Schwinn Pedals into the Hybrid Bike Market

January 21, 2009 · Print This Article

Good news for lazy bikers! Sometime in February, Schwinn will be launching its first foray into the pedal-assisted hybrid bike market. Their first e-bike frame will be named (appropriately) the Tailwind, and with its user-friendly, fast charging battery system made by Toshiba, it’s certain to be one of the most low maintenance hybrid two wheelers around — pretty much the polar opposite of the 48V Flat Tracker.

If you’re into the whole pedal-assist concept, it sounds like Schwinn has worked out the kinks. The Tailwind plugs straight into a regular outlet, and can be fully charged within 30 minutes (or as few as 7 with an aftermarket charger), that’s about 1/8th

of the charge moment for similar bikes. plus, its battery maintains a 100% charge after 2000 charges and only drops to 80% after 6000 cycles. Here’s the only downside I see with the Tailwind — and it’s a pretty big one — price. According to Schwinn, that baby’s going to cost $3,199. Do you think anybody’s going to be willing to pay that for a pedal-assisted bike these days?

Gallery: Schwinn’s Tailwind