Izip electric bike and HOTEBIKE Hybrid Electric Bike Review

Izip electric bike and HOTEBIKE Hybrid Electric Bike Review

Izip electric bike Review

Bicycle industry veteran Larry Pizzi founded iZip in partnership with Currie Technologies in 2005, making it one of the oldest and most established ebike brands in the US. As a longtime cyclist, Pizzi wanted to produce ebikes that looked as much like a normal bicycle as possible, and achieved this goal by integrating the drive system into the frame. While it may be the norm today, 15 years ago this was a cutting-edge approach to ebike design.

iZip ebikes originally were powered by Currie’s own Electro-Drive system, but today’s models use Shimano, Bosch, and other motors in its line of adventure, commuter, cruiser, and hauler models.

The Vibe 2.0 Step Thru falls into the commuter category, and is one of iZip’s midpriced models. It is a relatively compact Class 1 ebike with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

The Vibe 2.0 comes stock with an integrated rear rack, aluminum chain guard, iZip Ergo Comfort handlebars, and iZip’s cushy Custom Ergo Performance saddle to support the upright riding position on this fully rigid bike.

The bike rolls on 26-inch wheels outfitted with Kenda Smooth Rolling City 1.95-inch-wide tires, and is spec’d with a Shimano seven-speed drivetrain with thumb shifters, a Shimano Tourney TX800 rear derailleur, and Tektro cable-actuated disc brakes. A Bosch Active Line motor with 40Nm of torque and a Bosch PowerPack 400Wh downtube battery power the Vibe, providing four levels of assist: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo.

The frame comes in two colors and three sizes to fit riders from 5-foot-3 to 6 feet tall. The Vibe 2.0 does not come stock with fenders, lights, or integrated locks, but there are various mounting bosses on the frame for aftermarket accessories.

Our size-small test bike weighed 48.4 pounds on the Cycle Volta scale.

How does the iZip Vibe 2.0 Step Thru ride?
I live in a rural canyon community, so testing the iZip Vibe 2.0 during a statewide stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic was somewhat challenging. In “normal” times, I ride the ebikes I’m testing to our closest urban center to run errands, cruise bike paths, and experience a wide array of surfaces. I also make it a point to hit some stoplights to get a feel for how the bike performs in stop-and-go conditions, and to test how it accelerated from a complete stop with a load. If I want to maximize time riding in an urban setting, I sometimes load bikes onto my bike rack and drive closer to a city to clock miles in traffic.

Not wanting to venture too far afield during the pandemic, I instead made many trips down the hill to my local post office, community market, and café, and took a few cruisy rides up and down the canyon. I hauled packages to the post office both on the rack and in a backpack, and rode the 3 miles uphill home with cargo purchased at our town’s small store.

I tested a size-small Vibe 2.0 in the Cornflower Blue colorway. It is a stable bike that handles well at all speeds. The Bosch drive system is quiet and smooth, and as always, had no trouble motoring the Vibe 2.0 up the 400-foot climb to my house. The bike’s Tektro disc brakes provided adequate stopping power on the winding descent to our town center, and seven speeds offered enough range for both flat and hilly terrain.

I also rode the Vibe 2.0 on wet roads several times, and while the wide tires offer plenty of traction, the lack of fenders left me covered in road grime. The chain guard helped keep grease off of my pant leg, but is noisy due to chain slap when riding bumpy terrain.

About half of the miles I clocked on the Vibe 2.0 were downhill and I rode mostly in Turbo mode for the climb home. One full charge powered the bike for 37 miles in these conditions, and the battery took about 4.5 hours to recharge.

Overall, the Vibe 2.0 is a fun and comfortable ebike that is suitable for anyone wanting to bop around town, cruise bike paths, or ride to work occasionally. The Vibe is billed as a commuter bike, but the lack of integrated lights and stock fenders make it less than ideal for serious commuting. And even though the Vibe is available for purchase on iZip’s website, iZip does not sell any of the accessories that would make the bike a more capable commuter.

How much does the iZip Vibe 2.0 cost?
The iZip Vibe 2.0 retails for $2,000, and can be purchased on iZip’s website or at an authorized iZip dealer. Delivery options include ship-to-home (the bike comes 85 percent assembled, with all of the necessary tools and instructions) or pickup at a local bike shop (which will assemble the bike for free). If Beeline Bikes operates in your area, this mobile service provider can also assemble and deliver the bike for no additional charge.

HOTEBIKE Hybrid Electric Bike Review

HOTEBIKE is a professional ebike company with more than 14 years experience on ebike development, production and marketing.

Cycling is easy with an 26 inch HOTEBIKE Electric Bike A6AB26. Our smart pedal assistance system makes light work of long journeys and steep hills. Picture yourself finishing a 35 mile ride and not needing a shower! Commuters and weekend riders enjoy the benefits of cycling without the fear of exhaustion or tiredness.

The HOTEBIKE Electric Bike A6AB26 features a powerful lithium battery that is capable of assisting you up to 35-50 miles on a single charge. Our Electric Bike now features an improved controller and LCD display. The LCD display provides the rider with essential information such as remaining battery life, total distance travelled, current speed, level of assistance selected, air temperature and more.

Classic Style 26 inch electric bike A6AB26, use 6061 aluminium alloy frame, lightweight and durable. With great electric system, give you very good feeling when riding it. Let’s contribute to environmental protection!

With a 350w powerful motor doing all the hard work, your legs wont get tired anywhere near as fast compared to a regular bike. This allows you to ride longer than ever before covering much greater distances.

【Upgraded Design】1) Removable 36V 10AH Lithium-Ion battery; 2) 36V 350W high speed motor; 3) Premium 21 speed gear derailleur; 4) Reliable 160 disc brake; 5) 3W LED headlight for night riding; 6) Multifunctional LCD display panel; 7) Range per charge (PAS Mode): 35-50 miles; 8) 26 inch wheels, light & strong aluminum alloy frame; 9) easy and fast installation following the guide
【Electric System】Equipped with 36V 10AH removable Lithium-Ion battery, you can reach an extra long range up to 35-50 miles per charge, and a full charge takes just 4 hours. 350W high speed brushless motor make the ebike deliver the best in class acceleration. Lightweight aluminum alloy frame and sturdy suspension fork ensure smooth rides on different road surfaces. NOTE: bike and battery will be shipped separately
【Brake & Gear System】Front and rear mechanical 160 disc brakes provides more reliable all-weather stopping power, which keep you safe from any emergency with a brake distance within 3 meters. 21 Speed gear increases hill-climbing power, further range variation, and greater terrain adaptability. According different road condition, such as flat, uphill, downhill, the e bike can be adjusted to different gear speeds. Reduce the strength and pressure of your legs effectively
【LCD Display Panel & LED headlight】Equipped with a front LED headlamp for safer night riding, which is controlled by the intelligent and exclusive LCD display panel. The panel shows lots of data like Distance, Mileage, Temperature, Voltage, etc. You can also change between the 5 levels of pedal assist mode with the panel and have a more customized riding experience. Comes with a 5V 1A USB mobile phone charging port on the headlight for a convenient phone charging on the ride
【3 Working Modes】Ebike & PAS (pedal assist mode) & normal bike. Comes with thumb throttle.【One Year Warranty】for motor, battery and controller! The ebike has finished most assembling before shipment. The electric system is assembled, you just need assemble front fork, front wheel, handlebar, saddle and pedal.【Please keep the original bike box for 30 days, only original package box will be accepted when return】

Model: A6AB26
Specification
Frame: 6061 aluminium alloy material
Fork: suspension aluminium alloy front fork
Tire: 26” x 1.95
Weight: 21 kg (46 lb)
Gear: 21 speed with derailleur
Motor: rear wheel motor 36V350W brushless
Battery: 36V10AH lithium-ion battery
Headlight: 3W LED headlight with USB mobile phone charging port
Initiating mode: PAS or thumb throttle
Max speed: 30KM/H (20mph)
Charging time: 4-6 hours
Range per charge (PAS mode): 60-80km