filed in News on Oct.07, 2011
By: Karen Brooks
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IZIP Via Rapido Review By: Karen Brooks pg1
IZIP Via Rapido Review By: Karen Brooks pg2
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filed in Bike Event on Oct.06, 2011
By Karen Brooks
Having just finished a test on an iZip electric bike, I was eager to see the new and improved version looked like. As I said in my review in Issue #13 (available now!) the electric part of the bike worked just fine, but I was left wanting some changes in the cockpit and gearing. Well iZip delivered: the e3 Path model, above, replaces the Via Rapido and is fully equipped with fenders, disc brakes, and a chain cover, and loses the weighty suspension fork and seatpost. Should make for a more practical commuter. The colors are a lot more snazzy, too.
The e3 Zuma cruiser style bike also lost its unnecessary suspension bits and gained disc brakes, as well as a more comfortable bend to the bars.
The e3 Metro is an exciting-looking bike – it makes a whole lot of sense to add front and rear racks when you’ve got a 500-watt motor. The front basket attaches to the head tube rather than the fork so that it doesn’t flop over when loaded down. Its electric drive is still switchable between pedal assist and throttle, and now the pedal assist has three “boost” levels as well. The battery is nicely hidden in that large down tube.
The top-of-the-line e3Ultra will also get three “boost” levels to the pedal assist, to further control their sophisticated torque sensing system, called TMM4+.
The Express is still the e-bike of choice for police, as its 750-watt motor packs enough punch to catch perps.
filed in Bike Technologies, News on Sep.28, 2011
Christopher Cherry
The country’s first electric bike sharing program was recently launched at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Bikes with an electric-motor assist are beginning to change the way people get around town, according to experts who declare the age of the e-bike is upon us.
E-bikes look and operate similar to their traditional pedal-powered equivalents, but contain a battery-powered motor that kicks on when, for example, pedaling up a menacing hill.
“The attraction is related to overcoming a lot of the barriers in bicycling,” Christopher Cherry, a civil engineer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, explained to me today.
He did his dissertation research on e-bikes in China where, over the past decade, their use grew from practically nothing to more than 100 million. “They are ubiquitous in every city on every street,” he said.
The same thing, he thinks, could happen here, where the proliferation of lightweight, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries are making e-bikes an appealing alternative to the car.
E-bike sharing
For most people, traditional bicycles are too much work. They don’t like showing up for work or class hot and sweaty and hate having to pedal to regain speed after every stop sign and red light.
These barriers, Cherry said, are what keep people in their cars. Or, at least that’s the hypothesis he’s testing with his recently launched e-bike-sharing program on his university’s campus.
The program is the first of its kind in the U.S. It is similar in concept to the automated bike kiosks found in Washington, D.C., and European cities such as Paris, only these bikes are electric.
The hope is that e-bikes will appeal to students who would rather drive a car than pedal around the campus’ many hills.
“Bicyclists who are really into biking already ride bikes,” he noted.
The program is in its initial stages with about 30 student participants and one station. So far, so good, Cherry said.
To keep the bikes in rotation, the iZip bikes have been modified so that their rechargeable batteries are easily swapped out. That way, when a bike is returned with a dead battery, the next user doesn’t have to wait four hours for a charge.
“We are trying to have a lot of turnover of our bikes, that’s what bike-sharing systems do. In order to do that with electric bikes, you have to have a lot of batteries,” he said.
Larger trend?
The rising popularity of e-bikes extends beyond the University of Tennessee campus, with concept e-bikes unveiled by Ford and Smart at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
While Ford has no immediate plans to build its bike, Smart does, according to PC Magazine. And Ford does see opportunity.
“The e-bike market is growing very, very rapidly, with some 30 million units sold globally last year,” Ford Europe’s Axel Wilke told PC Magazine. “We see e-bikes as an important element of urban electric mobility.”
An article in MIT’s Technology Review notes that “with a wider set than ever of e-bikes on the market, concepts in the works, and design challenges under way, now just might be the e-bike’s moment.”
A slide show on e-bikes over on the Daily Green provides a good feel for what’s on the market, ranging from the $13,995 Optibike OB1 carbon fiber machine to more modest Urban Mover 55 Cruiser ($1,699).
Battery challenge
In China, one of the major challenges with e-bikes is what to do with the batteries once they die. There, they primarily use lead acid batteries and the country lacks an efficient recycling infrastructure, Cherry noted.
In the U.S., a recycling infrastructure for lead acid batteries exists. However, most e-bikes use lithium ion batteries and there’s not a great system to recycling lithium-ion batteries yet, he said.
“It’s something that needs to be taken care of,” Cherry said. “It is a challenge. It is a challenge with electric cars, cell phones and so on. Hopefully with more demand … there’ll be a more systematic take-back policy.”
More stories on e-bikes
filed in Bike Technologies, News on Sep.13, 2011
UT prepares new electric bike sharing program
Video:
Next week, the University of Tennessee will officially launch the nation’s first fully automated electric bike sharing program.
http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1141087076001
filed in Bike Event, News on Aug.24, 2011
“Going Green Film Festival”
filed in Bike Experience on Jun.10, 2011
What is more fun than biking on a beautiful day? E-biking! Electric bikes are a whole heck of a lot of fun and can replace your gas car for most of your local errands. Warning: Be prepared for a major EV grin.
We had a chance to test drive two electric bikes from the Izip Store in Venice, CA. We brought them as part of our speaking presentation entitled, “Electrify Your Ride,” at this year’s Lightning in a Bottle event. Our aim was to show that electric drive can come in many forms and that electric bikes can be a great alternative for getting around town.
We brought two top-of-the-line Izip Zuma cruisers. These bikes are what I would consider the Mercedes-Benz of E-bikes. They come with advanced Lithium-Ion battery technology and offer superior range and serious acceleration. I drove a flashy red Zuma version and Rob rode the more masculine Izip Zuma Blue.
Here are the specs on our E-bikes:
Top Speed :20 mph
Range :20-30 Miles
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
Power: 500 Watts of “Power on Demand”
We rode these bikes for three days across the festival grounds. We tested them over a variety of terrain (grass, asphalt, and dusty roads). We also tested them up steep inclines. The bikes performed fantastically well across the board. They have a wicked fast throttle on the handle bars that brought an instant smile to our faces. We also loved zooming past the tired “festers” as they panted their way up the main hill 
Throughout the whole weekend, we never had to recharge once. We used the pedal-assist function periodically, which allowed us to pedal the bikes with human power when we wanted. If we needed to charge, the bikes come with a removable battery pack on the rear rack. This makes it convenient to take the battery out and charge wherever we like (6-8 hrs charge time).
As for price, the Izip Zuma bikes go for about $1500 each. This puts them a bit on the pricier side as far as E-bikes go, since you get a lot more in terms of performance and range. However, these bikes offer a short payback period. If you avoid burning just one gallon of gas per day by riding your E-bike instead (at today’s prices of $4.00/gallon), you will have earned your money back at the end of one year.
All in all, E-bikes are a great way to move in speedy fashion and offer all the conveniences of a 2-wheeler. For those looking to lower their carbon footprint (and save big on gas $), E-bikes are a serious win.
*Special thanks to Ethan at the Izip Store in Venice, CA. Ethan is very knowledgeable and can give you the low-down on the E-bike that is right for you.
filed in Bike Event on Apr.22, 2011
Currie Technologies® to present IZIP Express™ Police Edition ebikes to LAPD Deputy Chief Hara on Wednesday May 11th at 9:30 AM
Los Angeles, CA – April 22, 2011 – The Los Angeles Police Department’s Bicycle Coordination Unit announced today that their initial testing and evaluation of IZIP Express™ Police Bicycles has been completed with favorable results. The Department has decided to begin field-testing the electric bicycles at special events to further explore their viability under actual patrol conditions.
In May of 2010, Currie Technologies®, the producer of the IZIP Express™, supplied the LAPD Bicycle Coordination Unit with prototype models for initial testing. With input and feedback from officers, the electric bike’s components and design were further modified to ultimately become a special, purpose built, police edition model that could be added to LAPD’s arsenal of community policing tools.
On Wednesday May 11th at 9:30 AM, Larry Pizzi, Currie’s President, will present two IZIP Express™ Police Edition electric bicycles to LAPD Deputy Chief, Terry S. Hara and Sergeant Matthew Bygum, Officer in Charge of the LAPD Bicycle Coordination Unit. The formal presentation will be made at the Company’s IZIP Store™, which is located at 609 Lincoln Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles, California. Members of the press are invited to attend. “We are honored to have the opportunity to support the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles with their embrace of light electric vehicles, recognizing their duty of care to the environment as well as the citizens of Los Angeles” said Pizzi.
The IZIP Express™ Police Edition features Currie’s Evo-Drive™ 2.0 technology, which is designed to amplify human power to that of a professional cyclist. The Express™ is powered by a patented dual planetary drive system that blends the power of a hi-torque 750-watt electric motor with human power to create one of the highest performance electric bikes on the market today. The mid-frame, removable power system provides exceptional balance, a lower center of gravity and superior handling, making it very well suited for community policing and security use.
About Currie Technologies®
Currie Technologies® is one of the oldest and most established US developers and distributors of quality, high-performance hybrid and electric powered bicycles and personal electric transportation products. Currie Technologies® was founded on the conviction that electrically driven vehicles will become increasingly important for fundamental environmental and economic reasons, and that new and large international markets will emerge. Currie Technologies® holds various technology patents on the Electro-Drive™ Propulsion Systems, unique electric drive systems that provide superior performance and durability at a reasonable price. To learn more about Currie Technologies® and its IZIP™ product line, please visit www.currietech.com.
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For more information contact:
Larry Pizzi
Currie Technologies®
9453 Owensmouth Ave
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Office: 818.734.8123 x 401
lpizzi@currietech.com
filed in Bike Event, Bike Experience, Bike Technologies, service on Apr.08, 2011
Remember mopeds? Those gas-powered motor bikes are still available, but now there’s a go green version. It’s an electric hybrid bicycle.
This two-wheeled bike has a battery-powered motor attached to the back wheel. The cyclist can sit on the bike and let the electric motor do all the work (top speed 20 mph) or press the button for pedal assist mode. Then, the person can pedal as much as he wants but when he stops pedaling, the motor kicks in. This is especially helpful when biking up hills. Finally, the cyclist can do all the pedaling himself, with no assistance.
The Park Ave Bike Shop just starting offering the IZIP brand this season and they’re selling. There are three models selling for $700, $1000 and $1400 respectively. The difference is mostly in the battery and how long it lasts.
The cyclist can typically ride up to 22 miles strictly on battery power. If the cyclist helps with pedaling, the battery will last longer. It takes 4-6 hours for the battery to recharge.
A federal law was written specifically for low-speed electric bicycles which says they don’t have to be registered, licensed or insured but remember — always want to wear a helmet.
For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website www.whec.com.
filed in Bike Event, Bike Experience, Bike Technologies, News on Mar.28, 2011
The price of gas is topping $4 a gallon — again. And like 2008, when this last happened, interest in bikes for commuting and shopping is rising fast. With a variety of designs and technologies now available, there is now a practical bike for all types of work, be it urban city transport, long-distance commuting or short-haul shopping and delivery.
Shop and Deliver
Civia Halstead: Steel-framed nine-speed shopping and cargo bike from a small Minnesota commuter-bike specialist that’s designed to carry heavy loads around town.
Likes: Heavy loads are remarkably balanced. I easily controlled the bike over a 10-mile ride with two cases of beer strapped to the rack. The key is a design that keeps the load low and stable; not only does the small 20-inch front wheel (versus a 26-inch rear) keep the center of gravity low, but the front rack also is attached to the frame itself, not the fork, so it does not turn with your steering. Low standover height due to a lowered top tube and a front disk brake aid control during mounting and stopping. Includes a burly kickstand and fender and rack mounts. An optional snap-in basket is ideal for grocery bags. For small businesses, it even comes with four tabs for signage. With the small front wheel and shorter length than standard cargo bikes, it’s got nimble handling.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $995. (952) 229-5040; http://www.civiacycles.com.
City Slicker
Cannondale Hooligan 8: Aluminum-framed eight-speed bike with short length and small 20-inch wheels for agile city riding.
Likes: It’s convenient, fitting more easily in cars, subway trains, elevators, stairwells and tight city quarters than foot-longer regular-wheel bikes. And yet the wheelbase and riding feel is the same. Originally developed for London, where there is a tax for driving into town, it has disc brakes for good stopping power on wet streets, is a fun fitness bike for weekends and seems to have a high coolness factor.
Dislikes: It lacks a water bottle mount on the frame and runs out of gears on downhills.
Price: $649. (800) BIKE-USA; http://www.cannondale.com.
Electrifying
Currie Technologies IZIP Express: The company sells top-of-the-line electric pedal-assist bikes, ranging from $499 to this one at $3,499.
Likes: A monster that climbs hills like a billy goat and will get you to work without a drop of sweat. Like all pedal-assist bikes, it requires you to pedal in order to engage the motor. But this huge 750-watt motor is strong and, with its 36-volt battery pack, offers good speed and distance. The removable mid-frame battery placement gives the Express great handling, balance and a lower center of gravity compared with electric bikes with rack-mounted battery packs.
Price: $3,499. (800) 877-2453; http://www.currietech.com.
Flax-able Night Flyer
Schwinn Vestige: Innovative eco-friendly commuter nine-speed, with a frame made of 80% flax fibers and 20% carbon fiber, plus bamboo fenders and grips, water-based paint and recycled-rubber tires. Attached to a hub generator, the frame actually “lights up” from the inside as you ride, making it highly visible at night.
Likes: Comfortable, stylish and unique. The flax fibers not only dampen shock well they also supposedly create a smaller carbon footprint during manufacturing and are biodegradable. Plus they also have a different pattern on every bike. The somewhat translucent flame lights up courtesy of LED lights within it that are powered by a dynamo front hub. The dynamo will also run optional front and back lights.
Dislikes: It’s not for sale until June!
Price: $1,299. (800) THE-BIKE; http://www.schwinnbikes.com/vestige.
Wallack is the author of “Bike for Life: How to ride to 100.”
