EV World video gets its first glimpse of Currie Technologies' new iZip Express electric bicycle.
Open Access Article Originally Published: November 27, 2007
Currie Technologies is one of the pioneers in the electric bicycle business, having manufactured and sold millions of dollars worth of battery-powered bicycles over the last decade or more. Marketing its own line of products through the iZip name, the company that is now run by Larry Pizzi continues to refine and upgrade its line of electric bike; the newest being its Express model, which is the subject of this video interview.
Recorded last month at the 2007 AltCar Expo in Santa Monica, Steve Marshall talks about the 36-volt Express and its unique drive system. Instead of the usual thumb throttle found on most electric bikes, the Express incorporates a special torque sensor that applies power as the rider needs it through its belt drive.
EV WORLD VIDEO
EV World's publisher, Bill Moore, was able to take the Express for a short ride and found it one of the most intuitive drive systems he's ridden. Though still not as quiet as the now-defunct Tidal Force M750, he reports that the sensor system on the Express makes peddling the bike a pleasure; the harder you pedal, the more power the motor supplies. Instead of the usual electric hub motor, the Express' 750 watt motor is mounted on the frame. He observed that this would be a excellent choice for anyone looking for a truly transparent electric bicycle riding experience.
The company still needs to work out some technical issues, like the belt slipping when the rider stands up to pedal hard. Marshall commented off-camera that they are aware of the problem and are working on a fix before going into production, which should start in early 2008. The bike will sell for $2000.
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Reader Comments
5 comments so far...
28-Nov-2007
59378
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It is overkill for my needs. The lightning would be more suited for my needs (although it's hubmotor is weak). I have a 17 mi roundtrip commute, with SEVERAL 200ft up/down hills. The biggest problem is brakepad wear. I go through a set every 2 months. My experience with electric bikes is the batteries. Lead_Acid works but has short USEFUL lifespan. It would be interesting if Currie intends on making a regenerative braking option, even if it is only to save on maintenance (not power). The lithium battery is interesting and would be nice to last the life of the bike. Do they plan on offering it in the Lightning? The bottom line is I need an electric bike as a REPLACEMENT for the car, that would last many, many, many, many years with minimal maintenance and at that usual simple stuff like tires and basic adjustments. Not just a trendy gadget
Posted by: Streetcar Eddie
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06-Dec-2007
59480
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I ride/commute on a 27" (700mm) road bike that weights 11kg.
I need a bike like the iZips Electric Express but it need to be as light as possible and slippery as possible not a mountain bike i.e. When you ride a good road bike, by comparison, a mountain bike is slow and heavy!
The ideal would be an electric motor that could assist the rider only on uphills! This could be automated by monitoring the cadence and if the rider is on a hill and the rpm drops under 70rpm then the electric motor cuts in and helps the rider to maintain the load! Subsequently, if the rider spins up to 95rpm then the electric engine could cut outs. With practice the rider could manipulate the assistance by controlling the rpm.
I need the electric engine so that I can ride 10-14 times a week and not wear myself out (at least be able to participate in other activities)
keep up the good work!
Cheers, Joe
Posted by: Joe Rosenfels
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09-Dec-2007
59509
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Why are they using belt drive? Having the belt slip is a common problem with belt drive. I think they should keep the design simple. Here in the Boston area many of the bicycle couriers use a single speed bicycle. The addition of a hub motor to a single speed chain driven bicycle maintains the system's simplicity and reduces maintenance and cost to a minimum. Then the only problem to be solved is the addition of a lithium long range battery and a quick charging system. I think some of the other ebike manufacturers have caught on to this including Ezee line of bikes, Giant bikes, and Schwinn's new bikes.
Posted by: Derek Keller
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27-Nov-2007
59373
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Thanks Bill for posting this article. I think I'm going to buy one of these when they come out.
I commute approximately 30 miles round trip to work. In the spring, summer and fall, I try to ride my regular bicycle 2 times maybe 3 times a week. I would like to do it more but I'm either too tired or my schedule won't allow it. The iZip Express looks like the perfect way for me to try for 5 days a week.
With the iZip bike and my Corolla I'm thinking I have all the advantages of a plugin hybrid car right now. More than 50% of my yearly commute should be electric (and a small amount of electricity at that) and the rest should be with a very efficient gasoline vehicle.:-)
Posted by: Peter W
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12-Dec-2007
59562
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not bad. not sure about the belt drive. a nice
#25 chain would be better i would think.
i would try and keep the price on the 24volt bike
under a Thousand if you wana corner the market in
canada. canadian tire etc.
not a bad setup guys:)
cheers
Posted by: david m
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