From a stop, it’s good to have the bike in low gear, otherwise starting out can be difficult, made more so by the fact the motor won’t kick in until you’ve been pedaling. The Schwinn Tailwind is one amongst a large number of electric bicycles available today, a segment gaining popularity due to interest in transportation alternatives to the car. But don’t expect to sit back and let the Tailwind whisk you along–the electric motor on this bike merely provides assistance; the rider still has to pedal. $3,200 isn’t cheap by any means, though it would be, over time, an extremely economical purchase when compared to fueling and car costs. Anyone with a small apartment will be hard pressed to find a place to keep the Tailwind, and it’s not a likely candidate for one of those wall-hung bike racks, either.
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. These schwinn electric bike bikes are best on pavement, and offer a super comfortable ride and totally upright position, making them ideal for older riders or those with limited mobility. These frames also feature a step-through design which makes it super easy to get onto or off of the saddle.
On top of that, it comes equipped with lights, turn signals, fenders, and even an electronic horn. Its 500W brushless hub motor is surprisingly powerful and does a great job of delivering a rider up to 20 mph either with pedal assist or throttle. It can also be “unlocked” in the smartphone app to achieve Class 3 performance, something its 8-speed Shimano drivetrain can handle.
On a subsequent test climb, I experimented with the throttle while not pedaling at all. 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.
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 schwinn electric bike household bicycle name is making a big move on the wider e-bike market. Battery range and top speed can vary depending on rider height and weight, and riding conditions like hills or wind.
It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn). The bike is available in both step-over and step through, and in a few color options, too. This smash hit of an e-bike is freaky fast, ferociously fun, and fully functional as an electric vehicle.
There’s an integrated front light, and one on the battery that makes you more visible when riding at night. There’s also an easy-to-use control unit, 7-speeds, and mechanical disc brakes—nice features for the price. The Schwalbe Fat Frank tires and steel frame and fork combine to deliver a smooth ride, and the comfortable saddle and retro handlebar beckon you to relax and let the e-assist do most of the work. And despite its weight, the disc brakes help you come to a smooth stop, whether you’re dodging squirrels on the bike path or avoiding tourists on the boardwalk. Drop below the $1,000 price level and e-bikes start to get sketchy.
If their goal was a lot of media coverage for them and, more importantly, Toshiba, they succeeded. But if their goal was to build a good bike, I think they failed. Even though I don’t like it, it’s got a major redeeming factor. If you need to bring the pack inside to charge, you’ll love this setup. It slides right out, and has a nice handle to carry it. The bars being swept are a big cause of this, but the end result is that you do feel like an 80 year old man.
In addition, the mechanical disc brakes (with 160mm rotors) give plenty of stopping power. Healy Ridge’s 250W motor and 280Wh battery offer a range of 25 miles, and the maximum speed on this bike can reach 20mph. Now, the Healy Ridge bikes are not what we’re used to seeing when it comes to electric mountain bikes, but they are perfect for beginners. Different components are present through the Mendocino, including the Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and Shimano REVOSHIFT 6-speed, twist shifters.