IZIP E3 Compact Review

Izip E3 Compact Electric Bike Review 1
Izip E3 Compact
Izip E3 Compact 250 Watt Motor
Izip E3 Compact Battery Rack
E3 Compact Tag Pas Throttle
Izip E3 Compact Extended Top Tube
Izip E3 Compact Tires Pre Slimed
Izip E3 Compact Bash Gaurd
Currie Folding Electric Bike
Izip E3 Compact Electric Bike Review 1
Izip E3 Compact
Izip E3 Compact 250 Watt Motor
Izip E3 Compact Battery Rack
E3 Compact Tag Pas Throttle
Izip E3 Compact Extended Top Tube
Izip E3 Compact Tires Pre Slimed
Izip E3 Compact Bash Gaurd
Currie Folding Electric Bike

Summary

  • Built on the industry leading Dahon single speed folding bicycle frame
  • Offers both pedal assist and twist and go throttle mode
  • Bolt-on rear battery rack works well with bags and panniers but can get a little loose and rattly over time
  • Thin tires, smaller diameter wheels and lack of shocks makes for a stiffer ride

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

IZIP

Model:

E3 Compact

Price:

$2,150 USD

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban, Travel, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

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

Warranty:

2 Year Motor, 1 Year Frame and Battery

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2013

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

42 lbs (19.05 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

11.5 in (29.21 cm)(Folded Size: 14" Wide x 33" Long x 25.5" High)

Geometry Measurements:

(Wheelbase 1018 mm, Stand Over Height 570 mm)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru, Folding

Frame Colors:

Black

Frame Fork Details:

Dahon Alloy Unicrown

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

1 Single Speed

Pedals:

Plastic Platform, Folding

Stem:

Aluminum Alloy, Folding

Handlebar:

Dahon Staight Compact

Brake Details:

Alloy Linear Pull with Motor Inhibit Levers

Grips:

Dual Density

Saddle:

Velo Sport

Seat Post:

Micro-Adjust

Spokes:

Stainless Steel

Tire Brand:

Kenda K193, 20" x 1.5"

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)

Tube Details:

Pre-Slimed

Accessories:

Rear Carry Rack with Bungee Cords, Kickstand

Other:

Removable Battery

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

8Fun

Motor Type:

Front-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

315 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

15 miles (24 km)

Estimated Max Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Display Type:

LED Console

Readouts:

Battery Voltage (Full, Half, Low), Pedal Assist (PAS), Twist and Go (TAG)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

Currie Technologies is a leader in the electric bike space with years of experience and multiple lines of varying quality ranging from eZip to IZIP and now eFlow. For the IZIP E3 Compact electric bike they chose to team with Dahon for the frame and added on their stock motor, battery pack and throttle system. This partnership works very well and the end result is a high quality bike that rides well, is easy to have serviced or get replacement parts for and offers a solid warranty.

Dahon folding bikes really set the standard for quality and have been an innovator in the space since 1982. The frame used with the E3 Compact is a relatively simple single speed design but that’s not a bad thing. Fewer gears means less maintenance and allows the chain to be kept tighter meaning it won’t bounce off when riding in electric throttle mode. The frame has a joint in the middle with a strong adjustable latch to keep it in place when riding. The handlebar neck also folds down and the seatpost slides all the way through. Pedals also fold making for a relatively small rectangular footprint when completely broken down.

I’m a big fan of the inclusion of magnets that keep the Dahon bike in its folded position and both are durable but don’t get in the way when riding. One thing I’m less excited about is the rear bolt-on style rack that Currie has used for securing the battery. It works well enough but can start to rattle and come loose over time, especially with so much weight on it. Keep your eye on that rack but note that it does work very well with rear saddle bags and panniers since it uses standard gauge tubing.

A 250 watt geared hub motor is used to drive the E3 Compact and it works pretty well. Placing it at the front of the bike instead of the rear helps to balance out the overall weight of the bike. I like that they used a pedelec sensor here vs. torque sensors because it means you don’t have to push very hard to activate the motor in pedal assist mode. If you’re all dressed up with pants or a dress for work and not wanting to exert much force when pedaling, this is the way to go.

The 36 volt Lithium-ion battery pack used for the E3 Compact offers 8.8 amp hours of capacity and when paired with the smaller efficient motor, it will take you pretty far. This is especially true if you use the pedal assist mode and help the bike along. If you’re a heavier rider and expecting this bike to pull you up hills without pedaling at least a little bit then you may be disappointed. For most around town applications to and from public transport etc. this bike works well.

All in all I’m very impressed with the Currie + Dahon partnership on this bike. It looks wonderful and functions very well with all of the electric cables neatly tucked away. The only other drawbacks would be the lack of suspension or a shock absorber on the seatpost. This bike has thinner tires than most other IZIP bikes and while they are pre-Slimed to help deal with flats, they don’t offer the same cushion going over bumps. As far as folding bikes go, this one has everything you could ask for and has two reputable companies backing it up.

Pros:

  • Balanced weight of hub motor in the front and battery pack in the rear
  • Battery pack locks and is removable
  • Rear rack includes bungees for mounting cargo
  • Battery and motor are mounted low to the ground keeping the bike stable
  • Great kickstand
  • Built on a Dahon single speed frame, industry leading company with good track record
  • Nice bash guard on front chainring, no chain cover but the elongated top tube protects pants well enough
  • Threaded braze-ons for mounting a water bottle cage along the top tube
  • Threaded mounting point for light on front of bike
  • Front and rear magnets connect when folded and keep the bike from unfolding

Cons:

  • Relatively heavy folding electric bike
  • No shocks on the fork or seat post, stiffer ride quality
  • Only offers one gear for pedaling
  • Bolt-on style rear rack can get loose over time and start to rattle
  • No lights or fenders
  • No LCD display with speed or precise battery life indicator (uses three LED’s to display full, mid or empty)

Resources:

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Comment (1) YouTube Comments

Dan Chase
11 years ago

I like the Prodeco Mariner 7 folding 20 inch wheel bike better. It has 8 speeds. You can get one from Factory Direct Electric Bikes.

  Reply

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