The Z20 MAX e-Bike Maxes Out on Range, Power, and Convenience

As established OEMs rush to diversify their e-bike lineup and more companies get into the action with their own products, we're seeing higher-performance machines with longer ranges, higher quality components, and better tech reach the customer. Prices are also dropping, which should drive up the rate of e-bike adoption.

Some of the most popular mid-level e-bike companies got their start on crowdfunding some years back, building on the original impetus to design two-wheelers ideally suited for a particular target customer. PVY is on that list, with a focus on affordable city commuters that walk the fine line between what is essentially a budget product and a quality one.

The Z20 MAX e-bike, launched earlier this month, is a good example in this sense. Last June, autoevolution got to test and review its predecessor, the Z20 PRO, which we described as a budget-friendly commuter with a big secret. The Z20 MAX is also all these things, but the secret is bigger, because PVY has managed to cram it full with surprising functionality.

To the untrained eye, there's hardly any difference between the Z20 PRO and the Z20 MAX, but the devil is in the details – and the surprise in the bike's components. Power comes from an EU-standard 250W rear hub motor, but it now delivers 80Nm of torque and can be unlocked to its full potential, peaking at 750W.

Maximum speed is electronically limited for EU countries to the usual 25 kph (15.5 mph). Unlock the motor and it will take you as fast as 32 kph (20 mph), though bear in mind that this is legal only on private roads and private property if you live in any of these territories.

The bike comes with a folding aluminum alloy frame that holds dual batteries for a combined estimated range of 200 km (124 miles). PVY says this estimated range is achievable on PAS (pedal assist), meaning, using a combination of pedal and motor power. In moped-only mode, you can travel about 100 km (62 miles) before you need to recharge.

The list of features also includes hydraulic braking for improved stopping power and a torque sensor that guarantees instant delivery of motor power, without the usual delay you get with a cadence sensor – which was an issue with predecessor Z20 PRO.

The Z20 MAX has fork suspension and a rear mechanical shock absorber, steel fenders as standard, 20-inch wheels with wider tires, a color waterproof display, 7-speed Shimano gearshift, and a 6 kph (3.7 mph) walk mode that comes in handy when you want to roll your folded bike onto public transport or up city ramps.

You will want all the assistance you can get here since the Z20 MAX is no lightweight, tipping the scales at 27 kg (59.5 lb). That's a lot in today's context, where many e-bikes are going lighter, but not if you consider all the features and the fact that it was designed for riding outside of the city as well.

The Z20 MAX retails for €1,099 (approximately $1,200 at the current exchange rate) and is currently offered at a discount on the occasion of the recent launch.