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. Front and rear mechanical disc brakes deliver all-weather stopping power and speed control. 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 LED controls are nice, but also missing some functionality. At level 5, the throttle propels you up to 20 miles per hour and disengages if you go faster than that (for example, if you go downhill).
Easily adapt to your terrain – hills, flat areas, and everything in between – with just a twist. This bike comes equipped with front, rear, and bottom lights. The front and rear lights are attached to the fenders while the bottom lights are part of the battery itself.
Lithium is known for being light weight and since this pack is also relatively small at 266 watts vs. 360 or so, it helps to keep the overall weight of the bike down. The pack has a built in handle and LED light readout for a quick estimate of remaining battery capacity. The pack locks to the frame and does require the key to be left in to a second slot in order to be used. This is a definite con as your keys can jingle around when riding making them and the bike frame more vulnerable to damage and scratches. After charging up the battery, sliding it into the rack system at the back of the bike (which could not be simpler), and locking it into place, you’re ready to go.
Despite my weight and the strain it put on the motor, I found that the bike really does have a 45-mile range on a single charge. I didn’t have a chance to precisely time how long the battery takes to charge from empty but it recharged completely overnight or during a full workday. Schwinn advertises the Tailwind as being rechargeable in just half an hour. However, because of the dedicated external charger, you will either need to bring the bike back home or bring the charger with you to top up the battery.
This makes the bike easy to use for just about anyone and reduces distractions when riding. If you want to know how fast you’re going you will need to add an aftermarket LCD schwinn road bike display as seen on the bike in this review and that could cost ~$25. I like that they included a bell with the bike and would love to have also had some lights for safety.
That way, when you unlock the battery it doesn’t just fall out. Some thought was put into the idea there and I appreciated it. The first thing you’ll notice about the Coston CE e-bike is that is built like a tank, which is both good and schwinn electric bike bad. 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 tank-like in the biking world.
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. Anyone who has tried to back up a bike while the pedals are locked with the kickstand will appreciate what I’m talking about. If you’re using an e-bike to commute or run errands, or if it’s a particularly hot day, the throttle might be a better way to go. The throttle is a thumb lever on the left side of the bike, next to the LED panel. It has about an inch of travel between off and full, and you can push the throttle part way down or all the way down.
With an LED display showing battery life and assistance level, you can use the thumbpad to completely control your ride. There are five different levels of pedal-assist for you to choose from, which offer e-assistance up to 20 miles per hour. Simple and efficient pavement riding awaits you on this sleek urban e-bike. The motor driving this bike offers 180 watts nominal power and up to 250 watts peak. It’s a planetary geared design by Protanium and it offers good torque while keeping weight down. The motor is quiet during operation and blends in with the rest of the bike.
Take on greater adventures with our e-bikes, which stay true to the superior quality that’s made Schwinn famous for over 125 years.
The front suspension fork pairs nicely with the seat post shock and the ergonomic grips, swept back handlebars and adjustable stem keep your hands and arms comfortable. Even though this bike uses a relatively weak motor, it rides well and keeps the overall weight down. It’s also very balanced because the battery pack (while high up) is in the back and the motor is in the front. Choose your level of assist on the easy to use 3-button control pad, and the pedal assist motor will provide boost as you pedal allowing you to enjoy longer rides and hills.