Marilyn K.
May 2, 2022
Why Are Electric Bikes Popular With Cyclists Over 60?
Some e-bikers compare the feeling of riding an electric bike to having a gentle hand that helps propel the bike into the wind or up an incline. Electric bike riders still enjoy pedaling to burn calories and build strength, but the motor makes the journey easier. People with electric bicycles tend to ride further and longer than riders with traditional bikes.
Studies have demonstrated that e-bike riders still get plenty of exercise. People who ride these motorized bikes say that e-cycling doesn't feel like hard work. Thus, nobody should feel too surprised to learn that older adults make up the fastest-growing population of e-cyclists. Cycling already offers one of the best exercise options for people who need to maintain or improve their fitness. This type of low-impact workout can help relieve joint pain, strengthen bodies, and even improve moods.
Electric bikes also offer eco-friendly transportation that's cheap to use and maintain. Electric motors don't generate harmful emissions and run quietly. Plus, the batteries only cost pennies to charge. Thus, the benefits of battery-powered cycles appeal to many older adults who want to stay healthy, enjoy cycling, preserve the environment, and save money on vehicle maintenance and gasoline.
Which Electric Bikes Suit Most Adults Over 60?
According to AARP, most older adults say they purchase an e-bike for fitness and fun. Also, about 20 percent of older purchasers use their motorized bikes for commuting. Less than 10 percent of e-bike buyers plan to regularly ride on off-road tracks or up and down mountain passes. While a few seniors plan to race, competition doesn't appear to motivate many purchases.
Thus, the best types of electric bikes for most adults over 60 perform well on city streets but can also handle a bike path or uneven terrain, like beaches or hilly streets. Just like manufacturers make several types of traditional bikes, e-bike makers produce various kinds of electric cycles.
Extremely active seniors who want mountain or racing bikes can undoubtedly find them. Still, most older riders will probably feel more satisfied with a hybrid bike, comfort cycle, or cruiser. These types of bicycles balance comfort with performance to make them ideal for most adults over 60.
Five Comfortable Electric Bicycles for Adults Over Age 60
Which bikes will serve most older adults the best? Consider these models from quality brands. Manufacturers designed them to maximize comfort and convenience while still offering performance and efficiency.
SixThreeZero BodyEase 500W: A Top All-Round Choice for Comfort
With the BodyEase 500W electric bike, comfort's in the name. The smooth, quiet 500W motor can help cyclists power through 25 to 40 miles on a single charge. A typical, relaxed speed of 12 to 15 miles per hour should not offer any challenge, but this cycle can also achieve top speeds as high as 28MPH when engaging the motor and pedaling vigorously.
SixThreeZero crafted both the men's and women's versions of the BodyEase 500W to help riders reduce or avoid back, knee, and other joint pain. For example:
SixThreeZero also offers other good choices for riders with different body types and preferences. A handy sizing guide on the website and excellent customer service can make shopping for the perfect e-bike easy.
View the women's BodyEase 500W and the men's BodyEase 500W electric comfort cycles on the SixThreeZero website. These bikes list for $1,999.99 and include customer support and a generous return policy. Even better, SixThreeZero ships for free anywhere in the United States.
VoltBike Elegant: A Solid Runner Up for Comfort
Like the SixThreeZero BodyEase 500W electric bike, this brand also features a step-through frame for easy mounting and dismounting. The 500W battery promises nearly 40 miles on a charge, though actual results will probably depend upon the terrain and amount of pedaling the rider contributes. This cycle can achieve a top speed of 20MPH, which is generally more than fast enough for typical riders.
The plush seat feels a little too firm at first, but according to riders, it softens up after use. Many older people like the fact that this bike comes fully assembled, but the manufacturer charges $49 for shipping. VoltBike provides purchasers with a free helmet, which all cyclists should wear for safety. Expect to pay about $1,749.
Nakto Spark: A Budget-Friendly Starter E-Bike for Seniors
As a rule, cyclists shouldn't purchase the cheapest electric bike; instead, they should buy the best one they can afford. Some older people might not have ridden a bicycle for years, so they're not sure they'll enjoy the experience of cycling as well as they used to. In that case, an economical electric bike might offer a good option. Still, many cheaper e-bikes skimp on comfort, so they won't provide the best introduction.
The Nakto Spark offers a carbon-steel frame, a bright headlamp, and a six-speed gearing system. It's relatively comfortable but not engineered for comfort like some other models. The step-through frame makes the cycle easy to mount, and a removable, 250W battery can power the bike for up to 25 miles on one charge. This cycle offers a decent value for $695.
e-JOE Epik Swan: A Lightweight, Foldable E-Bike
This e-bike features a folding frame to make it easy to take on trips or store in tight places. The step-through frame allows for easy mounts and dismounts, plus it positions the rider reasonably low to the ground for additional stability when stopping. The seat offers relative comfort, but some people may want to switch it out for a wider one.
The Swan's relatively lightweight for an e-bike, but the manufacturer says it can support riders up to 300 pounds. The 500W motor can deliver up to 40 miles on a charge, depending upon road conditions, loads, and pedaling. Expect to pay about $1,700.
Emojo Caddy Fat Tire: An Adult-Three Wheeled Electric Bicycle
Some older people don't have the confidence to balance on two wheels that they used to because of medication, vertigo, or other health issues. Others never learned to ride a two-wheeled bike when they were younger and can't overcome the challenge as they age.
An adult tricycle can offer a safe and comfortable solution for people concerned about balancing on two wheels. Like other bikes on this list, the Emojo comes with a step-through frame for secure mounting and dismounting. The bike's fat tires offer stability. They also cushion the ride on streets or dirt paths, plus the space between the two rear tires provides a space to carry cargo.
The cycle comes with a large rear basket and a smaller one mounted on the handlebars. The 500W motor boasts a maximum of 35 miles per charge. This choice of an electric tricycle for seniors costs $2,699, so it's the priciest e-bike on the list.
Buying Guide for Electric Bikes for Older Adults
Many older adults know how to ride a bicycle, but they haven't participated in this activity for many years. Thus, people over 60 might not know how to start shopping for an electric bike that will provide a satisfying experience. In addition, the idea of a motor-assisted bicycle might offer an entirely new concept. This checklist should provide a simple framework for comparing various brands and models.
Safety Features
Step-through frames, relatively wide tires, and low seating positions make e-bikes easier to control and stabilize. Lights and reflectors or attachments for these accessories improve visibility. Also, consider the quality of the brakes to ensure fast, smooth stops.
Comfort Features
Padded seats and cushioned grips reduce road vibration and encourage longer rides. Wider tires offer extra cushioning, as well as additional stability. The pedals, seat, and handlebars should allow riders to sit upright to minimize backaches and strain.
Battery and Motor
Electric bikes cost and weigh more than traditional bikes, primarily because of the additional motor and battery. The extra weight doesn't pose a significant problem for riders because the motor will reduce the effort needed for pedaling. Still, fixing motors or replacing batteries can get expensive, so it's essential to compare the quality of these essential components of an e-bike.
Besides the motor, speeds depend on several factors, including the rider's fitness and weight, wind, and terrain. According to Decline Magazine, cycling speeds for riders over 60 years old on non-motorized bikes average about 11MPH. E-bikes for older adults tend to offer 250W or 500W motors.
Most cyclists reach their peak speeds between the ages of 25 to 35. Even younger adults seldom exceed about 20MPH on traditional cycles. Also, of course, individual performance can vary dramatically. Most safety experts would advise e-bike riders to maintain a speed they feel comfortable with to ensure safe handling.
A 250W motor can let riders go a bit faster but not so fast that the speed poses a safety risk. A 250W motor should allow for a comfortable maximum speed of 15MPH, which is fast enough for most cyclists. A 500W motor can exceed 20MPH, and cyclists can decide if they want to travel that fast or not. A more significant advantage of a more powerful motor might include an extended range between charges.
Assembly
Most online bike retailers ship bikes mostly assembled, but customers may still need to attach wheels and handlebars. This task shouldn't offer a significant obstacle because these parts usually attach to the frame with simple tools. Still, it's a good and proactive idea to determine how much assembly the e-bike will require. Local bike stores may offer services to put shipped bikes together for people who don't care to do it themselves.
Shipping and Returns
Purchasers should determine how much retailers charge for shipping because sometimes, shipping and handling fees can add a considerable amount to the total. Most important, look into the company's return policies. E-bikes don't tend to offer the same terms for e-bikes as they do for traditional bikes since the motor and battery add complexity and expense.
Buying the Best E-Bike for Older Adults
Seniors represent the fastest-growing portion of electric bike purchasers. These marvelous inventions combine the fitness and fun of regular cycles with a motor that riders may depend on as much or as little as they please. The efficiency of the motors and lack of emissions also make e-bikes a sensible, environmentally-friendly form of transportation. When compared to the expense of fueling and maintaining cars and other motorized vehicles, e-bikes are cheap to use.
Still, no manufacturer has developed the best electric bike for everybody. Some older people have maintained almost the same fitness and performance they enjoyed decades before. In contrast, lots of folks over 60 could use more exercise or suffer from balance or joint issues. Thus, understanding the benefits of various types and brands of electric bikes offers an essential key to enjoying the e-biking experience.