Electric Bikes for Seniors (2021)

Electric bikes for seniors are both comfortable and practical. These features allow people of all ages to experience the joy of riding a bike like they did when they were kids.

While many senior citizens assume that they can no longer ride a bike for a variety of reasons, this is far from the truth. Many seniors appreciate electric bikes because they don’t require a lot of physical exertion but still allow the rider to get a true outdoors experience. Fresh air, along with moderate exercise, boosts health and happiness for people of all ages. Luckily for seniors, electric bikes cater to anyone of any age.

Electric bikes for seniors are available

The concept of an electric bike was actually formed before today’s seniors were even born. The earliest records of e-bike patents are from the late 1800s, but they haven’t become very popular in many places until recently. Technology has evolved exponentially in the past few decades and has made it possible to manufacture attractive e-bikes that can be tailored to each individual rider. Electric bikes can be customized to fit seniors’ individual needs. It is recommended that seniors who want a new low-impact hobby look into them. 

Electric bikes have the same general body styles as traditional bikes, so seniors should be able to find a bike with the best frame for their needs. Most of the time, seniors opt for a step-through frame that makes it easier to get on and off.

Some e-bikes are made more ergonomically friendly than others and therefore let riders feel more relaxed and not as sore later on. Seniors who are more comfortable on their bikes are more likely to ride for longer periods of time, which improves health and happiness (more on that later). 

Electric bikes are also generally made with the same variety of configurations as traditional bikes. Few configurations may be better for seniors. For example, trikes and recumbent bikes feature three wheels, which is great for seniors who have balance issues or were never very good at riding a traditional bike when they were younger. These can help senior riders feel more confident and more stable. Also recommended for seniors is a cruiser bike, which allows an upright seated position, wide tires, and cushioned seats to maximize comfort. These, too, offer better stability and are usually easier to get on and off of. 

Basic Requirements of Electric Bikes for Seniors

Seniors investing in an electric bike normally don’t need to get one that offers the highest amount of power. Smaller motor sizes (e.g., approximately 300 watts) would be just fine for seniors looking to ride around their neighborhoods or around town. Most seniors are not looking to go at the top speed possible, so a more powerful wattage probably isn’t required. Seniors can still get up to around 15 miles per hour with a small motor, and a motor using less power normally increases the battery life of the e-bike. 

Generally, it is recommended that seniors looking to purchase e-bikes should invest in one with a full-throttle option. This is key for many seniors who may get too tired and don’t want to pedal after any given amount of time. Pedal-assist will always be an option, and they can get back to pedaling at any time, but having a full-throttle option can prevent having to stop for breaks.

Using an electric bike can also help seniors get outside for longer periods of time because e-bikes take on some of the effort needed to propel them. Having assistance makes riding a bike more enjoyable with less pain than riding a traditional bicycle would be for many seniors. While electric bikes are oftentimes considered more fun than a traditional bike, they also go much faster, so seniors should consider always wearing a helmet while riding. 

Benefits of Electric Bikes

The health benefits that e-bikes offer to seniors are critical to their well-being. Riding an electric bicycle is quite easy on the joints compared to other exercises such as running, and it improves heart health and can lessen depression and anxiety. The benefits of e-bikes for seniors are plentiful and can keep them feeling young. 

As an added bonus, seniors who want to help the environment but aren’t sure how could start riding an electric bike around town instead of just for exercise, too. Electric bikes don’t utilize gasoline and therefore don’t emit the same pollution as gas-powered vehicles. On that note, they also eliminate the need to sit in traffic.

Good Practices 

Seniors should ask for a tutorial on an electric bike before buying. This will help ensure they can get used to the differences between electric bikes and traditional bikes. Riding an e-bike with a throttle for the first time can be daunting, but it doesn’t take long to learn how to use it to their advantage. Local bike dealers will not only show seniors how to use the features, but they will help seniors adjust their e-bikes so they are as comfortable as possible. 

So, there you have it. Many seniors have the impression that they can never ride a bike at their age, but this is simply false. If you, or a senior you know, are looking for an electric bike that is senior-friendly check out the NAKTO Electric Bike. It has a step-through frame that makes it a breeze to get on and off. It is an entry-level electric bike with road tires and a sizable 10 amp/hour battery for traveling long distances.