally used, with level 3 feeling most natural and level 4 suitable for faster travel.
The suspension seat post soaked up bumps on a variety of road surfaces.
A full battery charge allowed for travel up to 65kms (over 40 miles). Alerts were received on an iPhone and Apple Watch when the battery reached 10 percent, and power significantly decreased when the estimated range dropped to 4km. Recharging the 494.36Wh battery with the included charger took approximately 4.5 hours.
The CGO Compact appears designed for urban European environments. It includes integrated lighting, mudguards, a loud bell, a kickstand, and a partially covered transmission to protect clothing. The step-through frame’s crossbar also serves as a handle for carrying the bike up stairs.
For urban utility, the CGO Compact features the MIK HD rear carrier system, supporting loads up to 27kg (almost 60 pounds) for items like crates or child seats. Front mounting points are also available for a bottle cage or rack.
The Android and iOS app is functional but seldom essential. Its potential uses include purchasing accessories and insurance, initiating support chats, and locating service centers. While it claims to display riding data by date, this feature consistently showed zero values during testing.
The Tenways CGO Compact is priced at €1,999 (approximately $2,365). The riding experience is widely regarded as excellent. For servicing needs, Tenways maintains a robust network of local bike shops in Europe, ensuring support and access to readily available off-the-shelf parts.
The CGO Compact is a highly adaptable e-bike that offers a substantial ride while being able to store compactly, making it suitable for European city environments. Its design also makes it highly shareable.
CGO Compact Specs
- Tenways C9 Hub Motor (250W, 45Nm torque)
- Single-speed Gates CDN Carbon belt drive
- 494.36Wh removable battery
- Suspension seat post for Selle Royal saddle
- Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
- Byschulz Speedlifter Twist Stem
- Bike weight: 24kg (almost 53 pounds) with all accessories
- Max load: 145kg (320 pounds)
- MIK HD Rear Carrier system with 27kg (almost 60 pounds) max load
- Fits riders 160cm and 190cm (5ft 2in to 6ft 2in)
- Accessory mounting points on head tube
- Integrated front and rear lighting with daytime running light
- LCD display
- Basic app for iOS and Android
