IZIP E3 Path+ Review

The 2016 IZIP E3 Path+ looks similar to the 2015 model (which got a face-lift) but switches up the drive system moving from a 500 watt gearless hub motor to a 250 watt mid-drive geared design… that peaks at 500 watts. In short, it will offer greater range because it leverages the same cassette you do when you pedal (for efficient climbing or reaching ~20 mph). Shimano has delivered one of the most compact, lightest weight ebike drive systems on the market and while it does not offer shift-sensing (unless you’ve got Di2 electronic gear shifting) it still operates well and won’t mash gears as much when you ease off of the pedals because it relies on a combination of torque and cadence sensing vs. mostly torque. I was impressed with how quietly it operated and just how light the battery pack is ~5.6 lbs vs. 7+ lbs on many others with similar capacity. It’s an average sized battery but should offer 50+ miles of range if you use Eco or possibly Normal assist mode and aren’t scaling large hills or fighting the wind constantly. I love the menus on the display panel (and that you can hold the up and down arrows to enter a menu and shut off the beeping noises and backlighting) but wish it were slightly larger for easier reading. The display unit is removable (just like the battery pack) but one gripe is that the battery has to be taken off in order to charge. The charger is small and light weight so it would be easy to take along on commutes for charging at the office.

This is the lightest weight (by ~5 pounds), most efficient and most affordable IZIP Path model to date and it’s approachable for tall and short riders alike with the step-thru frame. The saddle can be dropped super low on this frame (especially if you get the small 17″ frame) and stand over height is just ~19 inches. For larger riders the high-step will be stiffer and sturdier but careful mounting as you could conk or scrape your knee/leg in the process. The high-step will be easier to hang on some car and bus racks. I love that both models come with bottle cage bosses, the fenders and rear rack and that it features bungee-clip holes for use with clip-on panniers like this. The only question mark would be comfort because despite the more upright body position the bars and seat support, there’s no suspension and the saddle is a bit firm. Consider adding a seat-post suspension and make sure you get 30.9 mm diameter or use a shim. Body Float makes an excellent product (get the 27.2 mm version and a shim like this) but Thudbusters are less expensive and come in a long travel and short travel design.

Pros:

• Relatively light weight at ~49 lbs considering the fenders, larger handle bar, ergonomic grips and comfort saddle – the mid-drive motor brings some of the weight forward and down balancing out the rack-mount battery
• The battery pack is locking, removable and only weighs ~5.6 pounds! I like how narrow and small it is and appreciate the surround-rack for carrying a trunk bag or panniers
• Quick release wheels and seat post for doing maintenance or adjusting fit on the go, I like the adjustable angle stem, swept-back bars and comfort grips which offer a more upright ride experience if you so desire
• Internally routed cables keep the frame looking clean, beautiful paint job (but only one color), I like the thin chain guard and appreciate that it’s color matched to the frame
• Quality hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano with medium sized 160 mm rotors for easy smooth stops, should reduce wrist fatigue
• Available in high-step and low-step frame designs to accommodate a wider range of riders (some who prefer frame stiffness and don’t mind stepping high and others who might not have that flexibility), you also get thre sizes to choose from including 15″, 17″ and 19″ (only 17″ and 19″ on the high-step models)
• Sturdy kickstand keeps the bike upright, integrated plastic handle on the saddle makes it easier to maneuver the bike at racks and you get braze-ons for mounting a bottle cage, folding lock or mini-pump
• Just like the battery pack, the display panel is removable for safe storage… I like that it’s also easy to adjust (hold the up and down arrows simultaneously to enter the menu) so you can mute the beeping noise or turn off back lighting

Cons:

• The battery pack has an on/off button that is used to power cycle the bike vs. doing it up at the button pad and you have to completely remove the battery in order to charge it which increases the potential for drops and just takes extra time
• This ebike is more efficient because it uses a larger diameter wheelset measuring 700c (~28 inches) circumference and the tires are fairly narrow at 38c (~1.5 inches) width so bumpy streets can feel a bit jarring, the fork is aluminum and there’s no suspension seat post or springs or elastomers on the saddle, consider an aftermarket seat post suspension like the Body Float or Thudbuster with 30.9 mm diameter
• Pedal assist only electric bike with no way to add a boost button or twist throttle, this keeps it rated at Class 1 which is usable in the most locations and also extends range by making you contribute to the ride
• The Shimano STePs display panel uses a smaller LCD display unit than Bosch, Yamaha, TranzX and some other leading suppliers so reading your speed and settings isn’t quite as easy for near-sighted folks like myself
• Solid nine speed cassette using Shimano Acera components with a plastic chain guide on the chainring to keep pedaling on track, it’s enough gears to climb or hit 20+ miles per hour easily

Resources:

• Official Site: https://izipelectric.com/electric-bikes/leisure#desc-bottom
• More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/PZj99bM9AP63nitb8