This is a class 1/class 2 e-bike in that it can be a pedal-assist bike up to 20 mph or you can use a dedicated throttle lever without pedaling. You will want to check your local regulations to find out what is legal in your area. Most places are fine with class 1 e-bikes, but different municipalities have different rules pertaining to class 2 and above. We have a video that details electric bike assembly and with a few basic tools you’ll be out and about in a matter of minutes. We’ve also put together a guide for new electric bike riders that details each step you should take before you ride. All Schwinn e-bikes are Class 2, which are the most widely accepted.
Overall, given the fundamental shift I have seen in my personal bike riding habits this past summer, I very much enjoy having an e-bike. The Coston e-bike is a good example of that in a much more approachable price range than some others. The bike is powerful but also discharges very quickly. The LED controls are nice, but also missing some functionality. This bike comes equipped with front, rear, and bottom lights.
I understand that I’m a big guy, and I’m also about 50 pounds over the maximum advertised weight for this bike. I was probably never going to get 35 miles out of this or any other bike. That being said, I also didn’t get much extra range beyond miles, even after I set the pedal-assist at level 3. In the past, the range you got depended on how much work you were willing to put into it. On my older e-bike (also a Schwinn) I get about the same 20 miles of range at level 5, but I also get closer to 40 miles at level 3.
For seniors, we recommend an e-bike with a step-thru frame and upright riding position. This frame style makes it easier to get on and off the bike, and an upright riding position is easier on the lower back. 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. Headlights, taillights, and integrated frame lights help you see and be seen in low-light conditions.
It’s good because everything on the bike feels solid and borderline rugged. The downside is this bike feels about as heavy as a light-armored vehicle. The bike tops out at around 57 pounds, which is mongoose bmx tank-like in the biking world. By comparison, my poor, neglected Trek bike weighs around 25 pounds. That’s a big difference when you’re picking up the bike to turn it around or put it on a car rack.
The Coston DX does have a flat-out great lighting system, with a bright headlight, taillight, and running light beneath the central frame that provides solid surrounding visibility. It also has a hidden pocket in the seat, which is a pretty neat way to store your phone, keys, and other small items. It looks like a tough, no-nonsense bike that verges on schwinn electric bike mountain bike durability. The layout is also comfortable, with a seat and ergonomic setup that is suited to long rides. Upgrading to a larger capacity battery will allow you cover greater distances and/or ride for a longer period before needing to recharge. It looks just odd enough for drivers to take a second look in a “what the heck is that thing?