How can seniors find the best e-bike for their lifestyle?

Electric bikes are a fun mode of transportation that can be enjoyed by many walks of life, from teenagers to senior citizens. They are versatile for many uses, with their electric assistance empowering riders to go further without the strain they may experience on a regular bike, making them a great tool for helping seniors make the most of their lifestyles!

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at why they're a great choice for older riders and offer advice on finding the best e-bike model.

How are e-bikes suitable for seniors?

E-biking is a gentle, low-impact exercise for optimal cardiovascular health without putting undue stress on joints such as knees, hips or ankles. It's accessible to riders of many fitness levels, including those who may feel limited by mobility issues. Pedelec e-bikes are similar to traditional, non-electric bicycles but are equipped with pedal-assist technology that provides riders with assistance when needed, helping them feel more confident on the road. (Pedelec comes from “Pedal electric cycle”, meaning that the motor only engages when the rider turns the pedals.) Their speed, practicality and convenience make them great for running errands and connecting with loved ones and the environment.

Key purchasing considerations

As our bodies become more susceptible to injury as we age, it is critical for safe and enjoyable riding, especially for older riders, to carefully consider the following when searching for an e-bike:

Riding fitness

Because pedelec e-bikes are pedal-powered, it's important to note that they require some physical effort from the rider in order to operate at their full potential, meaning that power is only provided when the rider is pedaling.Therefore, for your own safety and comfort, you must be physically capable of pedaling for the duration of the ride.

Understand your riding purpose

Understanding your riding needs can help you find an e-bike with features that will make your riding experience easier over time.

For example, if you're a senior looking for shorter, leisurely rides on flat terrain, a lightweight city e-bike with a lower range will be a perfect choice. But if you're going to be riding on hills and uneven terrain, as well as longer trips, a longer-range e-bike will be more suitable. You can also opt for more comfort features like a padded saddle or suspension if you know you'll be riding on bumpy roads.

Here's a rundown of some key e-bike features to consider.

Frame

For seniors of most fitness levels, we generally recommend electric bikes with step-through frames. They allow for comfortable and casual city riding by establishing an upright riding position that promotes better stability and control, with less strain on the back, neck and wrists.

Compared to other frames, it is much easier for riders to get on and off the bike, which is especially helpful for those with mobility issues, joint stiffness or balance problems.

For the more active senior cyclist, diamond and step-over frames are also available, which allow greater versatility for more complex terrain and endurance riding styles.

Motor power

In the EU, pedelec e-bikes have motors with power ratings up to a maximum of 250W, which help to provide assistance as you turn the pedals. The placement of the motor in the bike's frame, and the amount of torque it is capable of outputting, are also factors that influence the riding experience.

The more work an e-bike has to do, the more power it needs. Since city e-bikes are designed for short to medium rides on flat terrain, they tend to require less power and torque, so they typically have hub-drive motors in the rear wheel hub that provide smooth and discreet power delivery

E-bikes designed for more challenging terrain, longer rides and heavier loads (off-road and cargo electric bikes) tend to require more power and have a mid-drive motor located at the crankset that provides a more powerful and balanced ride on varied terrain. (Please note that bikes with this type of motor are often heavier, so consider your carrying capacity in case you need to lift or maneuver this e-bike when not riding).

Speed

E-bikes can reach different speeds depending on the motor type, power output and local regulations. A motor operates based on input from sensors and controls; for example, most e-bike motors have a pedal sensor that converts the rider's pedal effort and adjusts the motor output accordingly for a natural riding experience.

To comply with local road regulations, the maximum assisted speed of a pedelec in the EU is 25 km/h. Once this speed is reached, the motor assistance automatically shuts off and the rider must rely solely on pedaling to go faster.

Affordability

The cost of e-bikes can vary, and over time you will need to factor in maintenance costs, but the long-term benefits will outweigh these costs with massive savings. Don't forget to look for local subsidies, promotions and financing options to help with the purchase.

Accessories

Wearing a helmet is a legal requirement in many regions, and even if it isn't in your area, we strongly advise you to get one for your own safety. Generally in the EU, e-bikes are required to have a front, rear light and reflectors but do check if your country has any additional legal requirements.

You may also want to purchase practical e-bike accessories to make your riding experiences easier and more versatile. For example, you could get a rear rack and backpack pannier to carry your shopping or leisure gear, or a kickstand to hold your ride upright while it's parked. We have various e-bike accessories available on our website.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been useful in detailing how choosing the right e-bike can unlock comfortable and meaningful riding experiences.

At TENWAYS, we combine quality and affordability in our lightweight, easy-to-use e-bikes to make them as accessible as possible to different riders. For most seniors, we recommend our step-through CGO800S and AGO T models, the latter of which is better suited for uneven city streets. Feel free to stop by one of our service centers to test our rides and decide what's best for you.