Keep reading to learn more about the best Schwinn electric bikes and how to choose the best one for you. Ultimately, the Healy Ridge 24 is a perfect entry-level option for teenagers and electric bike beginners. I understand that I’m a big guy, and I’m also about 50 pounds over the maximum advertised weight for this bike.
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. Labor and shipping are the responsibility of the customer. We do not cover parts purchased and labor performed by another bike shop. 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 best Schwinn electric bikes offer affordability and high-quality designs. If you’ve never owned an e-bike before, then an affordable Schwinn option is the best electric bike for you. Instead of offering performance-focused options like racing or mountain bikes, Schwinn produces commuter e-bikes for casual cyclists. At the very top of the Schwinn electric bike range is the Coston DX. This electric bike is available as step-through and standover options that cover everything from the morning commute to the evening trail ride.
Otherwise, the headlight is adjustable to your preference, and the rear light is built into the fender itself. The controller is easy to use with one thumb, which is nice. Such a feature is fairly inaccurate all things considered, but some estimate is better than no estimate. The Coston e-bike is controlled with a handlebar-mounted LED panel with three buttons on the side.
Featuring a down-tube integrated battery, this bike is stable and neat. The 288 Wh battery runs for up to 35 miles on a single charge. For that ride, just getting the schwinn ebike feel of the bike, I headed for a local paved rail-trail. The bike offers a seven-speed gear range, with a derailleur and double-trigger shifter from Microshift.
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). There are five speeds you can adjust via the bike’s thumb pad controller located on the left handle.
The fully assembled bike appeared larger than the display photo had led me to expect. In fact, I briefly wondered if I’d mistakenly been sent the L/XL size instead of the S/M. I am 5’7″ and the bike fit me fine with the seat post in the lowest position, so it’s likely riders slightly taller could also use this size.
A step-thru version offers a slightly lower top bar than the regular version. This would be a fine choice for younger or beginner e-bike riders thanks to its excellent lighting and comfortable layout — if, that is, its price were a few hundred dollars lower. Leading e-bike companies like Story Bikes state that you should schwinn dealers expect a 10-year lifespan out of any electric bicycle you purchase. Of course, you will only get this kind of long lifespan if you properly care for your Schwinn e-bike. If this is your first e-bike, take some time to learn about proper maintenance techniques and processes for its electrical and mechanical components.