IZIP E3 Go Review - Prices, Specs, Videos, Photos

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IZIP E3 Go Review

Izip E3 Go 350 Watt Currie Electro Drive Tranzx Mid Motor

Izip E3 Go 48 Volt 8 8 Amp Hour Battery Pack

Izip E3 Go Swivel Display Ergonomic Grips Mid Rise Bar

Izip E3 Go Silver Steel Fenders Linear Pull V Brake

Izip E3 Go Large Leather Comfort Saddle With Springs

Izip E3 Go Large Steel Mesh Cargo Basket

Izip E3 Go 3 Speed Sturmey Archer Srk3 Internal Hub

A purpose-built electric tricycle with efficient and well-balanced middrive motor system, powerful 48 volt battery and optional second battery bay for increased range, rear wheel drive offers good traction
Comfortable swept-back handlebar with ergonomic grips, massive padded saddle with springs and hybrid tires keep your body upright and well supported, excellent turning radius, easy-mount frame
Polished steel fenders, steel chain cover and large reflectors keep you clean and visible, integrated lights can be added by shops along with a boost throttle button, large steel basket for cargo
No reverse mode, the battery can be difficult to slide on and remove, it requires an on/off step before pressing on/off again at the display panel which means more bending and reaching

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Make:

IZIP

Model:

E3 Go

Price:

$2,599

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cargo

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1), Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, Lifetime Frame

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2017

Total Weight:

85.4 lbs (38.73 kg)

Battery Weight:

7.3 lbs (3.31 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

16 in (40.64 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

16" Seat Tube, 22.5" Reach, 15" Stand Over Height, 68" Length, 31" Width, 41" Height

Frame Types:

Step-Thru, Trike

Frame Colors:

Gloss Navy Blue with Grey Accents

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Steel, 9 mm Threaded Axle with 15 mm Nuts

Frame Rear Details:

Independent Axles, Right Wheel Drive (Pedal and Motor), 12 mm Threaded Axle, 22 mm Nut, Plastic Protective Cap

Attachment Points:

Rear Basket Bosses, Fender Bosses

Gearing Details:

3 Speed 1x3 Sturmey Archer SRK3 Internally Geared Hub,

Shifter Details:

Sturmey Archer Grip Shifter on Right

Cranks:

Forged Alloy, 165 mm Length, Black

Pedals:

Wellgo Resin Platform with Non-Slip Tread

Headset:

25.4 mm, Quill

Stem:

Integrated, Steel

Handlebar:

Steel, Mid-Rise Swept Back, 24" Width

Brake Details:

Winzip Mechanical Disc with160 mm Rotor in Rear, Tektro Mechanical Linear Pull in Front, Promax Levers with Motor Inhibitors and Parking Pin

Grips:

Ergonomic Rubber

Saddle:

Gigantic Comfort Saddle, Leather, Black

Seat Post:

Steel

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

29.8 mm

Rims:

Doublewall, Aluminum Alloy, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Innova Hybrid, 24" x 1.95" Front, 20" x 1.95" Back

Wheel Sizes:

24 in (60.96cm)20 in (50.8cm)

Tire Details:

40 to 65 PSI Front, Up to 35 PSI Rear

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve, Pre-Slimed

Accessories:

Paint Matched Steel Chain Cover, Silver Steel Fenders, Steel Mesh Basket, Two Extra Large Rear Reflectors and One Front Standard Reflector, Optional Button Throttle

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 2 Amp 1.9 Pound Charger

Motor Brand:

Currie Electro-Drive® (TranzX), Model M16GTA

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

68 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung or LG

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8.8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

422.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

Fixed Monochrome Backlit LCD with Adjustable Angle

Readouts:

Speed, Odometer, Trip Meter, Battery Capacity (5 Bars), Assist Level (0-4), Range Estimation

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Light Sensor (Activates LCD Backlight)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist (Optional Button Throttle)

Top Speed:

13 mph (21 kph) (Can be Set Lower by Dealers)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)220 lbs (100 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,000 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)22 in (55.88 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters0 Nm

Number of Gears

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Electric trikes make a lot of sense… here’s a platform that is stable and approachable (for riders with limited strength or mobility) but heavy and usually limited in terms of pedal ergonomics and gear options. Getting a little boost from an electric motor means that tricycles become more approachable and fun, hills are less daunting and the grocieries and supplies you might otherwise need to move with an automobile or help from a friend are within reach. My own Grandfather lives in a retirement community where seniors drive golf carts but those are much more expensive, heavy and smelly than an electric bicycle… and they usually drive on the street vs. sidewalks and bike paths. Someone in a golf cart was killed a block from his house this year at a stop sign and the incident turned into a hit and run with the car driver leaving the scene. Whether you’re old or young, bicycles are a fun way to get around and move your legs. Parking becomes easier and you don’t have to deal with licensing or insurance. There are a number of quality options on the market today but the IZIP E3 Go is one of my favorites because it uses a mid-motor. This pulls the same drivetrain chain you do and turns the rear right wheel. Some other products use hub motors positioned in the front wheel and they tend to get less traction and operate less efficiently because they don’t rely on the gears you do as a pedaler. You can literally shift gears on this trike and make it easier for yourself and the motor simultaneously! At $2,599 it’s not the most affordable thing and you don’t get reverse or a throttle (though you can pay $50 to have one added) but the basket is large and wide open, positioned lower on the frame thanks to smaller 20″ rear wheels. It’s a one-size-fits-all ebike but the seat height is adjustable and the mid-rise handlebars can swivel forward or back. In short, it gets the job done well after a bit of learning and can be dialed down to lower operating speeds by your dealer if so requested. Lights can also be added inline with the battery so you don’t have to use removable ones… and back to the safety story above, they would be well worth adding if you cycle at dusk or dawn.

Driving the bike is a 350 watt nominally rated mid-drive from TranzX. It’s not as fancy as Bosch, Yamaha or Brose but I don’t know of any trikes being sold with those systems… they just cost too much right now. The TranzX measures pedal cadence but not torque. This means that starting out you’ll need to get the trike moving all on your own, and it can be a lot of work if you’ve loaded the basket. It would be nice to have the boost button for moments like this but then again, the button only works if the trike is moving a couple miles per hour… so again, it’s up to you. The one redeeming factor here is the three-speed internally geared hub. You can shift down to the easiest gear even if the bike isn’t moving and that makes those first pedal strokes much easier. Once the motor is going, the trike has no problem and you hardly need push because all it’s measuring is pedal cadence. Let your legs stretch but keep them going to continue earning that motor assist.

Powering the mid-drive and your backlit display is a 48 volt 8.8 amp hour battery pack. Many older batteries ran at 36 volts and weren’t as efficient. I’d call this pack average in size but slightly higher in power. It mounts just below the basket, on the left tray, and there’s a slot just to the right for storing a second pack! What a cool option, in my opinion it’s a great use of space and a smart way to let riders go further if they wish to spend more on an additional battery. The downside here however, is that you have to physically switch the packs to get the second one hooked up to the bike. The right tray is just that, a holding tray. Both slots felt tight to me and I really had to be careful lining the batteries up and pushing forward (pretty hard) to get them to connect and lock. If you don’t push hard enough, the locking tab won’t line up correctly. Conversely, taking the battery off can be a chore and require similar force when pulling. I chose to sit down, brace the rear end of the trike with one foot and pull hard with my hands. For many riders, this may be too much hassle so it’s great that you don’t have to remove the battery to charge it. Unfortunately, you DO have to bend down and press a little power button each time you want to ride. This step is followed by a second press on the power button at the display panel. It’s a real inconvenience if you forget to turn the battery on, sit down in the saddle and try to power the display up. I did this once and thought DANG! as I got back up, turned, bent down and turned the battery on. I have sensitive knees so turning and crouching down and even getting onto the saddle isn’t my favorite activity.

Once the display panel is on, you get lots of great feedback including battery charge level, current speed, odometer and a cool Range menu that dynamically updates as you press plus and minus to change assist levels. Note that there are four levels of assist but you can completely turn it off with a zero mode by holding the power button for a few seconds. I have no idea why this is burried as it’s a useful drive mode for people trying to conserve battery while still running the display and integrated lights (if you had those added by your shop). The second step to actually turn the bike off is to hold power at the display again for a few more seconds. In short, the on and off sequences for this trike seem unnecessarily complicated… but once you figure it all out, the trike works great and offers better traction and range than a lot of competing products.

If you’re someone who wants a little more speed on an upright e-trike then this is going to be a good fit. With a ~13 mph top assisted speed and the option to have speed lowered by your dealer (or just lower the assist by pressing minus) you get a lot of freedom. The display panel can be swiveled up or down to reduce glare but is not removable and there are no USB charging ports. No cup holder either, but you could add one to the bar or maybe set your drink in the basket. It’s a relatively quiet ride but the fenders and steel basket do rattle (especially with gear in them). You shouldn’t have to deal with much maintenance on this trike and it does come with a great warranty. IZIP has been around for a lot longer than other electric bike companies in the USA and their mid-level products balance price with quality and performance well. Big thanks to IZIP for partnering with me on this post, inviting me to their headquarters to try out the latest ebikes and getting me the boost button to show in the video.

Pros:

Most upright trikes forego suspension because it’s heavy and adds to the price, IZIP opted for riser bars and a fancy oversized saddle with big springs, it feels quite good, even getting up to the higher speeds
With a top speed of ~13 mph, this e-trike is a bit faster than some others when ridden in the highest level of assist, it’s great then to have a three-speed transmission so you can keep up with pedaling, I like that you can also shift gears at standstill since it’s an internally geared hub
Internally geared hubs tend to require less maintenance and attention than traditional cassettes and derailleurs, this one is also well protected under the main frame section
The tire tubes all come pre-Slimed to keep them going longer if you get a puncture… just pump some air back in and spin the tire to help it self-seal, changing tubes on a trike can be difficult given the weight and size of the thing
Being wider, trikes sometimes don’t fit through doorways but this one is just 31 inches wide and should work, most normal doors are 32″ wide in the USA
The wire mesh basket won’t crack or break as easily as some plastic products but it could rust since it’s steel (so avoid scratches and water), it produces a bit more noise but offers lots of storage space and doesn’t put cargo onto the batteries (obstructing airflow etc.) as some other trikes do
There are two battery slides below the basket! This is really cool for people who decide on purchasing a second battery to increase range, unfortunately, you do need to physically swap them vs. just having a switch or something
All three wheels have a metal fender to keep water and mud off of you and your cargo, they do rattle a bit if the road gets bumpy but feel sturdy, be careful with the chain cover because it’s a bit easier to step on when mounting the trike if you’re not careful and that would bend it
This trike is easy to step over because the frame is a “wave” vs. high-step “diamond” and all of the cables are routed through the metal tubing so you won’t get snagged or scratched
Some older trikes use drum brakes but the IZIP E3 Go has a rim brake in the front and a mechanical disc brake in the rear! It’s a good setup that can handle more weight and requires less hand strength
The battery charger is average in terms of size and weight but it has a nice metal end piece that should hold up better if dropped or stepped on, the battery pack also has a nice handle with magnetic clasp so it won’t flop around, this handle makes it easier to carry and reduces the risks of a drop and subsequent damage
I’d recommend adding lights to the trike (some shops can even wire them in) but I appreciate the big reflectors that come standard, having two at the back is great
Even though the trike only comes in one size, it’s fairly adjustable and the mid-rise bars can tip forward or back which really helps and gives you an upright body position that’s more comfortable
The basket has a metal tube welded onto one corner where you could put a flag for extra safety! They aren’t that expensive and can be found online here
Notice that the two rear wheels are 20″ diameter vs. 26″ up front, this makes them stronger and lowers the basket so it’s easier to load
Because the E3 Go electric tricycle uses a mid drive motor, it is more balanced and the rear-wheel-drive doesn’t spin out as easily as a front hub motor, it’s also more efficient and should get better range
The trike has good clearance along the bottom, you can ride over bumpy terrain without bottoming out the frame or drivetrain components (there is a chain tensioner down there to keep things tight), I also like the two parking brakes built into the brake levers that keep the trike from rolling away when you step off on angled terrain
This bike uses a CANbus system which allows dealers to hook it up to a computer and diagnose issues more quickly vs. guessing, you can enter the display by holding the plus and power buttons simultaneously for a few seconds and change the power support level and backlighting level… another cool feature is that dealers can lower the top speed using their computer interface, this is great for riders who might be less stable because trikes can tip if turned sharply

Cons:

This electric trike does not offer reverse mode, something that a few companies have added in recent years to help people get the bike out of their parking spots, garages etc.
No throttle included… which for some people is a big deal given the weight of the trike and their limited leg strength or mobility, thankfully IZIP does sell a boost button for $50 more and shops can help you install it, you still need to pedal the bike a couple of miles per hour before the throttle will kick in and it’s not super easy to reach
Motor power and brake power in the rear only goes to one wheel, the wheel on the right side, this can wear the tire down quicker on that side and might turn the bike to the right a little bit if you brake hard
The battery took some effort to remove from the frame but I’m glad it’s removable because the trike is likely too large for some people to bring inside, store the pack in a cool dry location and top it off every month or so if you haven’t gone riding, people who struggle to bend over and reach down might need help with the battery and I’d love to see future versions of the trike smooth out the plastic mounting tray so it doesn’t require so much effort
It seems like you have to press the power button on the battery before pressing the power button on the display to get the electric drive systems booted up, this extra step requires the user to bend over and just seems unnecessary and inconvenient compared with some other electric bicycles that only have one step
The shifter wire and housing on the rear right side of the bike frame protrude and got in the way of my right heel when pedaling, I bumped it once or twice before adjusting my foot, just be careful with this as it’s a little delicate, perhaps future versions will move this part of the pedal path more
Turning the display off can be confusing as you hold the power button for a few seconds and it goes to zero assist, then you need to release it and hold one more time to completely power down… I wish you could arrow down to level zero and just use the power button for on/off to make things simpler

Resources:

Official Site: https://izipelectric.com/e3-go-etrike
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/sMZbCbzjosm6nGMJ9

March 31, 2017 (1 year ago)

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Mike B

3 months ago

Changes, changes. May 2018, It seems the IZIP E3 Go or the clone Raleigh iE trike (same bike, different decals) now offers a thumb throttle ! Plus it was on sale for a few week ($700 off) and it now comes with this thumb throttle at no additional cost. Also, from a previous EBR, the trike is lost it’s 3 speed grip to a slider 3 speed changer on the right side along the thumb throttle. I called Raleigh and talked to a young lady that told me the “button” throttle was still on the trike just two days ago. A call to Raleigh a day later and I was directed to a “current” manual that shows the button throttle on a PDF manual dated March 2018. I test road the trike on May 16, 2018 at A and S Bike Shop in PA. One of the few in the tri-state area stores that had one to try.

Other items. On pedal assist 1 – 4 the thumb throttle will not work at standstill, but pedal a half turn and the throttle kicks in. So long as the trike is moving, the throttle works. I guess a safety feature so you don’t accidentally run over your feet if they are on the ground at standstill.

Also, you can hit the + until a “T” comes on the LCD screen (not the “S” in the manual) and then the throttle works at standstill, but no assist level nor mileage to empty comes on the screen. The “spare battery” is just that. Buying an extra battery will not extend your range, only a place to store the spare until you swap the batteries, and they are low to the ground.

Court

Thanks for the updates Mike! I recently covered the IZIP E3 Zuma which sounds very similar in terms of pedal assist and throttle operation. It works with the optional trigger throttle (which I prefer to the button design) and you can see it in action in the video review here. I hope this helps clarify for others who are curios about the throttle. I noticed that it did work at standstill when using no assist but you had to be moving a couple of miles per hour for it to activate once you were in one of the active levels of assist.

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ka1133

2 weeks ago

I'd love to see a review of the Volt Trio tricycle. I see they just introduced it last month. June 2018.

Monkey Juju

5 months ago

This stuff is so ridiculously expensive. I mean seriously, $50 for 3 tactile domes with rubber buttons in a plastic enclosure that probably cost under a dollar to manufacture? That's just absurd. These companies really gouge prices simply because the "fad". I mean you can buy an actual electronic throttle which requires more of every material used, larger moulds, etc. For $10 from those companies and manufacturers not greedy as hell, how does that make sense?

Eye on art

6 months ago

bull, that trike is $2500 on website. no way

Philippine Deaf Community Vlog - Mandaluyong

7 months ago

love tricycle 3 wheel and this beautiful......
but I have no given Filipino tricycle bike

Pop Holmes

8 months ago

$2599 are you kidding? I could buy a good used car for that.

Yes I can. I have a good used car that I got for $2500. Anyone that would pay that much for a bike is a few cards short of a deck.

Open Trails EMTB

No you couldn't.

Lynette Runsick

11 months ago

My daughter just started college and is considering a trike for mobility around campus. She has mild CP. I've watched all your videos with trikes that have the more "simple" frame & feel even more overwhelmed over which would be best for her. So much great info, but now which to choose :). She wants a simple frame that doesn't scream mobility issues. Mounting the trike for her might be tricky. She will most likely do little to no pedaling. She will be riding on mostly flat surfaces but there are some areas with a slight incline. She is super tall at 5'9" with a long torso and weighs around 170lbs. She will be lugging a heavy backpack in the back basket. Crazy question coming - when the key is not in the trike can it be ridden away? Can't imagine anyone stealing a tike on campus but you never know? Didn't know if she would have to chain it up every time? If she has to chain the trike up, she will be taking off in grassy/dirt surfaces because that is where most of the bike rakes are found on campus.

Sky Collins

1 year ago

I agree on the issues with the battery and power button. I would consider something like this for my grandmother except I know she would have difficulty getting at that power button and getting the charging cord in the socket.

Nu B

Make it simple stupid, what's its Price, eRange, TopSpeed, and MaxLoad?

Baron Of Hell

Love the tricycle. You can easily mount a machine gun on the back. Also good for groceries.

I am Anonymous

Baron Of Hell LOL!.......you sound like a great multi-tasker.

per sebra

You very good at reviewing, very complete. The only thing I would wish for if you had some of Jeremy Clarkston's humor

Joe Blogs

in the video you mentioned saying hi to your friends, do you think it is possible to keep friends and ride a tricycle? haha just kidding this would be great for old people to do shopping and stay mobile

ElectricBikeReview.com

Ha! Yeah... I guess if you've got imaginary friends like mine XD

Michael Owen

To get rid of the annoying rubber grommet popping out of the battery ,try using silicone lubricant on the cap. Works every time. Mike

Hmm, that's good advice... thanks Michael :)

David Macdonald

I just think they take up that bit more room ; and on small pathways? , also two and a half grand and no lights .

I think your right there but there should be testing every 10 years to see you still can drive safe.

The do indeed take up more room... but I'd rather have an elder on a trike than in a car taking up room O_o and I'm speaking from experience as my Grandfather just lost his nighttime license

Tahir Rana

only liberal lunatics ride these!

Chris Barr

Well thanks a lot. I was thinking this is perfect to make a beer run on. I guess i will have to keep using the lawn mower and garden trailer combo.

Jordan Smith

I already have an Ebike but I keep watching your videos anyways haha

Your always in a new place so it's interesting to see where you do the review.

Dude, thanks! I shot one in the rain today in NY... it was lightning and thunder, pretty crazy :O

slappy76

I had a motorcycle sidecar briefly so this might apply to the trike. When you have all 3 wheels on the ground it's turns like a CAR (turn right -> go right, turn left -> go left) whereas motorcycles have to be countersteer (turn left -> go right, turn right -> go left). If you take a turn fast enough, you the inside wheel on the turn lifts up and you go on 2 wheels. Lets say you're making a hard right turn. The right hand wheel lifts up. Now you revert back to driving as if you're on 2 wheels and you start to veer LEFT (or I guess you could flip the bike on the left side). To drop the wheel you would have to jerk the handlebar left.

If you were a stuntman you could find a balance point and potentially "fly" it on 2 wheels.

Wow! Yeah, I took the courses and got my motorcycle license a couple years back and the counter steer is interesting. I have indeed felt it on some of the fat tire ebikes with heavier wheels... it's interesting, and no I have never flipped one :D

brighton dude

That traditional tricycle design is absolutely ideal for participating in political marches, mardi gras, pride parades etc.

You can ride along at walking pace. You are high up so you can see and be seen. When you stop you have somewhere to sit. You can attach a flag pole to the carrier at the rear if you like or put a small sound system in that carrier.

I love parades as well. If I used the basket as a candy stash I think I'd end up eating most of the candy :)

That sounds awesome, I love parades... my Dad used to have a Ford Model A from the early 1900's and it had a rumble seat! We would get to be in parades and throw out candy... the basket on this thing would make an awesome candy stash :D

Been waiting to see a trike with something besides a front wheel hub motor

Bingo, thanks for waiting Chris... I'll be publishing a review of the Raleigh version which is almost identical to this very soon. Shot it with Sam from the Electric Bicycle Center in Fullerton a while back. There aren't many mid-drive trikes in the US and none with higher end electronics from Yamaha, Shimano, Brose or Bosch but apparently they exist in Europe so maybe someday ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

George Herman

What I wonder about these mid drive systems is what effect all that torque has on the standard size wheel spokes. Unlike hub motors that are accompanied by much larger diameter wheel spokes.

Seb K

I use my Ebike everyday and after one year I had to tighten the nipples on the rear (drive) wheel so not too bad . Of course shorter thicker spokes (and larger nipples) will be stronger but as Court said the drivetrain will be more of an issue . In fact mid drive will increase stress on the drivetrain as it is pulling the chain along with the rider unlike a hub motor where all torque is from the wheel . Mid drive kits that thread into a standard BB has always concerned me too as the shear weight and torque of the mid drive system alone can put stress on the threads and then of course you factor in the rider . If you are getting mid drive then at least get one where the frame is designed for it . Also it wil void the warranty of your (standard) frame too .

Yeah, and hub motors have shorter spokes because they connect to a larger hub. In my experience so far, the spokes aren't a weak point as much as the drivetrain (chain, cogs and derailleur). For a trike like this with a hub gear system it's less of an issue :)