The 2016 IZIP E3 Dash features a high torque mid-drive motor while the previous two iterations used gearless direct drive hub motors. This improves balance and frame stiffness while making quick-release on both wheels possible (and easier). You get thru-axles for improved stiffness (12 mm rear and 15 mm front) and hydraulic Shimano disc brakes with a larger 180 mm rotor up front for quick stops. I found the motor to respond mostly to cadence, to run quietly and to be slightly delayed… both starting and stopping. It’s a more basic motor that does not detect shifting and therefor may strain the chain, sprockets and derailleur more if you try to shift while pedaling hard and using a high level of assist. The 10 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain is solid mid-level and should hold up well if cared for. While this is a speed-pedelec Class 3 with only pedal assist by default, you can spend $50 extra for a boost button to be mounted near one of the ergonomic grips. This plastic ring has three buttons… one to enable boost, one to slowly and smoothly reach ~6 mph and another unlabeled button offering full power up to ~20 mph if you’re using one of the higher gears.
To truly reach ~28 mph on this electric bicycle you do have to pedal along and use one of the higher gears. The speed range of the motor itself is somewhat limited but it’s very powerful which is great for climbing and it’s fairly quiet. I appreciate the included fenders, rear rack and integrated LED lights from Spanninga! This e-bike is ready to go right out of the box and all of the parts match. It comes in three sizes and I was using the medium ~17″ frame which felt slightly small for my 5’9″ build but kept my body upright for improved city riding. Expect the range to be limited around 15 to 30 miles given the higher torque motor and high-speed operation (where wind resistance becomes more of a factor). Extend it by staying under 20 mph and using the lower 1 or 2 levels of assist.
Pros:
- High speed pedal-assist performance (up to 28 miles per hour with active rider input) means you’ll arrive quicker but also drain the battery faster above 20 mph due to air resistance
- The suspension fork, larger diameter wheels and thicker tires provide comfort when traveling over longer distances, bumpy terrain and at higher speeds… the ergonomic grips feel good, the saddle is firm for active pedaling
- This electric bike is feature complete meaning it comes with all of the supporting accessories you might need for commuting (a rear rack), riding at night or early morning (integrated LED lights) and dealing with inclement weather (full length fenders with mud guards)
- Since the E3 Dash is a speed pedelec the wheels and frame will endure more stress and strain so both axles are upgraded to thicker 12 mm rear and 15 mm front for improved stiffness and better alignment of the disc brake rotors with the calipers and pads
- Even though this model only comes in a high-step “diamond” frame design, it has been engineered with a sloping top tube to lower stand over height which makes holding the bike at rest or walking over it easier, I measured ~31 inches on the Medium 17″ frame
- Because the motor is mounted at the center of the frame along with the battery pack, weight is kept lower which improves stability and the rear rack is left completely open for gear
- The center-drive system leverages your chain and 10 speed cassette to operate more efficiently for climbing or reaching higher speeds, it offers better range than a similarly rated hub motor if you manage your gears properly
- Higher-end parts all around including Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with a larger 180 mm rotor in the front for better stopping power (the rear rotor is standard 160 mm), Shimano Deore derailleur for precision shifting and large stiff Wellgo alloy platform pedals for stability and grip
- If you want even more control, a boost button can be added which offers two drive modes: a 6 mph starting speed (almost like walk mode) and a traditional throttle up to 20 mph which has to be held down to operate
- The motor is very capable at climbing and can easily hit the ~28 mph top speed if you’re in the higher couple of gears, it’s also surprisingly quiet… but doesn’t offer the same high RPM as Bosch so your gear matters more
Cons:
- The display panel and associated button pad can be a bit confusing at first, holding the power icon when you’re in assist level 1 will take you down to zero (so you can use the lights and display without the motor), it would be nicer if you could just arrow down to zero
- The display unit is not removable so it could take more damage when the bike is parked outside or in a public location if you commute with it, thankfully the battery is removable for convenient charging
- The fenders, rack and lights are awesome but there do not appear to be bottle cage bosses on the seat tube… that’s a bummer because it means you need a trunk bag or panniers to bring liquids, locks, pumps or other accessories and that will add weight and be less convenient to reach
- The battery pack must be activated before the display unit can be powered on, it’s a two step process that takes extra time and can create confusion when going straight for the display on/off
- You get a lot of power with the high-torque motor but it’s not as responsive or dynamic (feels mostly like a cadence sensor in there) and the range is more limited than some of the other ebikes I’ve tested (estimate 15 to 30 miles per charge depending on the assist level you choose)
- There’s no shift detection built in to the system so I tried to power through climbs rather than shifting down for fear of mashing and prematurely wearing out the chain, sprockets and derailleur
Resources:
- Official Site: https://izipelectric.com/electric-bikes/speed#desc-bottom
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/epsTKAzJBeYHtR4B8
Edwin vasquez says
Where can I buy this bike? Where are the stores located?
Court Rye says
Hi Edwin! IZIP used to have a dealer locator, but I don’t see it now, perhaps you could reach out through their contact page? One dealer that I believe offers shipping is Motostrano.
James Ledesma says
Not trying to bash any of these companies I’m just shocked that they’re doing this to everybody I don’t want to post anything I was trying to talk to you but this is how you make point I like all your videos to you but the only thing is you don’t tell us if the bike is durable for a hundred thirty pound writer and you go get that bike up how good will it be in five months will it last if you have no clue that’s the problem you just reviewing a new vehicle that has absolutely no right time on it and you go from one of the next and at the end of the year when you tell me which was going to be good to be nothing left of them did you see what they did to your family over clocked it was a little screen comes on his bike through all that and all the other companies can’t do nothing with him and then you can buy a bigger battery make them all with 30 amp batteries or rechargeable ones I don’t understand this I’m just trying to make you the most but nothing 8.8 hour to go 5 miles 5 Miles Electric 5 miles Nowhere To Ride Like That We’re Going up on those Hills
Court Rye says
Hi James, I appreciate your feedback and acknowledge that my reviews are somewhat superficial. I go from one bike to the next (all new) and am only able to provide my impressions vs. real world long-term experience. This is why I created the EBR forums and keep open comments, so that you and others might chime in about how products hold up over time. I wish I could do more but if I tried to go in-depth I would only be able to cover a small percentage of the products I do now and I’m not sure that would serve the community vs. working with them to get direct customer feedback and allowing it to go up unedited.
Rob says
If you had a choice between the 2016 Dash or 2015 Dash with a $600 discount, which one would you pick? What are the performance differences between the new mid drive and the rear hub? I would be using to commute four miles with some minor inclines. Most of it on city roads. Which one would have less maintenance issues down the road?
Court Rye says
Good question Rob… both models are pretty close in my mind. I like how smooth, quiet and zippy the hub motor feels but appreciate the efficiency of mid-drive (and the newer battery you’d be getting). Batteries slowly age over time so newer tends to be slightly better and higher capacity even if the packs are the same design/rating. You mentioned minor inclines so the hub motor would probably be fine, it’s going to be more rear-heavy and require more work to change flats etc. Maintenance for the two models will probably be similar and related more to the drivetrain, tires and tubes than the motors. If you’re price sensitive then go for the older Dash but if this is your one shot at a long lasting bike and you want the climbing power but don’t mind shifting and some extra tuneups along the way (because the motor pulls the chain, sprockets, derailleur…) then go for the newer version :)
Renato Kalugdan says
Hi! I bought and received mine at a killer deal and loving every minute of my commute now! Thanks for the review as it assisted in my decision to go with this model. However, I’m trying to find a manual/install guide for the boost button but to no avail. Nothing on currie or izip website. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Renato
Court Rye says
Hi Renato! I’m surprised to hear that… There should be a chat window or phone number to call and I know the part exists. I can’t speak for IZIP but maybe one of their dealers could help get one and ship it to you? They have a dealer map on their website here.
Renato Kalugdan says
Hi Court,
I was able to install the boost button without the need for the guide as it was pretty basic. Question w/ the boost button however is that whenever I reach 20mph, it immediately throttles back down to 18-19mph or so. Climbs back up to 20 and this repeats. Any reason why it just doesn’t stay at 20 so I can just cruise at that speed without the bike jerking back and forth?
Thanks,
Renato
Court Rye says
Hey Renato! Glad you got the button and were able to install it easily… What you’re describing has happened to me with some throttle systems (and even pedal assist at times). It sounds like the sensor they used isn’t as precise or there isn’t a slower ease-off approaching 20 mph. Considering it’s a button vs. a twist throttle, it’s more of an on/off performance anyway which isn’t as smooth or refined (but does stay out of the way at least). I don’t have any solutions to offer but I appreciate you chiming in so others can get an idea of the performance beyond what I shot on video and tried to describe myself. I don’t think you can get a twist throttle for your bike but there are other brands like Pedego that still offer them and they have models like the Ridge Rider that resemble the sporty look of the Dash but are more for off-road riding.
Pedro says
I had one question for commuting to work what would be better option izip dash or the peak ds and which is faster
Court Rye says
Hi Pedro, I’d probably go for the E3 Dash because it has city tires vs. off-road as well as a rack and fenders! The Peak is more of a trail bike and you’d have to add a rack or wear a backpack. The Dash is also very fast with up to 28 mph top speeds :)
Pedro says
Thanks, I can pick up the Dash for a little less than the Peak DS, didn’t know what would be a better buy for the money.
Court Rye says
Hi Pedro, I like full suspension so if you can get the Peak dual suspension for $200 less than the Dash and are willing to wear a backpack when you commute (or some sort of beam rack like this) that might be a good solution. I believe the Peak can also hit ~28 mph but depending on the year you get, it might not have a fully operational throttle… just a starter throttle that goes up to ~6 mph or so :)
Pedro says
Thanks I like the peak ds probably go for that one
Pedro says
I had one more question if you had a choice between 2016 izip dash or 2016 turbo base model which one would be better you think
Court Rye says
Hmm, I might opt for the Dash if it’s less expensive. I like that it has a suspension fork… but I definitely prefer the look of the Turbo since the battery is built in. Would depend on the terrain I planed to ride, any bumps would push me towards comfort or I’d get a suspension seat post for the Turbo :)
Bob Auclair says
I recently purchased an iZip E3 Dash (2016) and was extremely happy with the service and delivery! The bike was assembled at Richard’s Bicycles in Palos Heights, IL. The folks there were very, very helpful and cordial. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!
I added the boost button, a mirror, and a bigger seat! These additions have made my Dash a joy to own! Now, we’ll have to see how everything holds up over time. I have put a little over 50 miles on the unit and have nothing but praise for its operation.
Thank you, iZip and Richards for making my first e-bike a pleasurable experience!
Court Rye says
Awesome! This is why I love local shops so much, they can make the experience of buying, fitting and maintaining ebikes so much better. I’m glad it’s working out so well for you thus far Bob and I appreciate hearing your testimonial :)
Noah says
I’m wondering what your thoughts are on this model compared to the 2017? Izip is selling this for $1500 right now and I’m ready to pull the trigger unless there were significant improvement to the 2017. I’ve watched both reviews, but would love to hear your thoughts comparing the two.
Court Rye says
Hi Noah, that’s a great price! The drive system didn’t change for 2017 so even though the battery integration looks nicer, I feel like the two models are fairly similar and that outweighs the $1k price difference. Note that the battery on an older bike will probably have more charge cycles on it or simply offer a slightly lower capacity because cell chemistry degrades over time. Lithium-ion is high quality and doesn’t develop a memory so this is minor, but it’s probably still a consideration worth making. You may have difficulty finding and replacing the older battery because it’s that much older and has clearly changed in design but IZIP Has always had great post-purchase support and warranty coverage. I guess that’s it, if the bike fits and you’re focused on budget vs. style and brand-newness then the 2016 sounds like a good deal.
Noah says
Thank you so much for your thorough response and reviews in general. Much appreciated!
Court Rye says
Sure thing Noah, good luck out there! Have a blast riding :D
John Hanks says
I just purchased a 2016 Izip E3 Dash at Electric Vehicle Mall in Largo,FL. I love it except for one thing. When I go more than 12 mph, I can feel the brakes come on. They don’t stay on long, but do slow the bike down a few mph. The faster I go, the more frequently they come on. I called the shop and the mechanic told me that there is a govenor on it because of Florida law, otherwise it would have to be registered as a scooter. Does that sound right? I’ll go through a ton of brake pads if I continue riding like this. Is there a way to bypass this?
Court Rye says
Hi John! That sounds like misinformation to me, this bike uses hydraulic disc brakes that are completely separate from the motor, motor controller, and battery system. They are not connected in any way, don’t even have a motor inhibitor switch… and both the front and rear wheel spin on freewheel systems with very minimal mechanical drag. The only thing that’s different here is that the mid-motor offers assist and may taper off as you get closer to 28 mph where the top speed is set (or possibly 20 mph, but that would surprise me a lot). If you want to reach higher speeds, you might have to shift the gears on the bicycle to allow the motor to get you going faster, also make sure you are riding in the highest level of assist. If you do these two things, you should easily be able to exceed 20 mph but keep in mind that wind resistance builds up after 20 mph and if you try to go above ~28 mph without assist… it’s going to be a lot of work on your own, but it’s not like the motor will be holding you back… and again, I highly, highly doubt the brakes are connected to this system in any way unless the shop somehow modified them. It just sounds odd to me, all of this.
Jon says
I just purchased a 2016 Dash and have had the same experience. It’s definitely not the breaks, it’s the motor cutting out at various points. What makes it strange is this happens around 22 or 24 mph a lot. Did you find a solution on your bike?
John Hanks says
Sorry it took so long! The rear wheel sensor was faulty. It was replaced at no charge to me. The bike is fine now, I actually have had it going 31 mph on level assist 4 , and in the highest gear!
Court says
Wow! Glad to hear it’s working well for you, John. Thanks for the update here :)