The SCHWINN "MARSHALL" HYBRID ELECTRIC BIKE is an excellent facilitator for performing any cycling based exercise routine, or just enjoying an easy cycling trip. To start with, the bike itself is very well made, with an excellent fit and finish. The bike is equipped with both front and rear hand operated disc brakes. The handlebars, In addition to sporting the brake levers, also provides for operation of the twist grip gear selection and the trip computer and electric assist controls. The trip computer displays rider trip information and allows for turning on the lights and selecting the various electric assist modes and levels. The MARSHALL electric bike has seven (7) selectable gears (7 speed) all of which can be used regardless of electric assist selection. The bike comes with lights for night riding and safety. The front light and chassis accent light, selectable from the controller, are powered by the main rechargeable battery. The tail light however, requires its own batteries. The seat and handlebars are adjustable, although the handlebar adjustment is limited. The seat is a typical bicycle seat, fully adjustable although some what hard on any but the smoothest roads. The bike has an excellent kickstand and supports the bike (heavier than your standard non electric bike) well even on soft ground.
What makes this bike so versatile, is it's electric assist. The bike has five assist levels plus off and manual control of the motor. Regardless of your current fitness level, one of the five levels should allow one to reap the benefits of bike riding. I found that level one (1) was adequate for most flat terrain while level two or three was sufficient for small hills. Levels four and five were best suited for hillier terrain or for just providing a you rest or to go easy on your knees. One note here: The electric assist engages "kicks in" as soon as you start to pedal. This can be quite unsettling when maneuvering or turning at vey slow speeds or in tight quarters. I found it best to just deselect or turn off the assist in those situations. The battery charger seems to work well and simply plugs into any AC outlet and the mini jack on the bike. The electric motor is quiet and powerful enough to propel the bike over 20 mph on flat terrain unassisted and over 30 with pedal assist. The bike comes with minor assembly required, which most people with any mechanical skills can easily perform. the wheels and seats are attached with quick release levers and the pedals just screw in. Only the fine tuning or adjustments require any bicycle knowledge. However, they are all covered in the manual as well as general explanations and advice. This model does not come with mirrors or a horn, which would be nice for street riding, but other models do along with more sophisticated trip computers. Overall, for someone who would like to start a cycling routine. but is leery of overdoing, this bike is perfect and should allow them to go and enjoy riding and not injure themselves.