Electric Bikes - eZip concerns

Tinylitim et al

I’ve had my first trauma with the eZip bike. This may be something worth checking on any eZip. After about 65 miles I noticed that the bike lost power, for an instant, when it hit a bump. When I looked around, I found that the spring loaded battery contact had misshapen plastic in its mount at the bottom of the battery rack. When I touched the contact it burnt my finger. The plastic had been melted. I had to disassemble the bottom of the rack, eight screws later I found the problem. The screw holding the power lead to the contact pin was very loose. The resistance to the high amp current had made lots of heat. The other contact’s lead was a little loose too. So were the two on the other side

I replaced the Phillips head screws with Socket Head (Allen Head)) Cap Screws so I could torque them and put Locktite on the threads, using care not to electrically insulate ring lug from contact. Re-assembly is a chore because you have to hold the contact spring compressed while you start the screw.

Things are a lot happier now. I called Currie. They are happy to send me (Free) a new RMB Battery Case Rack Port Wire Harness, Part No. BA2407-3, which apparently includes the cable and the contact with mount but they are ON HOLD, right now. They are apparently having a quality problem ;-). The one I fixed works. It’s just a little ugly for a new bike.

Just goes to show the infancy of this industry. If you want or need something done you're gonna have to do it yourself. Please let us know if/when Currie makes good on their replacement promise?

Tinylitim et al

I’ve had my first trauma with the eZip bike. This may be something worth checking on any eZip. After about 65 miles I noticed that the bike lost power, for an instant, when it hit a bump. When I looked around, I found that the spring loaded battery contact had misshapen plastic in its mount at the bottom of the battery rack. When I touched the contact it burnt my finger. The plastic had been melted. I had to disassemble the bottom of the rack, eight screws later I found the problem. The screw holding the power lead to the contact pin was very loose. The resistance to the high amp current had made lots of heat. The other contact’s lead was a little loose too. So were the two on the other side

I replaced the Phillips head screws with Socket Head (Allen Head)) Cap Screws so I could torque them and put Locktite on the threads, using care not to electrically insulate ring lug from contact. Re-assembly is a chore because you have to hold the contact spring compressed while you start the screw.

Things are a lot happier now. I called Currie. They are happy to send me (Free) a new RMB Battery Case Rack Port Wire Harness, Part No. BA2407-3, which apparently includes the cable and the contact with mount but they are ON HOLD, right now. They are apparently having a quality problem ;-). The one I fixed works. It’s just a little ugly for a new bike.

Right. In the other thread entitled, Wal-Mart E-Zip, we had a similar experience. Vibration and battery weight are an issue, but if you periodically tighten loose fittings, you'll be alright. For example, the weight of the packs sheared off ALL four connectors within 4 months (2 on each side) to the pins on the bottom of the racks. Yeah, Currie needs to make a few adjustments here and there with the E-Zip, but I hope any changes don't add much to the cost of the bike as it'll lose considerable appeal if the price goes beyond $400 retail. Overall, though, the E-Zip is a fine value and I just might buy another one if it goes on sale later this year.

Well, just as promised I got my free replacements from Currie for the parts that were heat damaged because the connections to the battery loosened up and made BIG resistance.
I'm not sure the wait time. I had already done a work around repair, and they told me they were holding up parts to check quality.
My odometer says 453 miles in the month since I got the bike. Just that one problem. I think it was a good $380 buy.
I am adding a three ring crank, front derailleur, and bar end shifter to make it a 21 speed. We got HILLS here. I can't pedal fast enough to add to, or maintain the 25+ mph downhill to keep momentum for the following uphill. And I need a granny gear to grind up some STEEP grades. Even with motor assist, I feel the effect of those 32 lbs of batteries.

what's the voltage of the eZip batteries? 24V, two SLA batteries in series?

cerewa

"what's the voltage of the eZip batteries? 24V, two SLA batteries in series?"


Yes, each assembly has 2 12 volt, 10 AHr SLA's in a nice package that hangs on the side of the rear rack. I have two of them, one for each side, switchable. So I have 20 AmpHrs to fritter. Sometimes not as much as I would wish.