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.
Pros:
- Beautifully assembled frame, drive system and accessory package
- The step-thru frame can accommodate shorter riders thanks to the lower seat tube mounting point
- Ergonomic grips, adjustable stem and suspension fork add comfort when riding
- Mechanical disc brakes, solid alloy pedals and frame-mounted porteur rack improve handling
- LED lights are mounted directly to the frame to avoid bouncing and run off the main battery pack
- Full length, wide composite fenders match the paint job and completely cover the balloon tires (along with mud flaps) to keep you dry when riding, work great in combination with the chain guard
- Rear rack surrounds the battery pack for protection and includes a top platform (with mounting holes) and side blocker bars for use with panniers (avoid snags in spokes and tires)
- Solid one year warranty on bike, drive system and battery from iGo (been in business since 2005)
- Oversized CST Zeppelin balloon tires add comfort, provide great traction and rolling efficiency at 700c size and include a reflective sidewall for safety
- Free shipping to Canadian customers and +$100 shipping for residents of the United States
- Geared rear hub motor is light, relatively quiet and wired in with a quick disconnect for performing wheel maintenance
- Pedelec sensor uses 12 magnets instead of just 5 (like many ebikes) and this makes it more smooth and responsive
Cons:
- Since the grip shifter for the Shimano 7 speed cassette is on the right handle bar the twist throttle is on the left which is abnormal in the ebike and motorcycle world and may be less intuitive for some riders
- Rear heavy design (both motor and battery are located at the rear) makes bike less balanced
- Suspension fork is more basic, does not include lock out for riding on smooth terrain
- There is no “throttle only” mode, have to be in one of six pedal assist levels and pedal assist uses a cadence sensor vs. torque + speed sensing
- Neither frame style has water bottle cage mounts which is a bummer since this bike does not put the battery on the downtube… it seems like they could have added this easily
Resources:
- Official Site: http://igoelectric.com/en/metro/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/V7tBwbnQhdSugFVXA
Gordon says
I really like this design, the front rack looks great but adds a lot of utility.
Court Rye says
I 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 :)
Frankh says
I 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
Court Rye says
Hi 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 :)
Brian says
Any 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.
Court Rye says
Hi 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 :)
Brian says
Great, looking forward to it. Your site has been such an amazing resource to me as I try to make this expensive decision!
Brian says
Hi 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!
Court Rye says
Hi Brian! Sorry for the delay on this one, I’ve been backed up lately. Just published the Ergofit today just for you! Enjoy ;)
Michel Guillemette says
Great 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.
Court Rye says
Great 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 :)
Ryan says
The USB is on the bottom of the control panel.
Court Rye says
Got it, thanks for the tip Ryan!
Maria says
I 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.
Court Rye says
Maria… 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 :(
Ryan says
My 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.
Customer service from this company is the worst. Any ideas, or did he buy a rollable paperweight?!
Court Rye says
Hi 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?
Marcel says
I 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.
Court Rye says
Hmm, 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?
Karen says
I 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.
Court says
Hi 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 ;)