On a quiet evening in 2008, a major event took place in our household. What appeared to be a simple purchase changed our lives forever. With a brand new pair of Currie Technologies eZip bikes headed home in the back of the station wagon, we were ready to take on our daily work commute in a new way. The everyday bikes we ride didn’t seem up to the task, (10 hilly miles each way) so the decision was made to use electric-assist bikes to replace our cars for each day’s travel.

We spent many hours investigating ways to quit burning fossil fuels for our work day transportation. Discussions of converting our cars with electric motors, converting a motorcycle to electric, getting electric scooters and other thoughts were found to be too expensive or unwieldy. When we learned about E-bikes, we felt we had hit on the right track. Not sure of just how much we wanted to invest, I came across information on the eZip Mountain Trailz made by Currie Technologies. Perfect.

This purchase was not all about saving money. It was more about continuing our awareness and activity towards the environment’s needs. Call it going green or reducing our carbon foot print, we have been all about the three Rs for a long time—Reduce–Reuse–Recycle. It also seemed a big boon to our physical and metal health. And as it’s turned out, we have saved a ton of money.

I considered converting a few bikes to electric-assist. It would have been fun, but the cost seemed high. We looked at other E-bikes on the market (more $ too), but like others I have talked to, we weren’t 100% sure if we would use the bikes enough to make that worthwhile. So we opted for what I now call ’The least expensive E-bikes on the market’. And now, even four years later, we couldn’t be happier.

So, after getting the bikes, I went on to add some up-dates. A couple pairs of ABS fenders and some low-buck road tires (with thorn-resistant tubes) was first on the list. A set of lights and bells were called for too (we use the blinking lights day or night). A pair of strong cable locks helped to round out the package. I did have a few teething problems, but with the help of the great staff at Currie, I took care of those easily. My bike blog has a complete multi-part set of articles that document all of this.

Let the commuting begin. And commute we did, 3-5 times a week we were able to use our new E-bikes just as they were intended. The large racks held our gear during each ride. The assist helped us up the hills on our journeys to allow us to arrive refreshed and ready to work. The E-bikes did (and still do) their jobs wonderfully liked we had hoped.

Sure, these bikes are fairly heavy and have what might be considered old-school motors and batteries. That never slowed us down once. They have more hill-climbing torque than many of the modern E-bikes I test on a weekly basis. I have since up-graded the batteries to the lithium types that Currie Technologies now offers for this style of their E-bikes. That has reduced the over-all weight and given us more piece of mind.

The Mountain Trailz E-bikes are still on today’s line-up of E-bikes they offer. They give the E-bike buyer the option of not spending the extra cash for something they might not need. Currie Technologies has E-bikes in all price ranges, but if you just need the most basic of electric-assist bikes to help you down the road, then these are worth considering.

One more thing about our bikes that is interesting is the gentle whine the motors make. Due to the internal reduction gears in the motors, they do sound off a little. You may have read how electric cars are so quiet that noise makers might be mandated to allow pedestrians to hear them better, well the Mountain Trailz have this covered already. Plus, when we ride together, they make the coolest sound similar to a twin-engine Cessna (Do the words ’Sky King’ ring a bell?)

I will be testing the modern version of the eZip Mountain Trailz (called simply a ‘Trailz’ now) sometime this year and I will get a chance to compare it to our four year-old bikes. It will be interesting to see how this inexpensive E-bike has evolved in that time. One thing about our eZips that I have always liked are the strong-powerful V-brakes. From the photos on their website, I can see that they are still being used on the new bikes.

Also I can see they still have a front suspension fork that smoothes out the bumps, and they now offer that super-low first gear that Shimano puts out. The colors look good (men’s in black and women’s in red), our bikes are silver for mine and black for my wife’s. They also have a set of tires that are more geared for road use than our bikes came with.

As the years go by, our eZips have done so much for us. They each have several thousand miles on the odometers. We have kept from using lots of gasoline. We have helped our health and state of mind. We have showed to friends and others that E-bikes are a great way to help ourselves and our world. We have reduced our car insurance rates because of the low mileage they travel. We have reduced the maintenance and oil-change needs of our cars that is good for our pocket books and our environment. And yes, we have saved more money than can be calculated. It was never about the money, but we’ve spent less and all the while enjoying it thoroughly.

Can you say that about your transportation? Turbo Bob.

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”—John F. Kennedy.

For more information about the author of this article visit: Turbo Bob’s Bicycle Blog

When you get your new IZIP E3 Zuma (or any new IZIP E-bike), the dealer will clue you into many of its needs and operating procedures. You will also receive a very comprehensive manual. I do suggest you read through it thoroughly, but you might find there is almost too much information there. So in this article, I will do my best to let you know the things that I think are the most important. And seeing that the battery is the most valuable piece, and part of what makes it so special, I will spend extra time covering it.

First, just because, record your bike’s serial number on the manual, your receipt and somewhere else where it won’t get misplaced. Take some photos too. Next, read the sections in the manual that cover your particular bike. Highlight any part that you feel could be helpful. Such things as tire pressure and charging info might be on that list. Then, because you love your new E-bike so much, give it a good wipe-down with a slightly moist, soft cloth. This time will allow you to become more familiar with your bike and all its parts.

Your dealer will have made sure your bike is ready to ride, but let’s do our part for our own piece of mind. Use your tire pump (with a built-in pressure gauge) to make sure we like how the tire pressure is set. On the E3 Zuma, 30 to 80 lbs. is what you’re looking for. The lower setting will give a smoother ride, and the higher one will make the bike roll freer. I think you’ll find that 50 lbs. is a good compromise. I personally like to put a tool on each fastener to confirm it is correctly tightened. If you aren’t comfortable with that, then trust that your dealer and Currie Technologies has taken care of this step.

A little riding without the battery installed or turned on can help you make sure the seat and handlebar height is set where you like, (you may have had your dealer help you with this already). This is a good time to make sure the brakes feel good and the shifting is solid. Plus, this time will also help you get the feel of the handling of your new bike. Ok, on to some E-biking stuff.

Treating your battery well is the key to its long life and good performance. The correct charging procedure is important. The main thing here is to make sure the charger power is turned off when you connect and disconnect it to the battery. In addition, I like to wait 5-10 seconds to allow the circuits in the charger and battery to ’talk’ to each other before the battery plug is connected or removed. Before you start, make sure the charger is set to your correct household voltage. The manual covers that.

So here it is—plug the charger into the wall socket and make sure the power switch is in the ‘off’ position. Plug the charger plug into the battery. Wait 5-10 seconds. Turn on the charger switch. At this point, the two lights on the charger will come on. The red light is a charger power ‘on’ indicator and the other is a charge level indicator.

When the charge starts, that light will be yellow. You may hear the cooling fan in the charger start up. It is normal for the fan to turn on and off during the charging cycle. After a certain amount of time the light will turn green to tell you the charge is complete. This amount of time will depend on how much of the energy in the battery was used during your last ride. Now, turn the charger’s power switch to the ‘off ‘position and wait 5-10 seconds. Unplug the charger plug from the battery and now it is ready for use.

The battery can be on or off the bike for charging. If you do remove it, make sure to use the key to lock it to the bike when you reinstall it. It is best to keep your battery away from severe temperature extremes, especially during charging. Keep it dry if possible and don’t drop or damage it. Following these guidelines should allow your battery to last 3-5 years or longer. Your battery will get stronger after the first so many charge and discharge cycles. There is one more thing about your battery I want to cover, and then we will hit the trail.

Currie Technologies would like you to use the battery until it is nearly empty for the first three charge cycles. This is a little bit of an inconvenience, but well worth the trouble. So on your first three charge cycles, ride your bike until the charge indicator lights on the handle bars say it is getting low. You will feel the power diminish some. Then recharge it. After doing this three times, then you can recharge it after every long ride, or after several shorter ones, whatever works best for you.

Wow, too much battery talk, let’s ride. You can use the motor assist without pedaling if you want. It is really best to pedal and use the assist just when you need it. During heavy use, the motor (and its controller) can get hot, so try not to use just the motor, especially on hills. If you find yourself using the motor instead of the pedals, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stop and let it cool down now and then. Figure to stop after maybe 20 minutes for some short sightseeing. And on a hill, pedal with the motor to help it help you. Don’t go up hills without pedaling.

The motor controls on the E3 Zuma couldn’t be much simpler. You have two switches and a throttle on the handlebars. The green button turns the power on and off. You can ride your Zuma with the power off if you like. It is a bicycle after all and rides without the power just fine. But it is an E-bike and having the power on is part of the reason you got it. So push the green button and you will see the three power level indicator lights come on. Those lights will give you an idea of how much energy is left in the battery at any given time.

These power indicator lights are more accurate when the motor is not being used (under load). That means to check them with the motor not running. Don’t be overly concerned about them unless you are on a really long ride. Also, if it is a bright day, you might need to shade them with your hand to see them, something you should only do when you are stopped. I do it while I am riding, but I would ask you not to.

Make sure to turn your bike off when your ride is complete. The electronics have a built-in mode that will turn off the bike (sleep mode) if it doesn’t sense the power being used after about 5 minutes. If that happens during a ride, simply turn the switch to ‘off’ and then back to ‘on’. This will restore the power to let you continue your ride. This is to protect the motor system, but is not intended to replace turning the power off after a ride. If you bump the power switch by mistake when you are toggling the PAS / TAG switch, just push it again to power it back up. I have done this more than a few times.

The rocker switch allows you to chose between PAS mode (pedal assist system) and TAG mode (twist and go). In the PAS mode, after you start to pedal, the motor assist will come-on automatically (in a soft-start mode), and you will feel the bike’s power add to your own pedal power as you ride. The motor will stay on as long as you are pedaling. The level of power in this mode is lower than the maximum available and allows for a nice cruising speed as you ride.

I really enjoy this mode during most of my rides. You can shift through the gears to match the terrain as you ride. You don’t need to hold the throttle on while you are in this mode. It makes for a comfortable feel and an easy speed range for most riding situations. In this mode, if you need a burst of power, you can twist the throttle for the additional assist. But remember, the throttle will only activate the extra power if you are pedaling.

Now, let’s try the TAG mode. Here, the control of the motor’s assist is fully controlled by you. Like the throttle of a car or motorcycle, the amount of power is controlled by the amount of twist you give the throttle. There is a lot of power available too. This bike has a 500 watt electric motor that has a lot of juice. It will take a little time to get used to the feel as you find the right setting for your ride’s needs at any given time. It is generally best not to just hold it on full power. You want to vary the setting to match your needs. And too, roll the throttle on, don’t just twist it to full power quickly.

I find it is best in TAG mode to hold the throttle with just a small portion of your hand, while using most of your hand to hold the hand grip. Another thing about the TAG mode I like, is that you can add a little power just as you are pushing off from a stop. This can help you get your balance at a crucial time during your ride. You need to be quite careful if you use the power this way, as the motor has a lot of power (enough to make your balance worse). Make sure you are seated and add just the smallest amount of power as you start. If you plan on using the power to help you start like this, practice this technique in an open area on a soft surface–(grass?) It is not hard, but some practice is warranted.

Using the power from a complete stop will also use extra battery power you might want to reserve for extending your ride. You will get the feel for the TAG power-assist mode the more you ride. Getting the maximum range from your battery can be more important for some. Things like using the least amount of power you need and rolling on the power slowly can help increase your range. The distance your battery will take you depends on your use of the power, your terrain, and the total weight of your bike (bike, rider and cargo).

When I am riding, here is the technique I use most of the time. I switch to TAG mode when coming to a stop (or already stopped). When I am ready to go, I twist the throttle ever so slightly as I begin to pedal. Once I am going at a mellow speed, I flip the switch to PAS mode and let the automatic assist take over. If for some reason I need a power boost, or want to go faster, I twist the throttle as I continue to pedal. This makes for a smooth, comfortable ride, allows the battery to give me a very good range and in general feels good.

Your new E-bike will need the occasional maintenance like any other bicycle. Every week or two check your tire pressure. With each ride, check that the brakes and shifting are working well. Every couple months, the chain will need to be lubed. I use a dry type lube that is easy to use. You should consider doing as I do and clean your bike quite often. It is always nice to ride a clean and shiny bicycle. A slightly moist, soft towel is usually enough to do the job. Never use a pressure washer, as it will force water where you don want it.

On each ride, listen and feel for things that don’t seem right. Brake pads will wear and cables will stretch. Fasteners can loosen over time. If anything needs attention, have it taken care of right away. Every year or so, depending on how much and where you ride, your E-bike will need a tune-up by a professional bike mechanic. Don’t overlook this. It will set you back a small amount of cash, but it will keep your bike safe and smooth. As the years go by, heavier maintenance will be required, but don’t worry about this now.

I touched on this subject at the beginning of this article, but I want to repeat it now. Make sure you are comfortable on your new E-bike. Saddle height can be very important. You want your legs to be close to extended when the pedal is in the full down position. The angle of the seat can make a big difference too. I like the front just a bit higher than the rear. Handlebar angle and height can be adjusted to fit you. The brake levers should be at the right angle so you can use them easily. The other handle bar items might need to be adjusted to match. It takes some riding to find the perfect places for these things. Make minor adjustments until everything feels right. All these little things can make your ride better and keep you on your bike longer.

Enjoy your new IZIP E3 Zuma, I know I am. I tried to cover this subject as good as I could, maybe too good? A lot of this information can be used for any E-bike. If you have questions about any of this or other E-bike topics, ask me here or on my own bike blog site. Sorry to bend your ear for so long, Turbo Bob.

“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles.”–Tom Kunich.

For more information about the author of this article visit: Turbo Bob’s Bicycle Blog

For more information about the IZIP E3 Zuma visit: 
currietech.com

Here in town you will find a E-bike shop that not only offers the full line of Currie Technologies E-bikes, but some fantastic local guided E-bike tours too. Located in the downtown area close to some of the best sights we have to offer, San Diego Fly Rides are tops in letting you soak in the local vibe from the saddle of an E-bike. I know because I just joined in on their ‘SoCal Rivera’ tour.

With nine different tours on their schedule, you should be able to find one that matches your interests during your visit. Some are a little more adventurous than others and riding an E-bike makes it easy. You will be offered an IZIP E-bike with a basket, a helmet, water and any extras you need. They even will pick you up at your hotel if that helps to make your day easier.

Ike and Megan Fazzio started up their shop about a year ago, and among other things, decided that using Currie Technologies E-bikes was the way to keep their customers rolling. Sales and service are a given, but the E-bike tours are a great way to experience an electric bike. They offer free test rides for potential buyers and inexpensive rentals to people that want to explore the area on their own.

I have been testing a 2012 IZIP E3 Zuma for about a month now and thought joining in on one of their tours would be a fun way to enjoy it more. I had picked up the E3 Zuma at San Diego Fly Rides, so when I asked Ike if being part of a tour was a possibility, he chimed in with a resounding ’yes’. When the day arrived, I made sure my battery was charged and showed up with my helmet in hand.

I met Ike at a beach in La Jolla where the day would begin. He showed up with three E-bikes, one for him, and one for each of the other riders. As he was unloading the bikes, he clued me in to the days itinerary. He completed a short ride on each bike to make sure they were ready for the couple from Canada that were in town for some fun. Of course, I brought the IZIP that I have been riding.

The two bikes on hand for the customers were last years model of the Zuma. They were a matching pair (a men’s and women’s) and would give all the comfort and power needed to climb to the top of Mt. Soledad, the highest point in the area. Well maintained and looking the part of brand-new bikes, they were sure not to disappoint. Soon, Paul and Sunday from Canada arrived and we were a group of four.

With a continuing smile and a easy disposition, Ike pointed out the bike’s operational features. He gave us information on the ride and the signals he might be using to help guide us on the bike paths and back roads during the tour. Paul and Sunday did a little riding to make sure they were confident, and before long the tour began.

Although some of the tours are on near level ground, this one involves a climb of almost a thousand feet. That is where these IZIP Zumas really shine. With a twist of the throttle, the 500 watts of power allowed us to climb with little effort. Right away, Ike and I could see just how much this Canadian couple were enjoying themselves. Between the beautiful scenery and the security of the Zumas, this day was starting out great. During our climb, nobody got winded and soon we were on top of the world.

The view from the top of Mt. Soledad is incredible. A 360 degree look at all of San Diego includes the downtown skyline as well as the beauty of the beaches and shoreline cliffs nearby. The Veteran’s Memorial touches your heart and Ike pointed out some of the more famous and noteworthy people’s plaques on the site. And although this seemed to be the highlight of the tour, there was so much more to come.

Our steeds brought us back down in style. The super-strong disc brakes on the IZIP Zumas gave us as much piece of mind descending, as the power did when we were going up. Many times Ike had us stop to get a closer look at landmarks and points of interest. That was my own personal highlight of this tour. I have lived here for years and biked these roads before, but the knowledge and insight Ike offered was astounding.

Unlike many tours I have taken, the smooth and interesting way Ike related stories of the locals was refreshing. His knowledge of the history and the real estate is far-reaching. As much as the E-bikes helped to make the tour, Ike was the keystone that brought it all together. A perfect combination of E-bikes, Ike, and San Diego was enjoyed by the three of us.

The other thing that impressed me was the way Ike cared for his charges. He is a people person and his interest in each of us was sincere. He was constantly making sure we were comfortable and content. He kept a close eye and maintained a safe and secure riding environment for all of us. It was proving to be the best of days.

We made it to the north end of the La Jolla beaches and rode along the coastline through the city. We stopped to watch the surfers and the seals. The kayakers and the divers were another part of the view. We saw famous people’s houses and much of what the town has to offer. All the time, the cool breezes and warm spring sunshine were our friends. Who could ask for more?

Whether you take a tour, a rental, or your own E-bike, these are the kinds of thrills you can enjoy most anywhere in the world. With a Currie Technologies E-bike as your mount, you will find the word is your oyster. Grab a big chunk of throttle and get going, Turbo Bob.

“Tour books are like cookbooks, to be used when in doubt.”—James E. Starrs, The Noiseless Tenor

For more information about the author of this article visit: Turbo Bob’s Bicycle Blog
For more information about the IZIP E3 Zuma visit:
currietech.com

Not only does it look like fun to ride, but it is fun to ride! This is a comfortable and efficient electric bike that handles urban commutes and recreational rides on bike paths with ease. The bike feels like it just glides along on the road.

This review will give you the technical details of the Path along with more information on what it’s like to ride.

Getting familiar with the IZIP E3 Path

Let’s start off with the frame of the IZIP E3 Path. This is a nice aluminum frame that provides solid construction without adding any unnecessary weight.

The IZIP E3 Path uses a 250 watt geared hub motor that is remarkably quiet for a geared hub motor. Geared hub motors use small planetary gears to provide more torque for acceleration and hill climbing. These planetary gears typically are pretty noisy, but not so on the IZIP E3 Path!

The 24 Volt 10 Ah (240 Wh) lithium ion battery pack is conveniently mounted in the rear rack that has a slot for the battery below the top of the rack. The battery is easily removable by unlocking it from the rack and sliding it out for charging indoors or taking it with you when security is an issue. The battery will take 4-6 hours to fully charge when it is empty.

Currie uses very high quality battery packs on their ebikes which are assembled in Taiwan by TD High Tech Energy, using Samsumg 18650 Lithium Ion cells.

The battery pack used on the E3 Path has a capacity of 240Wh (watt hours), which provides ample range and power for this efficient electric bike. Watt hours are the total energy capacity in a battery pack and this is calculated by taking the voltage of the pack (24V) multiplied by the amp hours of the pack (10ah), which equals 240Wh for this example. Comparing watt hours is a good way to compare the battery capacity of electric bikes.

The battery charger has a solid and durable feel and it is a little larger than a laptop computer charger. It is small enough that you could take it with you for charging at work in a bike messenger bag, back pack or rear rack bag.

One of the nice aspects of the IZIP E3 Path is that it keeps things simple. There are 2 options when using the electric assist: Twist and Go (TAG) throttle or the Pedal Assist System (PAS).

The Twist and Go is a throttle that does not require you pedal at all; just kick back and enjoy the ride! Of course you can pedal in this mode to save energy by pedaling more when accelerating and climbing hills. The TAG system is nice for when you are feeling a little low on your own energy.

The Path also keeps things simple when it comes to the gears of the bike. There are only 7 of them and that is just about right for this nice urban commuter. The Path uses a SRAM grip shifter on the left side of the handlebar and a Shimano Acera rear derailleur with Shimano cogs. These are well known quality components in the traditional bicycle world.

To provide great stopping power the IZIP E3 Path uses Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes front and rear. These are disc brakes that are used on mountain bikes and they can provide a little or a lot of power depending on what you need. Disc brakes are great in wet weather because they maintain their stopping power compared to rim brakes that loose stopping power in wet weather.

The wheels and tires on the Path are the larger 700c diameter that are generally found on road bikes and hybrid/cross bikes. The 38 mm (approx 1.5”) tire width provides an efficient ride with some cushion.

To keep you riding without worrying about flats, the IZIP E3 Path comes with Slime tubes already installed! These tubes have a sealant (Slime) that will seal small holes in the inner tube caused by glass, thorns, metal, and other small road debris. It is great to see a bike that comes stock with Slime tubes!

Speaking of things that come stock on the Path, let’s talk about the accessories. To keep your pant legs clean there are the chainguards on the chainrings and on the frame. The Path also comes with fenders that match the frame color to keep you clean from road grim. The rear rack that houses the battery can also be used for bike bags that mount on the top and/or on the sides of the rack. Last but not least is the kickstand.

This bike tips the scales at 52 pounds which is pretty good for an electric bike.

The price of the IZIP E3 Path is $1699 and it comes with a 1 year warranty (2 years for the motor).

What is the ride like?

Gliding, that is what the IZIP E3 Path feels like when you are riding it. It just wants to cruise along while you enjoy the ride. The combination of the upright position and the larger wheels with narrower tires makes this bike easy and fun to ride.

The Path has a very comfortable ride because of the upright and laid back position. The handlebars have a swept back style that make the bike easy and safe to handle, yet keep things comfortable. The seat has enough cushion to take the edge off of road bumps.

This bike is simple! There are not too many assist settings or too many gears to overwhelm the rider. It is a bike that you can jump on and immediately feel comfortable riding.

The IZIP E3 Path feels efficient. Riding it without electric assistance is easy thanks to it being relatively lightweight (52 lbs.), the geared hub motor (no resistance), and the narrow tires. Using the PAS setting will really allow you to get the most range out of your pedaling with electric assist.

The Path will provide electrical assistance up to 18 mph (you can pedal harder to go faster) and you can expect to get 15 - 22 miles of range depending on how much electric assist you use, how much you weigh, how many hills you ride over, etc. This kind of range is perfect for commuting to work, getting to school, running errands around town, and getting out for a nice ride on the bike path with friends.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a stylish, comfortable and fun electric commuter bike then the IZIP E3 Path is the bike for you.

The Path combines quality construction with an efficient ride. That translates into a bike that is easy to ride and it will give you many miles of bike riding fun!

At $1699 it also fits a very nice price point in the electric bike world. Considering the aluminum frame, lithium ion battery pack, rear geared hub motor and the quality bike components, this e-bike offers a great value for the money.

Currie Technologies has put together a great electric bike in the IZIP E3 Path and they will be there to provide great customer service through their ever expanding dealer network around the country.

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.”

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.”

Currie Technologies’ line-up of electric-motored bikes has something for everyone. Starting with the economically oriented eZip bikes, and all the way to their flagship Express model, you should be able to find a style and price range that fits your needs. In between you will find comfort, cruiser, and mountain bike models. They also have kits to convert your present bike to an E-bike, if that is your preference.

So lets have a look at some of the E-bikes on their floor. One bike I think looks nice and many people would want is the IZIP E3 Path series. These bikes have an up-right seating position and a lithium battery that fits horizontally in the rear rack. Out-fitted with disc brakes and a seven-speed drivetrain, they just ooze cool. I like the fact that fenders and a chainguard are part of the package. This is one of my favorite styles of bikes, something I call a college bike.

The IZIP E3 Vibe is a little more like the modern comfort bike. It uses the rack mounted battery that is the same set-up as the bikes my wife and I have. It comes with a SLA (sealed lead acid) battery that can be complemented with a second battery for more range, and the other option of using the NewLife Lithium battery that Currie Technologies now offers (we have one for my wife’s bike and she just loves it). This bike is a seven-speed and is equipped with a suspension seat post and high-rise handle bars. And like most of the E-bikes Currie Technologies sells, can be had with a men’s or women’s frame.

Looking at the IZIP E3 Zuma, you can tell it is all beach cruiser. A big bike with wide bars and a plush saddle, it will be at home on the road and bike path, as well as the beach. It’s list of features is long, and includes disc brakes, 500 watts of rear-hub motor power, and a large capacity lithium battery that will be good for many miles of fun between recharges. They have four different models of the IZIP Zuma on the website.

The eZip Ecoride has the features of a comfort bike and a lithium battery, but uses an external brushed motor that drives the rear wheel with a chain. This set-up has been used by Currie Technologies for many years and continues to be quite popular. This eZip bike is a great up-grade from their Trailz line and might be your best choice if you consider price as a deciding factor for your first E-bike. Even still, it is speced nicely and should perform well.

At the top of the line is the Express model. I have yet to ride this bike, but am assured that is fast, smooth, and efficient. Looking at the parts and pieces of this E-bike on the website has got me excited to saddle one up and hit the street. 750 watts and a massive capacity Lithium battery are only some of the special features. 27 speeds, giant disc brakes, and a very racy look just scratch the surface of what this E-bike has to offer. Yes, I need to ride this bike.

Speaking of riding, at the end of last year, I got to spend some time on both a IZIP Metro and a IZIP Zuma. Each bike had a different feel, but the power and smoothness was evident. I am just preparing to start an extended test on a IZIP E3 Zuma. It will be the low-frame (women’s) model and I will be offering test rides to anyone interested. I will get a chance to ride it all over the county and city. The time I spend on it will be documented and reported on. So keep an eye out for those posts.

This is just a small sample of the E-bikes in the Currie Technologies’ line. Have a look at their website to see which one interests you. Use the dealer locator to find a local shop that can get you onboard of the E-bike of your choice. If this will be your first experience on an E-bike, I know you will be bitten by the bug, if you already have tried one, then the selection will help you feed your need. It has mine.

With so many Currie Technologies dealers nationwide, I suggest you try one out for yourself, Turbo Bob.

“The bicycle is its own best argument. You just get a bike, try it, start going with the thing and using it as it suits you. It’ll grow and it gets better and better and better.”—Richard Ballantine

“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.”

For more information about the author of this article visit: Turbo Bob’s Bicycle Blog