Schwinn Monroe 250 E-Bike Review 2020

The best Schwinn electric bikes offer affordability and high-quality designs. If you’ve never owned an e-bike before, then an affordable Schwinn option is the best electric bike for you. Instead of offering performance-focused options like racing or mountain bikes, Schwinn schwinn dealers produces commuter e-bikes for casual cyclists. At the very top of the Schwinn electric bike range is the Coston DX. This electric bike is available as step-through and standover options that cover everything from the morning commute to the evening trail ride.

When I pedaled hard, the bike was able to get up to 20 mph in about 10 seconds on smooth, flat surfaces. Pedaling uphill was a bit different, maxing out at roughly 15 mph. Lighter people may be able to get it going a bit faster, though (I weigh 250 pounds for context). There are five speeds you can adjust via the bike’s thumb pad controller located on the left handle.

The frame is the same 6061 aluminum with internal cable routing. However, the same 250W brushless geared hub drive motor is present, as well as the 7-function LCD controller. It’s the large battery with a five-hour recharge time that separates the Coston DX from the others. With a top speed of 20mph and the choice of pedal-assist or throttle power modes, you will have plenty of choices when it comes to unleashing the power of the motor. The MicroShift components offer great value at this price point, as does the KMC chain and 42T crank. At level 5, the throttle propels you up to 20 miles per hour and disengages if you go faster than that (for example, if you go downhill).

This bicycle has a rechargeable battery that provides excellent runtime. The battery is integrated into the lower downtube of the frame for a low center of gravity. However, this model relies on pedal assist and lacks a dedicated e-bike mode. Lightweight e-bike with a 16.5 inch aluminum bicycle frame for effortless riding to class or around the neighborhood. Shortest inseam of 27.7″-28.8″ and 31.6″-33.6″ inseam on highest seat setting. 250-watt pedal assist hub motor amplifies the effort you put into pedaling, up to 20 mph, choose between several levels of assistance, or ride without it.

Speaking of which, check out my video below to see the bike’s performance and features in action, including those cool frame lights. I really enjoyed my time with Schwinn’s Monroe 250 Single-Speed Electric Bike and was sad when it came time for Pacific Cycle — Schwinn’s parent company — to take it back. It was such a joy to ride around and truly turned me in favor of e-bikes (something I never thought possible). On a subsequent test climb, I experimented with the throttle while not pedaling at all.

It has an aluminum frame and a 250-watt pedal assist Hub motor, supported by an 80W lithium ion downtube battery. The 27.5-inch model is suitable for riders’ height between 5’5” to 5’10”, while the 29-inch model fits perfectly for riders with heights between 5’7” and 6’2”. The seat post can be adjusted accordingly without any tool, thus ensuring a comfortable posture. Also, the pedals & power assist allow you to cover long distances with minimum pedal usage. The bike’s style gives plenty of clearance, and the oversized suspension fork will save you from a bumpy ride. This Schwinn electric bike features a seven-speed Shimano twist shifter that offers intuitive operation.

Schwinn has a long and storied history of making the best bikes on the planet specifically for younger riders. That youth-first attitude is fully embraced in our e-bike offerings as well. Labor and shipping are the responsibility of the customer. We do not cover parts purchased and labor performed by another bike shop. 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.

Otherwise, the headlight is adjustable to your preference, and the rear light is built into the fender itself. The controller is easy to use with one thumb, which is nice. Such a feature is fairly inaccurate all things considered, but some estimate is better than no estimate. The Coston e-bike is controlled with a handlebar-mounted LED panel with three buttons on the side.

The throttle kept the bike moving, but as I neared the summit, the speed became so slow that I would have fallen over had I not started pedaling. That struck me as about right, for as I said before, I wasn’t looking for a free ride. I live in Southeastern Ohio, amid the Appalachian foothills, so most of the bike rides in my area are hilly. Thus, for my next ride, I first headed for a local cemetery that sprawls over the top of a high hill and is accessed by a steep road. In fact, the graveyard provides a favorite vantage point for photographers wanting a shot of our town. The bike also has a throttle, meaning that when I engaged it, the bike rolled without being pedaled.