The panel displays your speed and power level, plus you can cycle through other functions like an odometer, tripometer, and other stats like average speed, max speed, and total ride time. 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. If purchasing a used e-bike directly from another owner on a third-party site, it’s wise to have the bike inspected by an experienced e-bike shop or mechanic before handing over your money. E-bikes experience higher wear-and-tear than non-assist bicycles, and many e-bikes use proprietary parts or require special tools to service or update software. Selecting most conversion kits requires knowing fitment details about your bike and might require specialized tools for installation.
Schwinn has a long and storied history of making the best bikes on the planet specifically for younger riders. That youth-first attitude is fully embraced in our e-bike offerings as well. My review bike didn’t come with a user manual, so I had to play around with the bike for about five minutes before I figured out how it worked. Basically, the bike turns on once you hold down the power button for a few seconds and the key is meant to release the battery for easier charging — not for ignition.
The more you use it, the more electricity you’re taking from the battery. All of Schwinn’s e-bikes use a 250-watt brushless rear hub motor that’s located on the back wheel. A brushless motor uses magnets to create a rotating magnetic field that cause it to spin. After a basic tutorial of how the bike works (I’d read the material schwinn mountain bicycles online in the past), they suggested going around the block or across the street to Piedmont Park for a test drive. In regular (non-powered) mode of the bike rides smoothly and easily; very efficient gearing. The bike itself is surprisingly light considering there is a very subtle battery and engine hidden in its construction.
And with bicycle prices falling in recent months, now is the best time in many years to find really good deals on many of our best-tested e-bike models. After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. These are defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750W) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3 (sometimes known as “speed pedelec”) can have up to a 750W (aka 1-horsepower) motor but can assist you up to 28 mph.
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. Whatever you want to do on your e-bike, and whatever type of riding you intend to do, we’ve got you covered. The Schwinn Monroe 250 gets its 250 moniker from how many watts the hub drive puts out. This power level proved more than enough for me and my lifestyle, though there are models from other brands with 500 watts should you need even more.
Additional updates include a new head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders for keeping clean. The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 is a reliable workhorse for around-town use, from short grocery trips to quick coffee runs. It has a rack, integrated lights, Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires with puncture protection, hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power, and a suspension fork to smooth out bumpy rides. Not only is it one of the most affordable electric bikes you can buy, but Schwinn backs it with a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork, along with a two-year warranty on the battery and electric-assisted parts. Around town or across the country, these lightweight road bikes are designed for distance and speed.
Perfect for the experienced fitness-minded rider who wants to push their limits and set a new personal best. Admit it, there’s something nostalgic about Schwinn bikes — a trusty old Schwinn that reminds you of your childhood. Well, get ready for this, because the Schwinn EC1 electric bicycle gives that same old feel of a classic Schwinn cruiser but adds a nice, firm electric boost to your ride.
Ignaz Schwinn was born in Hardheim, Baden, Germany, in 1860 and worked on two-wheeled ancestors of the modern bicycle that appeared in 19th century Europe. In 1895, with the financial backing of fellow German American Adolph Frederick William Arnold (a meat packer), he founded Arnold, Schwinn & Company. Schwinn’s new company coincided with a sudden bicycle craze in America.
Level 1 throttle tops out at around 10 mph while level 5 will give you the full 20 mph. As reviewed, the bike didn’t have much in the way of storage, but other models have a rear rack and even storage in the seat. Speaking of the seat, it’s not the most comfortable I’ve ridden on, but that’s easy enough to replace with a third-party seat if you like. So to offer a full-size electric bike with otherwise nice commuter features yet with such a small battery is a bit surprising. The Schwinn Coston CE is very much a commuter electric bike, but it’s not one of those thin-wheeled messenger e-bikes. Schwinn’s electric bicycle line has significantly expanded over the last couple years.
The bike can also tell when you are going downhill or coasting and will disengage the motor to save battery power. The acceleration is palpable but not jerky or jarring, although, like me, you may be initially surprised at its strength. There are a few things to know about the motor itself in action. First, if you stop pedaling, after a few seconds, the pedal assist will shut down — until you begin pedaling again, which will kick it back on. These things do take some getting used to, but with repeated tests became expected, second nature behaviors of the bike.