eZip is a low-cost hybrid bicycle solution manufactured by Currie Technologies. Currie Tech is an industry leader and after some research Jenn and I decided to dip our feet into "green". We figured that at the price point, (taking shipping into consideration cost approximately $400 usd), we could pay for the bikes by riding to and from work everyday for the rest of the summer.
Jenn opening a box of whoop ass!
It's electric powered!
Think "Power assist"as opposed to "I don't have to pedal at all". Three or four years ago I spent my summer in Tahoe working three jobs and only riding my bike. It was great but it whooped my ass. This way, I can still get some cardiovascular exercise and have a practical form of town transportation.
Assembly
Step One: Charge that battery
According to the instruction, the battery charger takes 6-8 hours to fully charge. Well, that's too long if you ask me. Fortunately, there is another charger that you can purchase, that will charge the battery in 2-3 hours. I will be getting that.
Step Two: Unhook the V brake
The linear-pull V brake on the front fork of the bike has a quick release which enables you to release the brake and allow for the tire to insert onto the fork.
Step Three: Hand-tighten the Tire bolts to the fork
Step Four: Tighten front wheel bolts with supplied wrench
Step Five: Tighten the hex bolts around the the handlebars with the supplied hex wrench
Step Six: put on the seat and tighten with the quick release
Step Seven: Attach pedals
Step Eight: Become Electric Powered!!!
The finished product
All in all, a no-brainer assembly. While the battery was charging Jenn and I took the bike for a spin a la manual. The bike is heavy for starters, it would suck if the battery died halfway through your trip. However, even without the motor, once on the bike, it handles well. With the battery, the bike is close to one hundred pounds. According the manufacturers specifications, the bike can go up to 18mph and has a range of 15-20 miles, more than enough for Jenn or I to get to work and recharge. Like I said before, think "power assist" not moped. The bike accepts two batteries to extend the range.
WIthout taking the bike for it's maiden voyage it's hard to say whether it's been a good use of money or not. I feel good about it though. I'm looking at it as an entry level attempt at doing something good. If the motor turns out to be weak, I have a base to modify with different types of motors and batteries. Stay tuned for a full review. For more information:
Currie Technologies
(All photos ©2008 Tim Peare/Jenn Mescher)
