![]() At ~53 lbs (depending on frame style and size) this isn’t the lightest ebike but it is stiffer than most other cruisers and the strong motor and battery make riding a breeze. With seven gears to choose from and three levels of assist, the E3 Zuma works great for cruising around town and has an oversized sprocket to help you deal with steep inclines. The brake levers are setup to signal to the motor when you’re activating them and cut power for safety and the shifters are standard triggers mounted to the right bar. Mounted to the left side of the handlebar is your control panel which uses basic LED lights to approximate the remaining battery capacity and list your drive mode (assist or throttle) along with the assist level and light status (on or off). For paved streets and smooth sidewalks the standard setup with larger tires and swept back bars works just fine. You could add these yourself aftermarket but that decision might hinge more on the terrain you intend to travel across. That said, it’s not as comfortable as it could be with a seat post shock or suspension fork. The Zuma is a comfortable ebike, positioning the rider in a more upright position that doesn’t strain the arms and back as much while pedaling and steering. The only downside here is that these optional accessories cost extra. a backpack which can wear on the shoulders, back and neck over longer rides. And with the optional matching fenders and rear rack setup, you’d be able to carry extra gear with a saddle bag or panniers vs. Since the battery can be charged on or off the bike, you could actually use the IZIP E3 Zuma for commuting (just take it off and charge it in the office). The seat post actually mounts into the battery pack and is also removable so both can be taken out or kept together for easier carrying. This conceals and protects it from external damage due to tipping or accidents. The battery mounts to the bike frame in a very unique way, actually sliding into an oversized seat tube. The cells inside are made with a Lithium-ion chemistry that’s renowned for being light weight and long lasting (in terms of number of charge cycles). Powering the bike is an impressive 48 volt 8.7 amp hour battery that’s good for ~35 miles of cruising in ideal paved conditions using pedal assist mode. If you notice a tire becoming soft when riding, just spin the wheel and add some air and the tire should hold up long enough for you to replace the tube. Basically, an aqueous solution with rubber patching-bits has been loaded into the tube and if you get a leak, the Slime goo temporarily fills them in and seals. the bike is also setup to help you avoid the immediate ramifications of flat tires because the tubes come pre-Slimed. One of the coolest part about this motor is how it’s mounted to the frame, there’s a quick-disconnect for the power cable so changing flats is much easier. During my ride tests, the bike felt very satisfying whether using the twist throttle or pedal assist modes and climbed well – especially in pedal assist mode when I was helping out a bit. Being geared, it offers more torque for climbing and zippy takeoffs but doesn’t have to be as large or heavy as a gearless design to achieve this performance. It’s a 500 watt geared hub design that’s integrated into the rear wheel. The motor driving the E3 Zuma offers an excellent balance of size, weight and power. The 2015 model being reviewed here isn’t much different from the 2014 version but features three nice upgrades including a more powerful and efficient 48 volt battery, modified downtube that’s easier to perform service on (especially when adding lights) and improved LED control panel with a lights on/off button. With a high-step and low-step frame option available in two sizes this bike can be setup to fit most body types and the swept back handlebars pair nicely with the padded grips, oversized saddle and balloon tires for a comfortable ride. On the Zuma, the seat tube is actually built into the battery pack which slides into an even larger tube that completely surrounds it for added protection and a much nicer aesthetic. The balance is better than many other bikes that use a rear rack style battery or even the Silver Fish pack that mounts just behind the seat tube. They look beautiful in wide variety of colors with matching chain guards and optional matching fenders. The IZIP E3 Zuma has long been at the top of my favorites list for cruiser style electric bikes. The latest model is also priced slightly less at $2,499 vs. This review is for the 2015 IZIP E3 Zuma, for an updated version check out the 2016 model which offers automatic battery sleep (after 30 days) and a new LED console ring vs. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |