The iGo metro is a value priced urban cruiser that offers a comfortable ride, beautiful aesthetic and high quality components. I was very impressed with the design which resembles the Pedego City Commuter but costs much less. It’s available in a high-step and low-step frame configuration with 18″ and 16.5″ sizes respectively to fit a wide range of riders. IGo has been around since 2005 making mostly lower end mid-drive ebikes that get the job done but are starting to feel a bit dated with the introduction of Bosch, Panasonic and 8Fun systems. The Metro looks better, feels zippier and includes more accessories than their earlier bikes and offers enormous value considering the one year warranty and extensive dealer network in Canada and parts of the US. If you don’t live near a dealer iGo will ship for free in CA and $100 to the States.
The motor driving the Metro electric bike offers a solid 350 watts of power. That’s about average in my opinion but it’s enough to reach 20mph on flat surfaces and climb smaller or medium hills with a bit of pedaling help. It’s a geared hub motor which means you get more torque without adding a lot of weight to the system. It doesn’t make a lot of noise and stays relatively hidden in the rear wheel thanks to its smaller size. One downside to any hub motor is increased weight in the wheel and complexity of changing flats or fixing spokes. This is somewhat reduced with the Metro thanks to a modular quick disconnect point on the left chain stay.
Powering the motor and lights on this bike is a Lithium-ion battery pack mounted in the rear rack. It’s well protected and removable for easy charging. Taking the pack off also makes it easier to store and transport (reducing frame weight). Offering 36 volts of power and 10 amp hours of capacity this thing is exactly average in the world of ebikes (at the time of this review) and the one year warranty is a great bonus. IGo advertises 400 to 600 charge cycles but I’ve seen Lithium-ion cells go over 1,000 if cared for (store at average temperature, charge after each ride and top off every few months if unused). While the pack itself is indistinct the rack mount looks great and the fact that it’s small and removable is very nice.
Operating this electric bike is fairly easy. Once the pack is charged and secure there’s an on/off button on the main LCD console. From here you can arrow up or down to one of six levels of assist. There is also a zero mode but that basically just lets you operate the lights and see your speed, distance and battery capacity. At any time when you’re in pedal assist, you can begin pedaling the bike and the motor will kick in. You can also use the half-twist throttle located on the left handle bar to add power or take a break from pedaling. The pedal assist sensor is a magnetic pedelec ring that just listens for movement so it’s not as fancy as some new systems but it gets the job done and actually uses 12 sensors (instead of just 5 like many bikes) which makes it more responsive. One advantage to pedalec is that you don’t have to push very hard to activate the motor. One quick complaint is that the twist throttle is located on the left vs. right. I understand that this had to be done in order to put the Revoshift on the right bar but it may annoy some riders.
When I think about the iGo Metro ebike from a performance standpoint the word average comes to mind… but that’s a solid average given the Lithium-ion cells and access to pedal assist and throttle mode. When I think about the two different frame styles, beautiful paint job, integrated wiring and one year warranty I get more excited. When I start going down the list of all the high quality accessories that are included (full sized fenders, chain guard, deflopilator, removable porteur rack, rear rack with pannier guards, mechnical disc brakes, integrated LED lights, double legged kickstand, alloy platform pedals, suspension fork) I get very excited. This is an amazing bike for the money and I could see many friends and couples buying two in order to ride together. Sure, it’s rear heavy and the assist sensors are more basic, the motor is average in terms of power and the throttle is on the left. Theres’s also no water bottle cage mounting point on either frame (which is amazing to me considering there’s nothing blocking that area as with some other ebikes… consider an accessory mount) Aside from that, this bike is nearly perfect in my opinion.
A hardtail electric fat bike with extra large 4.5" wide tires that improve float and traction. Gnarly Kenda Juggernaut tires feature bigger knobs spaced further apart that dig into loamy, snowy, or sandy terrain. Redesigned hydroformed aluminum alloy frame is sturdy but approachable with lower standover height, due to aggressively sloped top tube, and fully integrated downtube battery pack. The bike is feature complete with alloy fenders, rear rack, and integrated lights.. Advanced 32 pulse cadence sensor is responsive and durable. Unique "Electronics Access Port" bottom bracket…...
One of the most affordable road style electric bikes with drop bars and a decent 18-speed drivetrain. Available in two frame sizes, sold through dealers as well as online, ships as a Class 1 product but can be unlocked for faster 28mph (45km/h) Class 3 performance using the free smartphone application.. Extremely lightweight at 40.6lbs (18.4kg), and balanced front to rear. The 250W Bafang planetary geared…...
A feature-complete hybrid electric bike with sturdy tubular alloy fenders, custom rear rack with triple-bungee strap, and quality integrated lights. Advanced 32 pulse cadence sensor is more responsive and durable than most competitors. Powerful 48 volt battery system with pure sine wave controller supports a custom 500 to 750 watt hub motor that performs great. Sturdy spokes and wheel with reinforcement eyelets should stay true longer, they support up to…...
A feature-complete fat tire electric bike with durable plastic fenders, a sturdy rear rack, and integrated lights. Advanced 32 pulse cadence sensor is more responsive and durable than average. Powerful 48 volt battery system with independent 22 amp controller and 500 to 750 watt hub motor are very capable off-road. Great attention to detail with sturdy 12 gauge spokes, a steel derailleur guard that also…...
An approachable step-thru commuter with stiff durable frame, great weight distribution, sturdy front and rear racks, nice integrated lights, comfortable and flexible geometry with tool-free adjustable angle stem, an entry-level suspension fork, and basic semi-ergonomic grips. Great attention to detail with all hardware accents in black (spokes, hubs, racks, handlebar etc.),…...
A value-priced electric bike available in one size and one color, deep step-thru frame is approachable and the saddle goes way down without hitting the rack, tool-free adjustable stem brings the swept-back handlebar close. Lots of comfort features here including semi-ergonomic grips, plush saddle with rubber bumpers, a basic…...
A well priced, well put together city style electric bike that's comfortable and versatile with fenders, rack and lights. Sturdy integrated racks can carry 25 kg each (~50 pounds) and the front rack benefits…...
Affordable city style ebike with basic mid-drive system offering improved efficiency and climbing. Lots of extras including front and rear fenders, LED lights and a cargo rack with…...
A cool looking, affordable full suspension electric bike thats best enjoyed on-road or light trails. Less sophisticated pedelec sensor can make the ride feel jerky at start and mash gears…...
Modest 250 watt mid-drive motor system is efficient but not the most satisfying. Offers three levels of pedal assist and twist throttle with a simple LED control console...
Gordon
10 years agoI really like this design, the front rack looks great but adds a lot of utility.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoI agree Gordon, it’s nice that they also offer a high step and low step design. For the money, this bike really delivers a lot and the paint job is above average in my opinion. Awesome setup for the price :)
ReplyFrankh
10 years agoI really enjoy your reviews. However I noticed that on your video review of the step-through IGo Metro that you stated that it had a 500w motor. However I notice that on the manufacturers website that it says that the motor is 350w with 500wpeak. I believe that is different than 500w continuous. Thank you
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Frankh! Thanks for the clarification. I believe they may offer two models with the basic being 350 and the upgrade costing more but offering higher 500 watt output. The bikes do change over time, sometimes more than once per year, and that’s why I put the date stamp on the written portion here. I’ll definitely be reviewing more Evelo bikes in the future and I appreciate your input! I do make mistakes here sometimes and it’s great to have feedback :)
ReplyBrian
10 years agoAny idea how the iGo Metro compares to the iZip Zuma on the hills of a city like San Francisco? I like the comfort and power of the Zuma, but am hoping to find an alternative with a better display and that includes accessories for under $3k. The price on the Metro is ideal, but hard to test it out since the nearest dealer is > 70 miles away.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Brian, these two bikes are fairly similar in terms of power but the weight distribution is better on the IZIP Zuma. I just reviewed the newest iGo Metro Ergofit but the article hasn’t gone live yet. Keep an eye out for it soon, the price is good and I like all of the accessories you get just like you were saying :)
ReplyBrian
10 years agoGreat, looking forward to it. Your site has been such an amazing resource to me as I try to make this expensive decision!
ReplyBrian
10 years agoHi Court, Are we talking a few days for the ErgoFit review to go live or a few weeks? I called the nearest dealer and he wasn’t aware of this model, so just wondering how long I’d have to wait to check this one out. Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Brian! Sorry for the delay on this one, I’ve been backed up lately. Just published the Ergofit today just for you! Enjoy ;)
ReplyMichel Guillemette
10 years agoGreat bikes. I have put 4,800km on mine since April 2014. I had a couple of mechanical bugs with the bottom bracket that have been quickly fixed and replaced by IGO. I regularly do up to 80km on a single charge. The trick is to plug it after every ride. Missing on this bike… A USB connector for the phone. I also bought one for my wife, she love it. We give it a strong 9/10 evaluation.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat feedback Michel, glad you and your wife are enjoying the Metro! The latest version (Metro E) includes USB chargers just like you’ve suggested. I agree that it’s a solid platform and appreciate your tips about keeping the battery full to help extend its life :)
ReplyRyan
9 years agoThe USB is on the bottom of the control panel.
Maria
9 years agoI bought the iGo Metro a little less than a year ago. It started off wonky with the chain falling off constantly. It looked like one of the links was bend. No big deal I thought, just have that fixed. I had a high quality shimano chain put on and the derailer set up properly – I am on my 3rd chain now, chains constantly fall off when you shift into the highest gear, and this bike chews chains. Just before winter I pulled the break and the handle broke (all parts on this bike seem to be cheapest quality, fall out, break…). I had that fixed just to now realize the bike does not turn on anymore. I informed iGo customer service about all of these issues; they have done nothing to help me. I would highly recommend against this bike unless you want to loose $2000 in under a year. Worst purchase I personally have ever made.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoMaria… I am so sorry to hear this. My first experience with an electric bike was similarly awful and I felt like I lost a lot of money and enjoyment in the process. I try to be objective with my reviews but also constructive and hearing your first hand experience (with lots of ride time) will be very useful for possible future customers. Thank you for sharing and again, I am sorry to hear about your situation and the limited support from iGo :(
ReplyRyan
9 years agoMy roommate just bought this bike second hand and I warned him but he did anyways. This is his first ebike and the battery will simply not charge. He left it charging overnight and nothing. I’m assuming it’s the battery from not being taken care of properly. Bike or nothing will turn on.
ReplyCustomer service from this company is the worst. Any ideas, or did he buy a rollable paperweight?!
Court Rye
9 years agoHi Ryan, that sucks… sorry to hear about his misfortune. Was the bike used? I have received comments from others stating that the customer service is unresponsive and I think I’ve even struggled to reach them at times. They may sell replacement batteries but I cannot say for sure :/ maybe ask around in the forums?
ReplyMarcel
8 years agoI purchased this same bike brand new in February of this year. Not much drama, but just lately the brake’s mechanical disc plate clinched and I got stuck in the middle of the bike path. The back tire can’t move or spin so i had to carry the whole darn bike up my shoulder back to my house for three blocks. And as you all may know, this is quite a hefty bike. The first time it happened to me i was much closer to home and after some tinkering i managed to unclinched it. This time I am not making any progress. Anybody has an opinion??? Customer service seems not to have any solution for me.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHmm, that’s interesting Marcel. Sorry to hear that the brake has been having trouble, maybe it needs a repair or replacement? Is there a local bike shop you could take it to for help? I have never had a brake seize like but maybe someone else here has and can help. Was it the brake pads or can you describe a bit more what part seems to be jammed?
ReplyKaren
2 years agoI am having trouble finding a mirror to fit the handles bars, of my IGO Metro CX Step Through E-Bike. Can you suggest which one will work on the left side. Thank you.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Karen! I haven’t used mirrors very often on my bicycles, but I have seen ones that fit into the hole at the end of the handlebar (once you remove the black plug). Some grips actually surround the end of the bar, so you might need to cut a hole or change grips. Also, the handlebar bore size could be different. What is the problem that you are encountering? If it’s just finding mirrors in general, try searching Amazon for bicycle bar end mirror. Also, you could find mirrors that attach to your helmet! They are usually on a rod and have a little mirror held out to the left side of your face. These can be nice because you don’t have to look down, and they follow you no matter which bike you’re riding! Hope this helps ;)
Reply