Turbo and the E3 Zuma enjoy a ride at the bayI’ve been riding this new IZIP E3 Zuma for about two weeks and I thought it was about time to put the kickstand down for a minute and tell you how I like it. The head honcho over at Currie Technologies had seen my bike blog and figured giving me some time on this redesigned IZIP E3 Zuma would allow me to get a feel for it. I’m glad he did, as I have been really enjoying myself with this test. Here’s the rundown.

Sporting a 500 watt rear hub motor supplied by a large capacity lithium battery, this good looking E-bike has some exceptional hill-climbing ability. The nice thing about having so much excess power, is if you use it wisely, you can get an incredible range from the battery. By leaving the bike in the PAS mode (pedal assist system), I have ridden over twenty-five miles on a charge, without seeing the battery level lights waver.

I find it very relaxing to use this mode when I am not in any big hurry. If I am, the higher speeds the IZIP E3 Zuma offers really gets me where I’m going in record time. The dual-control throttle system is easy to manipulate, and is just one of the things that Currie Technologies modified on this year’s model. When it comes to the many electric bikes I’ve ridden and tested, I find myself wishing more E-bikes had a motor control system like this one.

The bike has a very large rear rack and the battery slides cleanly into the center of it. The light-weight battery can be charged on or off the bike. The included charger is much nicer than most, with an internal cooling fan and a on-off switch. Of course, it is a smart charger, and even has a pair of indictor lights to keep you abreast of the progress during the charge cycle.

During your ride, some of the other changes for this year become obvious. The new handle bars are narrower and very comfortable. The solid Chromoly front forks pivots on the frame with a ahead stem system. This is the modern way to do it, and makes for a good up-grade. Also gone is the heavy suspension seat post, something that is not missed. The saddle and the handgrips are stylish and functional. Comfort is the name of the game there.

With oversized Avid disc bakes front and rear, you won’t be concerned about stopping when using the power this bike cranks out. They are cable controlled and very powerful with good modulation. The entire braking package is almost at the level of overkill, but that’s a good thing, right? Plus, just looking at these cool disc brakes will bring a smile to your face.

The seven-speed Shimano gear train has a wide range of ratios that add to your ride. Operated by a SRAM grip shift, the Acera derailleur never missed a beat. The shifter is on the left handlebar and you will get used to having it there very quickly. A great feature on this bike is the super low first gear. As much as I like this, I found the torque from the motor strong enough that I never used first gear on the hills I ride everyday.

A stout set of rims with stainless steel spokes are speced on both ends of the bike. This IZIP E3 Zuma has a stand-out color combo, with the rims being part of that color scheme. A quality pair of Kenda balloon tires include Slimed inner tubes. These large cross-section tires have great look and a smooth ride. Having a chain guard is always nice and the beefy kickstand holds the bike well when parked.

The bike I am riding is the low-framed smaller version. Currie Technologies makes this same IZIP E3 Zuma in a larger framed men’s model too. Instead of turquoise, that bike comes in silver with red rims. Other than those two differences, the bikes are pretty much the same. Even though the men’s version would fit me a little better, I asked for this model so my wife could ride it more easily. Also, when I do extended tests like these, I like to offer rides to anyone who is interested. So far, about 18 people have tried this bike out since I got it. No complaints yet.

Currie Technologies has many models in their line-up. This IZIP E3 Zuma has a nice combination of the better features those offer. You can see all their E-bikes and the specifications of this IZIP E3 Zuma on the Currie Technologies website. A test ride and purchase can be made at one of the over four-hundred dealers that stock IZIP and eZip E-bikes. I picked up mine at San Diego Fly Rides.

San Diego Fly Rides is a full-service E-bike shop that offers guided tours in many scenic places around our great city. They will be glad to rent you a bike and set you up with a free test ride if you like. Sales and service of Currie Technologies’ bikes is on their list of what they do on a daily basis.

I’ve been a Currie Technologies’ customer for over four years, how about you? Turbo Bob.
“Like dogs, bicycles are social catalysts that attract a superior category of people.”—Chip Brown, A Bike and a Prayer.

“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.”