One upside to a front hub motor is that it reduces the complexity of the rear wheel which usually has cogs and a derailleur already crowding the space. One thing I would have liked to see on the front wheel with this ebike is a quick release as this is offered at the back and also on the seat tube and it just makes servicing easier. Considering there is an aluminum alloy suspension fork on the front of this bike, I’m glad the motor isn’t too powerful or it miay negatively impact travel and perhaps even weaken this part. Another problem was Schwinn’s failure to design and market its bicycles to specific, identifiable buyers, especially the growing number of cyclists interested in road racing or touring. Instead, most Schwinn derailleur bikes were marketed to the general leisure market, equipped with heavy “old timer” accessories such as kickstands that cycling aficionados had long since abandoned.
I’ll start at the front interface to the drivetrain. The pedals are nice metal units, with a grippy rubber strip around them. These are definitely easy on the feet or shoes, and are perfectly fine for barefoot riding, should you care to do so.
It’s basically the Goldilocks option, offering enough performance and functionality for everyday commuters without pushing the price too high. 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.
Class 2 e-bikes are required to stop assistance past 20 miles per hour. 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.
Schwinn are now in their second generation of ebikes with the Marshall, Coston CE and DX. The Marshall is a bit more sporty for off-road and on. The Coston CE and DX are more at home on the pavement.
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. The battery meter is comprised of five segments to give you an estimate of how much power you have left. I think I would prefer something a little more concrete like a numeric display, especially given the range anxiety you can get while riding this bike, but again, some indicator is better than none. Over the years, Schwinn has empowered millions of people, earning a special place in the hearts and minds of generations of riders. We have spent over a century building the bicycle industry into what it is today, and we’re not done yet.
Around town or across the country, these lightweight road bikes are designed for distance and speed. Perfect for the experienced fitness-minded rider who wants to push their limits and set a new personal best. From dirt paths through the park to rugged trails, these mountain bikes are built for exploring. Front or dual suspension lets you ride over rough terrain while mountain tires provide the grip and stability you’re looking for. Around the block, on the boardwalk, or at the beach – you’re always riding in style on a Schwinn cruiser. These vintage-inspired bikes feature padded seats and upright riding positions for extra comfort every time you ride.
By my count, CleanTechnica has published 1,457 reviews about e-bikes. Over the past several years, the number of e-bikes on the market has exploded as people realized they could use them to get to work, or school, or the grocery store and leave their cars at home. Today there is an amazing variety of e-bikes available to fit every need. There mongoose bmx are electric cruiser bikes, cargo bikes, mountain bikes, and fat tire bikes for riding on sand or snow. While it could use a little boost to a 500 watt motor to help on the hills, the smaller motor keeps the price lower. If you’re looking for a solid ebike to help you get around on-road and off, definitely check out the Schwinn Marshall.
On slow steep hills or trails a lower gear with a bit of assist keeps you moving. The lowest gear is a nice big ring in the back for helping on those hills. The Marshall ebike has a throttle and 5 pedal assist levels.