Thread: Walmart E-zip?
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Old 05-29-08 | 12:39 PM
  #21  
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vermontcathy
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Hinesburg, VT

Bikes: eZip Trailz (given to nephew), Trek 3700 (non-e), eZip Ecoride (soon!)

I have had this bike for about 5 weeks and I am quite happy with it, especially considering that all other electric bikes I've seen were over $1000. I live 13.5 miles from work, and it is hilly. I am in decent shape, but on a regular bike, the trip exhausts me, I'm slow due to the hills, and I would need a shower upon getting to work. With the ebike, I still get some exercise, but I can keep my speed on the uphills over 14 or 15 mph and I don't get totally burnt out. I weigh 127 pounds, and the battery lasts 14 miles to work, with me putting in a decent effort - I am helping the motor by pedaling on the uphills enough to get tired, but not so tired that I can't bike home again. I take the battery off and charge it at work. A few times, it does seem like the battery is petering out right at the end, so based on how hilly my commute is (significantly), how much I weigh, and how much I'm willing to help the motor by pedaling (a decent amount), 14 or 15 miles is about the limit of the battery. So, in short, this is what I wanted it to do - allow me to ride to work in less than an hour (about 15 mph average), without getting totally exhausted.

My only complaints so far is that the bike is heavy (but then I knew it would be when I ordered), and also I don't find the handlebar grips to be very comfortable. They seem rough (including the shifter on the left) and not very padded. I wouldn't mind if it had one more higher gear - when I'm going downhill and the speed gets much over 20 mph, I can't really add any more speed by pedaling because the highest gear isn't high enough.

One important note - the battery charger says the charge time is 6-8 hrs, but it also says red light = charging, green light = done charging. I unplugged it when it was green, and then had the battery die on me on my commute. Turn out you need to leave it plugged in longer even after the light is green.

So, for the price, as an entry-level electric bike, I'm quite happy with it. It's a win win situation - I save gas, save the planet, get some exercise, and have fun.

I bought it in April, from Walmart, and it said 2008 model, and mine is black. I think the blue version is the MOUNTAIN Trailz Hybrid which had nubbier tires, I think. My tires are pretty smooth.
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