Currie EZip Trailz Men's Electric Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)After three test-rides, and having contemplated retro-fitting one of our existing bikes with a Currie electric drive, we decided to go ahead and purchase this bike. As the adage goes, "you get what you pay for" - which is certainly the case with this bike. I didn't expect top-of-the-line componentry, but I did expect better functionality with certain aspects of the build.
As I've ridden it around town, I found that the shifting is a bit clumsy - even after numerous adjustments to the derallieur. I was also aware of the total weight when I purchased it - nearly 70 lbs when one battery is installed - and have come to the conclusion that it is NOT a bike an average person can easily ride around without frequently using the electric assist; it's really a tank (even compared with my Xtracycle loaded with 50 lbs of groceries). I also was sad to discover that my Sunlite pannier could not be attached to the non-battery side of the rear rack because the hooks (on panier) are not set wide enough apart to span the battery placement gap. Another everyday annoyance is the fact that there is no quick-release lever on the front wheel making it a pain if you need to remove the wheel (flat, transport, etc.).
Maybe I can overlook most of the above, but the real headaches came when I got a flat on the rear tire. There is nothing - in Currie's documentation or on their website - that gives any indication on how to remove the rear wheel when you need to replace a tube. I searched forums and everywhere else I could, and came learn that in order to remove the rear wheel, you have to REMOVE THE ENTIRE MOTOR ASSEMBLY - which is not a simple procedure. And, since the motor/drive housing is hardwired (rather than having a plug-in connection) you have to figure out a way to support the motor while it is hanging disconnected from the wheel. This was the worst flat-repair job I have ever had to deal with - and definitely not something that could be accomplished out on the road, even if you had all of the tools you end up needing. I immediately went and replaced both tires with puncture-proof (resistant) tires - and if you are considering buying one of these bikes, I would definitely recommend you have this change made, preferably before you take delivery.
Bottom line: So far the electric assist modes have worked well during riding. It is a heavy, clumsy bike - and really meant to be ridden with the electric motor engaged most of the time, rather than without. I'm not convinced that the distance ratings are accurate. I suspect a more truthful average is 15-18 mi/per single battery. I am totally not impressed with the support or documentation offered by the manufacturer (Currie), and I see alot of room for small but significant improvements on the basic bicycle (quick releases, please!!!). Worth the $500? ... the verdict is still out for me. I think you can buy a higher quality commuter bike for a similar pricetag - it all depends how much effort you are looking to save riding an ebike.

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