The market for electric bicycles has been rapidly increasing over the last few years and is expected to continue growing for the next decade across the globe. With millions of e-bikes already being sold in China and Europe, the US can look for a surge of e-bikes as consumers begin to see them as a cheap, reliable, eco-friendly and efficient means of transportation. From socially conscious techies in San Francisco’s Silicon Valley and progressive epicenters of the Northwest business, to pleasure beach riders of Southern California’s coast, hipster desert dwellers in Phoenix and other Green-friendly cities and college towns across the country, throngs of environmentally-minded folks have already jumped on the bandwagon. Currie Technologies is eagerly eyeing this market for their IZip line of electric bikes. The IZip Zuma is their excellent mid-level e-bike built with the purpose of capturing this wide demographic that includes young professionals, baby boomers with active lifestyles, students, the weekend bike rider on an outdoor daytrip or the daily commuter. Heavy on design and boasting a grip of useful features, the Zuma handles all the cruiser’s bike riding needs. The frame is built in the shape of a standard retro-style beach cruiser you see a countless number of zipping around college campuses or the boardwalk at Venice Beach. However, a quick glance at the bike reveals the
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added components, which makes it leaps and bounds beyond a normal bike riding experience. While each IZip e-bike model varies to some degree on the design and placement of the battery, on the Zuma, the battery is mounted on a rack over the rear wheel and yields enough juice for a range of 16 to 22 miles. For riders who wish to move completely by the exertion of their own force, the bike can be used with the electric motor turned off and still provides a greater deal of enjoyment over a regular cruiser with its beefed-up aluminum frame, 7-speed gear shifter, front and rear suspension system, and alloy disc breaks. However, the true benefit of the Zuma, as with any IZip e-bike, is when the rider pushes the little red power button conveniently located within thumb’s reach on the handlebars. After a few pedals to build moment there is a sudden but subtle jolt as the 500watt motor kicks in and takes over the work of the geared hub. Hills with a decent incline are handled as if riding on flat ground. A pull of the throttle located on the handlebars quickly gets the bike zooming up to its 20 mph top speed. Overall the Zuma is an awesome bike and a bunch of fun to ride. It’s well made from tires to wires to seat cushion, and whether going to class, commuting for work, or just trekking around on an afternoon jaunt, the Zuma provides an eco-friendly and energy efficient transportation solution. Check out www.izipusa.com for more info!