Schwinn goes retro for new line of electric bikes

Not a whole lot to see here, but that seems to be the point. Schwinn's new line of electric bikes, based on the "Plug'n Drive" system, are looking rather slick with their retro digs, but the tucked-away internals are the real story for out-of-shape or long-distance pedal pushers who don't want to give anything away. The bikes feature a roughly 40-mile range lithium polymer battery, tucked under the cargo rack, and weigh 40-45 pounds total, with about 10 pounds of that being the power components. You can get a full charge in about 4 hours, and the in-hub motor is about as inconspicuous as you can get. No word on price, or when exactly this 2007 lineup is going to hit the market, but we're definite fans so far.

[Via Treehugger]

[Electric Scooters | Mobility Scooters | Power Chairs @ Apr 20th 2008 1:25PM]

Thanks for sharing this information!

I believe that scooters are one answer to the growing problem of pollution and global warming! They are perfect for commuting within a city, or for any short trip.

I also have a website about scooters that you may wish to check out. Feel free to visit at: http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com

Thanks again!

[Allan Hardy @ Sep 28th 2008 5:21PM]

Now that batteries are getting smaller and more powerful, these things are really going to take off.

http://electric-bikes-scooters-cars.com

[Alan Erickson @ Oct 19th 2006 8:15PM]

Hopefully Sony doesn't make the battery. ;)

[Richard Lai @ Oct 19th 2006 8:39PM]

You would get a temporary boost with Sony's battery, but the problem would be which way the boost goes. :p

[RWD fan @ Oct 19th 2006 9:23PM]

This looks pretty cool, but I'm still waiting for these guys: http://revopower.com/
to get their product on the market. Buy the whole bike, or just the wheel and put it on your own bike.

[matt @ Oct 19th 2006 9:34PM]

Grr. Schwinn sold their soul years back, and lost a long-time customer for it.

*still mourning the loss of the Homegrown and the sale of Schwinn to Pacific bicycle*

['size @ Oct 19th 2006 10:26PM]

bicycles by definition are meant to be pedaled, not driven.
buy a scooter or MOTORcycle if you can't or won't power yourself...

[vectorbug @ Oct 19th 2006 11:04PM]

My moms got an electric bike because she lost her license. She only goes about 4 miles when she has to go to work, but she hasnt ridden a bike since she was my age or younger. It weighs a ton and the throttle is either ON or OFF, theres no clutch to ease the power in and it scares the crap out of her when she accidentally grabs it when going for the brake. Shes scared to death of it because of this, and after being run off the road by an SUV and crashing, its even harder to get her on it.

Its really stupid and handles like crap. I'd much rather she had something like this. Schwinn has good heritage, despite what people consider them having been "sold out".

[pj @ Oct 19th 2006 11:37PM]

What's with the idiotic statement that a bicyle must either be peddled all the time or not ridden at all? I have a bionx system on my bike ( http://www.bionx.ca/ ) and what it allows me to do is commute every day (hilly 6 miles one way) without bitching out and taking the car. Face it, healthy or not there are just some days you're tired before or after work when you just don't feel like exerting a lot of effort in the commute. There are other days when I don't use the power at all because I want the excercise. I guarantee you I ride my bicycle more than these dipshits who bag on electric bikes (not bagging the forum people just these guys I know) and probably end up with the same amount of exercise.

Oh, and a motorscooter/motorcycle is nice (more than twice as expensive) but because they aren't required to have a catalytic converter, spew out much dirtier exhaust than autos while only getting about 2 to 3 times the fuel efficiency. And for those of you who want the 2-stroke engines for a bike, those things are super polluters and should/will be illegal soon from what I've heard.

[ken @ Jun 21st 2007 7:52AM]

pj i have the same system you have really enjoyed your comments bionx is the best system on the market today as you and i know for add ons to almost any bike i have 1600klm on my unit in 7 months now thats enjoyment winter 2006 and 2007 to for commuting what/ are we to do with joemotorhead can't sem to get them out of there car

[irony... @ Oct 20th 2006 12:29AM]

I love this bike.

Also notice the shaft drive for the pedals! (yeah I know - shaft drive bikes already exist)

[irony... @ Oct 20th 2006 12:31AM]

oops. the version on schwinn's website has shaft drive:
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bike_large_2006.php?img=r_17.35.AS7_CONTINENTAL_M.jpg

[Aaron @ Oct 20th 2006 2:05AM]

Does it charge a little when you're pedaling, or at least when you're braking? I would assume so, but I can't tell from the information on the website... If so, it sounds pretty good. I'm going to be moving soon to a slightly more urban area and I could use a good bike, especially one that'll help you out on those days when you need it. I'm not opposed to doing the work, but pj is right, sometimes you're just tired.

[ignote @ Oct 20th 2006 10:29AM]

Well, obviously this isn't for the "hard core" folks. Anything that gets people out of their cars for transportation and commuting has my vote. If only more would go for it!

[JuanJohn @ Oct 20th 2006 2:27PM]

Lance Armstrong apporved??

[ZeroCorpse @ Apr 14th 2007 12:58AM]

"bicycles by definition..."

No. Only to spandex-wearing gits who somehow feel electric bicycles are interfering with their hardcore hobby. To the rest of us, a vehicle that produces no emissions, requires no license or insurance, is legal on the sidewalks in some states and in a bike lane in all others, travels up to 30 miles on 25 cents worth of electricity (or less), goes up to 20+ miles per hour, and can be supplemented by light pedaling to get up hills without breaking a sweat on the way to work is a pretty damn good idea.

I'm sorry we electric bike owners are cramping your spandex-wearing, bent-over, huffing, puffing, Lance Armstrong-loving style, but you see; It's about inexpensive, zero-emissions, no-sweat TRANSPORTATION, and not about being some freako hobbyist, health nut, or competitive racer.

You're just pissed because we pass your hardcore cyclist asses on the bike paths all the time, and aren't busting a lung to do it.

[ZeroCorpse @ Apr 14th 2007 1:06AM]

A note to RWD fan:

Why would you wait until 2008 for a 2-stroke engine for a bike when you can get a brushless hub motor for a bike that goes fast, far, and uses no gasoline RIGHT NOW.

Google the Phoenix Hub Motor, and remember to wear a helmet. Bicycles aren't easy to control when they go over 30 miles per hour (and it's technically illegal). If 20 mph is enough, then look into the RoadRunner hub motor kit.

Don't waste your time with gas engines for a bicycle. If you're going to use gas, then just buy a scooter. `Better integration, better chance of the frame holding up under the torque, and better speed (thus better value for your gas dollar).

I'd stick with electric, though. It's easier to deal with, lighter, and can be stored indoors without risk.