SRAM 3.0 Comp Grip Shifters on Left and Right Handlebars
Pedals:
Plastic with Rubber Grip
Stem:
Adjustable
Handlebar:
Swept Back
Brake Details:
Promax V-Brakes
(Integrated Motor Cutoff Switch)
Tire Brand:
700 x 40c
Wheel Sizes:
28 in (71.12cm)
Accessories:
Full Length Fenders with Mud Flaps, Rear Carry Rack, Seat Post Shock Absorber
Other:
Other: available in one frame style (high-step diamond), available in one color (forest green), aluminum frame, nylon platform pedals, aluminum alloy kickstand, composite plastic fenders with mud flaps, Promax linear pull rim brakes, bell, adjustable stem, ergonomic grips, semi-swept back handlebars, seat post shock, basic SR Suntour NEX-4000 suspension fork with rebound adjustment, rear carry rack, quick release seat post and rear wheel, SR Suntour crankset, carry handle and quick power level readout on battery
The Schwinn GSE or “GSElectric” is an electric bike that was sold from 2007 to 2009 in a couple of different forms. There was a cruiser style frame and the city commuter “World” setup you see here. Although it is becoming harder to find, many of these are still on the road with their original high quality Lithium Polymer battery packs. In my opinion it’s a great setup with everything you need to cruise around town running errands. It’s also great for commuting to work where you can easily remove the battery pack for a quick charge before heading home. The fenders keep you dry while the larger 700c wheels and hybrid tires provide efficiency in coasting. The front suspension fork pairs nicely with the seat post shock and the ergonomic grips, swept back handlebars and adjustable stem keep your hands and arms comfortable. Even though this bike uses a relatively weak motor, it rides well and keeps the overall weight down. It’s also very balanced because the battery pack (while high up) is in the back and the motor is in the front.
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. The motor is quiet during operation and blends in with the rest of the bike. One downside to a front mounted hub motor is that it increases the steering weight and changes the ride quality a little bit but the impact is minimized here due to the smaller size of the motor. I did notice some speed wobbles at higher speeds when riding with no-hands (be careful not to let this get out of control or you may crash). One upside to a front hub motor is that it reduces the complexity of the rear wheel which usually has cogs and a derailleur already crowding the space. One thing I would have liked to see on the front wheel with this ebike is a quick release as this is offered at the back and also on the seat tube and it just makes servicing easier. Considering there is an aluminum alloy suspension fork on the front of this bike, I’m glad the motor isn’t too powerful or it miay negatively impact travel and perhaps even weaken this part.
Powering this bike is a 26.6 volt 10 amp hour battery pack that uses Lithium Polymer cells. For the time period it was released, this was a pretty awesome battery and that shines true today with bikes still on the road. Lithium is known for being light weight and since this pack is also relatively small at 266 watts vs. 360 or so, it helps to keep the overall weight of the bike down. The pack has a built in handle and LED light readout for a quick estimate of remaining battery capacity. The pack locks to the frame and does require the key to be left in to a second slot in order to be used. This is a definite con as your keys can jingle around when riding making them and the bike frame more vulnerable to damage and scratches. All in all, even though this is a rear-mount battery design vs. a more balanced mid-mount it works pretty well and the rack is very useful for bags or panniers, having standard gauge tubing and side blockers.
Even though this electric bike offers 24 speeds (and thus has grip shifters on the left and right handle bars) the cockpit is relatively clean. The grips are comfortable, the brake levers work fine with the Tektro rim brakes and the display console and thumb throttle are easy to reach and use. There’s not a lot of choice here, you just turn the console on with a 0/1 toggle switch and either begin pedaling or push down on the giant paddle trigger. This makes the bike easy to use for just about anyone and reduces distractions when riding. If you want to know how fast you’re going you will need to add an aftermarket LCD display as seen on the bike in this review and that could cost ~$25. 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 Schwinn World GSE is a pretty solid electric bike. They really thought out the balance, accessories and drive modes to make it simple and practical to use. The price was great and the components were built to endure. I like that they included little things like water bottle mounting points that so many ebikes skip (in part due to midframe batteries). The suspension isn’t top of the line and doesn’t include lockout but it definitely smoothes out the ride and the adjustability of the stem and handlebars is wonderful. I’m excited to see what ebikes Schwinn comes out with in the future and would recommend this bike used with caution that battery packs do eventually wear out (especially if they aren’t kept charged or are exposed to extreme temperatures) so keep in mind that getting a replacement could be tricky for an older bike like this. If you see this electric bike being sold at a garage sale or bike shop as used, make sure you get a good deal and keep an open mind about having to repair the battery yourself or just ride without electric power someday.
Pros:
Relatively affordable given the high performance battery, accessories and timeframe of release 2007-2009
Extra little accessories add utility to the bike including a kickstand, bell and seat post shock absorber
Very comfortable to ride thanks to the suspension fork, hybrid tires, ergonomic grips, adjustable stem, swept back handle bars and seat post shock
Lithium Polymer battery is light weight and can endure more charge cycles than Lead Acid which was used on many bikes produced at the same time circa 2007
Schwinn is a well known brand with international distribution and established support channels
Excellent pedaling range with 28 speeds, great for climbing, carrying heavy loads with the rack or going faster
Can reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour in pedal assist mode, throttle cuts out ~20mph
Both brake levers include a cut off switch that de-activates the motor
Clean cockpit with easy to use throttle, battery voltage gauge, and two grip shifters
Cons:
No chain guard for keeping pants clean and clear of the chain and front chain rings
Relatively weak motor offers 180 nominal watts of power and adds weight to the front wheel which impacts steering and can cause speed wobbles
Rear-mount style battery pack positions weight higher up which decreases balance and stability, can also cause rear rack to come loose over time
Nylon pedals aren’t as stiff and responsive as aluminum alloy and the rubber coating can become slippery in wet riding conditions
Only one level of pedal assist, system relies on four cadence sensor magnets that feel smooth due to the weaker motor but are less sophisticated than newer ebikes
Have to leave the key in the battery pack to “on” when riding, this means your keys can dangle around a bit
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Court – good work on the site, you have really stepped things up. By the way, it is my understanding that Schwinn has not made bikes for many years but just licenses their name. About ten years ago we sold Currie electric scooters under the Schwinn name. This bike was WAY ahead of it’s time. I would like to know what company marketed it.
Hi Steve, I agree that this bike was really solid for its time (even today it holds up well). I’m not sure what you mean by “which company marketed it” do you mean which company was distributing it or who manufactured it? I’m not in contact with Schwinn but it makes sense that this bike could have used Currie Technologies components. In any case, thanks for the website props, more neat features coming in the next several months :)
Court, I have popped in the forum all the information I dug up on the Schwinn Electric Bikes. I believe they were manufactured from 2008-2010 ish. I think it was a joint operation between Protanium and Schwinn. At the time the bikes used motors that were manufactured by Tongxin, although the controller may have been by another maker. I think this particular example is from 2008, but I don’t have evidence other than the control layout.
Great review Court! I actually found this bike for sale new in the box a few months ago. The battery was still perfect so I grabbed it for $500. It really is a cool bike to ride and pretty advanced for its time. Mine came with a 3 speed pedal assist led controller so maybe the later models had them. I’ve read that this battery will quick charge in 30 minutes but haven’t tested it yet. Love your site- I’m currently deciding between the Emotion Evo Jet and the iZip E3 Dash. Tough decision, I like the speed the Dash hits and the throttle on demand but wish the motor didn’t cut out at 6mph as you pointed out in your review. The Jet is beautiful bike and I may not be able to resist it. Wish it had throttle on demand and a higher top speed. Can you recommend any similar bikes in features that I should compare to these two? Your reviews really help in the decision- thanks!
Cool! Sounds like you found a diamond in the rough out there Raj :D I like the EVO series and also love the E3 Dash but know what you mean about the little nuances in the drive modes… Why doesn’t the Dash just let you hit 20 mph?! Anyway, they’re both leading companies and it might just come down to style. I like the knobbier tires and the sleek battery setup on the Easy Motion bikes appeals to me so I’d probably lean towards the EVO 650b or something similar.
Raj – I just picked one out of a consignment sale. No owners manual so this video has helped a lot with the battery removal trick etc (since my only other experience is a Raleigh retro eglide).
Question for you: Mine has “three” options on the left (assist) side, but I don’t understand when to use which. The image is of a bike going up a hill, at the top and going down. The amount of “juice” when climbing, seems the lowest, and when descending the highest. Can you possibly put this into English for me?
Also: to the crowd: where can I find an owner’s manual for mine?? Thanks!
Nice review and as I just picked up this exact model and hope to restore it was awesome to find your video and write-up. I’ve got email out to Schwinn, I need a replacement key, information about rebuilding or replacing the battery pack and obtaining a charger – hopefully the BMS circuitry in the pack is still good and it will lat least charge safely. If you or the bike’s owner have any of the above information and could forward it on that would be appreciated – maybe even a duplicate key if I can’t get it from Schwinn else I’ll have to replace the entire ESC and battery
Awesome! That’s totally why I review these classic bikes, hoping to help people who buy them second hand or want to restore. I’ll keep an eye out for the owner of the bike reviewed here (I’m not near him right now, traveling for reviews). You could poke around the forums here: https://electricbikereview.website/community/forums/schwinn/ and ask for more help or ideas. Maybe work with a locksmith or get a lock picking tool kit?
Hi Mary Lou! There is a company called Rechargeable Power Energy (RPE) that can repack and restore your original battery. I have heard good things about them, that they perform this service for mainstream ebike manufacturers and double check the circuits when performing a restore or upgrade. They are located in Nevada and can mail back and forth. Check out their website and give them a ring, I hope this helps because I don’t think Schwinn sells batteries for t his ebike anymore.
Steve Cameron
10 years agoCourt – good work on the site, you have really stepped things up. By the way, it is my understanding that Schwinn has not made bikes for many years but just licenses their name. About ten years ago we sold Currie electric scooters under the Schwinn name. This bike was WAY ahead of it’s time. I would like to know what company marketed it.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Steve, I agree that this bike was really solid for its time (even today it holds up well). I’m not sure what you mean by “which company marketed it” do you mean which company was distributing it or who manufactured it? I’m not in contact with Schwinn but it makes sense that this bike could have used Currie Technologies components. In any case, thanks for the website props, more neat features coming in the next several months :)
ReplySupp
10 years agoCourt, I have popped in the forum all the information I dug up on the Schwinn Electric Bikes. I believe they were manufactured from 2008-2010 ish. I think it was a joint operation between Protanium and Schwinn. At the time the bikes used motors that were manufactured by Tongxin, although the controller may have been by another maker. I think this particular example is from 2008, but I don’t have evidence other than the control layout.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoAwesome! Thank you so much for contributing that information. Looks like you really added some good stuff here.
ReplyRaj
10 years agoGreat review Court! I actually found this bike for sale new in the box a few months ago. The battery was still perfect so I grabbed it for $500. It really is a cool bike to ride and pretty advanced for its time. Mine came with a 3 speed pedal assist led controller so maybe the later models had them. I’ve read that this battery will quick charge in 30 minutes but haven’t tested it yet. Love your site- I’m currently deciding between the Emotion Evo Jet and the iZip E3 Dash. Tough decision, I like the speed the Dash hits and the throttle on demand but wish the motor didn’t cut out at 6mph as you pointed out in your review. The Jet is beautiful bike and I may not be able to resist it. Wish it had throttle on demand and a higher top speed. Can you recommend any similar bikes in features that I should compare to these two? Your reviews really help in the decision- thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoCool! Sounds like you found a diamond in the rough out there Raj :D I like the EVO series and also love the E3 Dash but know what you mean about the little nuances in the drive modes… Why doesn’t the Dash just let you hit 20 mph?! Anyway, they’re both leading companies and it might just come down to style. I like the knobbier tires and the sleek battery setup on the Easy Motion bikes appeals to me so I’d probably lean towards the EVO 650b or something similar.
ReplyAyleash
8 years agoRaj – I just picked one out of a consignment sale. No owners manual so this video has helped a lot with the battery removal trick etc (since my only other experience is a Raleigh retro eglide).
Question for you: Mine has “three” options on the left (assist) side, but I don’t understand when to use which. The image is of a bike going up a hill, at the top and going down. The amount of “juice” when climbing, seems the lowest, and when descending the highest. Can you possibly put this into English for me?
Also: to the crowd: where can I find an owner’s manual for mine?? Thanks!
ReplyRaj
10 years agoThanks for the tip Court. Your site rocks!
ReplyStephen
9 years agoNice review and as I just picked up this exact model and hope to restore it was awesome to find your video and write-up. I’ve got email out to Schwinn, I need a replacement key, information about rebuilding or replacing the battery pack and obtaining a charger – hopefully the BMS circuitry in the pack is still good and it will lat least charge safely. If you or the bike’s owner have any of the above information and could forward it on that would be appreciated – maybe even a duplicate key if I can’t get it from Schwinn else I’ll have to replace the entire ESC and battery
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoAwesome! That’s totally why I review these classic bikes, hoping to help people who buy them second hand or want to restore. I’ll keep an eye out for the owner of the bike reviewed here (I’m not near him right now, traveling for reviews). You could poke around the forums here: https://electricbikereview.website/community/forums/schwinn/ and ask for more help or ideas. Maybe work with a locksmith or get a lock picking tool kit?
ReplyMary Lou Berry
7 years agoI need to buy 2 new or reconditioned Schwinn batteries. I cannot find in Atlanta GA area.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Mary Lou! There is a company called Rechargeable Power Energy (RPE) that can repack and restore your original battery. I have heard good things about them, that they perform this service for mainstream ebike manufacturers and double check the circuits when performing a restore or upgrade. They are located in Nevada and can mail back and forth. Check out their website and give them a ring, I hope this helps because I don’t think Schwinn sells batteries for t his ebike anymore.
Reply