2016 IZIP E3 Zuma Review

2016 Izip E3 Zuma Electric Bike Review
2016 Izip E3 Zuma
2016 Izip E3 Zuma 500 Watt Currie Electro Drive Geared Hub Motor
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Promax Render 160 Mm Mechanical Disc Brakes
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Promax Swept Back Bars Led Display Ring
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Velo Padded Stitched Grips
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Plastic Chain Guide 12 Magnet Pedelec
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Seven Speed Shimano Acera
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Velo Urban Saddle With Integrated Handle
2016 Izip E3 Zuma 417 Amp Hour Samsung Battery
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Battery Charger With Dongle
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Electric Bike Review
2016 Izip E3 Zuma
2016 Izip E3 Zuma 500 Watt Currie Electro Drive Geared Hub Motor
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Promax Render 160 Mm Mechanical Disc Brakes
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Promax Swept Back Bars Led Display Ring
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Velo Padded Stitched Grips
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Plastic Chain Guide 12 Magnet Pedelec
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Seven Speed Shimano Acera
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Velo Urban Saddle With Integrated Handle
2016 Izip E3 Zuma 417 Amp Hour Samsung Battery
2016 Izip E3 Zuma Battery Charger With Dongle

Summary

  • A high powered, cruiser style electric bike with four levels of zippy pedal assist and a twist throttle drive mode
  • Available in two high-step sizes (18" and 20") and one step-thru (18") for easier mounting, seven color choices including bright blue, Lime Green and Red
  • Large comfortable tires with Slime to plug leaks, solid mechanical disc brakes with motor inhibitors for safety, mid-level seven speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain
  • Throttle does not override pedal assist, the charger requires an extra dongle to charge the battery directly vs. on frame, two year warranty, new battery sleep mode

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

IZIP

Model:

2016 E3 Zuma

Price:

$2,499

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cruising

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

Lifetime Frame, 2 Year Motor, 1 Year Battery

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2016

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

54 lbs (24.49 kg)

Battery Weight:

7 lbs (3.17 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Hydroformed Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18 in (45.72 cm)20 in (50.8 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

Step-Thru (73" Length, 22" Reach, 18" Seat Tube, 21" Stand Over Height), High-Step MD (73" Length, 22" Reach, 18" Seat Tube, 30.5" Stand Over Height), High-Step LG (73.5" Length, 22" Reach, 20.5" Seat Tube, 30.5" Stand Over Height)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru, High-Step

Frame Colors:

High-Step (Black, White, Lime Green, Blue) Step-Thru (Black, White, Lime Green, Turquoise, Salmon Orange, Red)

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Chromoly Steel

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Front Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera, 11-32T Cassette

Shifter Details:

Microshift TS70 Triggers on Right Bar

Cranks:

Lasco CF-58 Aluminum Alloy, 44T Chainring

Pedals:

Plastic Platform with Non-Slip Tread

Headset:

VP Threaded

Stem:

Promax Alloy Quill, Gooseneck Style

Handlebar:

Promax Swept-Back, 600 mm x 75 mm Rise

Brake Details:

Promax Render Mechanical Disc with 160 mm Rotors, Artek Vigorous Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Velo Stitched

Saddle:

Velo Urban

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy, Quick Release Collar

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Alex DM-24 Doublewall

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14G Front 13G Rear

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kiniption, 26" x 2.3”

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 80 PSI

Tube Details:

Pre-Slimed Tubes, Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Matching Steel Chainguard, Plastic Chain Guide, Single Sided Adjustable Kickstand Kickstand, Optional Fenders, Optional Rear Carry Rack, Optional Integrated LED Lightset, Optional Security Bolt for Battery

Other:

Battery Sleep Mode (After 30 Days Plug in Charger to Re-Initiate), Removable Battery Pack, KMC Z51 Chain, Quick Release Front Wheel, Quick-Disconnect Cable on Hub Motor, 3 Amp 2.2 lb Charger with Dongle

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Currie Electro-Drive®

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

650 watts

Motor Torque:

40 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung or LG

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.7 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

417.6 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

8 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Display Type:

Fixed LED Console Ring with Backlit Buttons on Left Bar

Readouts:

Battery Charge Level (5 Bars), Assist Level (0-4), Current Speed

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle (12 Magnet Ring)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The 2016 IZIP E3 Zuma retains all of the things I loved about prior iterations and improves the display panel by making it smaller and tougher but still easy to reach and read. Instead of using a plastic box with LED dots strewn across, the new display ring has rubberized buttons (that are backlit) and a smaller LED console with a battery graphic and number readouts. The other upgrade for 2016 is a smart sleep-mode built into the battery to extend its life. This mode goes into effect when you’ve left the bike alone for 30 days, at this point the battery hibernates and requires the charger to be re-activated (basically, just plug the battery or the bike in and the display should wake up).

My favorite parts about this electric bike are the upright comfortable riding position it offers and the fact that it comes in two high-step sizes, to accommodate a wider range of riders, as well as an easy-to-mount step-thru. The motor is powerful and zippy, especially in assist level four or when using the throttle. I had no problem climbing hills or reaching the 20 mph top speed quickly but did hear the distinct whirring sounds often accompanying planetary geared motors. I also love how beautiful the frame looks with its matching chain guard and optional rack and fenders. You can even get integrated LED lights which would be nice and frankly, I wish you got all of these things for the $2,500 price point but it’s actually $50 cheaper than 2015 and you still get a lifetime frame, two year battery and one year “everything else” warranty including the motor.

The Zuma is a great bike for zipping around the neighborhood and is the only model for 2016 from IZIP that offers the twist throttle with full power up to 20 mph vs. partial requiring pedal assist. There’s no suspension but the tires are relatively large, the saddle is medium-firmness and the swept back bar and padded grips are great. You get 160 mm mechanical disc brakes with cheaper levers and calipers but they get the job done and include motor inhibitors. Because this is a cadence-sensing pedal assist ebike you don’t have to push hard for the motor to start, only pedal consistently. For me, it hits the mark as a cruiser and I appreciate the little extras like a plastic chain guide to reduce drops while navigating bumps and a nice sturdy kickstand that’s black to blend in. Even the spokes on the rear wheel have been upgraded to 13 Gauge vs. 14 on the front, to stand up to heavier loads and the peak output of the motor (40 Nm of torque and 650 watts)

Pros:

  • Unique quick release system for the battery and seat post (which are mated together for easier carrying), I love the plastic handle moulded into the saddle and appreciate the optional hex-screw and bolt to secure the battery for those who want to leave it on while parked in public spaces
  • Bountiful color choices ranging from traditional black or white to lime green, bright blue, turquoise, salmon orange or red and the chain guard matches
  • Seven speed cassette has an extra large ring for climbing and the derailleur is mid-level quality so it should perform well and stay in true longer
  • Electronic wires, brake cables and shifter cables are all integrated through the frame for a beautiful aesthetic, though it does make shifting a bit more firm
  • Plenty of mounting options including fenders, front and rear racks or baskets and a traditional pair of bottle cage braze-ons
  • The oversized saddle offers good support and pairs nicely with the padded leather grips, vibration dampening steel fork and large 2.3″ Kenda tires, I like that the tires are pre-Slimed to slow punctures
  • Quality oversized kickstand with length-adjustment screw, the plastic chain guide should help you avoid chain drops, quick disconnect point on the motor power cable makes maintenance easier and the front wheel has a quick release skewer for easy maintenance or lighter transport

Cons:

  • The charger can be used to fill the battery on or off the bike but requires a special little dongle to work with off-bike charging that could get lost easily so consider zip tying it to the cable coming out of the charger
  • I noticed that the down shift trigger required extra effort and was told that the cable is longer on this bike (since it wraps through the frame) and this creates more friction
  • I wish the throttle had an option to override pedal assist, as it stands you have to click down to level zero before the throttle will operate
  • The price tag is decent considering the 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery but some of the other cruiser style ebikes come stock with fenders, a rack and lights while those cost extra for the Zuma

Resources:

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Comments (5) YouTube Comments

Donny
8 years ago

Do you have any idea which rear racks will work with this bike? I own one and just tried installing a rack that doesn’t even come close to working (and it is supposed to be disc brake compatible and all of that).

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

Hmm… This would be a great question for a shop that carries ebike and has had some of the IZIP models. Try contacting the Electric Bicycle Center and ask for Sam. He might have some ideas for you or direction. My advice would be to look closely at each of these disc brake compatible racks online that look like they might fit (just given that the one you have does not fit), some have more adjustment in their support leg length, height, angle etc. and up front with the arms that connect to the seat stay bosses. Hope this helps :/

  Reply
Alex
8 years ago

Where would you possibly get a replacement battery like this one? Also how much would they cost?

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

Hi Alex! I’d recommend checking with Rechargeable Power Energy, they offer battery repacking services and actually do work for some of the big companies like IZIP. If you have the case, they just have you send it in with their special packing slip and then they work to put new cells in it for a reasonable price (it might be the only option if IZIP isn’t producing the same battery anymore).

  Reply
jloeffelholz
7 years ago

Need 40 mpg ….like some in EU!!!

  Reply

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