Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bicycle

The Schwinn Tailwind electric bicycle was released in early January '09.

The Tailwind is truly a new stage in the development of electric bikes. Schwinn sealed a deal with Toshiba to use their new SCiB battery on the Tailwind.

This new battery takes only 30 minutes to charge which is great news for anyone who regards the long four / five hour charge times as impractical. There is also a lifecycle guarantee of 2000 charges.

There is no question that the new SCiB battery is great, but what about the rest of the electric bicycle?

Some of the earlier electrics on the Schwinn bikes seemed to be unreliable, but, this Tailwind offers a 2 year guarantee (or 20,000 miles warranty), which shows they seem to have overcome any reliability issues concerning the electrics.

The range of the Tailwind is 20 - 25 miles, and can travel at a speed of 15mph. Is this bike perfect or is there a catch? Well, yes there is, and it's with the price of course. The Tailwind has paved the way for future electric bicycles, but it does pay the price.

The Tailwind will set you back around $3200/£2200.

The Iconic Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bicycle Overview

The Tailwind is an expensive electric bike at $3200/£2200. But, if you can afford this, it will get you an electric bicycle that has a great battery with a quick charging time, along with a bicycle that is an absolutely solid build.

And it goes without saying just how good looking the Tailwind truly is. Not to mention that in the way the Tailwind has changed electric bicycle transportation forever with its quick charge, it is truly an iconic electric bike.

The Schwinn Tailwind electric bicycle is power assisted (pedelec), and there is no throttle for quick acceleration (e-bike), which many other electric bikes have. As a result, the Schwinn Tailwind feels quite slow in comparison to a number of much cheaper models, despite the top speed being around the same.

But you have to understand who this electric bicycle is for, before jumping to conclusions. The Tailwind is not designed for the 'get to the top speed as quickly as possible' person, but for the everyday commuter who would like to travel to work at 15mph in an enjoyable, sophisticated and relaxed manner.

When you look at the bike from this perspective it really is a great electric bicycle, and there can be no real complaints other than the price.

If you're unsure of what power assistance (a pedelec) is, find a simple explanation on the intro to electric bicycle page.

Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bicycle: What It Offers

The Tailwind offers a Shimano Nexus 8-Speed gear hub with Nexus twist shifter that much improves your cycling experience.

Many hub motors are not geared, but one of the great thing about bikes is their gearing system. Many new electric bicycles with hubs are geared, including the Schwinn bikes and the IZIP range for example.

Gears makes it easy to go down hills, travel on flat surfaces, and climb hills; especially with the electric motor behind you (which is very quiet in the Tailwind).

Brakes are important for safety and the Tailwind offers Shimano Nexus brakes at the back wheel, and alloy LP at the front.

Schwinn have their own front hub for the Tailwind, it operates at 24V 180W nominal, 250W max.

Not to mention the showpiece of this bicycle, the Toshiba SCiB 5Ah 24V battery. Toshiba invested hundreds of millions in their bicycle battery technology. Find more on this battery here.

Overall this electric bicycle is very reliable, user friendly, and does exactly what it offers. So if you want to get some fresh air before and after work, improve fitness, and help be environmentally friendly, this could be a great option for you.

Yes the price is steep but it's much more enjoyable than a bike, and after purchasing it's very cheap to maintain. In comparison to a scooter, motorcycle, or car, it's a money liberator... no fuel, tax, or insurance to worry about.

Enjoy this and want to find something similar?

Don't know if an electric bicycle is worth its price? Find our opinions here.

Find another range of electric bicycles, the Giant range here.

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