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Electric Bikes - Walmart I-Zip

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The Big Wheel

01-22-09, 03:23 PM

Ok, so everyone has heard about the E-zip at Walmart for $300.

But how about the I-zip? It's $1,200.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5983261&findingMethod=rr

Here are the pros:

* Weighs 48 lbs
* Up to 18 mph (depends on rider weight)
* Up to 23 to 30 miles, or 38 to 48 km with normal pedaling

I'm not really sure if that's worth the extra $900 or not.

With the E-zip, if you add in another pack, it's over 90 pounds.

So basically this bike is 50% less weight but costs a lot more. Thoughts?

offroad

01-23-09, 05:02 AM

handling sucks at higher speed, with light weight. Have been doing lots of reading on the motored bicycle forums. There experiance is that a heavier bike actually works better when it has a motor. There is some best balance point somewhere. Also found out too late that it is better to have a flatter tread road tires for a nicer ride.

Iheartbicycles

01-23-09, 12:28 PM

I would say just build your own. Honestly its really isn't too hard and there is lots of info on these boards.

blippo

01-23-09, 02:05 PM

It's way over priced

ecowheelz

01-24-09, 08:20 AM

There's quite a few differences between the IZIP and EZIP products. You've already pointed out the most obvious one - the weight! Basically, the main reason there's such a significant price difference is that the IZIP model uses an aluminum frame and higher quality, lighter weight components vs. steel. An aluminum frame costs much more than steel - electric bike or not. Not only will the lighter frame be easier to handle, ride, lift, etc. - it will also put less stress on the motor and battery which should also extend the life and range of the IZIP. Here's an article I wrote specifically about this topic (EZIP vs. IZIP):

http://www.eco-wheelz.com/news/difference-ezip-vs-izip-brand.php

Not sure which IZIP model you're looking at, but the model which most closely ressembles the Wal-Mart EZIP, is the IZIP Mountain Trailz AL (http://www.eco-wheelz.com/catalog/izip-mountain-trailz-al-p-37.php) (or Trailz AL (http://www.eco-wheelz.com/catalog/izip-trailz-al-electric-bike-p-38.php)). Both these models cost around $700 - not $1200. You're probably referring to one of IZIP's higher end "Enlightened" series bikes. Besides an aluminum frame, these also use upgraded NiMH batteries (or Li-Ion on 2009 models) that cost significantly more than the cheaper lead acid batteries on the EZIP.