Tenways AGO T Review, 2024 | A Classy Commuter That Rides As Good As It Looks

Tenways advertises that it is possible to travel up to 62 miles with a single charge of the AGO T’s 504 watt-hour (Wh) battery. We tested the bike’s battery life in two range tests using its highest and lowest PAS settings. The bookend values that resulted from this test were 26.0 and 61.5 miles.

We were pleased to meet Tenways’ advertised maximum range, though when compared to similar commuter e-bikes we have tested, the AGO T’s performance can be viewed as low-to-average. With the current averages for commuters in high-PAS tests being roughly 33.4 miles and 69 miles in low-assist tests, the bike’s results were notably different, though we still consider its range to be completely practical.

We attribute the bike’s performance to two main factors. First, the motor seemed to draw more power than we expected, resulting in relatively low efficiency – but this made sense based on the bike’s spirited, energetic feel. We estimated that our PAS 5 range test would yield roughly 36 miles and 2 hours of ride time based on the motor and battery specs. Our actual results showed around 27% less mileage and time.

Second, the motor has a power saving mode that made it somewhat difficult to determine when to end our Range Tests. We usually pedal until the motor suddenly stops producing noticeable power at 0%. In the case of the AGO T, we noticed an unusually pronounced drop in motor output at roughly 20% that decreased steadily as we continued. We halted our tests when there was no observable power from the motor at roughly 10%.

With more time on the bike, we likely would have adapted to this quirk, but regardless, we encourage Tenways to either alter the display settings to show 0% at this point, or allow the motor to draw a more appreciable level of power until 0% charge is shown.

Ultimately, the AGO T’s PAS 1 result of roughly 62 miles in this test shows a practical range for commuting. Those who prefer the maximum level of pedal assist may need to recharge after a round trip commute or a handful of short leisure rides. Those who are comfortable with riding slower or applying more effort, however, will likely be able to travel multiple round trips before needing to recharge.

Our test rider Justin performed the AGO T’s test with the maximum level of pedal assist in PAS 5. He successfully climbed the hill in 2 minutes and 1 second while traveling at an average speed of 9.0 miles per hour.

This test is not intended to be a competition; considering the nature of Hell Hole, we deem any e-bike that reaches the summit to be successful. With that in mind, the AGO T was slower in this test when compared to similar commuter e-bikes with 250W mid-drive motors – including Tenways’ “e-bike SUV,” the AGO X.

The main factor contributing to this result and placement is the AGO T’s motor output. The Bafang M420 mid-drive has a relatively impressive torque output of 80 Newton-meters (Nm), but where other mid-drives we’ve tested peaked above their nominal wattage, the AGO T’s motor does not reach beyond 250W.

We feel that this amount of output is fitting for the intended style and feel of the bike, though it is relatively low. It was enough to give the bike a peppy feel on flat ground, and it successfully made the job of conquering Hell Hole Trail significantly easier, though it is worth noting that riders should expect to put in a moderate amount of legwork when approaching hills.

We evaluated the AGO T’s brake system using the process explained above, and calculated its average stopping distance to be 23’-0”.

Compared to other commuter e-bikes we have tested, this result is well within our range of expected results, though it is somewhat slower than average. At the time of writing, the current average for the commuter category is 22-0”.

In practice, I found that the AGO T’s brakes matched its test results; the brakes felt effective and performed as expected. The bike’s 48mm (2”) wide tires encouraged a stable feel when braking, though they could “skate” somewhat when braking hard due to the minimal tread pattern on the bike’s fast-rolling CST street tires. This behavior is not unusual, and felt completely safe.

Ultimately, we consider the bike to be competently specced with a trustworthy brake system that balances its maximum speed of 20 mph.

Comfort is key on a commuter e-bike, and I am pleased to note that the AGO T was generally comfortable to ride. The upright riding position, ergonomic rubber grips, and Dutch-style handlebars were well-suited to the bike’s style and feel. Personally, I would likely choose a different saddle, as the Selle Royal model included with the bike felt firm, but I appreciated the adjustable stem that allowed me to adjust handlebar position and tailor the bike’s fit.

The AGO T’s handling was predictable and expected; with 28” wheels it did not feel particularly nimble nor sluggish, but rather somewhere pleasantly in between. The large wheels and wide tires helped to reduce the impact of bumps while keeping the ride stable. The suspension seatpost and fork added to the overall comfort as well by smoothing out any roughness in the paths I rode on.

In general, I liked the quick and responsive motor, though I experienced some inconsistencies in motor output during my personal evaluation. Particularly when on hills, I noticed an occasional sense of drag, where the motor seemed to softly cut in and out. Our mechanic worked with Bafang directly to perform a software update, which greatly improved the issues, but did not seem to completely eliminate them. Overall, this did not affect the bike’s performance and I doubt many riders would complain, but I urge Tenways to continue working with the motor manufacturer to diagnose and correct the problem.

Otherwise, I found the bike to be extremely easy to use, with a simple interface, color display, and Enviolo CVT. The bike also pairs through Bluetooth with the Tenways app, and while I was not able to find the security features it lists, the automatic ride tracking and navigation features were functional and useful.

The AGO T includes commuter essentials like integrated lights, fenders, and a cargo rack. I hoped to see brake light functionality in the tail light, but I was happy to see the StVZO-compliant, dual-LED headlight that prevents other drivers/cyclists from being blinded.

Overall, while there are some areas for improvement, I believe Tenways genuinely delivered a functional, classy, and comfortable Dutch-style commuter with solid ride quality.

Tenways clearly places a huge focus on aesthetics; this is an incredibly pleasing bike to look at, and it is likely to attract some attention on the road. With a torque-sensing mid-drive and Dutch styling, the bike is relaxing and comfortable, and rides naturally.

*Tenways is offering the Electric Bike Report audience $200 off when you use code: EBR200 at checkout.

We believe the bike is best for commuters seeking a unique, stylish means of traveling to work or school, but its reach may extend into leisure territory as well. With a step-thru frame, the bike is also well-suited to aging riders with limited range of motion.

Our testing showed two primary areas that could benefit from further improvement: slight inconsistencies in motor output and a conflict between the battery charge level and the actual power output from the motor. We hope Tenways addresses these items in the future, though they did not hugely affect the bike’s performance.

Overall, the AGO T showed respectable capability in all areas of our testing, with ideal power and speed distribution between settings, the ability to travel great distances on a single charge, reliable stopping power, and effective climbing ability.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Tenways AGO T down in our comments section.