An LED indicator on the downtube shows the amount of remaining power. Mid-drive motors are mounted directly to the crankshaft and the drivetrain, which creates a natural feeling of assistance because the power comes from the same place as a regular bike. Unfortunately, mid-drive motors create significant wear and tear on the chain and gears over time. The 2022 Schwinn Mesa 2 is nearly identical to the Schwinn Mesa 3, but features a few upgrades for improved performance, which bring it a step closer to an entry-level mountain bike racer. Notably, the mechanical disc brakes offer superior stopping power and control compared to linear pull brakes.
However, for those looking for a beefier commuter or beach cruiser that can go over any terrain, this is a great option. If you love dirt and want to extend your range but don’t want a gas-guzzling dirtbike, the Specialized Turbo Levo might be the best electric bike for you. ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Because electric cargo bikes tend to be large and heavy, many have options for multiple batteries, which may be a good option if you’re planning to consistently haul a lot of weight. Cargo bikes won’t offer the speed of performance models or the off-road capabilities of mountain bikes, but that’s not what they’re made for. Some notable features include an aluminum frame with a dropped top tube for easy mount and dismount and a suspension schwinn electric bike fork with 100mm of travel to help absorb shock on rough trails. The Ridgewood has front and rear mechanical disc brakes with large rotors for enhanced stopping power. The 7-speed Microshift drivetrain with trigger shifters allows for efficient gear selection in any riding mode. Pedal assist bikes offered by other manufacturers can cost more than four times as much as this Schwinn, so we think the Ridgewood is a good value.
Class 2 electric bikes do have a throttle, but it tops out at 20 mph. The pedal assist modes in this class will also cease at 20 mph. In some jurisdictions, class 2 is the most powerful legal option.
That’s why they don’t have serial numbers like the Waterford-built models. The Waterfords were a couple of steps above the Asian bikes, though certain Waterford innovations, like the integrated cable guides, started at Waterford and then filtered down to the Series bikes. There are exceptions, including certain national parks and other public lands. Before you buy an electric bike, research local laws to be sure you’ll be allowed to use it.