The E3 ProTour is one of the coolest looking ebikes in the entire 2016 lineup from IZIP because the battery is integrated, the circular motor hides behind the chainring and you get every sort of accessory you could ever want to make it the perfect commuting platform. From integrated LED lights that run off the main battery pack to a cafe style frame lock, full length plastic fenders with mud flaps, a seat post suspension, upgraded Wellgo platform pedals and a standard gauge rear rack it will get the job done rain or shine, night or day and it’s extremely fast… As a Class 3 speed pedelec it’s capable of hitting 28 mph in the highest level of assist when pedaling with the higher gears. But it’s not especially loud, the larger chainring has a limited RPM output but offers lots of power so you really feel a boost when shifting gears up. The motor used here is a new one from TranzX called the M25GTS that measures speed, cadence and pedal torque to adjust power output dynamically. I found that it operated quite well but did suffer from some mashing of the chain, sprockets and derailleur when shifting while pedaling due to the lack of shift detection and standard brake levers without motor inhibitors. This motor still isn’t as responsive or refined as Bosch but it’s much improved over earlier generations from TranzX and this keeps the price of the bike lower at $2999.
The ProTour delivers a nimble commuter style suspension fork that’s narrower and offers modest 63 mm travel but includes lockout adjust. Complimenting this are larger 700 x 45c (1 5/8″ diameter) tires, comfortable ergonomic grips and a basic seat post suspension. Both rims and hubs are upgraded with brass nipples, larger 13 mm spokes and thru axles (15 mm front and 12 mm rear) which should handle the increased forces of higher speed riding and the large 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes. I love that the frame, fork, spokes and other accessories are dark or black because it creates a cohesive mean look that also helps the cables and wires blend in (though most are internally routed). Both wheels also offer quick release for easy transport or tuneups and I love the Shimano SLX drivetrain components. Ten speeds is just enough to hit the 28 mph top speed where the motor cuts out and SLX is one of the highest groupsets I’ve seen on any of the IZIP electric bikes. By not including a second or third front sprocket they reduced the need for tuneups, kept the price lower and focused weight-addition on the utilitarian extras… the medium sized ProTour weighed ~54 lbs which isn’t bad considering all of the included accessories. The chainring features an aluminum alloy guide that should keep the chain on track if you encounter bumpy terrain and protect the sprocket teeth if you hop a steep curb and bash the middle of the bike.
The IZIP E3 Pro Tour would make a solid commuter or potentially even touring / trekking electric bike. The range will be more limited if you ride at high speed but you could always grab an extra battery pack (at just 5.6 lbs it would be easy to stash in a trunk bag) or bring the light 1.8 pound charger along for top offs every ~35 miles or so. The pack should charge 50%+ in the first couple of hours because the cells don’t have to be balanced (which slows charging). You could replace the hybrid slick tires with knobby ones for trail and off-road riding but it might be too much for the fork and the accessories would get rattly. If you want to go this route I suggest the IZIP E3 Peak or Peak DS. One extra bonus with the TranzX system is that you can purchase a $50 boost button to add throttle on demand and the motor is so strong it will literally carry you up hills (when using the lower or mid level gears). This is a very unique, feature rich electric bike and I’m thoroughly impressed with the component choices, custom frame and warranty… though I wish they had included bottle cage bosses, two sets would have been nice in fact! I’m glad they produced multiple size options (small, medium, large) for better fit amongst a range of rider body types, at high speed and longer distance it’s especially important to get a good fit.
Pros:
- Feature complete with quality SKS plastic fenders, a standard gauge rear carry rack, an ABUS frame lock and integrated LED lights! It’s ready to commute in any conditions
- Stealthy frame… the battery pack is completely integrated into the downtube and paint matched, the TranzX M25GTS motor is round so it hides behind the chainring and is smaller, lighter and quieter than some of the earlier TranzX / Currie Electrodrive designs like the M07
- The motor is smooth and responsive, even though it doesn’t offer shift sensing the combination of cadence and torque sensing feels like a higher quality product
- 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 and suspension post add comfort, the fork does feature lockout to reduce bobbing on flat smooth surfaces
- Since the IZIP E3 ProTour is a speed pedelec, the wheels and frame will endure more stress and strain so both axles have been upgraded (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 an angled top tube to lower stand over height which makes holding the bike at rest or walking over it easier, I measured ~32 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 leaves the rear rack 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 and the SLX drivetrain is solid mid-level (better components)
- Higher-end parts all around including Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with a larger 180 mm rotors, Shimano SLX derailleur for precision shifting and stiff, large alloy platform pedals for stability and traction
- 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 20 mph throttle button which has to be held down to operate, most IZIP dealers can add this for ~$50
- Nice wire management, all of the cables and electronics are run through the frame and there are even some extra support points to keep them from getting in the way, they blend in with the gray / black paint scheme
Cons:
- When unlocking and removing the battery pack it sort of pops out of the side so be extra careful not to drop it, the pack looks great but the cover is plastic and can get scratched easily… thankfully the plastic underneath is also black ;)
- Given the beautifully integrated downtube battery design, the seat tube and downtube are wide open… I wish they had put bottle cage bosses here given the city/commuter use and the fact that there are rear rack and fender braze-ons
- The display panel can be a bit confusing at first, holding the power button icon for a couple seconds when you’re in assist level 1 will take you down to zero (so you can the display without the motor), it would be nicer if you could just arrow down to zero, this also becomes confusing for people who want to turn the bike off by holding power… you have to hold it down again or push the button on the battery itself to completely shut down
- The display unit is not removable so it could take more damage when the bike is parked outside or in a public location, thankfully the battery is
- 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, the system automatically powers down after ~5 minutes
- There’s no shift sensing with the M25GTS TranzX motor so the chain, sprockets and derailleur may take more wear if you don’t make an effort to shift when the motor is not adding force to the drivetrain, there are also no brake lever motor inhibitors which could otherwise help with shifting gears smoothly
Resources:
- Official Site: https://izipelectric.com/electric-bikes/speed#desc-bottom
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/nYN4RhcKsBifmVQ97
Greg says
Does the boost button work when the bike is in level “0”?
Court Rye says
Excellent question Greg… I went out to test it and NO, the throttle does not work at level zero which is a bit disappointing. It also stutters a bit when using the 6 mph mode and will sometimes not start if you’re in a high gear and really straining the motor. It’s not the best throttle experience I’ve ever had but if you’re moving a bit, in a mid-level gear and press for 20 mph operation it works pretty well and eliminates the need to pedal at least as long as you can hold the button down and it’s not super difficult or uncomfortable. I’d call it a soft button.
James Ledesma says
The three wheel car that’s coming out is the cost of two of these bikes the value get for the bike compared to the car is ridiculous when weighs 1200 pounds 1 way 200 pounds. So what I’m saying is if you split that car in half and basically the components in the price the parts that you get out of that car are way better than once on a bike for the price that you’re paying $3,000.
Court Rye says
Which car are you referring to James? I’d love to get some updates as I heard about something like this last year for the US, I think it used a motorcycle engine or something very efficient?
In any case, ebikes area a completely different tools… a car and a bicycle can both take you places but a car can haul much more, usually go further and faster etc. but it also requires parking, license and insurance and often more maintenance. That may change with electric cars but you still can’t ride them on paths like a bicycle. It’s just a different experience but I have a car and an ebike so I see where you’re coming from, ebikes seem pretty expensive at times and there are some coming in now below $1k which is exciting.
Court Rye says
Hi James, it’s a completely different tool… a car and a bicycle can take you places but a car can haul much more, usually go further and faster etc. but it also requires parking, license and insurance and often more maintenance. That may change with electric cars but you still can’t ride them on paths like a bicycle. It’s just a different experience but I have a car and an ebike so I see where you’re coming from, ebikes seem pretty expensive at times and there are some coming in now below $1k which is exciting.
James Ledesma says
Learning to think of them putting the motor on the bike is a way a lot cheaper will last only a couple hundred bucks you when I get crazy you can spend up to three hundred bucks or 4 hundred bucks but you got a vehicle that going to go far it’s going to go the same speed and it doesn’t rely on me having to basically guess how far I gotta drive my bike but I can also
Ryan Maxwell says
One thing I like about e-bikes with throttles is the ability to immediately get up and going when the light turns green on the street when competing with cars. What do you think about the boost button in that scenario?
Court Rye says
Hi Ryan, I’m with you on that point… the boost button works alright but not as well as a hub motor with a twist throttle because in that scenario it doesn’t matter what gear you’ve chosen. Also, this boost button seems to stutter a bit and wasn’t as fluid or effective as the throttles on BBS02 systems like those from E-RAD or built onto bikes like BMEBIKES. It’s better than nothing and it worked pretty well for my video review but when I tried using it on a hill later (not filming) it struggled and there were a few quirky moments. I wish I could say “it’s awesome” but really, it’s more like just okay :)
Jack Tyler says
A small suggestion, Court: On future iZip and Raleigh reviews, and others that use a boost button, please show us where and how its cable plugs in. I’m assuming it plugs into the display, so that raises questions about whether the receiver has a dust cover (or not), how rain might wheedle its way into the display, and so forth. These boost buttons seem to be a new thing, so some of us are pretty curious about their details. And I appreciated Ryan’s Q and your response to it, as I too was wondering how it works in practice. That told us some info about functionality you didn’t have a chance to demo in the video. Thanks!
Court Rye says
Hi Jack, good call… the boost button plugs into a pre-installed wire that has a little plastic cap (the inside has holes for pins and is yellow). It comes out of the downtube at the same location as the brake cables and motor wires enter, this internal routing starts near the headset. Sorry I wasn’t able to demo this for these recent videos, I’ll try to include it in the future (and may have shown it more closely on other IZIP / Raleigh review videos). In short, there is an extra wire that is folded and zip tied near the other wires that you can connect with. Regarding the LCD display panel, it’s well sealed and appears to be dust and water resistant.
Stu Berman says
Hi Court, I’m really enjoying your reviews and find the iZip e3 ProTour very interesting. You note that the motor on this bike is a TranzX Model M25GTS while the iZip website says that it is a Currie Electro-Drive Centerdrive 500W. It appears that Currie and iZip are made by the same company. Do you know whether in fact iZip (Currie) is just private labeling the TranzX motor. If they are in fact different motors do you have any comment on their differences? How do they compare to the Bosch motors?
Court Rye says
Hi Stu! Great questions… I realize it can get confusing. Currie Technologies is an old company that made kick scooters and some of the earliest electric bikes under the eZip name. Eventually they wanted to do higher quality stuff and created IZIP. In recent years the whole company (and all bike brands) were purchased by the Accell Group (a European conglomerate which owns Haibike, Raleigh, Torker and some others). So, getting back to your question about TranzX… this is a motor company that can custom tune their hardware for companies like IZIP and others. In order to build trust, IZIP chooses to continue using the “Currie” name and has branded their drive systems with it (you can also see this with Raleigh). My data-driven opinion is that the Bosch Centerdrive motors are way more responsive and maintain your chain, sprockets and derailleur better with shift detection. You can’t get a throttle with Bosch and they have only a very limited number of speed-pedelec models (capable of ~28 mph top speed) so it depends on your intended use. The newest TranzX motor is the M25GTS here which I also make mention of on this motor comparison post. It’s one pound lighter than other TranzX motors, offers highs peed and is very small. It’s a solid system at a bargain price compared to Bosch but it’s just not quite as nice :)
Jason Mitton says
Court, if you had to choose between the iZip Protour and the Evelo Aires with 500W, which would you choose? It will be used primarily for 20 round trip commute with long steep hills. I am 6’3″ and 260
Court Rye says
I would go with the IZIP E3 ProTour… The mid-drive motor they use from TranzX is way smoother and the frame is stiffer and more enjoyable to ride in my opinion. The built quality, components and even the look are superior from my perspective (though it has been some time since I checked out the Evelo stuff and they do a good job with support). If the Evelo Airies were much less expensive and you were on an extreme budget I would still push towards the IZIP products but understand if it was your only choice, even in that case I would advice that it is not great for off-road use despite the full suspension (which is very basic).
Brian says
Anyone know where I can test ride this in the Bay Area, preferably near San Francisco? The bike sounds really nice, but I haven’t been able to find a store that stocks it.
Court Rye says
Hi Brian! I’m not sure they have the bike in stock but try San Francyclo at 746 Arguello Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94118 415-831-8031 there may be other locations, I found this one using the IZIP dealer locator tool here. Other good shops in the area include ELV Motors in Santa Clara, Motostrano in Redwood City and the Electric Bicycle Super Store in SF :)
Gerry Altmann says
Hi Court – really great reviews! I’m deciding between the iZip E3 ProTour and the Raleigh Misceo IE. I like the idea of auto-shifting with the Raleigh, and its lighter weight, but I prefer the integrated battery and commuting accessories of the ProTour (I can’t complain about the increased weight with those!). The bike’s for a 3.5 mile commute with some steep hills (it’s roughly half up and half down. I can’t do some of the hills on my regular bike without getting off and walking! A few folks manage it, but not me). The only ‘off road’ is my 700ft compacted gravel driveway, so it’s paved all the way except for that. I’m not a ‘pro’ cyclist, so maintenance is another issue. Any further thoughts? Thanks!
Court Rye says
Hi Gerry, I’m also a fan of the commuting accessories and suspension fork on the ProTour, that would probably be my personal choice even though it weighs a bit more. IZIP has done a great job with their 2016 line :)
Phil says
I wanted to write and give a review of my 2016 iZip Pro Tour now that I have about 1000 miles on its odometer. I live in a large metro area and am currently living without a car. I use the iZip mostly on my work commute (9 miles each way). I really like that I can work as hard as I want to, but not need to if I don’t want. That really makes a big difference in the cold of the winter and the hot of the summer.
I am glad I bought this bike. It has served me well. I will say, though, that I would not buy this bike again and would seriously consider not buying another Curie bike in the future.
What I like about my iZip Pro Tour:
What I have found not as good:
I had about 300 miles on the bike when it broke. I was at a stop light, and when I began to go, I heard and felt the mechanism between the crank and the motor break. The pedals then would freely spin but were no longer connected to the drivetrain so I had to sit on the top tube and Flinstone the bike along the path.
I took the bike to my local ebike shop who were very helpful but realized that they were not equipped to do the repair. So I took it to the other iZip dealer in town who worked on it for a couple weeks but could not get it going either. The bike ended up being sent back to Curie for a rebuild. The bike was shipped back to my original shop after 81 days. I only ever got cursory information back from Curie, and only when I would initiate a request for status. In the end, I got the bike back, Curie said it was a manufacturing issue, but have not heard anything more from Curie even after a number of requests for information. This was fixed at no charge to me, but I do know that the two very helpful shops invested a substantial amount of time in the diagnostics that I do not think was reimbursed by Curie.
I am certainly happy that I have the bike back and that it is again working. I am not happy that I do not know what it is that went wrong or how I can try to prevent it happening again. I admit that I am still nervous and wonder if or when this might happen again. I can fix nearly everything on a bike while on the road, but this failure appears to not be fixable by me, a local bike shop, or anyone outside the factory. I was particularly annoyed at how long the process took since I was not able to use the bike during the heat of the summer.
I think ebikes are fantastic and are likely to change how the general public interacts with transportation options. But this ebike let me down at a time when I was wanting and needing it most.
Court Rye says
Wow, that’s a great review Phil. Thanks for sharing some of your time to help others here. For me, the IZIP E3 ProTour was exciting because it offered good value… but now it sounds like some of the parts (battery and motor) are suspect. I have a hard time encouraging people to spend more for a bike that will last when I’m not sure how frequently and hard they will be riding but in your case, it sounds like you ride a lot. I wish you’d had the bike during the hottest part of the year and I hope now that you’ve got it back it lasts! Maybe the motor thing was just a fluke. Feel free to post updates and good luck.
Phil says
Court, I very much hope that my experience with this bike is an anomaly. I really do like this bike. I like the styling. I like that it has plenty of power. I like that it rides very well. As you say, I think this model offers good value. That is one of the reasons I bought it. It has not quite yet paid me back in subway and parking costs, but it is pretty close. The iZip is one of several bikes that I use throughout the week–mostly for my commute. It is a great option for when I don’t want to push hard on my regular bike.
I have inquired again with my local ebike shop and Curie about the battery performance and a potential replacement. I hope those interactions are more positive. I plan to let you know. Thanks, Court, for providing such thorough reviews on this site. I think that ebikes are going to be a substantial option in our future transportation system, and having good information about the choices is important to me and the other consumers looking for alternatives to their cars.
Jules says
Hi, I have been using your fantastic web site as I pursue my desire to purchase an ebike to primarily commute to work (13 miles each way) but also want to use this for some touring. I am looking at purchasing a used Izip Protour 2016 at roughly 1/2 the cost of a new one. My thoughts are that I can see how I like using an ebike and not spend 3K. If I really like it then could upgrade to a new bike in the future. It has a lot of features that I really like but I am concerned about the battery experience that Phil wrote about. For comparison, I have tested the Arroyo Gazelle C8 2017 and really liked it.
I do have several big hills on my commute and feel that the more forward position of the Protour may be better than the Gazell but could be wrong. Gazelle has the performance Bosch motor and longer range. It’s tough to decided but just wonder if anyone who has an ebike can weigh in on to help me decide. I could stretch my budget and get the Arroyo which is 3K at my LBS. Thanks to anyone who replies.
Court Rye says
Hi Jules! It’s nice to get a deal on last-season models but I would probably choose the Gazelle because the motor and battery are from Bosch which offers a great warranty and tend to perform very smooth and efficiently. They may not wear the drivetrain as much because the Bosch motor has shift sensing. As for leaning forward, with electric assist, you can go further and think more about comfort and ergonomics… which for me are a bit better on the Arroyo C8. I have met people who bought cheaper e-bikes at first and then felt bad selling them at a loss and spending lots of time getting a nicer bike. If you plan to use this a lot and can afford to get the nicer bike right away, I would probably go that direction. You can always sell it used as well, but it might hold its value better because it is newer and has more recognizable hardware and drive systems.
fasteddy1977 says
I recently bought an 2016 IZIP E3 ProTour, without COBI, and unfortunately without the front fork suspension, seat suspension, or front light. Seems I missed all those things with getting a first gen bike. EVERYTHING else, however lines up. I bought the bike from an owner who only used the bike about 3 times a year, has less than 300 miles, and, came with a second battery. I bought the bike with intent to sell it, however, every time I ride it, I LOVE THE MID-DRIVE system. So, I am looking at upgrading.
How can I get a bigger AMP battery, where? The front suspension forks, where are those avail, and just as importantly, is there a guide on the switch over/install? I would LOVE to be able to upgrade my controller, but can not find it.(what kind is it ?). Since they upgraded the original display with a COBI system, could I do that for this bike? Or maybe use an Eggrider if the COBI upgrade is too difficult? Has anybody here done this? Or Know how to, and can help me? Or can point me in the right direction of somebody who has? THANK YOU :)
Court says
Hey! It’s great that you’re enjoying the bike so much. Yeah, these things are definitely fun… The battery limitation (possible upgrade) got me thinking. There’s a company in Southern California called FTH Power that can re-pack batteries, but only for certain types (that aren’t software locked). I’d give them a ring for sure. I think Bosch purchased COBI and may have changed some of the hardware and software… but I doubt that they support Tranz-X drive systems, so you may be on your own there. I hope this feedback gives you a starting point for figuring out some answers ;)