IZIP E3 Ultra - Taking it to the Streets
IZIP E3 Ultra - Taking it to the StreetsBy: Turbo Bob
As I push my way through light traffic, I start to pick-up the pace. Although I am in no real hurry, my thoughts of passing make electrical connections in my brain. The visual and audible inputs are timed to the rhythm of the movements of the vehicles around me. Yet, I am not in sync with the four-wheeled monsters that dominate this scene. I am on an IZIP E-bike.
The E3 Ultra I’m riding is nimble and quick. It makes easy work of the everyday commute. They might be spewing fumes (from their tailpipes and tempers), but I am riding easy with a smile. With no emissions to speak of and one of the lowest cost-per-mile vehicles in sight, I am one with the road. The bike responds to my legs in a flash of smooth excitement.
The IZIP E3 Ultra is one of Currie Technologies’ best E-bikes. On top of all the great light-weight and performance features it offers, what makes it so special is the intelligent pedelec electronics. A load sensor in the frame couples with a fancy computer and adds the electric motor assist automatically. The bike reads my mind and body language to respond quickly without my conscience input. This makes for the best of rides every time I saddle up.
Many E-bikes (including much of the Currie line-up) use a sensor that determines pedal movement to add power. This works ok, but falls way short of the intelligent system you find on the Ultra. It offers three levels of sensitivity you can adjust on the handlebar mounted display unit. At any level it will add full power during heavy pedaling so the bike will move out when you want. Plus, the hand throttle will override this system any time you feel the need for maximum assist.
Another great built-in feature is the pedelec off button. I am continually advocating this ability on all pedelecs, but many don’t have it. This way the automatic assist can be disabled for non-powered riding. In this mode you can control the power assist with the hand throttle if needed, but otherwise you are saving battery power and getting the exercise you may desire.
The large capacity Lithium battery is fully hidden from view inside the frame’s contours. I have taken some incredibly long rides on the Ultra and have yet to run the battery flat during one. Even though the 500 watt motor has way more power than I feel any E-bike needs, it is efficient and smooth. I have climbed the toughest hills in town with ease without thinking twice about it. The power system on this E-bike seems to have it all.
Along those same lines, you’ll find some great specs as you look over the IZIP E3 Ultra. The front fork has an adjustment / lockout control. It soaks up the road just fine. Many E-bikes come with the most basic of front suspension or none at all. Between the Ultra’s fork and the aluminum frame, you sometimes get the feel you are riding a full-suspension bike. I’m sure the suspension seat post can get some credit here. The frame geometry seems well laid out too. Never once could I fault any part about the ride.
Front and rear disc brakes help add a touch of class to the looks of this E-bike, but we all know they aren’t there for style. An easy pull on one or both brakes is all you need for the stopping chores. Quiet and strong, they are just one more thing I never found fault with. Add those to some needed double (triple?) flat protection on the 700c smooth riding tires and the rolling part of this bike has you covered. Big spokes and double-walled alloy rims connect the brakes to the tires.
When I first rode an IZIP with this style of frame I wasn’t in tune with the looks too much. I found then, like now, that once you are on and riding it all looks good from the saddle. Having the battery in the frame has many benefits and maybe a drawback or two depending who you are talking to. I find the blue and black paint job very pleasing and everywhere I ride I get the same feed-back. Good looks and a good ride make this Ultra a fun and exciting way to get around.
I still have several more weeks with this Ultra so stay tuned for more insight on my rides as the miles go by. Keep E-biking!Turbo Bob.
“If you desire to be groovy and flowing instead of battling and conquering, miles-per-hour is the last equation you want to pay attention to.”---Bob Roll
Bike: IZIP E3 Zuma
I bought mine several months ago. It is so much fun to exercise now. You have a choice of motor assisted pedaling or just throttle alone. I also looked at Pedego bikes for a little less money. It was worth spending a little more for the advanced features of the Zuma. Great disc brakes! Super comfortable upright riding position. I also like the functional rear rack.
