The bike was provided by Schwinn for the purposes of the review. Some systems, such as the Pendix kit listed above, are only sold via physical stores and the fitting is sold as part of the overall package. However, with kits bought online such as the Bafang kit, the shop will charge you for the time it takes, which will add to the cost of the overall conversion. In our opinion, knowing that it’s been done correctly and safely is worth spending extra. The kits themselves are entirely legal, and fitting them to your bike is equally so. However, the question of legality arises in relation to where you then plan to use your newly powered electric bike.
Its a very attractive and well-made vehicle; solid construction, integrated front & rear fenders, reflectors, front & rear brakes, 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, twist-shift grips and a leather saddle. After leaving the cemetery, I pedaled a county road that unrolls over five hilltops with valleys in between. On the downhills, I went to 0 assist and flew down, hitting 36 mph on one of them. In each case I pedaled unassisted part way up the next climb, moving to a numbered assist level only when gravity began to bite.
A friction drive e-bike conversion means there is a roller that pushes against the wheel’s tyre. It’s not the most efficient strategy, but it’s simple and it works. There is very little involved with regard to making it work but, at the end of the day, it doesn’t work as well as other systems out there. The Rubbee X is an example of a friction drive conversion kit system. By my count, CleanTechnica has published 1,457 reviews about e-bikes. Over the past several years, the number of e-bikes on the market has exploded as people realized they could use them to get to work, or school, or the grocery store and leave their cars at home.
A nice perk for those that might use the bike for commuting and cannot bring their bikes indoors. A handy power gauge gives you a constant idea of your remaining charge. A nice addition might have been estimated remaining mileage, speedometer, etc, but perhaps Schwinn will consider those options on later models. For that ride, just getting the feel of the bike, I headed for a local paved rail-trail.
Whichever option you go for, there’s no denying that the best electric bikes make it easier for riders to explore and experience different terrains and riding environments. Plus they offer a cheaper and greener form of transport to get you from A to B at a higher pace for less effort than a conventional bike, which is especially beneficial for those who are commuting or using them for work. The best electric bikes for commuting can make for a speedier and altogether less sweaty cycle to work, not to mention the money saved when compared to soaring fuel or rail fare prices.
Customer service was good, as we were always kept informed of delivery timelines and the kit was delivered within the 6 months timeframe. Installed the kit on my Brompton last May and very happy after 200 km. Perhaps the battery could be improved for schwinn dealers longer distances. The new Swytch GO is simple, easy to install, and cost effective to manufacture… Without compromising on reliability and safety. With the Swytch Kit, you can turn the bike you love electric at a fraction of the cost of an eBike.
I like that they included a bell with the bike and would love to have also had some lights for safety. Considering the relatively low price point aftermarket lights are something that could be added easily later on. The motor driving this bike offers 180 watts nominal power and up to 250 watts peak. It’s a planetary geared design by Protanium and it offers good torque while keeping weight down.
Before you complete any purchase, make sure you have an understanding of the local laws that govern electric bikes, which is where our guide to e-bike classes comes in handy. For example, in the US, there are different classes of e-bikes that vary by their power, speed limitations and whether or not they have a throttle, and each class is subject to different rules. Things are a little more simple elsewhere, with the UK and EU stating that anything with a speed limiter of over 25km/h is classified as a moped, while anything up to 25km/h (15.5mph) is classed as a bicycle. You have a bike in the shed you haven’t touched for many years and it seems like a perfect candidate for conversion to an electric bike.