This reivew is outdated but might be useful if you’re finding a used model or considering a deal on prior-year equipment. The latest version of the bike has been upgraded to a Bosch centerdrive and is available in two frame sizes. You can read more in the full review here and feel free to compare the two side by side with the “compare” option above.
The 2016 IZIP E3 Peak DS remained largely unchanged from 2015 and I was not able to get a sample unit for review. The website lists 20 mph as the top speed vs. 28 mph in 2015 and if this is correct the bike would shift from Class 3 to Class 2. It still appears to have a half-grip throttle and the paint job is largely the same but the iconography on the side may have been enlarged and less red is used along the top tube. Feel free to chime in with updates in the comments below if you have seen the new version of this electric bike in the wild recently. The primary feedback for this and the hardtail E3 Peak for 2016 is that they use a high torque motor that operates quietly but is not super responsive (and lacks shift sensing). It’s a great climber but is probably best suited to large sweeping trails and fire roads vs. highly technical trails.
The 2015 IZIP E3 Peak DS (Dual Suspension) is a full suspension electric mountain bike that offers a unique combination of twist throttle and speed pedelec performance capable of 28 mph top speeds that’s hard to find anywhere else. With 120 mm travel front and rear, this thing is comfortable on or off-road but lacks the utility of rear rack and fender mounts that its more affordable cousin the hardtail IZIP E3 Peak offers. Comparing the two models, the $1,400 price differential goes towards an upgraded SRAM X9 vs. X7 derailleur, X-Fusion vs. RockShox suspension, larger hydraulic disc brakes and Maxxis vs. CST tires along with the custom full suspension frame. In my opinion, there are better mid-drive systems out there (namely from Bosch), but they currently don’t offer throttle mode or high speed performance. The closest comparable ebike that I’ve reviewed would be the Haibike XDURO FS 27.5″ and at just $400 more, it’s well worth considering in my mind – depending on your ride needs. With two frame sizes, excellent distribution and a solid warranty, there’s a lot to like about the E3 Peak DS and frankly, I think it looks very cool.
The centerdrive motor driving the IZIP E3 Peak DS in electric mode is a 350 watt geared design from TranzX. The first time I tested this motor was in late 2014 on a hardtail E3 Peak and since then I feel like it has become more responsive and refined. It’s not super loud but definitely not your quietest motor either (mid-drives tend to produce more noise when operating at high RPMs in lower gears). I like how small the motor casing is and that it keeps weight low and center on the frame. The chain ring that it pulls has a built in aluminum alloy bash guard and guide designed to protect the sprocket teeth and probably the motor to some extent. This front ring is a standard sized 38 tooth design and looks relatively normal from the side. With a 10 speed SRAM X9 cassette in the rear, I found that there were enough gears to climb and reach the higher 28 mph top speeds without limiting pedal cadence or over complicating shifting. There are actually a lot of mid-drive off-road ebikes that limit gears to 10 and I think this makes the system more durable overall, reducing the need for tuneups. The big difference between the higher end centerdrive motor system and the E3 Peak DS is that they (Bosch and Impulse) can sense when you shift gears ease off for a second to reduce mashing which causes chain and sprocket wear. On the Peak DS, if you lightly squeeze the brake levers the motor will stop and this imitates shift sensing. During my tests, there actually wasn’t too much mashing going on even without braking so it might not be a huge issue depending on how you ride.
The battery pack on the E3 Peak DS offers a strong 48 volts of power (which is also more efficient than 36 volts) and a decent 8.7 amp hours of capacity. It’s a locking pack that secures directly to the frame for security but is also removable for easier transport or convenient charging inside your home or office. The battery cells used here are Lithium-ion which is valued for being relatively light weight, durable and long lasting. Built into the pack is a small LED charge level indicator so you can tell how full it is without connecting to the bike and powering up. One drawback to the design in my opinion is that the battery pack has to be turned on before the display panel can be turned on… You end up pressing two power buttons which is not so common on other ebikes and can lead to some confusion (I thought the battery was out of juice when first trying to activate this bike during my review). Still, overall the battery is fine and once you remember the extra step for activating the bike it works just fine.
One of the most refined areas of the 2015 IZIP line of electric bikes is the new display panel and associated button pad. The display is backlit, easy to see (mounted front and center) and now connected at two points to the handle bar for improved strength which could come in handy on the trails. I love that it can swivel forward and back to reduce any glare you might be experiencing and I love the range estimator readout that approximates how far the bike can go at each level of assist given the remaining battery charge. The buttons that operate the display are pretty simple to use and very easy to reach. The pad is completely rubberized to keep out dust and water but still provides a tactile “click” to let you know you’ve activated each button. You can navigate through four levels of assist with up and down buttons (which offer increasingly greater power output from the motor) and ultimately allow you to reach 28 mph assisted (with active pedaling) all without looking down at the display. Most electric bikes cut motor power at 20 mph and that is still the case for the throttle mode on the DS one but note that the throttle will really only reach ~6 mph without pedaling. As long as your cranks are moving, it can reach 20 mph and it’s designed that way to act as a sort of “override” for lower levels of assist, helping you for a short burst to overcome hills.
For ~$4.5K the E3 Peak feels expensive to me but does offer good quality and a unique set of features. The higher top speed means you can get around faster and the mid-drive motor system means you’ll get there efficiently but still be able to overcome large hills. You will have to shift more frequently than if you were using a hub motor driven bike to truly benefit from the mid-drive but I think the lower center of gravity and easier access to wheels with quick release front and rear can be worth it. It’s great that the E3 Peak DS comes in two sizes for improved fit. I do wish the bike was able to hit 20 mph in throttle only mode, without pedaling, but that’s just not the case and at least it has a throttle (though this could compromise the right grip a bit in rough terrain if it twisted). The full suspension E3 Peak does a lot right and the latest TranzX motor pairs nicely with the refined frame and stopping power of the hydraulic disc brakes and it should be easier to find at local ebike shops so you can take a test ride.
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Rich Williams
9 years agoI have this 2016 izip ds arriving Thursday for $3100 delivered and with an izip $100 rebate also. I don’t know why it is so much cheaper than the price in your review. I hope it isn’t because the world found out something horrible about the bike and they are trying to unload them. Doesn’t make a lot of sense to me and I hope I don’t regret it, but I couldn’t resist. What do you think is going on?
Glad to give feedback after experiencing it for a while. 70 years old, bad back and right knee, but lots of neat trails around me and a Monday through Friday 12 mile trip to let my grand dog out for lunch. Really hoping this will be the cat’s meow! Love your reviews!!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Rich! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the product… Many companies have MSRP (which is what I post here). It’s the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, but they also have MAP (which I don’t mention) and that’s the minimum advertised price for the bike to be sold at. Sometimes dealers will lower prices even more if they are moving, have excess inventory or are transitioning from one season to the next but they aren’t supposed to post about this publicly which is why I’ve removed the shop name you mentioned. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences with the bike and am glad you found a product you like :D did you get the rebate at the San Diego Ebike Expo by any chance or as an email from the event?
ReplyRich Williams
9 years agoThanks for the explanation, Court. Bike comes tomorrow! The rebate was a surprise offered by the dealer after the deal was done. This shop has been all one could ask for in a “mail order” transaction.
ReplyRich Williams
9 years agoWell, I have 163 miles on the bike now, most all of it on single track curvy up and down trails. I have discovered many trails that I never knew about and never would except for this bike. I ride about 6 miles on streets, weekdays to get to my son’s house. After the dog is taken care of, I have been trying many different ways to get back home, all of them on trails that usually add another 7-8 miles to my trip. I really love the fact that I can leave it in level 1 or 2 most of the time because I can make the “throttle” kick in when I am feeling the need on a steep climb. To me, the way it works is just the way I would want the assist to work. I am getting a ton of fun on this bike and have lost 10 pounds as of today and feel more fit than I have in a while.
The suspension is terrific and the saddle does not get to me until I am near the 13th mile in my ride. My only concern is the range. There is no way I could get 25 miles in the hilly trails where I ride. Maybe I will take a road ride and see what milage I can manage.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoSounds like you’re enjoying the bike a lot Rich! Thanks for sharing your story and including some range estimates. The E3 Peak DS has grown on me a lot because I love full suspension and appreciate the mid-drive design for off-road and trail riding. I’d love to hear how far you get on-road and also your weight and height if you don’t mind sharing to help put the stats into context for others :)
Rich Williams
9 years agoOn my last ride yesterday, I got 22.4 miles all trail riding with 2 miles left in level 2, according to the gauge. No street range figured yet as I really don’t think I like riding on streets that much. As to your request, I am 5′-8.5″ and weigh 183 lbs. now.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks Rich!
ReplyDave
8 years agoDid you ever get a street estimate?
ReplyDave
8 years agoStreet estimate for you. I weigh 185 and am in decent shape. I ride 16-18 miles to get to work. The terrain is mostly flat with a few small hills. I cannot make the full trip on level 4. Level 3 gives me about 18-21 miles and I cannot tell you for sure, but level 2 would get me 25 I could guess. Level 4 would be about 13-15. Hope that helps.