The display panel itself is not removable which is a bit of a drawback if you plan to store this outside frequently or in sketchier neighborhoods but as a result you may experience fewer connection issues that have to do with contact pads wearing out. On the one hand it feels sturdy but it can also easily be adjusted, swiveling forward and back, to reduce glare. One of the big improvement areas on this second gen IZIP Dash is the display panel which now mounts to the center of the handle bars with two arms instead of just one.

Air resistance begins to have a significant impact on bicycles and their riders when operating above 20 miles per hour and since this is a speed pedelec, capable of reaching 28mph, you can extend range by choosing to ride a bit slower. As far as range, you can expect at least 25 miles per charge all the way up to 45 if you rely on lower levels of pedal assist and help the system out. Ultimately, the downtube location of the pack keeps weight low and center which balances the frame but it does take up the spot where a water bottle cage might otherwise mount. Having a removable battery like this is convenient for times when you need to transport the bike and want to reduce its weight or those times when you just need to top the battery off without bringing the entire frame inside. The pack itself locks to the downtube when riding but can be charged on or off the bike. The actual cells used here are 18650 sized and contain a Lithium-ion chemistry which is known for being light weight and long lasting. Many electric bike companies are switching to 48 volt systems like this because they deliver electricity more efficiently (extending range) and offer a zippier ride experience. The battery powering the 2015 IZIP E3 Dash offers 48 volts of power with ~8.7 amp hours of capacity. These bikes were all serviced under warranty and Currie Technologies acknowledged the problem which was great. For this second generation of Dash ebikes IZIP made some improvements in the glue and hardware used to build the motor after several bikes had issues in 2014. Still, gearless hub motors are known for being reliable because they contain fewer moving parts than geared motors. This happens when the permanent magnets lining the outside of the hub motor repel the electromagnet stators when the system is not operating under power (this is demonstrated in the video review). One downside that most gearless direct drive motors suffer from, including the Dash, is cogging. The power cable that connects the motor to the control system has its own little quick release point just below the left chain stay. One highlight here is that both the front and rear wheels feature quick release which makes changing flats and servicing rims and spokes much easier. I’m a bit torn on this because I realize regenerative braking systems add complexity and expense without much improvement in range but they do limit hand fatigue and wear on brake pads, especially when coasting down large hills. It’s powerful, fast and extremely quiet to operate but doesn’t offer regeneration modes as some other models do. It performs best on paved streets but is capable of handling light trail riding and is a bit more aggressive than the other upright cruiser style city bikes from IZIP including the Path+ and Zuma.ĭriving this electric bike is a powerful 500 watt gearless direct drive hub motor located in the rear wheel. Those improvements including a sturdier display panel, sleeker control pad that’s easier to reach, a fancier paint job, higher end drivetrain components from SRAM and a reinforced motor assembly. These benefits remain true with the updated second generation version shown in this review and it improves on the original in several key ways.

The bike was relatively comfortable and efficient to ride with oversized slick tires and a suspension fork with lockout and it offered a solid warranty with industry leading support from Currie Technologies that has one of the largest networks of dealers in the US. The first generation E3 Dash launched in 2014 and was well received because it offered a large powerful motor and battery system that could easily reach 28 miles per hour in “speed-pedelec” pedal assist mode.

This is a review for the 2015 IZIP E3 Dash, in 2016 the motor was changed from a gearless direct drive hub to a mid-drive improving frame stiffness and efficiency, it dropped the twist throttle in favor of an optional $50 “boost button” that could be installed by dealers, read the full review here.

Kaleidoscope miracle edges 2oz