It works by spinning the back wheel, creating the feeling of being pushed. A mid-drive motor powers the bike’s drivetrain instead of the wheel hub. This style creates a natural sensation that one would typically feel while riding a bike.Most Schwinn e-bikes feature a hub drive motor because it requires little to no maintenance. In the event a replacement is needed, the motor is easy to replace as part of the wheel. Even though this electric bike offers 24 speeds (and thus has grip shifters on the left and right handle bars) the cockpit is relatively clean. The grips are comfortable, the brake levers work fine with the Tektro rim brakes and the display console and thumb throttle are easy to reach and use.
You’ll need to consider the type of terrain and style of riding you prefer, as well as how far you want to ride before recharging the battery. For example the Healy Ridge and Ridgewood e-bikes are great for trails and other off-road rides, whereas the Mendocino is perfect for casual cruising around the neighborhood. If you’re looking for a great all-around e-bike that can do a little bit of everything, check out our Coston and Marshall e-bikes. Most of our e-bikes are available with both stand-over and step-thru frames, so you can pick the right frame style for you. Many e-bikes also include extra features like integrated lights, storage, fenders, rear racks, and more. You can even add your own extras with our selection of e-bike accessories, including water-resistant pannier bags and heavy-duty e-bike locks.
E-biking is very powerful and addictive, and it has ruined traditional cycling for me, and I can’t decide if that’s a good thing. So, while my doctor, my therapist, and I all unpack that, this is my full review of the Coston CE e-bike from Schwinn. What makes me excited about the bike is the possibilities that it opens up, but like a lot of aspects of this schwinn beach cruiser bike, it’s something of a double-edged sword. Electric bikes are a ton of fun and I’ve had a great time this summer riding them. As an avid cyclist who commuted to and from the train for years in the past, I see e-bikes as a very reasonable step forward in commuting. That being said, the small-ish 250W motor isn’t going to be a powerhouse on hills.
All Schwinn e-bikes are Class 2, which are the most widely accepted. They include both pedal assist and throttle functions, with a top speed of 20 MPH. Class 2 e-bikes are approved for use on bike trails in most cities and states. The controller is what you use to turn the motor on/off, select your level of assistance or throttle, and monitor battery level.
It’s a planetary geared design by Protanium and it offers good torque while keeping weight down. The motor is quiet during operation and blends in with the rest schwinn dealers of the bike. I did notice some speed wobbles at higher speeds when riding with no-hands (be careful not to let this get out of control or you may crash).
They really thought out the balance, accessories and drive modes to make it simple and practical to use. The price was great and the components were built to endure. I like that they included little things like water bottle mounting points that so many ebikes skip (in part due to midframe batteries). The suspension isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include lockout but it definitely smoothes out the ride and the adjustability of the stem and handlebars is wonderful. The motor driving this bike offers 180 watts nominal power and up to 250 watts peak.
That youth-first attitude is fully embraced in our e-bike offerings as well. With 2.6″ tires, you’ve got a lot of air and rubber under you to tackle more than just well-manicured bicycle lanes. Hitting curbs or potholes will be smoother than most pure commuter bikes, especially considering the inclusion of the front suspension fork and suspension seat post. Speaking of which, check out my video below to see the bike’s performance and features in action, including those cool frame lights. Schwinn’s electric bicycle line has significantly expanded over the last couple years.
The frame is also designed to be lighter for easier handling, and includes wider tires for extra stability. Examples of this style include both the Coston DX and Mendocino Step-Thru models. Select Schwinn e-bikes include a headlight and taillight to help you see and be seen during low-light rides.
For commuters and people who run errands, that’s not always going to be the case. When you think about EVs, you probably (rightly) think of cars. But there’s another class of EV that might have slipped below your radar, but which has transformed my summer in very unexpected ways. The bike was provided by Schwinn for the purposes of the review. Keep in mind that e-bikes are built for all different types of riders, from casual cruisers to high-octane adventurers. Also know that there are bikes equipped with features that are specifically designed for kids, women, and older riders.
But don’t worry, The Coston CE is the best electric bike for tall riders. Head and taillights are also included for improved see and be-seen visibility. With just 288 Wh of capacity, the battery surprised me, and not in a good way. Sure, I’ve seen plenty of e-bikes with 288 Wh batteries before.