Newbie Needs Recommendation and User Experience with IZIP E3 Metro

[Delmarvian]

I am planning to soon purchase my first e-bike. Probably as with most new to the world of e-bikes, I find myself overwhelmed with all the information, options, types, brands and models. If not for this site, I would be totally lost. I believe I have narrowed down my choices to a couple, but please let me provide some background on myself and intended use.
As for myself I am a 60 year old male, 6' 1" in height, 230 lbs (yes, I know I need to lose weight). Overall I am in fairly good health, besides the weight my knees aren't the greatest but still working. I haven't actively ridden a bike in 20 plus years.
As for usage, I will principally be riding the bike on the coast of Delaware (Rehoboth, Bethany Beach, Fenwick and possibly Ocean City). If you're familiar with the area, primarily flat (biggest hill the bike will see is probably the Indian River Inlet bridge). Riding will mostly take place on roadways, but I would like to explore some of the bike paths in the State Parks and elsewhere. I would like as long a range as possible. I also want to be able to bike with cargo - towel, small cooler and chair when going to the beach; fishing rod and supplies when going fishing; and light grocery shopping.
Based upon my own research it seems that I need a cross between a cruiser, light duty off-road/mountain bike/cargo bike. I prefer the comfort of an upright riding position. Due to the generally flat terrain, I probably don't need the plethora of speeds that come on most of the better bikes, but guess I don't need to use them.
Based upon my own research I have preliminarily arrived at the following three bikes as possible contenders:
1 - Easy Motion EVO City Wave
2 - IZIP E3 Metro
3 - Pedego Interceptor
I have read the reviews and visited the manufacturers websites for these models. Although the E3 Metro and Interceptor apparently have higher wattage motor and higher voltage battery, from what I can ascertain that doesn't translate to higher performance (speed, range, etc.) The one spec that I could not find for any of these bikes is the range when in all electric throttle mode without pedal assist - I'd like hear from anyone with real world experience.
I recognize that no one bike will perfectly match all my needs, and compromises will need to be made, but would like recommendations from this user forum as to which of these three bikes you think would best meet most of my needs. Also, I am also very interested in recommendations for any other bikes which you feel may be an even better match. I thank the members of this community in advance for your assistance.

 

[NL7TK]

I have had a E3 Metro since 9/14 less than year. Purchased from REI Eugene OR. Today I dropped it off at REI Silverdale for repair. We will see if REI and IZip make it right. I loved this heavy duty cargo - like bike right up until time it fallied. IZip tech support was good but unable to diagnose problem by phone and just suggested I take back to where purchased. Like anything mechanical I suggest you consider service in you purchase decision. If traveler like I am this is extra important. You should have seen this heavy bike strapped to rear of my smart car. It was funny looking but not dangerous. Good luck!

 

[Delmarvian]

Thank you so much for your reply. I think your advice is solid; however, there only appears to be a few (one) local dealer and the brands they carry is limited. Thanks again.

 

[Ann M.]

Currie Tech has partnered with Yuba bikes to make a smaller stretch cargo bike, the 48V Spicy Curry, that might work better with all of your fishing and shopping gear. Otherwise, my customers have also had good experiences with the Izip Metro and Zuma ebikes. One did have a controller issue; however, Currie Tech worked with used to rapidly replace the part and got our guy back on the road. With the Izip Metro, the battery is located in the middle of the bike which gives it a nice balance and a little easier to handle than some rear mounted battery types. Pedego Interceptors are strong bikes, too, often used in rentals, so durable but a little more pricey.

 

[Delmarvian]

Wow - first I heard of the Spicy Curry. Looks really nice, but at $4500 comes at a much higher price point than the other bikes I referenced. I'll certainly look into further, but doesn't appear to be any local dealers (at least based upon the listing on the flyer). May I ask where your located? Thanks again.

 

[Ann M.]

Texas, just outside Austin. Yeah, the Yuba bikes are bit higher; however, they're really tough. Just serviced a Yuba outfitted with a BionX system- the guy has special seats to be able to carry two of his munchkins with him. The middrive on the Spicy Curry bike is a nice option for better torque; however the Izip Metro is definitely less expensive and has a controller set to produce more torque than the companion bike, the Zuma. I noticed that the frame geometry of the Yuba is focused on stability, so its great on staying upright and not feeling out of control if your navigating downhill or with some speed. The Metro also feels stable with the mid mount battery, but has more nimble steering.

 

[Delmarvian]

Thank you again. I was reviewing the Spicy Curry online - am I correct that this bike is "pedal-assist" only - no throttle mode?

 

[Tara D.]

I really do like the Spicy Curry, it is the bike I would pick if I could afford it! It would seem to me that there is no throttle only mode only 4 levels of pedal assist.

 

[Bobstoltz]

Delmarvian don't know if you already purchased a ebike yet. I'm 70 and purchased a Pedego Inceptor in April of 2015. Just passed 1000 miles. Love the bike and would be happy to give you my thoughts if you like. My email is [email protected]

 

[trmcnatt]

I have a "done at home" conversion of a Specialized Globe and a IZIP E3 Path+. I've had nothing but trouble with my IZIP. Battery and charger problems that have required a lot of time on the phone. The service from Currie Tech has been non-existent. I spend 30 to 60 minutes on hold every time I call them. My Globe works like a charm. I'd be cautious of buying anything from Currie Technunless you have a solid local bike store for support.

 

[Steve Ryu]

I have a "done at home" conversion of a Specialized Globe and a IZIP E3 Path+. I've had nothing but trouble with my IZIP. Battery and charger problems that have required a lot of time on the phone. The service from Currie Tech has been non-existent. I spend 30 to 60 minutes on hold every time I call them. My Globe works like a charm. I'd be cautious of buying anything from Currie Technunless you have a solid local bike store for support.

@trmcnatt did you get your battery issue resolved? If not, do you mind me asking what is going on with it? Message me if you would like.