A higher level of assistance requires less pedaling effort. The Coston and Marshall include an integrated light, which are powered by the main battery, just like the motor. The Coston models have fully integrated head, tail and battery lights; while the Marshall model’s taillight is battery operated and must be turned on separately. While it could use a little boost to a 500 watt motor to help on the hills, the smaller motor keeps the price lower.
It arrived a week later and after we got it assembled and charged up, I took it for a ride. The Lectric XP has several features the Schwinn lacked — a headlight and tail light for starters. It has a 48 volt battery instead of 36 volt, a real display screen instead of a few LED lights that are invisible in the daylight, and a 300 watt hub motor instead of 250 watt. It has 5 assist modes instead of three and a throttle that lets you use the motor to get started from rest without pedaling. Even though this electric bike offers 24 speeds (and thus has grip shifters on the left and right handle bars) the cockpit is relatively clean. The grips are comfortable, the brake levers work fine with the Tektro rim brakes and the display console and thumb throttle are easy to reach and use.
F. Goodrich bicycles, sold in tire stores, Schwinn eliminated the practice of producing private label bicycles in 1950, insisting that the Schwinn brand and guarantee appear on all products. In exchange for ensuring the presence of the Schwinn name, distributors retained the right to distribute Schwinn bikes to any hardware store, toy store, or bicycle shop that ordered them. W. Schwinn tasked a new team to plan future business strategy, consisting of marketing supervisor Ray Burch, general manager Bill Stoeffhaas, and design supervisor Al Fritz.
I am what is politely known as a “budget conscious” person. Shipping took a schwinn dealers little over a week, but soon enough the UPS truck was at my door and unloading my first ever e-bike. Attach the quick release front wheel, handlebars, and seat, then plug in the battery to get it charged up. The next morning, all was in readiness, so I set off for my first Schwinn e-bike ride. The AIR power pack simply clips onto the handlebars via mount provided (which fits ANY handlebars), and can be instantly attached or removed providing discreet and lightweight power as you ride.
On my long rides on a hybrid bike, I averaged 15 mph but once I got going, I realized 20 mph isn’t a big deal. Similar to how you can change gears on a multi-speed bike, you can choose how much the motor assists you, too. If you’re having trouble going up a hill, just increase the assistance to maintain your speed. There is a company called Rechargeable Power Energy (RPE) that can repack and restore your original battery. I have heard good things about them, that they perform this service for mainstream ebike manufacturers and double check the circuits when performing a restore or upgrade. They are located in Nevada and can mail back and forth.
I only use the electric power when struggling up hill. I’m thrilled with my new electric bike.” — Melissa H.“Love this bike! It gets us out of the house and enjoy[ing] life.” — Kelly M.“Love my Electric Bike I had pretty much given up on bike rides with the hills in my neighborhood until I purchased my Schwinn electric bike. Now I still get the exercise I need and have the assist when needed.” — Michael S.“Great machine, nice to have assistance when needed, I can get as much exercise as I want! Powering the motor and LED display console is an average sized 36 volt 11.6 amp hour battery pack that is mounted to the downtube. Do be careful of the wire brake line, which is run along the base of the top tube, because it could get snagged or rub into the frame and scratch it over time.