Let the function $y=2xf(x)-3=0$, which leads to the equation $f(x) = \frac{3}{2x}$,

- When $x \in [1, 2)$, the function $f(x)$ first increases and then decreases, reaching its maximum value of 1 at $x = \frac{3}{2}$,
and $y = \frac{3}{2x}$ also has $y=1$ at $x = \frac{3}{2}$;

- When $x \in [2, 2^2)$, $f(x) = \frac{1}{2}f\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right)$, and at $x=3$, the function $f(x)$ reaches its maximum value $\frac{1}{2}$,
and $y = \frac{3}{2x}$ also has $y= \frac{1}{2}$ at $x=3$;

- When $x \in [2^2, 2^3)$, $f(x) = \frac{1}{2}f\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right)$, and at $x=6$, the function $f(x)$ reaches its maximum value $\frac{1}{4}$,
and $y = \frac{3}{2x}$ also has $y= \frac{1}{4}$ at $x=6$;

- ...;

- When $x \in [2^{10}, 2^{11})$, $f(x) = \frac{1}{2}f\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right)$, and at $x=1536$, the function $f(x)$ reaches its maximum value $\frac{1}{2^{10}}$,
and $y = \frac{3}{2x}$ also has $y= \frac{1}{2^{10}}$ at $x=1536$.

Therefore, the number of zeros of the function $y=2xf(x)-3$ in the interval $(1, 2017)$ is $\boxed{11}$.

By setting the function $y=2xf(x)-3=0$, we obtain the equation $f(x) = \frac{3}{2x}$, thereby transforming the problem of finding the zeros of the function into finding the roots of the equation, which is further transformed into a problem of finding the intersection points of two functions, and then the answer is obtained by discussing each interval separately.

This problem examines the relationship between the zeros of a function and the roots of an equation, as well as the application of the intersection points of functions, reflecting the mathematical transformation thought method and the mathematical thought method of classified discussion, making it a challenging problem.