The E3 Metro is part of IZIP’s line of “electric, efficient, and eco-friendly” bicycles. It’s unique in the way it functions as a porteur with a sturdy front rack that doesn’t turn as you steer the bike. It’s a capable system, officially supporting up to 35 pounds following strict EN regulations. At one point in my ride test I carried over 100 pounds successfully and while it didn’t break, this kind of behavior would void the warranty and of course made it harder to handle ;) If you do load the rack up and need to park for a bit, the “deflopilator” spring will help to steady the front wheel when balancing on the double legged kickstand. The E3 Metro is only available in a step-through frame and medium size but it’s easy to mount and very rigid. With it’s 500 watt geared motor, strong 48 volt battery, removable LCD display console, and fancy bamboo wood accents this bike is functional and stylish. And if you’re not into hauling cargo, the front rack is removable. It’s a design that to me, resembles another IZIP bike called the Zuma (and shares many of the same components and drive systems) but offers more utility with a unique look and fancier computer interface.
Driving the Metro is a geared hub motor which offers torque for peppy starts and a bit of climbing while keeping weight down. Positioned in the rear hub, it also balances out the weight of the front rack and associated cargo. Physically speaking, it requires a smaller footprint and this provides room for the eight speed Shimano Acera cassette. Overall it is electronically powerful, offering 500 watts while most US ebikes sit around 350. Considering the bike’s 374 watt hour battery capacity, it should get just under one hour worth of ride time if the throttle is set to the max. Thankfully, the twist throttle is variable speed and there are five levels of pedal assist to choose from which also makes climbing or hauling situations easier on the motor. Even so, motors like this are designed to shut off to avoid overheating or other strain related damage if pushed too far. Full throttle uses about 10 amps of power but PAS only consumes two to five amps depending on the mode…
The Metro uses an advanced pedalec sensor with twelve magnets designed to communicate the speed of pedaling for smooth drive action. With pedalec you don’t have to push hard in order to activate the motor, you simply have to move the pedals and with this bike you can use the throttle in conjunction with assist! If you’re someone like me with sensitive knees this is a big benefit.
The LCD computer on this bike is located on the left handle bar where it’s easy to reach. It shows speed, distance traveled, battery capacity and drive mode (throttle or pedal assist) in addition to the five levels of assist. Fairly standard stuff and it is removable. I certainly appreciate the security benefits of actually being able to take the computer off the bike when locking it outside but it’s a little bulky and I hope the future models are a bit slimmed down. As noted earlier, the new version of the Metro only comes in low step and one size, if you’re a larger rider or prefer high-step check out the older version of this bike. For the 2014 model, the seatpost is 350mm which will accommodate most individuals. Maximum distance from saddle to pedal is 36 inches which is pretty generous. However, if you’re 6’4” or taller you might consider a different bike.
Speaking of the frame, I like how the rear rack incorporates narrower outer tubing for use with standard sized panniers and bags. The back of the seat has a nice handle built in which helps when deploying the kickstand or removing the battery pack for charging or security.
The battery itself is a fairly standard 36 volt 10.4 amp hour Lithium-ion pack using 18650 cells. It offers all the benefits you might expect including light weight, increased charge cycles and chemical stability (it won’t develop a memory the way some lower end batteries might). It’s also removable which helps to reduce overall weight of the bike during transport and enables charging on or off the frame. This is perfect for commuting or carrying heavy loads from point A to point B where you might need to top off the charge but not want to unload the bike.
Other noteworthy features of the Metro include 160 millimeter mechanical disc brakes front and rear that aid in maneuvering and stopping with heavy loads in wet situations. Oversized, extra-thick tires with inner tubes that come pre-Slimed to slow down any punctures. An adjustable stem for positioning handle bars properly for different body types and providing a more upright position. The deflopilator and double sided kickstand, as mentioned earlier, for stability when parked with a heavy load, the nice chain guard for keeping you clean when pedaling, a chain guide for keeping the chain from bouncing off, water bottle cage mounting points and a seat post shock that provides cushion to an otherwise stiff and sturdy frame.
There are really very few electric bikes out there that break the mold and offer something unique. The E3 Metro is one of them and it offers something special at a very reasonable price with a solid warranty (two years on the motor, one on the battery pack and other electronic components). The older model made it very hard (if not impossible) to remove and charge the battery off the frame and just didn’t look as polished as this new one. It’s really quite beautiful in my opinion, and a lot of fun. Another similar style to this can be found on the Faraday Porteur electric bike but note the price and power differences. The Porteur is weaker and more expensive but also lighter weight. There’s something special about these bikes, almost timeless, and the Metro could be quite useful in a metropolitan setting indeed.
Pros:
- Removable battery pack mounted low and fairly central on the bike, just behind the seat post tube
- Sturdy cargo racks with bamboo wood accents (the front porteur style rack is removable)
- Functional extras like the chain guard, adjustable stem, deflopilator, water bottle cage mounts and removable LCD computer
- 160mm mechanical disc brakes provide good stopping power, especially when carrying loads
- Powerful 500 watt geared motor is capable of climbing but fares best with rider support in pedal assist mode under heavy load
- Available in low step and high step to accommodate different rider types
- Y-design double sided kickstand to support heavy loads when stopped, folds up nicely – high and out of the way
- While it doesn’t come with built in fenders it does have braze ons for adding your own and you can also upgrade and get matching ones from IZIP
- Nice double sided chain guide on the front ring, doubles as a bash guard to protect sprocket teeth
- Easier to change out the rear sprocket assemblies with wiring exiting from the left (port side) vs. the right (starboard side) where all of the cassette sprockets are
- Quick disconnect on rear hub motor to make servicing rims and tires easier
Cons:
- LCD computer unit requires tiny watch batteries for use off bike but runs of the main pack when it’s mounted
- Can be a challenge to mount to car racks due to low-step design, only available in one frame size and color (medium stepthrough, black with green accents)
- LCD computer console is kind of bulky, looking forward to a slimmer design like that on the Easy Motion ebikes
- No built in lights but the bike is pre-wired to add some through your local shop
Resources:
- Official Site: https://izipelectric.com/electric-bikes#desc-bottom
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/49UTgqLSkhbjPNns8
Carl says
Are you aware of any weight limitations on the rear rack? I’d like to be able to have a friend ride on the back rack from time to time (160 lbs) and then utilize the pedal assist feature. Any input would be great! Thanks!
Court Rye says
Hi Carl, great question! Bad news, I’m almost certain that 160 lbs is above the limit for a rack like this. Even very heavy duty racks say 100 lbs. One bike that I know is stronger for this type of thing is Xtracycle. I say this because I have ridden on the back myself (I am not sure of their official weight limit). You can see that bike here and it is available with running rails so you have somewhere to put your feet for safety. There is also a new version of this bike coming with the Bosch mid-drive system to be very powerful but it costs ~$5,000 and isn’t available until 2015.
Frank says
Hi Court and thx for all of your responses back to me. I’m the guy moving to San Fran and know there’s daunting hills. However I’ll be mostly on the flats, a third on medium to easy hills like the Presidio and some time on those daunting hills in pacific heights and russian hill. I don’t want the short times on big hills to kill my choice of the better overall fit. I really like the pedego city commuter. All the great stuff and the looks and power. But I worry about read drive and battery in the back and of course, hills. Then there’s your idea of the kalkhoff; it seemed to be your top recommendation for what I’m doing… and a guy at 5’10” and 170. I worried tho about no throttle with kalkhoff. Are these two still your top recommendations? Heres a few questions more:
1. can I walk the pedego get up one of the steep hills with throttle help? and when riding can I do PAS and throttle?
2. would the kalkhoff make almost any grade? and not having a throttle wouldn’t be a problem?
3. I went to look at your suggestion of izip and I saw the E3 Metro. At first glance it appeared to be a cool carrier bike but after reading, maybe not so simple. Would it tackle those hills and all the rest with NO groceries etc? or even if I remove the front carrier? It would be cool to use it empty but have the ability to stop at whole foods and grab a picnic. Still fast and powerful and a hill climber with torque? Thoughts again??
Court Rye says
Hi Frank! Great questions… I realize this can be a tough decision and there are many factors to consider. Since you’re moving to San Francisco I suggest visiting the New Wheel in person and testing out a Kalkhoff (they are one of the few US dealers who carry them). A mid-drive powered Kalkhoff will make it up just about any hill. Pedal assist is actually better for climbing because you help the motor. Following this logic, I think you could make it up hills with a Pedego in pedal assist (yes, the throttle can also help in assist mode but you’ll basically already be getting help) and I think the E3 Metro would also do fine. The key is starting with some speed and actually helping out on those steep climbs. The difference between a mid-drive and these other geared hub bikes is that the mid-drive will be easier to start up a hill from rest while the hub motors struggle a bit because they don’t benefit from the gears on your cassette (which can be set to low for climbing… and help the motor). I hope this makes sense, I’d visit the shop and test ride a few to really get a feel for it ;)
Ken Haner says
Court, I love your reviews and would not even consider buying an E.B. Without checking your comments. I am somewhat interested in e3 metro, your 2014 review leaves me unsure? No shocks, is it slow and clunky? I a, over 60, 6’2, about 230 lbs. I would like to zip around, and not struggle up hills.. Is the 2015 model much better???? Should I consider another E.B. Thanks, Ken
Court Rye says
Hi Ken, this is a unique electric bike for sure… if the racks and porteur rack appeal to you then I’d say go for it because there aren’t many like it out there. On the other hand, it does lack suspension (the tires are large and that helps) and while it does have a larger 500 watt motor, the battery is only 36 volts vs. 48 so you might not get the zip and climbing ability you want. If I were you, I’d consider the Pedego Interceptor (especially since you’re a taller person). This bike is powerful, has lights and fenders, has that rear rack for some cargo capability and offers throttle and assist mode.
Yanet says
I see that the seat comes out along with the battery. I see the seat post is attached to the battery. Can the battery be separated from the seat post so that the seat can be placed back on the bike without the battery? I’d like to ride the bike without the battery sometimes. Thank you.
Court Rye says
Great question Yanet! Unfortunately I think the answer is no… and that’s too bad because the battery adds ~6 lbs even if it’s completely empty. The battery+seat post thing is unique to this bike (and some of the eFlow models) and it’s creative but also has these trade offs. One of the big stated goals for the design was to reduce theft of seats and batteries while making it convenient to take both off and keep them together. In practice, I’ve become more of a fan of the downtube batteries because they keep a lower center of gravity and can be removed for non-powered riding just like you’re talking about here. There are other bikes out there to consider that partially resemble the Metro and do have removable batteries that are independent of the seat post and seat tube, check out the Motiv Sherpa if you get a chance :)
Eddie villegas says
Hi, Rye I have the 2013 low step model of this bike the baby blue and the controller started smoking and then it started to get really hot. The bike was not being charged at the time. i took the controller battery out let it cool down then put it back in then the controller showed that the battrey level was low when it really had 4 bars of battery life. Do i need a new controlleror did i mess the bike completely???. Can you please help im confused thanks. Also, the bike pod and pad dont work and the controller lcd still smells burnt.
Court Rye says
Wow… I’ve never heard about this sort of thing happening Eddie! I’m not an engineer and don’t want to make anything worse. If I were you I’d call IZIP support, they are very helpful: (877) 284-2453 feel free to comment again if they are able to help you, maybe the advice will help other people in a similar situation :)
Packy says
I have a Metro E3. Is it possible to add an additional battery pack to the back carrier? So, when the original battery goes dead from a long ride just hit a switch and then use the fully charged battery that would be on the back carrier??
Thanks
Packy
Court says
That’s a neat idea, Packy! I’m not sure IZIP is selling extra packs for some of these older models anymore. If they were, you could just carry it along in a trunk bag or pannier bag that connects to the rack. The battery is fairly long and heavy, it might stick out a bit, but it could be possible! You might be able to find a used battery from someone else, and even repack it with higher capacity cells using a company like FTH Power in California. Worth checking out, good luck :)