Currie Technologies Explained!

Know more. Facts sheet.

 We want to share with you some of the advanced technologies Currie has patented.  These rides are fun for everyone and the value exceeds the dollar amount.  Currie offers quality construction, top-rated performance, and a wide variety of products.  Here are some commonly asked questions and concerns, answered!

Currie Electric Bike Catalog

What are the laws governing E-Bikes?
E-Bikes are not classified by the NHTSA as a motorized vehicle.  A license is not needed to ride an electric bike.  E-Bikes however must be limited to a motor driven top speed of 20 mph.
What are the differences in battery types?
Sealed Lead Acid, or SLA batteries are a time-tested, reliable, power source.  They are also relatively inexpensive.  However they are heavier, take longer to charge and have a shorter lifespan than Lithium Ion, or Li-Ion batteries.  Li-Ion while more expensive, will last longer, charge faster and are lighter in weight.  They represent the best in current technology.
Do I need to “break-in” my batteries?
Yes, the batteries used in the Currie Hybrid Electric Bicycles will need to have a “break-in” cycle consisting of ~ three discharge/charge cycles before they will reach optimum performance.  This involves three complete discharges and three complete recharges.  After this initial “break-in” cycle the batteries will have maximum possible performance and less line voltage fluctuations under load.
How long does it take to charge a discharged battery?
Depending on model:
•SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) 6-10 hours
•Li-Ion (Lithiom-Ion) 4-6 hours
How long will my batteries last before needing replacement?
Average battery life depends on use and conditions.  Even with proper care, rechargeable batteries do not last forever.  Conservatively, an SLA battery will come to the end of its useful life after ~200 full discharge/charge cycles, while Li-Ion batteries will last about 500 cycles.  A partial charge/discharge counts fractionally against those numbers; running the battery down halfway then recharging it completely uses up one half of a charge cycle.
Does an electric bike require any special care?
Not really if you know and facilitate proper use and charging.  E-Bikes can be ridden in pretty much the same conditions as a regular bike.  They are fine in the rain or snow but shouldn’t be ridden under water!  The batteries should not be stored in extreme temperatures and if inactive, the batteries should be charged every 90 days.
Are E-Bikes complicated and expensive to repair?
Not at all!  IZIP Electric bikes use standard bike parts.  If there is a problem with the E-Bike components, the motorized wheel, controller box, and handlebar controls are simply replaced.
How are electric bikes controlled?
IZIP E-Bikes give you the best of both worlds.
• TAG - Twist And Go.  A simple twist of the throttle and the bike goes. No need to pedal.
• PAS - Pedal Assist. When you pedal in this mode, the system senses your cadence and adjusts motor speed to match.  Using the throttle in the PAS mode will give you 100% asssist.  PAS yields the best range.
IZIP also offers more sophisticated PAS systems that sense torque and hybrid cadence sensing systems.
What do the specs mean?
Simply put:
Ah- amp hours is a measure of battery capacity.
Volts - are a measure of the strength or pressure of the electric power. Most E-Bikes are 24 or 36 V
Amps - are a measure of the electric volume, current is the flow of amps
Watts (V x A) - are a measure of power, the way motors are rated. Most E-Bikes are 250 to 500 watts.
How important is Motor wattage?
Motor wattage is only one part of the story.  A well engineered E-Bike balances motor power, battery specs, and user controls to give the rider a bike that is efficient and that provides sufficient power for their needs.
What is the mileage range?
It depends on many factors: terrain, wind, temperature, rider weight, and rider input.  Under normal conditions and rider participation, one can expect 10-30 miles per charge.
How fast will an electric bike go?
Legally, an E-Bike cannot exceed 20mph under motor power.  IZIP and eZip E-Bikes conform to this regulation.  However, there are IZIP models offered that will go well over 20 mph with the rider’s pedaling and, as with any bike, for instance going downhill.
Do electric bikes have regenerative braking?
Some do, but in reality the charge generated is less than 10%. You’d have to have some very long downhill terrain or drag while pedaling to make a noticeable, charging contribution.
What´s the difference between IZIP & eZip bikes?
eZip E-Bikes are Currie Technologies’ value line of bikes, sold through a variety of retail outlets. They offer good overall value and a 6-month warranty contribution.  IZIP bikes are the premium line sold exclusively through premium specialty retailers. These bikes offer the best technology, quality frames and components, and a more robust warranty ranging from 1 year to lifetime depending on the individual component.
What is the IZIP warranty?
Currie Technologies® IZIP products are warranted to the original retail purchaser, from the date of purchase when purchased directly from an authorized Currie reseller, to be complete and free from defects in materials and workmanship in the frame and components, except for tires and inner tubes and batteries, for a period of 2 years to lifetime depending on the individual component.  Batteries are warrantied for 1 year.


What does that mean?

CURRIE ELECTRO-DRIVE SYSTEM

 HUMAN & ELECTRIC HYBRID POWER

State-of-the art electronics paired with a dual input planetary drive system blends human and electric power inputs for optimal performance and power. There are 5 boost levels so extended range or max power or points in between can be selected.  MODEL: IZIP Express


PEDAL ASSIST PLUS WITH THROTTLE

PAS/TAG+ introduces torque sensitive pedal assist (E3 Ultra) and crank motion sensitive pedal assist (E3 Metro) technology. 

When you pedal in PAS mode this system senses your pedaling pressure (E3 Ultra) or your pedal motion (E3 Metro) and adds motor power to match. Select between three levels of power assist using a handlebar-mounted button. If you need even more boost regardless of setting or pre-existing speed, just twist the throttle and override the system to max power.

If you want to forget pedaling entirely, change to TAG mode and use the throttle alone for regulating speed and power.

MODEL: IZIP E3 Metro / IZIP E3 Ultra

PEDAL ASSIST or TWIST AND GO

Allows users to select between two modes.                   1. PAS Mode: Pedaling without throttle gives 50% of available power assist, conserving the battery. Pedaling while activating throttle allows the rider to go from 50% to full power or anywhere in between.

2. TAG: No pedaling required, just throttle from 0% to 100% power.

MODEL: IZIP E3 Vibe | IZIP E3 Zuma | eZip Trailz | eZip Skyline


TAG (Twist and Go) 

A simple twist of the throttle and the bike goes. Twist further for higher speed, less for lower speed. It’s our most basic technology, easy to use and understand.

MODEL: eZip Tricruiser