Easy, Affordable High-Performance, eBike

The TENWAYS electric bike CGO600 model is a single-speed e-bike designed for city riding, featuring classic bike messenger styling that hides almost all traces of electric assist with the battery tightly integrated into the bike and the exceptionally compact, lightweight design of a powerful rear hub motor. Covered within this review are the bikes' design performance and features, including its torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, and Gates Carbon drive system.

We evaluate its value and who this eBike is best suited for and compare main differences with the recently introduced CGO600 Pro e-bike which is also part of the Tenways City Road Series designed for city commutes and shorter urban journeys where its single-speed drive makes these feature-packed eBikes efficient when riding and easy to use.

OUR TAKE

We liked that this sporty e-bike appears like a regular bike – but it’s not. We found the bike’s rear hub motor responds exceptionally quickly, the ride has an exceptionally smooth feel to it and is really quiet, with the frame being light enough, so if you do decide to turn the power off, you can easily enjoy the CGO600 like a regular bicycle plus, it’s lightweight to carry for a short distance or up a few flights of stairs.

TENWAYS, a maker of e-bikes, focuses on urban commuting, with lightweight design as a core emphasis of all its eBikes. The CGO600 model is part of the commuter road series, powerful enough to weave through crowded streets and lightweight enough to be lifted by a single hand. You can go to the grocery store, commute to work or take an adventure ride just for fun and not have to worry about getting a flat as both tires are puncture-proof.

Tenways has also launched an extended-range model, the CGO600 PRO which has several additional features we compare below. Tenways has released a range extender power pack, once connected to the eBike, starts charging the main battery, so the battery can continue to support your ride simultaneously providing an additional 180 Wh of extra power and greater range. The power extender can be found at Tenways online under accessories.

Trust Our Reviews

Our team knows what makes good bike equipment – including indoor bikes, rowers, treadmills, ellipticals, and strength equipment. If it’s good, it’s good; if it’s bad, then it’s bad, we will tell you. Over the ten years, we have tested and published equipment reviews. We get hands-on with gear and discuss overall design, tech, and function, including the feel, price, and drill down on components such as the battery, screen display (if applicable), adjustment features, ease of use, noise levels, and durability and setup.

Based on extensive use and testing, we discuss, summarize, and compare equipment to help you determine if this item is the one for you.

When testing and evaluating the Tenways CGO600 eBike, we compared it to similar belt-driven comparable electric bike models such as the Ride1Up Roadster V2 Urban Lightweight Electric Bike.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CGO600 eBIKE

THE PROS:

• Classic bike messenger styling with hidden electric assist

• designed for city commutes and shorter journeys where a single-speed drive makes it simple and easy to ride

• motor engages instantly, with no lag-time

• Gates Carbon Drive system - smoother, quieter, maintenance-free

• Torque Sensor operates fast and smoother pedal assist transition

• Great Hydraulic disc brakes, easy to maintain.

• Three power levels for pedal assistance

• Light and easy to lift with a net weight of only 33.1 lbs. or 15 kg.

• Very Helpful and Responsive Customer Service

• Can use this e-Bike without the battery, like a regular bike

•  2-year warranty (5 years on the frame & front fork)

THE CONS:

• Small battery pack with no portability option or easy removal

• The single-speed design may not appeal to all riders.

• Sporty frame design but might not work if you are wearing a skirt and may prefer a step-thru model like the CGO800S Tenways eBike version.

• No real suspension. A trade-off for the Aluminum frame being so light you do feel the bumps if you are going over cobblestones and such for instance.

• Have to manually turn on the back USB-chargeable light. Front-light controlled from the handlebar.

Design and Look

The CGO 600 e-bike has an uncluttered, clean look with a sleek yet bold modern, stylish frame design. This bike projects a contemporary aesthetic that is absolutely suited to urban environments and is available in several cool eye-catching colors, including Midnight-Black, and Sky-Blue. (Neon Green and Silver were sold out at the time of writing). We particularly like the nice reflective detailing on the frame and around tire rims for a little more safety.

The bike’s frame is crafted from aerospace-grade lightweight aluminum, making it sturdy and agile, while the suspension fork and seat post provide a smooth and comfortable ride. We liked the build quality and high degree of workmanship such as with the weld joints that went into the bike. The clean lines and uncluttered design of the CGO 600 eBike make it a standout option for riders who value both form and function.

Features and Performance

Standout Feature Summary

A Tenways CGO600 electric bike was made to be used in an urban city ride environment, featuring a single-speed design that's ideal for riders who want a simple yet quality e-bike. It is equipped with a fast, accurate torque sensor, that ensures the pedal assist comes on quickly and feels smooth, providing a comfortable, effortless ride, requiring less energy consumption than the typical e-bike. The bike's hydraulic disc brakes, once broken in, respond instantly and require little maintenance (which we will discuss more later, and its Gates Carbon Drive system replaces the conventional bicycle chain, making for a smoother feeling ride that is super quiet, and overall, makes ownership of this bike maintenance-free.

The CGO-600 bike's lighter-than-average net weight (which includes the battery) for an e-bike makes it easy to carry upstairs or onto public transportation. 

The bike also comes with a 4-digit passcode that you can set via a small LCD display located on the handlebar that also acts as an onboard trip computer as well as the power button. The Tenways App also be used to do the same.

BIKE WEIGHT:

Net Weight: 33.1 lbs / 15 kg¹ 

Full-Weight: 35.2 lbs / 16 kg with accessories

¹ Net weight includes the battery but excludes all accessories.
 Full weight includes the battery and all accessories.

Three Features: make the CGO600 an Excellent low maintenance Choice

1. Brushless Hub Motor

   The Motor used by Tenways for the CGO600 Road Series bikes was developed by Mivice which started in 2003 making scooter motors and since 2017 developed a solid reputation for building powerful, compact, e-bike motors which have been proven to be reliable.

   A brushless hub motor is mounted in the hub of the rear wheel. Unlike traditional electric motors, it does not have brushes or a commutator, which reduces friction and wear, providing greater durability, so it will last longer. Instead of brushes the hub motor uses electronic circuits to control the flow of electricity to its coils, which creates a magnetic field that drives the motor and is part of the reason why it’s quieter.

   There are several advantages to using a brushless hub motor. First, it is more efficient than traditional motors because it has fewer moving parts and produces less heat. This means it can convert a higher percentage of the battery's energy into forward motion. Additionally, the lack of brushes means that there is a lot less need for maintenance or replacement, which can save money, hassle, and time during the life of the bike.

   Finally, because the motor is mounted in the rear hub of the wheel, it provides a low center of gravity, which improves stability and handling. In short, the CG0600 brushless hub motor is a reliable, efficient, and low-maintenance option for powering the CGO600 and the electric bike.

2. Gates Carbon Drive System

   A Gates Carbon Drive System is a type of bike drivetrain that replaces the traditional metal chain with a belt made of a carbon fiber composite material. The belt is toothed like a chain and fits onto a set of specially designed sprockets. This system offers several advantages over traditional chains, including being quieter, cleaner, and requiring hardly any maintenance.  

   While we did find this to be true, the CGO600 is exceptionally quiet, but a month's riding was not enough time to determine any maintenance issues. Tenways however, states the CGO600 bike is built to go the distance for up to 18,000 miles without any maintenance worries.

   The belt doesn't need to be lubricated and does not stretch or wear as quickly as a metal chain. Additionally, the Carbon belt Drive system is often used on e-bikes because it can handle the increased torque and power output of electric motors better than traditional chains. The Gates Carbon Drive system on the CGO600 e-bike is a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional chain-based bike drivetrains.

3. What is a Magnetic Torque Sensor

   A magnetic torque sensor is an advanced technology used in some of the more expensive electric bike models and is included with both the CGO 600 eBike and CGO600 Pro model to help reduce energy consumption and be responsive when acceleration is required. This sensor measures the amount of force applied by the rider to the pedals and then uses that information to control the power output of the motor accordingly. This means the motor can provide smooth and seamless assistance, giving the rider the feeling of a regular bike ride.

   Compared with other types of sensors, such as cadence or speed sensors, magnetic torque sensors are more precise and responsive. If good they provide a more natural feel and efficient ride, as the motor kicks in immediately and dynamically adjusts the assistance to the rider's pedaling input in real-time, rather than simply following a pre-set program. This results in a more relaxing and enjoyable ride and helps to extend the battery life, as the motor is only activated when needed — so less battery energy is used. For those interested, all this data is collected by the Tenways APP that comes included with your bike purchase.

   The magnetic torque sensor is an excellent addition to an e-bike like the CGO600 Road Series, as it provides a higher level of control and precision, making the ride more natural and saving battery life.

Range and Battery

The Tenways CGO600 model eBike comes with a small 36V, 7Ah (252Wh) battery, that is cleverly integrated into the down tube of the bike frame but is not removable. The standard CGO600 battery provides a range of up to 43 miles (70 km) per charge, according to the manufacturer, and has a battery charging time of approximately 4.5 hours, our experience was just north of 2 hours. We did manage to get two good days of riding for just under 35 miles (56 kilometers), but with several inclines before having to recharge. To get a greater range on your ride Tenways now offers the option to add a Battery Pack Extender compatible with all its eBikes. You can find this and other accessories at Tenways online.

If battery portability or range is a dealbreaker, we then recommend looking at the CGO600 Pro model which does have a longer range, easy-to-remove battery. While the standard CGO600 battery pack provides sufficient power for most urban commutes, it may not be enough for longer rides or on more demanding terrain.

Even though the CGO600 battery pack cannot be removed for charging, which may be an issue for some, it does provide the benefit of worry-free riding as you do not have to lug a battery pack around when this e-bike is left unattended outside, at a restaurant, cafe, store, or at work.

A primary challenge with the smaller battery is that it limits the range of the bike to approximately 45 miles (72 km), and if you need to charge it, you must bring the entire bike to a power outlet. We found this not to be a big deal in the city but again for some riders, this could prove inconvenient, especially so for those who don't have a garage or other secure space equipped with the power to store their bike and need to carry it upstairs or inside a building to charge. Additionally, on longer rides, it can be a drawback if you need to charge the battery during the ride you have to find a power outlet and then leave the bike to charge.

eBike Battery Life 

Regarding the battery life, Tenways claims that the CGO600 bike has a range of up to 45 miles (70km) per charge-assisted riding mileage. However, in real-world conditions, the actual range can vary depending on factors such as rider weight, the terrain, and the level of pedal assist used, Tenways recommends storing the battery in a 45°- 85-degree environment (7- 30° Celsius for those in Europe).

If you park your bike at work, the range left for the ride home would depend on the distance and terrain of your commute, as well as the level of pedal assist used during the journey. If your commute is within the bike's range, and you use the pedal assist judiciously, the battery should have enough charge for the ride home. However, if your commute is longer than the bike's range, or if you plan to use the highest level of pedal assist throughout the ride, you may need to recharge the battery before heading back. 

For riders who need more range or flexibility in charging their battery, this could be a deal-breaker. TENWAYS has recently released Battery Range Extender and a new eBike model, the CGO600 Pro with greater Range and a portable easily removed battery pack.

MYN Pro Tip: If necessary, the CGO600 Battery can be replaced if it dies or something unusual happens to it. We recommend you contact the Customer Service Team for the steps to do this and how to order a replacement.

Tenways Monitor and App

Located on the handlebars is the digital OLED display and control unit, which allows you to adjust the pedal assist (PAS) from 1 to 3 or set a security password, which offers some protection against theft. The proximity of the control unit to the handlebar grips made it easy to adjust the power on the go.

Additionally, the Tenways App supports the e-bike, providing a remote interface to monitor battery life and track your ride history. The app records each ride and tracks battery usage, allowing it to learn about your cycling style and power use. To use the app, you need to start and stop each ride, and the app will automatically connect to the bike via Bluetooth. Annoyingly, it's necessary to pair the app with the bike each time you use it, but this is quick to do by selecting your bike name from a dropdown menu in the app.

Who is a CGO600 eBike Best Suited For?

The Tenways electric bike is well-matched for urban-city riders who want a quality yet worry-free, quality e-bike that won't stretch their budget too far but offers some useful features. It is ideal for riders who prefer a single-speed design but want a boost of power for getting over the bridge or traveling at higher speeds without breaking a sweat.

eBike Accessories

There are several accessories that can be added to a Tenways CGO600 e-bike to increase safety and make it more functional and convenient for urban riding. Below are some examples:

HANDLEBAR RISER

If You prefer a slightly more upright seating position. You can install an adjustable handlebar riser as the original stem of the CGO600 is fixed. See this one on Amazon by Delta but be careful when doing this so as not to overly stretch the electric cables or brake tubes. If you are unsure, have a Bike Shop Pro install it for you.

LIGHTS

 While the bike does come with integrated front and rear lights, additional lights can be added to increase visibility and safety when riding at night or in low-light conditions. We will mention that the front light on the CGO600 Pro is excellent.

RACK AND PANNIERS

For riders who need to carry items such as groceries, work supplies, or personal belongings, adding a rear rack and panniers can be a great option. This allows the rider to easily carry items without having to wear a backpack or messenger bag.

FENDERS

In wet or muddy conditions, fenders can help keep riders and the bike clean and dry.

PHONE HOLDER

A phone holder can be mounted on the handlebars to keep the rider's phone easily accessible for navigation or music while riding.

BELL

A bell is included - a useful accessory to have to signal pedestrians or other riders when passing or approaching.

CHILD BIKESEAT:

You can add a child seat for the back of the CGO600. The one we tested is Thule Yeti Maxi Rack Mounted bike seat. It is super sturdy and keeps your child very safe if you have an accident as it “hugs” and cradles the child inside the durable frame. It is well worth the price. We found the best price on Amazon in 3 colors. And remember to always put a helmet on no matter what! Bike but safely.

Delivery and Assembly

The Tenways CGO600 bike ships quickly (usually 2-5 days) and comes with a well laid-out instructions manual and all the tools, you will need to assemble and prepare the bike to ride. Delivery in the U.S. is usually via USP and for EU and other countries by DHL Parcel.

We found assembly easy, with almost 90% of the main components pre-assembled. Overall, individual components of the CGO600 fit together well and the bike was straight-forward to put together, once unpacked should take 15 to 30 minutes. It should be mentioned that Tenways bikes are extremely well packed for shipping to prevent scratches and any damage to the frame or wheels.

CGO600 PRICE / VALUE

The Tenways CGO600 e-Bike model is regularly priced at $1,799, which may be a bit steep for some look for sale events, especially considering the smaller battery pack. Tenways accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and Shop Pay, an Affirm Partnership where you can pay monthy. There is also an interest-free finance option offered by Klarna for Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Netherlands.

SUMMER DEAL:

CGO600 is $1,799 ($300 through end of May + accessories bundle $187)            CGO600 PRO is $1899 ($117 accessories bundle included FREE)

However, the high satisfaction and a widely held consensus of the majority of owners of the CGO600 is that this e-bike offers tremendous value. The bike's quick response, super smooth ride together with options like the quality torque sensor and hydraulic disc brakes make it awesome value compared to similar belt-driven competitors like the ROADSTER V2 by Ride1up Urban Electric Bike.

Tenways offers a 2-year warranty on all its e-bikes with 5 years on the frame & front fork.

Other E-bike Options:

Co-Op Cycles CTY e1.1 Electric Bike
REI ALL City E-bikes

Available on Amazon below are:

FREEFORCE Fairmount 20-in Electric Commuter Bike
Heybike Cityscape Electric Bike

In the End – Final Thoughts

Overall, the Tenways CGO600 e-bike is an easy and intuitive well-designed choice for any urban rider, whether an experienced or first-time e-bike rider. The bike's smooth and responsive electric assist, combined with its simple single-speed delivers —makes it relaxing to ride and a good choice for a commuter or anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use e-bike for running errands and such. Pedaling on this bike certainly feels natural, with the electric assist providing a smooth boost that handles flawlessly, performs quickly, and is responsive.

That said, if you cannot live with the integrated battery design, we then would recommend the CGO600 Pro model recently released with its easily removed portable battery pack and with further range. See the comparison chart above.

The Tenways CGO600 e-bike was intended to be a basic and easy electric bike to use, even for first-time e-bike riders in urban settings. The torque sensor is one of the main standout highlights that make this bike so easy to use, as it provides enough assistance that is directly proportional to the amount of force applied to the pedals and allows for efficient consumption battery. This means the bike then feels extremely speedy yet normal to pedal on, with the electric assist kicking in just when needed and tapering off gently as you gain speed.

Because the CGO600 e-bike is a single-speed bike, there's also no need to worry about shifting gears, and more straightforward for riders who are used to more traditional bicycles. This simplicity also means that the bike requires less maintenance overall.

Key Differences: CGO600 vs. CGO600 PRO

The four main differences between the Tenways CGO600 eBike and the newer CGO600 Pro are the latter model is equipped with a recessed headlight design, an easily removable battery pack, better battery capacity (longer range), and an adjustable handlebar stem.

• The handlebar stem angle of CGO600 Pro can be adjusted upwards to 90 degrees and downwards to 20 degrees. The provided stem of the CGO600 has a fixed position. However, as we mentioned above you can get a handlebar riser. See this one on Amazon by Delta.

• The battery pack of CGO600 Pro can be easily removed to charge. You use a key to open the battery slot and then pull the battery out. On the CGO600 the battery is integrated into the frame of the bike and cannot be removed to charge.

• CGO600 Battery: 36V, 7Ah lithium-ion with Samsung/LG/Panasonic cells.

• Range: The CGO600 has Up to 70 km (43 miles) range

• CGO600 PRO: Battery: 36V, 10Ah Lithium-ion Battery with LG Cells.

• Range: on the CGO600 PRO US version: Up to 85 km (53 miles)

• Pro is equipped with a recessed headlight design and is rated at 20 Lux. Lux is a measurement of how far the light will reach.

• The CGO 600 Pro has slightly wider tires at 40 mm and puncture-proof 700C-sized tires. The CGO600 tires are approx. 40 mm is also puncture-proof. Both models have the same aluminum wheels.

• Range on the CGO600 PRO US version: Up to 85 km (53 miles). The CGO600 has Up to 70 km (43 miles) range.

  The CGO 600 Pro has slightly wider tires about 40 mm wider and are puncture-proof 700C-size Tires. The CGO600 tires a 40 mm narrower but still puncture proof. Both models have the same wheels.

SUMMER DEAL:

CGO600 is $1,799 ($300 through end of May + accessories bundle $187)            CGO600 PRO is $1899 ($117 accessories bundle included FREE)