We present to you a novelty on the market of folding electric bicycles from China, PVY Z20 Pro. It is a classic puzzle, the design of which we already know well thanks to other brands. It offers a 250 W motor, a 10.4 Ah battery with a maximum range of around 50-80 km.
In the review, we will look at the processing quality of individual components and focus mainly on driving characteristics and overall comfort or performance.
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Technical specifications
| Model | PVY Z20 Pro |
|---|---|
| Dimensions when folded | 645 x 890 x 380 mm |
| Dimensions in disassembled state | 117 x 156 x 620 mm |
| Weight | 25 kg. |
| Motor | 250 W with a maximum power of 500 W |
| Drums | 36 V 10.4 Ah lithium battery |
| driver | 42 V / 20 A |
| Range on one charge | 50 - 80 km |
| Maximum load | 120 kg. |
| Recommended rider height | 150 - 190 cm |
| Tires | 20 "x 2.3" |
| Brzdy | mechanical disc |
| Shifter | 6-speed Shimano |
| cushioning | front fork with the possibility of a lock |
| Display | Yes |
| Lighting | front LED for battery |
Content and quality of packaging
The PVY Z20 Pro electric bicycle was brought to us by DPD courier in a relatively large and heavy box. Its total weight was around 34 kg and dimensions 90.5 x 66 x 41 cm. The box is made of thick cardboard, so it won't get damaged easily.
Even so, the bike is packed very well inside. Almost all parts that could be damaged are beautifully wrapped in foam reinforcement or silicone. The quality of the packaging is so excellent, which we highly appreciate.
We also received a pair of gifts, a motorcycle cover and a smartphone holder. Of course, the tarpaulin can also be used for a bicycle, so it will protect it from dust during storage, for example during the winter. As for the smartphone holder, it is an ordinary plastic one, not of very high quality. However, free gifts are always a nice surprise.
After opening the box, in the upper part there is a box with a charger, tools necessary for assembly, paper documentation, pedals, a rear reflector and a front LED light. After removing a lot of foam padding, we get to the bike itself, which is assembled with the handlebars, pedals and seat removed.
Simple and quick assembly even without instructions
At the outset, we must point out that assembly is very simple and quick. You won't find any procedure with illustrations in the manual, but the whole process is intuitive and you can do it even without the manual.
The most time consuming part of the whole process was removing all the protective elements and tapes that actually protect almost every part of the bike. The first steps led to fixing the handlebars.
For this operation, it is enough to insert the rod leading from the handlebar into its place, which is helped by the arrows shown on the joint of the individual parts. After correct insertion, simply fold down the handlebars using the lever and fix them with a screw that becomes accessible by folding down the handlebars.
This was followed by fixing the seat, which does not need to be described in any special way. The pedals are also simply screwed in and tightened using the included wrench. The last step was fixing the rear reflector and the front LED light.
It was the front light that gave us the most trouble, as the nut of the screw is relatively difficult to access with the open-end wrench that is included in the package. The curious thing is that the front LED light is battery-powered, so it is not powered by the bicycle battery. This is a rather unconventional solution for an electric bicycle.
Quality of workmanship and design
Quality is often a big question mark with Chinese bikes, and it's not always the best. However, the PVY Z20 Pro impresses at first glance with its very good processing and beautiful painting. The frame is aluminum and up to four coats were used for painting, which is very respectable.
The whole bike is relatively massive, which was also reflected in the weight. It represents approximately 25 kg, which is not small at all. The bike is quite heavy to carry, whether you take it down or not. Structurally, it resembles, for example, a competitor Fiido D4S.
The design is nothing new, but for us it is a successful piece. We like the wheels, the whole structure or even the simple but modern display on the handlebars. Overall, we have to admit that we really like the look of the bike.
Customization and folding options
The PVY Z20 Pro bicycle has height-adjustable handlebars and a seat, which makes it suitable for figures with a height of approximately 150 cm to 190 cm. Our editor, who tested the bike, is 185 cm tall, and these customization options were completely sufficient for him. The handlebars can be adjusted to a height of 108 to 125 cm from the ground and the seat to a height of 76 to 110 cm.
The maximum rider weight stated by the manufacturer is 120 kg, so the bike is suitable for most figures. We also appreciate the massive stand, which holds the bike very stably.
As for the composition, there is also nothing new here. You can get the bike into the folded state by folding down the handlebars using the lever and folding the entire bike in half in the central frame. Here, a small fuse and another lever are used for unlocking. In this condition, the bike has dimensions of 645 x 890 x 380 cm and you can easily transport it in the trunk of a car, even if it takes up quite a lot of space.
Not very good suspension and brakes
Unfortunately, like other electric bikes in this price range, not everything is perfect. Perhaps the worst part is the front suspension fork, which is spring-loaded and does not have the best stiffness. When going faster over bumps, it often hits its limit, with a banging sound coming from it. We do not recommend taking the bike off-road.
As for the brakes, they are mechanical disc brakes, not hydraulic. The size of the disc is 160 mm and the levers are pleasant to press, but the effectiveness of the brakes is weaker. An electric bike would definitely deserve better brakes.
The problem is that, similar to electric scooters, the brakes do not have a pair of plates. Each has only one brake disc, which presses on the disc from one side. In addition, the disc is not perfectly straight, and therefore it rubs in some places. The brakes even whistle.
Performance and control
The PVY Z20 Pro has an electric brushless motor, which is located in the rear hub of the wheel. Its nominal power is 250 W, maximum 500 W. The maximum speed is 25 km/h, but there is the possibility of unlocking to a higher speed, 32 km/h. We will talk about how to unlock the speed later.
On the handlebars we find a relatively simple but elegant display that shows the current speed, driving mode, battery capacity and the distance traveled since the last switch on. There are four modes – one without motor assistance and three with electric motor support and speeds of 15 / 20 / 25 km/h.
All these modes are so-called assistance, which means that the electric motor is activated only if we turn the pedals (slowly is enough). Adding gas using the rotary lever only works up to a speed of 6 km/h.
How to unblock the speed to 32 km/h and what will it change? It is simple and very similar to other bikes or scooters from China. It is enough to hold both buttons on the display simultaneously for a few seconds, which will bring us to a special menu. Here the options P1 and P2 are available. The first option, P1, is used to switch units between km/h and mph. P2 is used to switch the maximum speed from 25 to 32 km/h.
And what else does unblocking change? The maximum speed of all modes increases to 18 / 25 and 32 km/h mainly, in all three modes the electric drive also works exclusively with the lever, without turning the pedals. The strange thing is that in this way we reach a maximum speed of 32 km/h in any of the three driving modes.
How about going uphill? It's not glory, but on the other hand, it's not that bad. It can cope with smaller hills, and although it will slow down considerably on steep hills, it will significantly help with the climb so that we don't have to exert ourselves too much.
Battery and endurance
In the central structure we find a 36V 10.4 Ah battery, which is removable. The key that comes with the bike serves this purpose. So you don't have to worry about someone stealing the battery from your bike in public.
The battery stays in place very well and we particularly appreciate the cover with rubber lining, which is located on the second part of the folding structure and protects the battery from water ingress.
The manufacturer indicates a maximum range of 50-80 km. 50 with purely electric drive and 80 km with pedal assistance. We tested the bike during the winter in temperatures close to freezing, so we did not test the total range for one ride. Considering the weight of the bike and the rider and the weather conditions, we would travel approximately 20 km per charge in electric mode without the help of pedals. With occasional engagement of the pedals, the range is of course extended.
You can recharge the flashlight in the bike using the included charger or even after removing it from the structure. The cover that protects the connector is relatively large and entirely rubber. It is located in the upper part of the central cross bar. In addition to the charging port, there is also a button for turning it on and off and a USB port, with which the battery can also be used as a power bank.
Comfort during driving and other components
As we have already mentioned in the previous chapters, the bike has front suspension, but a comfortable seat with moderate suspension and 20" inflatable tires also contribute to comfort during riding. These are really good, durable and comfortable.
We haven't mentioned gears yet. At the back we find a 6-speed Shimano derailleur and at the front one converter with 48 teeth. Here, everything works correctly, but we can't help the bike when riding fast, since heavier gears are missing.
Overall, the ride is comfortable and trouble-free, but as we mentioned earlier, the impression is spoiled by the knocking front fork. We also appreciate the painted fenders and the rear holder, which can also be used for a child's seat or small purchases.
PVY Z20 Pro: Final evaluation
The folding city bike Z20 Pro is a novelty from the PVY brand. It is based on a well-known construction similar to electric bicycles Fiido and brings a 250 W motor with a maximum power of 500 W. You will be pleased with the high-quality folding construction with good battery protection and high-quality painting.
The bike can be easily folded with the handlebars folded down, but its total weight is not low at all, at 28 kg. We also appreciate the height-adjustable handlebars, seat and cool display. You will also be pleased with the possibility of increasing the speed to 32 km/h.
The only negatives are weaker brakes and a lower-quality front fork, which fulfills its role, but you can easily hit its limits, where it knocks unpleasantly.
If we have convinced you to buy this electric bike, you already know where to buy it.
