IZIP Trekking Enlightened Review

Izip Trekking Enlightened Electric Bike Review 1
Izip Trekking Enlightened
Izip Trekking Enlightened Geared Hub Motor
Izip Trekking Enlightened Light And Shocks
Izip Trekking Enlightened Controller
Izip Trekking Enlightened Front Disc Brake
Izip Trekking Enlightened Electric Bike Review 1
Izip Trekking Enlightened
Izip Trekking Enlightened Geared Hub Motor
Izip Trekking Enlightened Light And Shocks
Izip Trekking Enlightened Controller
Izip Trekking Enlightened Front Disc Brake

Summary

  • 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, fenders and shocks
  • Gentle ride offering minimal power with a small 180 watt motor and 24 volt battery pack

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

IZIP

Model:

Trekking Enlightened

Price:

$1,999 USD

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Commuting, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Motor, 1 Year Frame and Battery

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2009

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

52 lbs (23.58 kg)

Frame Sizes:

18 in (45.72 cm)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru, High-Step

Frame Colors:

Gold, Blue

Frame Fork Details:

Basic Suspension

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Front Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

24 Speed 3x8 SRAM X7

Shifter Details:

Triggers on Left and Right Bar

Pedals:

Plastic and Rubber Platform

Stem:

Adjustable

Handlebar:

Low Rise

Brake Details:

Mechanical Disc on Front, V-Brake on Rear

Seat Post:

Suspension Shock

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Accessories:

Front and Rear Fenders, Adjustable Headlight, Fixed Rear Light, Aluminum Carry Rack with Pannier Blockers, Kickstand

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

180 watts

Battery Voltage:

24 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

10 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

240 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:

Pedal Assist Level, 5 Battery Levels

Drive Mode:

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Torque Sensing Pedal Assist

Top Speed:

15 mph (24 kph)


Written Review

The Trekking Enlightened is a bike you might see on sale or used because it’s no longer being produced. Discontinued in 2009, this model followed European standards with a weaker 180 watt motor and 24 volt battery pack. It only featured pedal assist mode and indeed, was designed to be pedaled. It offered 24 speeds to choose from (three rings up front and 8 in the rear) and included fenders and front and rear lights. It also includes a rear rack for adding panniers or a bag. Overall, this bike got many things right, the battery pack was positioned mid-frame keeping weight low and centered. While it was priced fairly well, it did suffer from spoked that were too thin and could easily get bent or come loose.

In terms of power, 180 watts is enough to move a rider on flats and keep them going with assistance but it’s not a whole lot. By using a geared design, this bike got a little extra torque but wasn’t capable of powering a rider up large hills. The good news is, it didn’t weigh a lot and thus, made pedaling easier. Since this bike doesn’t even offer a throttle mode, you pretty much have to pedal no matter what to keep it going but since it uses a pedalec sensor, you wouldn’t have to push, just keep the pedals moving and the motor would kick in.

The battery pack here matches the motor in that it’s weak and light weight. At just 24 volts it wouldn’t provide much power but 10 amp hours is decent in terms of capacity. The biggest win with this battery pack was how it was mounted in the frame. It’s kept low to the ground and it’s protected from the elements. One downside however is that the battery could not be easily removed, so you pretty much have to move the entire bike inside for charging.

This bike was really a stepping stone towards the E3 Path and other IZIP bikes that offer more features, sturdier rims and even better price points. If you saw this at a garage sale and it looked to be in decent condition at a good price, it might be worth a go. Keep in mind however, Lithium-ion batteries do eventually run out and a replacement could be upwards of $500. While I cannot personally confirm the “weak spoke” issue, I have it on good authority that the spokes can get loose and bend on this bike and there isn’t really a good way to address that besides re-spoking the wheels which could cost hundreds. If you’re a light weight rider and like the idea of the system, the bike itself is pretty solid and the shocks, lights, fenders and racks are all great. You could even get this as a regular pedal-power bike and just replace the wheels if you wanted.

Pros:

  • The rear rack is made from standard gauge tubing that works well with many stock pannier bags
  • The fenders are light weight but sturdy and offer great protection
  • 24 speed is plenty to choose from when riding up hills or sprinting on straight aways
  • Lithium battery is light weight, offers many charge cycles and includes a one year warranty for the original owner
  • Pedal assist mode works well and extends the range of this bike
  • Great kickstand, works well and stays out of the way
  • High quality disc brake on the front provide excellent stopping power

Cons:

  • The gage of the metal spokes is not as strong as needed for bumps and larger riders, many reported issues and repairs
  • No throttle mode so you constantly have to pedal along
  • Less powerful 180 watt motor is noticeably weaker than competing bikes, but also lighter
  • Rear rack and fenders are bolt-on which means they need to be tightened over time to avoid rattling loose
  • Built-in battery pack cannot be removed to make transport lighter or charging separately when commuting possible
  • Entry-level pedals can be slippery when they get wet

Resources:

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Comments (2) YouTube Comments

steve
10 years ago

your video says its a 250 watt motor but your written description says 180 watt motor. I’m confused. Also, do they still make a replacement battery for this bike?

  Reply
Court Rye
10 years ago

Hi Steve! You are correct, I misquoted the motor size in the video. I had been given the wrong information when I took it out for a test ride and then corrected it when I wrote the review. As far as replacement batteries go, I would suggest contacting IZIP directly, I bet you can get a replacement but you will have to install it yourself or get some help from a shop. This type of battery pack just isn’t as easy to work with, check out the video and pictures from the E3 Ultra which uses a similar design. I actually took the bottom cap off and pulled out some of the electronics to show what it looks like https://electricbikereview.website/izip/e3-ultra/

  Reply

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