[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] British bicycle brand ENGWE has unveiled the Zip, a low-cost folding electric bike that supports USB-C charging.

On May 28 local time, EV outlet Electrek reported that ENGWE highlighted the ability to charge the battery using a standard laptop charger as a key feature as it introduced the Zip.

The focus of the product is portability and a universal charging method. ENGWE explained that when folded, the Zip shrinks to about the size of a 20-inch suitcase and can be folded in about 3 seconds. The company said it was designed for easy storage in tight spaces such as apartments, elevators, inside trains or under office desks.

It also stressed that the bike weighs 16.9 kg without the battery and about 19 kg with the battery, making it lighter than the larger folding e-bikes and fat-tire models that have recently increased. The battery is a 360Wh LG battery integrated inside the frame. It uses a removable design to improve convenience for charging and maintenance.

Riding performance is set to meet European e-bike standards. The Zip supports a 250W rear hub motor and 40Nm of torque, and its top speed is limited to 25 km per hour. It also explained that applying a torque sensor delivers a more natural and smoother assisted ride feel than the low-cost cadence sensor method that only detects pedal rotation.

ENGWE put the maximum range at 120 km. However, that figure is based on a low assist level and ideal conditions, and the range could be shorter in actual city riding.

The most noticeable feature is support for 100W USB-C PD charging. It is designed to be charged with a standard laptop charger without a dedicated charger. As a result, it can be topped up easily using a USB-C charger at places such as schools or offices. The battery can also be used like a power bank to charge smart devices.

Its battery placement method is also unusual. The battery sits inside a front-mounted bag but is physically fixed to the bike body. ENGWE expects this to reduce the risk of battery theft when parked outside.

The price is 999 euros (about 1.75 million won). At that price, it includes hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, integrated lighting, torque-sensor-based pedal assist and a suspension seatpost. Front and rear suspension are excluded, but it added features intended to improve ride comfort.

The industry is also assessing that the product shows a change in ENGWE's product strategy. ENGWE has been known as a brand focused on thick-tire folding e-bikes or budget models, but this time the analysis is that it has focused on lighter, more refined urban mobility.

Market trends are also changing. Recently in the e-bike market, demand has been rising again for lightweight commuter models that stress portability and real-world usability, rather than large fat-tire or moped-style products. There is also an assessment that the Zip is not at a level to compete directly with premium folding brands such as Brompton. Instead, the analysis is that it is meaningful in offering an urban e-bike option that can actually be carried at a relatively lower price point.

The industry is paying attention to the possibility that USB-C-based universal charging and portability-focused design could expand in the low-cost e-bike market as well.