Many economical e-bikes do not cost much more than the total price of a conversion kit plus the installation price. We recommend buying a purpose-built e-bike for the best and safest experience. For less than $1,000, this is a great deal for bimodal commuters, RVers, vanlifers, or folks living in a small apartment.
Despite my desire to only bike for exercise, I do admit I get lazy sometimes. When buying a bike, it’s important the one you purchase fits you correctly. Making sure this is the case might mean visiting a local bike shop that carries it and either giving it a test ride or just seeing which size is right for your height. We recommend looking into not only a brand’s testing options but also its return policy, as you want to make sure it’s also eligible to be sent back should it not fit. Around the block, on the boardwalk, or at the beach – you’re always riding in style on a Schwinn cruiser.
On my long rides on a hybrid bike, I averaged 15 mph but once I got going, I realized 20 mph isn’t a big deal. Similar to how you can change gears on a multi-speed bike, you can choose how much the motor assists you, too. If you’re having trouble going up a hill, just increase the assistance to maintain your speed. Speaking of trails, I found that the Schwinn EC1 is great for more than just nice bike lanes and smooth sidewalks. The decently large tires also make it a fun bike for nature trails and gravel paths. I wouldn’t want to take it off any jumps due to the lack of suspension, but it’s not really meant for that, either.
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.
Go on a ride around the neighborhood today, a bike path tomorrow, and that new trail on the weekend – a hybrid bike can do it all. And with a step-through-ish frame courtesy of the medium height top tube, this is one e-bike that can be a classy ride for that special man or woman in your life. Schwinn are now in their second generation of ebikes with the Marshall, Coston CE and DX. It’s still lower than many mountain bikes making it easier to get on and off, especially on awkward spots on the trail. The included kickstand is also nice because it mounts near the back wheel so it doesn’t get in the way when you need to back the bike up while the kickstand is down.
When I pedaled hard, the bike was able to get up to 20 mph in about 10 seconds on smooth, flat surfaces. Pedaling uphill was a bit different, maxing out at roughly 15 mph. Lighter people may be able to get it going a bit faster, though (I weigh 250 pounds for context). Instead of fumbling with it myself, I go to my favorite local bike schwinn electric bike shop, Spin Bicycle Shop, in Lansing, Michigan. For $70, the shop put my new Schwinn e-bike together and offered to make any tweaks after I rode it for a little bit. The RPE battery can be also charged through the Anderson connectors for high current charge but for the standard low current options please use the barrel connector.
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.
We know an e-bike is a big purchase, and we want you to be comfortable, happy, and stoked when you hop on your new purchase. We’re confident that in no time at all you’ll be zipping around town, pedaling on a path, or motoring down a trail in the quiet woods. $3,200 isn’t cheap by any means, though it would be, over time, an extremely economical purchase when compared to fueling and car costs. Anyone with a small apartment will be hard pressed to find a place to keep the Tailwind, and it’s not a likely candidate for one of those wall-hung bike racks, either. Additionally, the weight of the bike makes it pretty inconvenient to carry up and down stairs on a regular basis. But, if you have a place to lock it up and store it, are looking for an attractive commuter bicycle, and you have a decent disposable income (or are willing to make an investment purchase), this is a really stellar choice.