Schwinn Electric Bikes Review — Surprisingly Good
Schwinn electric bikes are some of the best value and most reliable models available. They come in three types, Mendocino, Marshall, and Coston, with step-through and step-over models available.
Prices range from $1,499 to $1,999 and while the individual models are quite different, the level of components is similar across the range, with the major difference coming in the size of the battery and a few extras like rear racks, lights, and fenders.
The Marshall and Coston models are considered hybrids, while Mendocino is a cruiser-style e-bike.
However, each Schwinn eBike is built with comfort as one of the main characteristics.
About Schwinn bikes
Since 1895
Schwinn is the longest operating and one of the oldest bike manufacturers in North America, established in 1895. For more than a century company has been at the forefront of bicycle engineering helping athletes set records and regular cyclists get around in style.
The company’s most renowned for its Stingray model in the 1950s and for being one of the first to design a BMX style bike and build a team around those bikes.
In 2019, the company finally entered the electric bike market with a line of Schwinn eBikes for every type of rider. Now they are producing electric bikes with all of the quality and value for which the brand has come to be known.
Schwinn Electric Bikes:
- Marshall
- Coston
- Mendocino
Schwinn Mendocino
- Motor – 250W Brushless Hub
- Battery – 313Wh, Charge time – 4 hours
- Class 1 eBike, 20mph pedal-assist
- 6061 aluminum frame, Steel fork
- 6-speed, Shimano Tourney derailleur
- 26″ wheels
- Fits 5’4″ – 6’2″
The Mendocino is a Schwinn beach cruiser electric bike is a smooth-rolling comfort bike that is perfectly suited to urban riding and relaxed rides along your local bike paths.
The electronics on this bike include a 250W brushless hub drive motor and a 313Wh battery. This combination provides up to 45 miles of range on a single charge when used with the 6-speed Shimano drivetrain. The controller on this bike has several pedal assist levels and an assisted speed limit of 20mph.
The frame used is a lightweight aluminum 6061 with upright geometry and a low step-through top tube. This design along with shock-absorbent tires and mechanical disc brakes make the Mendocino a very comfortable and controlled ride.
Additionally, the bike is fully equipped with fenders and a rear rack to make commuting or running errands simple and easy.
A Few Downsides
- The motor is quite small and has limited torque of around 30Nm meaning that it doesn’t provide great power for climbing hills
- There are no preinstalled, battery-powered LED lights
- The included pedals are low-quality
Schwinn Marshall Electric Bike
Available in 4 designs
- Motor – 250W, Brushless geared hub
- Battery – 288Wh, Estimated range – 35mi
- Recharge time – 4h
- Class 1 eBike, 20mph speed limitation
- 6061 aluminum frame, Steel fork
- 7-speed microSHIFT derailleur
- 27.5 x 2.3″
- Brakes – Mechanical, 180/160mm rotors
Of the Schwinn electric bicycles, the Marshall is the cheapest model they sell. However, the bike doesn’t sacrifice much compared to the other models, it just has a slightly smaller battery and overall range.
For a $1500 hybrid, this bike still has a respectable max range of around 35 miles thanks to the 288W integrated battery. Additionally, this battery charges in just four hours. The motor used is the same one you will see across this Schwinn electric bike review, a 250W rear-hub drive.
Other notable features of this bike include integrated “be seen” LED lights, powerful mechanical disc brakes, a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, as well as grippy, 650b urban tires.
Finally, the 650 tires combine well with upright geometry and front fork suspension to give this bike an enjoyable ride quality, making it a great choice for any rider who likes to ride both on the road and on light trails.
A Few Downsides
- The Marshall doesn’t have a throttle, fenders, or a pannier rack
- A small motor and short battery range make it difficult to take this bike on longer, hilly rides.
Schwinn Marshall Size Recommendations
S/M – 5’1″ – 5’7″
L/X – 5’8″ – 6’4″
Schwinn Coston
- Motor – 250W, Brushless, geared
- Battery – 360Wh, Recharge time – 5 hours
- Class 2 eBike, 20mph pedal-assist
- 6061 aluminum frame, Steel fork
- 7-speed microSHIFT derailleur
- 27.5×2.6″
- Brakes – Mechanical disc, 180/160mm rotors
The Coston is Schwinn’s most expensive e-bike thanks to its superior battery power and throttle for fully electric riding.
With a 360Wh Schwinn eBike battery, you can expect ranges up to 45 miles on one charge. As with all of the company’s e-bikes, the Coston has a 250W rear hub motor which delivers back speeds of 20mph with either the throttle or pedal assistance. By using the 7-speed drivetrain you will be able to get the most out of your motor and battery.
A notable feature of this bike is its large storage and carrying capacity. It comes with a rear pannier rack and a stealthy under-seat storage compartment which allows you to store small items that you want to keep close.
The frame on this bike is a lightweight 6061 aluminum with a steel fork to increase shock absorption. Other Schwinn electric bicycle parts include mechanical disc brakes and grippy 650b tires, integrated LED lights, and fenders. The Coston CE model also has a 100mm travel suspension fork.
A Few Downsides
- No fork suspension, unlike the cheaper CE model
- Hydraulics disc brakes should be included at this price
Size Recommendations
S/M – 5’2″ – 5’7″
L/X – 5’8″ – 6’4″
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