eZee Electric Commuter Bikes
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 05. 7.08
Earlier this week, I reviewed a $350 electric bike, the E-Zip Trailz. While this bike is a good entry-level bike, if you are seriously considering using an electric bike to replace your car for short trips you should probably invest in a quality electric bike costing $1000 or more. One of the better brands of electric bikes is eZee.
eZee bikes are highly recommended by the comprehensive electric bike review magazine A to B. Here's their review page, where bikes are rated on a five star scale. Unfortunately, all of their 5 star bikes are only available in Europe. One brand that got a 4 star rating is eZee, and these bikes are available in the U.S.
According to the 50Cycles and A To B, eZee produces reliable bikes with great performance and price. Here are some of their current offerings:
The most affordable eZee bike is the Liv (seen above). This lightweight bike lacks the power and top speed of some of its eZee siblings, but makes up for it with its superb range and affordability. This bike costs around $1,150 and is suited to the commuter or recreational rider who wants help with hills, but with no desire to cruise at 18mph or race up steep hills.
The eZee Torq II was just released, and while it looks very similar to a conventional bike, it is one of the fastest and best hill-climbing electric bikes available. Richard Peace made the eZee Torq his Pick of the Year in the January 2007 issue of Cycling Plus magazine. You can read an in-depth review of this bike here and here. It sells for $1,750.
The Forza is a high-end bike from eZee. Like the Torq, the Forza is one of the fastest and best performing bikes in mainstream production. Lightweight Lithium batteries give it a range of 20 to 30 miles. With suspension forks, puncture resistant tires and disc/hydraulic brakes, this is an all-surface bike that's great for everything from commuting to touring. It sells for $2200.
All the eZee bikes are available in the U.S. from NYCEWheels and Urban Scooters
See also this previous post: eZee Quando
Excellent writeup, really top notch.
Again, I don't understand why all the buzz about electric bikes? Really, there are reasons why we aren't all riding them, and cost isn't one of them. While these bikes appear to be better equipped than the $350 versions, you still get way more bang for your buck losing the motor. Too often these bike use such crappy components making them difficult to adjust and stay adjusted (which is why a lot of shops wont' touch them). When it comes time to replace the parts- and this comes quickly with low-end components- its usually more cost effective to simply replace the bike. Disposable bikes are not green or sustainable, never mind the batteries.
Not all that "green" for those who do not live in South Africa since (I would assume) the bike needs to be shipped from there.
Isn't there a local bicycle company that you can purchase one from? I use a peddle bike to commute to/from work and run short errands.
When I post something about electric bikes, I always get two types of negative comments:
(1) Why are you promoting electric bikes, isn't it lazy to use a motor?
The answer is that electric bikes allow riders to get to the office without working up a sweat, and they also allow riders to go further, and thus better replace a car, especially if you are towing groceries or children.
They are also useful for elderly riders, and those who might not be in physical condition to pedal 40 miles a day.
Why are you featuring a bike from China or South Africa?
If there was an equivalent bike maker down the road, I would surely feature the local manufacturer. But I have to work with what's available. I'd prefer to sees someone driving an electric bike from South Africa than drive a gasoline-powered car to get groceries.
electric bikes may be useful in africa, but honestly, a commuter in a u.s. city on a regular bike is a moving target, a battery operated bike will just make them a faster moving target.
yeaa I would use one of these bikes!
When looking for electric bikes for my commute a couple of years ago I stumbled upon the Ezee Torq. It was the best electric bike I tried: it brought a huge grin to my face, it was like riding with a (very) strong wind in my back.
In the end I didn't buy it but only because I was able to reduce my commuting distance hence didn't need the speed boost anymore.
As a side note, I thought Ezee was a Chinese company (http://www.ezeebike.com/), and the Torq was released in the UK a while ago! The site of the UK importer is http://www.50cycles.com if you're interested it has lots of info. (and I should state that I am not working for them!)
I have a cheapie bike that I ride, but there are times when I don't feel like tackling the hills, so I drive. I have been waiting, trying to figure out the very best bicycle, motor, and battery combo. Lion is really coming along so that makes me wait more, but my bike is wearing out as we speak, so I may have to buy one more before I take the big plunge. I am very handy, and can keep things going on my own, but if I'm going to shell out a grand or two I want one that is uber-durable. Thanks for the article. :)
I like the idea of electric bikes. I used to ride all over before I got sick. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, and now Graves Disease. I went from a size womens 14 to a 4 since last August.
All that said, an electric bike is my only hope of riding right now. If I could get a $350 one, I might. It will get me out on two wheels again, and help me feel like less of an invalid. I'll be able to ride again, but not right now, and probably not this summer.
Considering my alternative is to drive a car, which makes me nauseated, and buses are worse because of the constant stop and go action, electric bikes are the greenest option for me.
Please keep up the articles on them.
what were the makers of this bike thinking?
the purpose of a bike is exercise--to travel using your legs...how is this promoting a healthier lifestyle when it is essentially a motorcycle. this is dumb and is just further proof that americans will do anything to get out of having to do the slightest bit of work.
You obviously have never driven on Los Angeles freeways during rush hour to get someplace. What with the large SUVs and semis doing battle for the lead, it would be suiside to even think of using a mode of transportation that traveled less than 60 MPH. That said, the electric bicycles would be perfect for the average American to run errands and tool around. That is if their area is bicycle friendly...
Yes, the"average American", is known to be lazy, but we would rather drive a car, and get home in one peace, than being road kill.
If you are opposed to electric bikes what else are you opposed to? Electric bikes aren't aimed at the dyed in the wool cyclist. But if they get someone out of his/her car once in a while what is wrong with that? Nothing of course. Plus that's one less car on the road to run over a cyclist.
I like to bitch and complain as much as the next person but for pete's sake, get a grip, no pun intended.