Most of the more popular ebikes today use 48-volt systems for greater range and torque. Advantages of a 36-volt system is that they’re typically quieter and lighter. If you’re a heavier rider or will be riding in a hilly area, then a 48-volt system makes more sense. If you prefer less assistance for a more natural pedaling experience or for fitness, schwinn beach cruiser then a 36-volt system would likely be enough. The whole package is aesthetically really old-timey looking — which will not please everybody, though we find it to be really quite charming. It’s surprisingly elegant, and though one friend described it as “goofy” looking, we think that its look suits the intended rider — but more on that below.
With just 288 Wh of capacity, the battery surprised me, and not in a good way. Sure, I’ve seen plenty of e-bikes with 288 Wh batteries before. It’s just that they’re usually on smaller, lightweight e-bikes that push the needle considerably less on the scale. The Schwinn Coston CE is very much a commuter electric bike, but it’s not one of those thin-wheeled messenger e-bikes. There are five speeds you can adjust via the bike’s thumb pad controller located on the left handle. The LED display shows you how much assistance you’re getting, as well as how much battery life is left.
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. I didn’t have the opportunity to try out the schwinn dealers Monroe before it arrived, so I went on faith. I was also sent the medium frame version, which turned out to be slightly small for me but fortunately, the build ended up being just right for how I like to ride. Schwinn includes a battery charger with the bike, which plugs into any standard wall outlet you’d have in your home, apartment, or office.
From top to bottom, they’re designed to help kids in motion stay in motion. A 7-speed transmission from Microshift also adds to the commuter street-cred, giving those in hilly areas the ability to run through the gears on hills. It looks just odd enough for drivers to take a second look in a “what the heck is that thing? A second look is invaluable as a rider, where we’d often even be grateful for a first look from drivers.
The Schwinn Kettle Valley features a step-through frame that simplifies climbing on and off the bike. This model has large 700c wheels that are ideal for riders of up to 6 ft 2”. The bike runs on a 250W pedal assist hub drive motor that gives riders a boost, especially on hills. It has a 375 Wh battery, delivering power for up to 45 miles.