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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Urban Mover Glider Mountain Electric Bike (26-Inch Wheels) Review

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(More customer reviews)I feel I have to warn people about this bike, which I bought largely for its good looks - yes, it leaves other electric bikes in the shade. Although I bought it less than two years ago, I have got less than 40 miles out of it. The battery (not lithium as advertised) is supposed to do at least 20 miles; in my experience, it did no more than 15 and cycling it home on wet evenings into a headwind was not funny. The power guage on the battery didn't work - ever - and yes, I should have sent it back immediately but I didn't. Instead I went back to an ordinary bike (I have been a cyclist all my life which may colour my view of this bike).
When I tried to cycle the Urban Mover again, the battery had completely died. So I got it replaced. The new one was no better. Add to that a very uncomfortable saddle, handlebars that can't be adjusted, and only five gears; any cycle over 10 minutes was a pain not a pleasure. What you have is an OK if heavy 5-gear bike which should cost about $300 bumped to many times more than that because it is electrified. To say I am annoyed at having wasted so much money is an understatement. I am not at all convinced that battery technology is good enough for any bike yet - even the top of the range batteries are very heavy and of uncertain reliability. Any one considering buying one should also try a quality road bike for comparison. They may find themselves surprised at how easy they are to cycle.

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The most popular form of transportation in the world is the bicycle, but few Americans take it seriously as a car alternative. Enter the Urban Mover Glider electric mountain bike, a battery-powered bicycle that can go farther and faster than a conventional bike with little effort. The Glider is outfitted with such traditional bike features as a lightweight, double heat-treated alloy frame, a Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter, and alloy wheel rims with stainless-steel spokes. It's the advanced Panasonic lithium battery and powerful UM brushless hub motor that really steal the show, however. The electric assistance makes it easy to pop into town for groceries or commute across the city, because the bike's sensor detects how hard you're riding and instantly matches the effort. Even a casual peddler can maintain speeds of 12 to 18 miles per hour with a minimum of effort. And when you stop peddling, the power is interrupted immediately so that you're always in total control. It's the perfect bike for commuters tired of facing traffic jams day in and day out or dealing with the spiraling costs of car ownership.
The Glider offers a real alternative to the social and fiscal costs of driving. Maintenance and fuel costs are minimal, with the electricity for charging the fuel checking in at about 10 cents for every 12 to 18 miles (the charger works in standard outlets and charges in less than six hours). In addition, the bike effectively flattens hills by increasing your average speed on the approach, making it simple to climb hills of up to 12 percent without collapsing in exhaustion. And although it won't keep you as fit as a conventional bike, the Glider will get you outdoors and moving. Perhaps the most popular feature, however, is the emission-free design, which is far cleaner and greener than carbon-based transportation. And if you charge the bike using power from a wind generator or solar panels, you'll be even greener. All that plus it doesn't smell or rattle, is completely silent, and is easy to maintain.
Bike Features
Lightweight, double heat-treated alloy frame
Fully sealed bearing system
Kenda puncture-resistant tires and tubes
High-quality Tektro V-type brakes
26-inch, double-rim, multi-terrain wheels
Advanced Lithium battery by Panasonic
Patented side-loading locking battery
Shimano Tourney gear set and shifter
Powerful UM brushless hub motor
Sports gel saddle
VPAC advanced motor control system
Professional telescopic front suspension
Mono sports ABS MTB mudguards
Special semi-matte black paint finish
5-year frame warranty; 1-year warranty on components and battery

Specifications
System voltage: 26 volts
Battery pack: Panasonic lithium ion 26-volt, 9 ah
Digital battery charger: 110 to 240 volts, (50 to 60 Hz)
USA motor rating: 250 watts, 26 volts
Motor type: Brushless with single-stage planetary gearing
Motor controller type: VPAC
Gradient capability: Up to 12 percent
Maximum range (VPAC motor assisted): 21 miles
Maximum speed: 15 miles per hour
Wheel size: 26 inches
Rims/spokes: Alloy/stainless steel
Brake: V-brake front and rear
Rear gear set: Shimano Tourney 6 speed
Gear shifter: Shimano thumb shift
Bottom crank size: 48T
Saddle model and type: UM-V sport gel
Frame size: 19 or 21 inches
Frame length: 72 inches
Wheel base: 47 inches
Weight: 43.5 pounds

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E-Zip Mountain Trailz Electric Bicycle, Model# EZ-MT8-BL Review

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(More customer reviews)Assembly: I've never assembled a bicycle before, but some assembly is required for the e-zip. I managed to put it together in about 3-4 hours, and someone with experience could probably do it in 1-2 hours. Some parts of the instructions aren't terribly clear, but not too much assembly is necessary. The electric components are already installed, so it's just a matter of putting together the handlebars, front wheel and brakes, and seat.
Range: The claim is that this bike has a range of 18-24 miles, but I don't think this is accurate. My bike will go about 13 miles before the engine appears to run out of energy. The battery indicator says that there's still almost half the energy left in the battery at that point, as there should be, but it acts as though it's run out of juice.
Fortunately my bike commute is just 13 miles, so I can manage with the reduced range. A couple of times when I haven't put as much effort into pedalling, it's run out of juice on me after just about 10 miles, and it's a tough bike to pedal without the electric motor going as it's so heavy. As long as I put some decent effort into pedalling and go a little easy on the throttle, it will get me the 13 miles. You actually don't want to go much further than that anyway, because sealed lead acid battery life is significantly reduced when the battery is discharged more than 80%.
Performance: On my regular mountain/road hybrid bike, my commute takes about an hour, averaging about 13 mph. On this electric bike, the commute takes about 50 minutes averaging about 15 mph. The ride takes significantly less energy, as the throttle makes pedalling much easier. Accelerating and climbing hills (and going against a headwind) in particular are a piece of cake in comparison.
The bike has 7 gears, but I only use about 4, if that many. Most of my ride is spent in the lowest gear going at about 17 mph. If I'm climbing a hill I'll probably drop it down a gear or two until I reach the top. As I mentioned, the motor is engaged with a throttle on the right handlebar, below which is a battery level indicator (full/half/empty). The battery attaches into a slot on either side of the rack on the back of the bike (only 1 battery is provided and necessary). The bike is pretty heavy (50-60 pounds), especially with the heavy lead battery on board. The charger is included and the battery is removable, so you can take it off and bring it with you for recharging.
Battery: Recharging usually takes me 4 hours. The charger claims it takes 6-8 hours, but that's probably if the battery is fully discharged (and you don't want it to be, as that will reduce the battery lifetime, as mentioned). It costs about 0.2 cents per mile (2 cents per ten miles) to recharge the battery, so it's practically free. The battery should last 150-300 charges, and costs about $100 to replace. You also want to recharge it immediately after use to maximize the lifetime of the battery. When I get to work I bring the charger and battery inside and recharge it at my desk, and do the same at home.
The only complaints I have are that I wish the range were a little better and the bike were a bit lighter. A few of the parts are a bit on the cheap side (like the seat), but easily replaceable with better parts if you're so inclined. For $350 I really can't complain. An electric bike conversion kit on its own will cost close to $300, and a regular mountain bike on its own will cost on the order of $400, so $350 for a combination of the two is great. I didn't find any other electric bikes for under $500, so this bike is a great value as long as you don't need to go more than 13 miles at a time.

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All-terrain bicycle boasts a mountain-style steel frame. Reaches a top speed of 15 MPH and has up to 20 mile range with normal pedaling! For ages 13 and up; not to exceed 240 lbs.

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EWheels - Electric Bicycle - EW-620LA - Blue Review

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(More customer reviews)OMG this bike is so much fun!
I got this bike for my birthday, it is just great!
Can't wait to ride it all summer!

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Currie Technologies eZip Skyline Men's Electric Bicycle Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Currie EZip Skyline as a commuter bike to try and minimize my carbon footprint. I wanted a bike I'd have fun riding and that I could use to get some exercise , but not arrive at work or home completely worn out from the journey. I researched a bunch of bikes and decided on this one based on the battery type, shape, water 'resistance' and price. I received the bike last weekend, and after making my way through a slightly annoying set of assembly instructions, I can review it's performance based on my first 15 mile roundtrip commute.
- Overall performance - The bike is a lot of fun to ride and it seems pretty sturdy so far. I really liked the variable modes of travel, PAS (pedal assisted) or TAG (full scooter mode). I was able to 'zip' past quite a few different bikers on the hills, which made the overall distance seem less. In fact, with this bike, my 15 mile commute felt completely doable. There's a little bit of a whine when the electronic motor is assisting you, which may bother some. The amount of force that the electric assist produces seems well balanced to the type of bike. It's not so much that you feel like you're speeding out of control, but it's enough to get a good boost.
- Functionality - I found the controls fairly intuitive, once I figured out what mode I was in. It pays to have some practice time on the bike to figure out what's happening before you get into traffic. The gears are enough for my plans (no big long hills, mostly bike paths all the way to work). I believe that the correct handlebar placement has eluded me thus far. It's important to figure that out, as your wrists are engaged in a different way if you're using the throttle a lot. It's heavy, so when the electric assist isn't on, it's not fun going up hills, though it's fine on the flats.
- Battery Life -
I fully charged the battery the day I assembled the bike, and it stayed full for the first leg of my trip (7.5 miles) after an hour charge at work, it stayed on full all the way home too. Seems to have long life on a charge.
- Assembly - It's not completely simple to assemble as the packaging is not customized to the bike, and so there's plastic parts that are there just to support the shipping that are hard to remove. Also, there are some places where the instructions point to the wrong location for a bolt, the Wedge bolt in particular, and so that gets frustrating. I did insist on doing it myself though, cause I wanted to be able to know how it was put together if I had any problems out on the road.
- Improvements -
I think this bike would be improved by adding an indicator to the PAS / TAG toggle that lets you know visually which mode you are in. A tilting seat would facilitate easier battery removal.

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Currie EZip Trailz Step Thru Women's Electric Bike Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this bike because i am getting to be a near jurassic (70 yr old) man, but wanted a "step thru" frame. At this age i just cant swing that old leg up like the young ones and dont mind the snickers about it being a lady's bike! Hey bring me my pink water bottle!! lol
So.. the shipper (UPS) did a real bang up job..and i mean bang up! The box was ripped, the frame scratched, busted some styrofoam and generally musta had a gorilla throw it around before finally leaving in on my front porch. Ezip does pack it well though and they are smart enough to include some touch up paint.
I was immediately impressed with the welds, the finish, and overall quality of the bike..amazing for the price. Assembly was not too bad, and all parts were there except one front hub nut (this maybe be lost due to the shipping?) The front brake was out of adjustment but i used the rear brake as a model. All instructions were easy to read, however like so many products these days, the lawyers must be have written the first five pages of everything because of all the WARNINGS! Wear a helmet! Dont ride at night!
Tell your mother where you are going! (ok not that one) Dont ride in sandals or barefoot!
Oh my goodness, did i buy a bicycle or a death trap?
The battery is being charged tonight and i will take it out for a spin tomorrow, and I look forward to passing those spandex bicycle "gangs" going uphill , puff puff... "come on boys!"
So far, so good and i will add a review on how it runs a little later, but for now i can recommend this Ezip machine, a heck of a deal for the money (god bless the chinese) . If we could just export our love of litigation we could eliminate our trade deficit!!
oh ya, it says i am in bangkok,thailand but i am now in the mountains of colorado..
Pike's Peak here me and lady Ezip come!! (she hasnt got a name yet).
Oh one last thing... i am 6'2" and 200 lbs, so the bike is a little small for me, but for the price i can get small.... if i like riding electric bikes (i think i will), maybe some big manly bike is next!!! but I'm keepin the water bottle!
P.S. after 3 months of riding... the bike is FANTASTIC... no problems.. no regrets ...this is my kinda relationship!! (reliable and cheap) oh, one note, if you leave the bike to go in shopping at the dollar store (my kinda place) it turns off the battery after 3 min.. so just flip the switch back on and you be zoomin in no time...
oh ..one more note.. it is very easy to switch back and forth between pedal assist and motobike zoom... and whenever you hit the brakes.. the motor cuts out.. so you wont go flying thru that busy intersection!!
good luck all


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Bicycles are a terrific mode of transportation, but sometimes you just need a little extra push while getting around town. Enter the eZip Trailz women's electric comfort bike, which is equipped with a 450-watt DC earth magnet motor and a 24-volt rechargeable battery. Far cleaner than gas-powered scooters but zippier than a traditional bike, the Trailz will get you from point A to B in no time at all, but won't guzzle gas or belch pollutants in the process. The battery offers a range of 15 to 22 miles per charge, so you can make it back and forth to the grocery store several times without running low on power. And once you're on the road, the Trailz boasts a top speed of 15 miles per hour (contingent on the rider weight)--plenty fast enough for most bike-friendly city streets. Is your work commute too far to walk but close enough that a car seems wasteful? Turn to the Trailz, which comes with a rear rack to carry groceries and other gear.

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Currie Technologies eZip Electric Scooter Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered the EZIP 1000 several months ago and have been thoroughly impressed with the value for the money that the scooter has provided since I received it. I originally purchased the scooter to run around my neighborhood. However, I have found myself using it far more than I imagined. The scooter folds up easily so I am able to put it in my car and use it in a variety of places and on various terrains.....it runs great on sidewalks, concrete, grass, and dirt. I weigh 200+lbs and the scooter provides plenty of power and zip. Riding the scooter is very smooth and it's easy to steer thanks to the full suspension. Additionally, the scooter is very quiet. I have enjoyed this scooter very much and would highly recommend it!

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