The Schwinn World GSE is a pretty solid electric bike. They really thought out the balance, accessories and drive modes to make it simple and practical to use. The price was great and the components were built to endure. I like that they included little things like water bottle mounting points that so many ebikes skip (in part due to midframe batteries). The suspension isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include lockout but it definitely smoothes out the ride and the adjustability of the stem and handlebars is wonderful. Discover the convenience and power of Schwinn eBikes.
The only time you’ll ever need to balance power output would be if you were planning on doing an entire 20 miles without charging. For commuters and people who run errands, that’s not always going to be the case. So to offer a full-size electric bike with otherwise nice commuter features yet with such a small battery is a bit surprising.
But while the Schwinn EC1 isn’t a fancy cruiser, it is a comfortable and pleasurable ride. The 250 W motor doesn’t sound powerful, but when I put it in the highest assist level I don’t have to do any work. I can just lightly spin the pedals to activate the pedal sensor and the motor does all the work for me. Admit it, there’s something schwinn beach cruiser nostalgic about Schwinn bikes — a trusty old Schwinn that reminds you of your childhood. 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. And it’s currently on sale for a killer price of just $898.
If they’re shallow hills (perhaps, what Iowa calls a hill), you’re fine. If they’re steep hills (Seattle style), get another bike. I’ll start at the front interface to the drivetrain. The pedals are nice metal units, with a grippy rubber strip around them.
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. Foot down geometry lets you put your foot down without getting off the seat, all while supporting proper leg extension when you ride.
You have to turn the switch on first, then turn on the bike from the handlebars. I suspect this is designed to reduce battery drain when idle, schwinn dealers but it doesn’t really work. There’s not a great spot for the wheel lock key, though you can sort of wedge it into the frame if you try.
That means the motor is located on the rear hub and works by spinning the back wheel. This creates the feeling of being pushed – it’s that extra boost of energy e-bikes are famous for. Accelerate up to 20 mph with the pedal assist motor. Choose your level of assistance or ride without it completely. Select models feature a throttle, which makes it easy to get going from a stop.
I’d been hesitant to test an electric bike for years. The way I viewed it was that I ride bikes for exercise, so why would I ride one that does most (if not all) the work for me? Even the term e-bike sounded gimmicky enough for me to want nothing to do with them — it’s like how everything these days comes with the label of smart. The Schwinn Ridgewood launched recently in the electric bike market.
And at the end of the day, we’re talking about an affordable cruiser, so I didn’t expect to find high-end shifters, hydraulic disc brakes, or suspension on the bike. The Shimano Tourney shifter, mechanical disc brakes, and plushy spring saddle are enough for me. I’ve seen this level of components on electric cruisers that cost nearly twice as much.
Ride up to 20 MPH with the 250-watt brushless geared hub drive pedal assist motor that gives you a boost while you pedal. Choose from several levels of assistance or use the throttle instead. A lightweight, very affordable, name-brand electric bicycle available in three frame sizes for improved fit, purpose-built frame with color matched schwinn ebike saddle, grips, and deep dish rims. Efficient 250 watt Bafang hub motor feels smooth and responds quickly to a 12-magnet cadence…… Of course, the premier feature of this e-bike is the “e” part. 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.