Electric Bikes - izip electric bikes.

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Nedely
08-24-08, 07:30 PM
Hello there. I'm new to the world of electric bikes. Actually, I'm in the market for one. Whatever bike I choose will be used five days a week minimum. Close to 17 miles round trip. Most of the ride to work will be easy, with few grades and hills to climb. The ride back is the opposite, so I'll be using the motor more often then. I need something with a sturdy frame and battery. I don't really want to be replacing a battery every two to three months or so. I probably won't buy one until October or November so I still have some time. My budget is 800 shipped or less. Currently, I'm looking at these two:

http://www.izipusa.com/HG-1000.html

http://www.izipusa.com/EZGO.html

Anyone have any opinions or knowledge on these? My biggest concern is that the milage will be no where near what Currie claims, and that I'll be stuck at 5 mph. Also, I'm short (5'1"). Do you think I'll still have trouble if I lower the seat all the way? Thanks. :D

cerewa
08-24-08, 08:08 PM
You will not be stuck at 5mph - those bikes top out at 15 to 18 mph.

Lead batteries should be charged directly after use, so you'll want to bring them inside at work for charging.

If you're willing to pedal at "walking" effort level those bikes will be fine in terms of range. The only thing i'd worry about is that i've read that the rear wheel is hard to remove (for fixing flats), plus some of the electronics (controller and charger) may be unreliable. This is true for a whole lot of different e-bike manufacturers, although ebikes.ca (ebike kits only) has earned a reputation for excellent reliability and ampedbikes.com (inexpensive ebike kits only) seems to be getting a similar reputation.
gmouchawar
08-24-08, 08:54 PM
Hi,

I have the IZIP EZGO. PM me if you are interested in it.
I wouldn't catagorize it as a commuter bike. It is more partical to be taken onto trains and busses or fold into trunks.
The majority of what I read is that you are better of with a brand new cheap (i.e. steel bike) from Walmart and add a kit of a front hub motor.
An alternative is buying the EZip from Walmart also. You will probably need to add the extra battery. It is their version made by IZIP also.

Nedely
08-24-08, 11:06 PM
You will not be stuck at 5mph - those bikes top out at 15 to 18 mph.

Lead batteries should be charged directly after use, so you'll want to bring them inside at work for charging.

If you're willing to pedal at "walking" effort level those bikes will be fine in terms of range. The only thing i'd worry about is that i've read that the rear wheel is hard to remove (for fixing flats), plus some of the electronics (controller and charger) may be unreliable. This is true for a whole lot of different e-bike manufacturers, although ebikes.ca (ebike kits only) has earned a reputation for excellent reliability and ampedbikes.com (inexpensive ebike kits only) seems to be getting a similar reputation.

What can happen in the long run if I don't charge it after every use (i.e. charge it when I get home or use it until it is really low/almost dead and then charge it).