The IZIP Town Express or “Twn:exp” is designed to provide a comfortable ride to a wide range of users (tall, short, light and heavy) and hold up well despite neglect or less than perfect conditions. Essentially, it’s the IZIP fleet bike and rental offering. While many of the other IZIP ebikes could also be great for rentals (the Zuma and Path+ come to mind as being comfortable, easy to use and available in multiple sizes), the beauty of the Twn:exp is that it only needs to come in one frame size because the seat and stem are so adjustable. Its small 20″ wheels keep weight low to the ground and make mounting a cinch when combined with the step-thru frame. The slimed tires will self seal if punctured, the cast aluminum rims don’t ever need to be trued and the battery and motor are completely enclosed and cut off from the elements. Nice!
The motor in use here is a high torque 400 watt direct drive (gearless) design that’s built right into the rear wheel. Being gearless, it has fewer parts that can wear out over time and considering its location, the motor should last and last. It’s also relatively quiet and very smooth thanks to the multi-sensor design that makes pedal assist less jerky than some older generation IZIP electric bikes. The high torque design means there’s more magnets inside the motor and adds a bit of extra weight. Since the wheels on this bike are a bit smaller you also benefit from improved mechanical advantage with the hub motor design.
The battery on this bike uses high quality Lithium-ion cells in a 48 volt 10.4 amp hour configuration. It’s one of the strongest and largest packs I’ve tested and it’s completely hidden inside the rear rack. It’s easy to forget this thing is an electric bike at all given the hidden drive components. The battery is removable for charging or storing off the bike (in extreme weather conditions for example) and has a key and latch just under the rear rack as shown below. The rack itself is functional but less rugged than a metal design with rails. There are two bungee straps for securing papers or other basic items.
In 2007 I worked at Google in Mountain View, CA and we had some regular fleet bicycles and a Segway to use between campuses. It made the atmosphere fun and healthy. I loved the custom colors and designs of the bikes they had there but you had to take a class to ride the Segway so it got less use. The Twn:exp would fit in an environment like this perfectly and it’s skinnable so companies or organizations can add a touch of fun or branding. The fenders, chain guard, LED lights and bell would all come in handy and make the bikes accessible despite varied weather or time of day (those after-dinner meetings). I could see myself strapping some papers or supplies to the rear rack but I’d probably carry my laptop in a backpack just to be safe ;)
The LCD multi function computer console is easy to read in daylight and backlit for morning or night time use. It lists your speed, battery capacity and estimated range for each level of assist. The break-out button panel on the left handle bar makes interacting with the bike quite easy, even when riding. You can switch from pedal assist to throttle mode, activate the lights or set up cruise. I’m glad this bike offers throttle only mode because some riders (especially those with high heels or extra cargo being balanced by one hand) may not want to pedal.
All things considered, this is a very cool electric bike! While it’s the heaviest current-gen IZIP bike I’ve tried, it’s also the heaviest duty. Virtually anyone could hop on this thing, figure out how to use the computer relatively quickly and enjoy a short ride. For shops or maintenance departments the wheel design is a true blessing and given the long history of Currie Tech / IZIP which is now owned by the Accell Group out of Europe, you can rest assured that you’ll get support, replacement parts and warranty coverage for years to come.
Pros:
Very sturdy design with aluminum alloy wheels that never need to be trued, metal pedals that can endure tips and encased motor and battery
Easy to adjust seat post height and stem angle for different sized riders, step-through design is easy to mount for all
Offers both twist throttle (for scootering around) or four levels of pedal assist (for longer more active riding)
Dynamo powered LED lights and bell deliver an element of safety and are well protected on frame
Fenders and chain guard keep pants and dresses clean when riding through puddles or rain
Headshock and seat post suspension take the edge off when riding over bumps, potholes and cracks
Rear rack has built in bungee straps for securing papers, binders and other light-weight cargo
Pre-Slimed tires should remain usable for longer periods with self-sealing feature
Smaller diameter 20″ wheels provide mechanical advantage to rear hub motor and keep the center of gravity lower
Cons:
Heavier than most compact style electric bikes, weight is distributed towards the back
Rear rack uses non-standard tubing that’s not compatible with some side-mounting panniers
All new for 2019, the IZIP E3 Brio is an affordable and lightweight commuter with a lot of included goodies, an SR Suntour rear hub-motor, two frame styles and two color options, and an entry level price point. 7 speed Shimano derailleur, mechanical disc brakes, integrated fenders, battery integrated lights, adjustable rear rack,…...
An affordable entry level hardtail mountain mid-drive ebike that is at home on the streets and trails, priced at $1,999 and legal for all Class 1 jurisdictions. Comes in a mid-step and high-step, two different colors (black with yellow accents or blue…...
A new and unique frame for 2019 that is striking and comes in two frame sizes, each with a different wheel size, both really look great in the two colors and reflective accents available. Some key features like battery intergraded front and rear lights, a throttle, and a battery…...
All new for 2019, the IZIP E3 Simi is an affordable and lightweight cruiser with comfortable riding position and an SR Suntour rear hub motor, two frame styles and two color options, and an entry level price point. Mechanical disc brakes, paint matched steel frame, integrated lights, rear rack, comfortable riding geometry, swept…...
A value-priced hardtail electric mountain bike with basic 100mm SR Suntour spring suspension fork and knobby Vee Rubber tires, no lockout or preload adjust, no puncture protection or tubeless setup. Available in three frame sizes and two frame styles, I like the mid-step frame because…...
A relatively lightweight, approachable, comfortable cruiser electric bike, oversized saddle and padded grips dampen vibration, available in two colorways and three frame sizes to fit style preferences and body types. 26-inch wheels lower the frame height and provide more strength than 700c, high-volume 2.4-inch Schwalbe…...
An urban oriented speed pedelec, capable of 28 mph pedal-assisted speeds, complete with wide alloy fenders, a streamlined rear rack, and integrated LED lights. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable levers, the front rotor is larger at 180mm and…...
A full suspension trail style electric bike with 130 mm travel, purpose-built frame comes in two sizes with internally routed cables, custom motor integration, sturdy Boost hub spacing. Nimble 2.6" plus sized tires balance traction, stability, and comfort with precision, control, and weight…...
A value-priced cruiser from a larger trusted company, available in a high-step and mid-step frame styles with one color pattern for each (white or metallic gray). Efficient mid-drive motor keeps weight low and center, the battery clicks in from the left…...
An efficient, feature-complete, speed pedelec capable of ~28 mph top speed with excellent frame balance but limited suspension and comfort options. Alloy fenders and minimalist rear rack stay quiet on bumpy terrain, an alloy chain guide…...
A mean looking cross country style hardtail electric mountain bike, beautifully integrated battery pack and motor keep weight low and center, has rear-rack bosses!. Locking removable battery pack can be charged on or off the bike, the display is…...
A value-priced urban electric bike that includes fenders, integrated LED lights, a rear rack, and hydraulic disc brakes, it's available in three frame sizes but only high-step. This is a high-speed Class 3 ebike that can reach ~28 mph assisted and because…...
A rigid electric fat bike with provisions for front and rear racks, available in two frame sizes for improved fit, designed with a steep top tube for comfortable stand over and steadying. Beautifully integrated Bosch Performance Line CX motor and battery pack, downtube is cut away and…...
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…...
A value-driven full suspension electric cross country mountain bike with higher end drive system and components from Bosch, SRAM and RockShox, it's $300 cheaper than prior year with lots of upgrades. Beautiful hydroformed frame with inset battery mount and tapered head tube, the motor hangs down…...
One of the coolest looking, most feature rich high-speed electric bicycles I've tested... the battery is beautifully integrated and the small motor stays almost completely hidden behind the chainring. Pedal assist gets you 28 mph using speed, cadence and torque sensing and you can…...
One of the lighter weight, higher powered and more affordable off-road capable fat bikes I've tested, you get 15 mm and 12 mm thru-axles with quick release and punched out rims. Sturdy Shimano M396 hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, no motor inhibitors in the levers…...
A 650B hardtail trail or mountain ebike with a powerful 73 Nm mid-drive motor, it's one of the quieter motors but less responsive (mostly cadence sensing) and no shift sensing. Nice 180 mm hydraulic disc brakes, quick release for both wheels and a 15 mm…...
A feature complete speed pedelec (capable of ~28 mph top speeds) with a high torque mid-drive motor from TranzX. Quality full length plastic fenders from SKS with integrated mud flaps, mid-level suspension fork with…...
An efficient, light weight commuter electric bike available in two frame sizes and high-step or step-thru styles, the adjustable stem and swept back bars support a surprisingly comfortable upright body position. Narrower tires, firm saddle and all-Aluminum frame and fork provide great power transfer when pedaling…...
An approachable electric bike with deep low-step frame, adjustable stem, swept back handle bars and a large comfortable saddle. Simple linear pull brakes work well and are easy to adjust, quick release skewers on…...
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,…...
One of the only fat tire style electric bikes I've tested to date that is legally capable of 25+ mph top speeds in pedal assist mode. Good value considering the custom fat frame in two sizes, solid warranty and availability, hydraulic…...
Full suspension electric bike with powerful mid-drive motor for effective climbing and balanced weight, higher ~28 mph top speed. Removable battery pack and quick release wheels make charging and servicing convient, reduce weight when…...
Hardtail trail-ready electric bike with powerful centerdrive motor for effective climbing and balanced weight, ~28 mph top speed. Removable battery pack for convenient charging and reduced transport weight, lockout suspension fork by RockShox…...
Cruiser style electric bike with two frame styles, two frame sizes, 11 custom colors and a wonderfully balanced purpose-built frame. Removable battery can be charged on or off the bike, optional matching fenders, rear rack…...
Near-silent commuter style electric bike offering pedal assist and throttle mode, fenders and a carry rack. Comfortable ride with upright seating position, swept back handlebars and oversized Velo comfort saddle...
High performance city style electric bike that offers throttle mode up to 20mph and pedal assist up to 28mph. Comfortable ride with oversized 700x45c tires, suspension fork with lockout and updated Velo Street saddle...
An active urban-style electric bike with near-silent motor operation and clean design helping it blend in. Strong 500 watt motor paired with large 48 volt battery that's removable and uses premium…...
Sturdy, stiff and capable of hauling cargo with the reinforced front basket and welded rear rack. Oversized tires, adjustable stem and seat post suspension improved comfort when riding...
High quality features and well rounded drive system at an excellent price. Strong but quiet 500 watt gearless rear hub motor offers throttle mode and torque-sensing pedal…...
Mid-level off road electric mountain bike with excellent weight distribution. Centerdrive motor offers high-torque, leverages rear cassette and makes servicing wheels and tires much easier...
Strong 500 watt motor is capable of moving heavier riders and heavier loads in the integrated racks. Weight is spread out from rear and kept low to the ground with battery built…...
Solid frame with oversized cushy tires and seat delivers a fluid enjoyable ride. Powerful 500 watt geared rear hub motor paired with 36 volt Lithium-ion battery offers torque…...
Ultra powerful and rugged long-range electric bike, originally designed for use by the Los Angeles police force for urban patrols. Unique mid-drive belt system delivers high torque for climbing and accelerating, speed pedelec design capable…...
Powerful 500 Watt motor paired with strong 36 Volt battery for acceleration and climbing ability. Sensitive pedal assist mode becomes jerky when climbing hills but is otherwise very responsive...
Upright seating with high-rise handlebars, wide sprung saddle and seat post shock for improved comfort. 250 watt brushless rear hub motor works well with pedal assist or throttle mode for…...
Discontinued in 2009, replaced with the E3 Path which is sturdier, less expensive and features twist throttle as well as pedal assist. Designed to be pedaled, the Trekking Enlightened lacks throttle mode but features 24 speed, lights,…...
A relaxed, comfortable and stable cruiser style electric bike with integrated downtube-battery that keeps weight low and center. Smooth torque sensing pedal assist is responsive but requires more care when working on the…...
Nice offering for short people like me but kind of expensive. It seems that Currietech makes electric bikes mostly for tall people! I’m 5’4″ and this bike would fit me much better than the Trails or Vibe line. The seat has go all the down to the frame post in order for me to put my feet flat on the ground on trails or vibe bikes and I’m not comfortable! Most Currietech bikes are for people who are 5’7″ and taller.
Ronald Boykin
11 years agoNice offering for short people like me but kind of expensive. It seems that Currietech makes electric bikes mostly for tall people! I’m 5’4″ and this bike would fit me much better than the Trails or Vibe line. The seat has go all the down to the frame post in order for me to put my feet flat on the ground on trails or vibe bikes and I’m not comfortable! Most Currietech bikes are for people who are 5’7″ and taller.
Reply