When I first started riding electric Schwinns, I was largely limited to cruiser e-bikes. But with several new commuter-specific e-bikes like the Schwinn Coston CE that I recently tested, this household bicycle name is making a big move on the wider e-bike market. Easily adapt to your terrain – hills, flat areas, and everything in between – with just a twist. Electric bikes put extra power behind every pedal so you can ride farther, take on bigger hills, and enjoy cycling more than ever before. Aluminum frame with formed top tube design provides plenty of clearance. Alloy oversized handlebar and stem increase strength and improve the rider steering input.
So buckle up and check out the video review of the Schwinn EC1 below, then read on for all the tech specs and juicy details. If you leave the battery in the bike, there is a rubber port cover you need to move before plugging in the bike. This helps keep the battery dry if you get caught out in the rain. 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.
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 schwinn ebike 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.
The Coston e-bike is controlled with a handlebar-mounted LED panel with three buttons on the side. The rear rack offers plenty of cargo space for backpacks or picnic baskets, while the under-seat storage compartment is great for your keys, wallet, and other small items. Below, we’ve put together an easy-to-use guide on picking the best Schwinn e-bike for you. All it takes is careful consideration of a few questions and then a bit of a deeper dive to explore what options and features you want most on your electric-powered ride. So to offer a full-size electric bike with otherwise nice commuter features yet with such a small battery is a bit surprising.
The fenders keep you dry while the larger 700c wheels and hybrid tires provide efficiency in coasting. 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.
The bike accelerates fine on flat ground, but you’ll definitely need to add some leg assist if you’re going to be climbing tall hills. The alloy frame features a coil sprung suspension fork to smooth out bumps in the road or trail. Most Schwinn e-bikes include wide tires, which provide extra grip and stability. They also provide a smooth ride for added comfort – a great feature when you can ride farther than ever before.