iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ Review | Sand, Sleet, Snow? No Problem

Estimating e-bike range can feel like predicting the weather—plenty of forecasts, but the real truth comes when you’re out in the elements. That’s where our real-world testing comes into play. The iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ, advertised as having 34 miles of range as it ships, found itself the next subject of our range test.

To keep things realistic, we opted for PAS 2 for our Minimum Range Test. Kicking things off with minimal pedal assist, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ delivered an impressive 48.79 miles on a single charge. This test included a climb of 1,153 feet in elevation and lasted 5 hours and 15 minutes, all while maintaining an average speed of 9.33 mph.

When we cranked things up to maximum pedal assist (PAS 5), the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ covered 24.52 miles at a higher average speed of 19.1 mph. This part of the test spanned 1 hour and 17 minutes and included climbing an elevation of 393 feet.

Bottom line, these findings confirm that the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ not only meets but exceeds expectations for range in real-world conditions.

So, if you’re gearing up for your daily grind or planning a weekend escape into the wild, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ should be a solid option.

The iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ, armed with a 500W rear hub motor and a respectable torque output of 80 Nm, faced our infamous ‘Hell Hole’ hill test with high expectations.

During the throttle-only test, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ unfortunately couldn’t make it to the summit, falling short about halfway up. However, when we added some leg power and set the pedal assist to maximum (PAS 5), the performance improved significantly. The bike completed the climb in 1 minute and 24 seconds, with an average speed of 12.9 mph. This result places the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ in third place overall compared to other fat-tire e-bikes equipped with similar 500W hub motors.

Several factors likely contributed to the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ’s modest hill performance. The bike’s hefty 78-pound weight and large, knobby 26×4.5” tires likely posed a challenge to the motor. Despite its decent torque rating of 80 Nm, these elements all combine to limit its hill-climbing speed.

Bottom line, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ’s significant weight and chunky tires don’t make it a top contender for speedy hill climbs. However, when using pedal assist at PAS 5, it proved capable of ascending some of the toughest hills around. So, If you live in an area with frequent steep hills and prefer to rely on the throttle alone, you might want to consider a bike with a higher torque rating and lighter weight. But for most riders with occasional hills, especially those who prefer using pedal assist, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ should be a reliable ride.

The iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ comes equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, paired with 180mm rotors and 2-piston calipers—an entry-level setup known for dependable braking power.

In our brake test, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ stopped at 28 feet 2 inches on the first run, 27 feet 3 inches on the second, and extended slightly to 26 feet 4 inches on the third, achieving an overall average stopping distance of 27 feet 3 inches.

When we zoom out and compare that to other fat tire bikes with 500W hub motors, this result falls a bit below the pack. Once again, we believe this is largely due to the bike’s weight and big knobby tires. That said, the Tektro hydraulic brakes on the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ deliver more than just functional stopping power; they provide controlled and steady braking every time we need it.

Overall, while the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ’s brakes are capable of handling the bike’s power and size, the test results suggest there is still room for improvement. We would like to see a bit more stopping power with a 4-piston caliper in the future. But, as it ships, the bike stopped safely and reliably every time we needed it too.

First off, the suspension seat post is comfortable and I’m glad it’s there, but not without its quirks. There’s a noticeable vibration that seems to come from the tires or frame, making its way up to the saddle. This might not be a dealbreaker for most, but it’s something to be aware of. In fact, some of you may really like that—no judgment here.

The RST Guide Fork, with its 75mm travel and lockout, performs well and should suit most rides. It’s a trusted brand, unlike some unbranded forks we often see, which means it can be serviced and maintained for a long time.

Now, about those accessories. The bike comes with lighting, a rack, and fenders—useful features, no doubt. However, there’s a bit of a rattle that seems to come from the thin metal stabilizing attachment rods for the fenders. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of the noise, which could be a bit annoying on rougher rides.

The step-through frame, with a low height of 18 inches, makes mounting and dismounting easy, but it also introduces a bit of flex. While this never affected the safety or the ride during our testing, it’s something that comes with having such a low step-over height.

The bike’s overall weight is on the heavy side, tipping the scales at 78 lbs. The big, heavy 26×4.5” Kenda Juggernaut knobby off-road tires add to this heft. Without motor assistance, it’s a beast to maneuver—whether you’re lifting it onto a bike rack or carrying it up apartment stairs. It’s just something to keep in mind, especially if they don’t want to deal with a heavier bike.

One important consideration is the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ’s weight limit of 220 lbs. This could be a dealbreaker for larger riders, as we observed that heavier loads can negatively impact performance. The 220 lbs limit also includes any weight added to the rear rack, so if you plan to carry gear or need every ounce of power, this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Finally, under the hood, the 500W rear hub motor, made by Bafang, is relatively quiet with a slight audible whine at higher effort. It offers 80 Nm of torque, which feels decent but could benefit from a higher torque spec to better handle the bike’s weight and enhance its all-terrain capabilities. The cadence sensor is effective, with about half a pedal crank of rotation before the motor kicks in.

The combination of a powerful 500W rear hub motor, suspension seat post, and sturdy RST Guide fork and accompanied 75mm of travel gave us a smooth ride and we like the fact it’s a reputable brand like RST.

However, there are areas where the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ could see some improvement. The bike’s overall weight and the accompanying noise from the accessories might be points of concern for some folks. Additionally, while the torque is sufficient, a higher torque rating could further improve its capability, particularly on steep hills.

Overall, the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ remains a solid contender in the fat tire e-bike market. Its impressive range, solid construction, and rugged design features make it an intriguing option for a wide range of riders. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling off-road paths, this bike is built to handle the journey.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the iGo Core Extreme 3.1 EZ down in our comments section.