[puddleglum]

I think that most e-bikers write off the Izip and Ezip bikes as low budget wannabes that are of very little practical use. To a point I would agree. In stock form they are designed to be a low speed bike for the out of shape, or possibly older rider that needs some assistance getting up the hills. I think, with a good battery pack, it would work just fine for that. It is a bike with electric assist and is never going to be an electric motorcycle with pedal assist. That said, I found some others that have proven that it can be easily modified to become a decent bike for those that are looking for some assistance and some exercise as well. The bike is not bad for comfort with its long wheelbase, but the seatpost angle a little to upright for my taste. I fully intended to modify it though, until my son offered to give me his Raleigh MTB that he wasn't riding. I liked the idea of a full suspension bike and a soft plush ride. I also liked the idea of more gearing as the Izip only has a single 44 tooth chainring. I used to ride a lot when I was young, but not for many years, so now my out of shape backside prefers a little more cushion so I quickly took him up on the offer. The Raleigh is a low budget bike as well, but for those of us who don't ride 1000's of miles and don't need the latest, greatest, lightest bike, so what. It is a low budget build. I still have some ideas for the Izip, but for now, on to the Raleigh.