As the California sunshine warms my body and mind, I find myself riding along the coastal boardwalk. My steed of choice is gently helping me enjoy the day. Even though I am pedaling, there is an unseen force pulling me along the path. Today’s carefree attitude has my smile wide and noticeable. Such is an afternoon on an IZIP E3 Zuma.

Turning inland, the up-coming grade in the road offers no resistance. An easy downshift seems unneeded, but happens all the same. The electric-assist on the IZIP E3 Zuma is at the ready with a twist of the hand-throttle, but I leave in in PAS (pedal assist system) mode and smoothly continue. The easy flow of the ride matches my present desires as I glide along the roadway.

Cresting the rise, I notice my speed building slightly. Today’s ride is all about relaxation, so a mild tug on the brake levers check my progress. The solid feel of the disc brakes is there if I need it, but there is no need for it now. Turning onto India St, I now blend into flow of the tourists. None of them notice or suspect that I am at the controls of a high-powered E-bike. And that is just fine with me.

At the pace I am riding, I can take in the local sights and let my spirits flow. Passing sidewalk cafes, I silently pass without gaining attention. The diners go about their business as I go on my way. Looking the part of a everyday beach cruiser, my IZIP E3 Zuma has nearly hidden assets that try to beckon me to pick-up the tempo of this mellow ride.

I figure a little extra power released by the rear hub motor wouldn’t cut into my state of mind and roll on the throttle a bit. But just a little, as the day doesn’t call for the kind of speed this E-bike offers, at least for now. I turn to go south towards the heart of downtown. A few gentle stops and starts correspond to the red lights I encounter. Soon, the road opens up and I arrive at the coast again. At this point I can ride the bike path and avoid the city traffic.

The IZIP E3 Zuma tempts me to experience some of it’s massive power, but I manage to resist. The comfy saddle and smooth riding tires add to my floating mood as I play the part of a bike tourist. Along the waterway, I see a few people checking out me and my bike, but figure it is the shiny green paint and classic lines that is catching their attention. As I stop to look closer at one of the tall ships, another rider pulls up near me and stops too.

She is also riding an E-bike and is quick to strike up a conversation. She notices the brand new IZIP E3 Zuma I am riding and is quite interested in knowing some more about it. She likes the looks and has read online about the power and range of this bike that far exceeds her 2 year-old E-bike. She apparently is in no hurry today either and next thing you know, I am offering her a chance to try it out.

So we swap bikes and start to ride. I already knew she wanted to really wring it out, so it was no surprise when she started zooming off at quite a tick. She swung back around and zipped by me going the other way with the biggest of smiles. After her test ride, I could tell the bike made an impression on her. I told her of some of the groups we ride with, and soon we were back on our own ways.

I could relate to how she felt because I have ridden this bike hard many times and know just how fast and exciting it is. Even still, I was back to my easy riding style for the day. I maintained my cruising pace as I rode up the coast. This bike doesn’t care if your going fast or slow, it can handle both. Another hour went by as I approached the bay near my house.

I was feeling the need for some dinner soon and it was time to make the inland turn towards home. It had been a easy-going fun day and as much as I didn’t want to see it end, the time was drawing near. Up ahead was a long climbing grade the leads to my neighborhood. This grade is one of the reasons my wife and I got our first E-bikes four years ago. I switched the IZIP E3 Zuma into TAG (twist and go) mode and attacked the hill. Still not using full power, and with some mild pedaling, I zoomed up the grade like it barely existed.

Pulling into my driveway, I noticed the battery power lights were not even wavering after a long, long ride. The large capacity battery and the motor’s efficient use of power are a welcome feeling when you have ridden so far from home. So, as I tucked the Zuma into its spot and hooked up the charger, I knew it would be ready for the next fun ride.

If any of this sounds like the kind of experience you are looking for in an E-bike, then look into an IZIP E3 Zuma for your next bike. Thanks for listening, Turbo Bob.

“Just as the ideal of classic Greek culture was the most perfect harmony of mind and body, so a human and a bicycle are the perfect synthesis of body and machine.”—Richard Ballantine, Richards’ Ultimate Bicycle Book.

“The author of this post…Bob is a long-time cyclist living in San Diego, California.

With favorable weather conditions, he and his wife Barbara, ride often.

They each have an E-bike, along with a small fleet of vintage Schwinns.

Activities include: Art, Photography, Model aviation, Model railroading.

Visit Bob’s blog on E-bikes, Folding bikes. Bike rides, and Vintage Schwinns.”