Schwinn Izip My ride

[GreenLantern]

This is my first post and I am really impressed with this forum. There are many e-bike enthusiasts here with tons of knowledge. I live out in the country and I find country biking has special challenges. There are no bike paths just a mixture of paved and dirt roads. The open spaces with the headwinds coupled with severe hills make regular biking torture. Most adults don't bike out here I think they break down after a few hard rides. I bought this used Schwinn Izip( a 2007 I think) a couple of months ago for $350. and have been really happy with it. It is a solid bike that can handle a dirt pot-holed road with ease. The big wide tires are heavy but you need them out here. My only complaint is the limited range on the 24 volt battery.(An hour of using the battery and pedaling takes a big toll on the battery) I weigh 225 which probably doesn't help. I think it is powered by a 450 Currie motor. I am thinking of buying a second 24 volt battery to extend my range. I don't want to get into adapting a 36 volt battery and controller as the connections and wiring have to stand up to some heavy vibrations on the rough roads. I have heard some good things about the Ping batteries but wonder if there is a North American supplier? I live near Kitchener Ontario. Any comments would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[gilfort]

Their is no problem buying directly in China, Li Ping offer a very fast service and its battery can be adapted to your need if you explain your problem to him.
http://www.pingbattery.com/servlet/the-24V-LiFePO4-Battery-Packs/Categories

 

[wineboyrider]

I have a currie ezip Mountain Trailz and rode it into the ground, but that's because I ran it at 36 volts and over 2000 miles on it. The motor is brushed, has a lot of torque, but won't last long if rode hard and long. It's the same motor you have on your izip. The izip is a better bicycle frame though.

 

[wineboyrider]

Another note: My controller held up fine at 36 volts it was the motor that finally went on it. I have a new replacement motor for it, but haven't installed it yet. Too many other projects right now. But, I intend to use the ezip as my third back up bicycle.

 

[BikeFanatic]

I have another battery from Currie that fits that bike it is brand new. I used to have a mongoose and sold it. But currie sent me this new battery and it comes in the case and all. the plug is a little loose but glue or duct tape will fix it.

Free but you pay for shipping. pm or post here if you want it.

 

[dumbass]

Here's a link to a posting on another forum. http://www.ecoforumz.com/electric-bike-scooter/158892-electric-bike-schwinn-i-zip-2008-a.html On this forum my user name is "go4it2". you will note the poster has the same bike but has installed a second battery pack. He did a very nice install and it looks very good. Personally I think the money would be better spent on a set of Thunder Sky 12v packs sold at Elite power Solutions. http://elitepowersolutions.com/products/product_info.php?cPath=16&products_id=74 The biggest problem you will find with these Lifepo4 pack is the size. they will not fit in your original Izip battery box so you would need to devise a mounting for them. But they will be 3 to 4 times as powerful as your current pack at the same voltage.

 

[GreenLantern]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Next year I may think about over volting from 24 to 36 just to "fun" it up. I didn't notice any controllers with this bike so I wonder if I can get away with out having to install one if I over volt the motor.

 

[donob08]

Green Lantern

Just to add to your comfort. I have a Currie Ezip, similar. It has 5,184 miles on it. The last 3,000 or so with a Ping LiFePO battery. LiFePO is good, less weight, more range and higher speed 29V vs 24V. That makes 15mph go to 17mph or so. I'm real satisfied. The bike just needs normal maintenance.

Note on Thundersky vs Ping: TS 13.2 lbs vs Ping 8.2lbs TS 7x6x7 inches volume Ping 6x4x6 inches volume Cost about the same.

Don