GreenCars rides the eZeebike
The DSTV Getaway exhibition at the Coca-Cola Dome turned out to be quite a large-scale and popular event, but while most people were interested in camping gear and 4×4’s, I attended in order to get my grubby hands on the much-vaunted eZeebike range of electric bicycles. Ezee SA’s James Swift (*cough* peddlar of electric bicycles *cough*) managed to hook this cheapskate blogger up with a couple of free tickets, which made for a very fun free afternoon, all in all.
My first impression of the Ezee stand was how busy it was; a constant stream of curious showgoers visited the stand, keeping the aptly-named Mr. Swift and his assistant very busy indeed. On display were the range-topping Forza model, a Torq and an entry-level Liv. The bikes are actually quite attractive in the metal and give a real impression of quality. Even from a distance, you can see that these are well-engineered machines.
After a brief tutorial on how to use an electric bicycle, I hopped onto the Forza (not without some trepidation, I might add). The bikes allow you to choose two modes - “Pedelec” mode offers electrical assistance only when pedalling, while the second mode will allow you to be propelled by the motor without having to pedal. A scooter-style throttle grip enables the rider to dial in as much assistance as he or she requires.
My anxiety proved to be short-lived - power feeds in very smoothly and manageably, but not without a mild sense of urgency. The Forza quickly got me up to running speed on the short, flat “test area” (read open space inside the dome where there were no stands) without having to pedal at all. In fact, on all three bikes I needed to make quite liberal use of the bell to warn showgoers of the silent yet rapid eBike bearing down upon them. Obviously, for maximum range, riders should help the electric motor out by pedalling, but still, the bikes are quite capable of swift progress without pedalling at all.
My next ride was on a 250W Torq model. The Torq is known as the speedster of the range thanks to its bigger diameter wheels. It’s also slightly less adept at hill climbing thanks to those same big wheels. Unfortunately, the nature of my test area didn’t allow me to evaluate either of those claims. The Torq is priced slightly below the Forza and Forte models, and it’s James Swift’s favourite bike in the range, but I found the motor to feel slightly rougher than the silky smooth unit on the Forza, and it also had a slight shudder when braking. However, the bike is available with optional front shocks and disc brakes which might smooth things out a little.
A big surprise for me was the entry-level Liv, pictured with a rather dashing rider below. It features a cheaper, slightly less efficient brushed motor than the other two bikes which are equipped with brushless units so its top speed and range aren’t quite as good as its bigger siblings, but subjectively the bike felt just as quick on pull-off as the others, and its motor felt just as smooth as the Forza’s. Braking revealed none of the shuddering evident of the Torq. Its smaller wheels apparently make it quite a good hill climber too. While the Liv is only a 3-speed, it features a handy internal gearing unit that allows riders to change gears while stationary. My only gripe with this bike is the throttle which is located on the left handlebar, but I’m sure that one would become used to this quite quickly. With a price tag that’s about 50% less than its big brothers, the Liv represents very good value and a great way to enter the e-bike market.
After an all-too-brief exposure to the bikes, I came away very impressed overall. The bikes feel very well made, the learning curve is almost zero, and they are the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly means of transport available. Highly recommeded.
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[…] attractive to those not quite ready to put their money where their saddle is. Green Cars took a closer look at the Ezee Forza […]