Best Electric Bikes for Seniors 2022
Jul 27, 2022
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Intro to Best Electric Bikes for Seniors, 2022
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
Whether you’re looking to get back on a bicycle for the first time in years or you’re just looking for a forgiving way to get back in shape, the number of seniors getting into e-bikes has exploded over the past several years.
The team at Electric Bike Report is often asked for our opinion on the best electric bikes for seniors, enough so that we put our heads together and came up with this list of our favorites.
Electric bikes have fast emerged as one of the most low-impact and most senior-friendly modes of exercise. While the small motor helps take the edge off obstacles — like hills — that may have kept some seniors off traditional pedal bikes in the past, they still require enough physical effort to make for a great workout. They’ve also been proven to help maintain cognitive and mental health among older riders — the light assist from an e-bike, according to one study, can inspire confidence and improve self-esteem in older people who may feel limited by mobility issues.
Thanks to the assist of a motor and battery, there’s a laundry list of e-bikes that work well for seniors. This list is a selection of our favorites.
Our Best Electric Bikes for Seniors 2022
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How we picked the best e-bikes for seniors
There are undoubtedly many seniors who read the above list and scoff because the bikes we chose are too laid back or aren’t fast enough.
That’s fine, we’ve got recommendations for other e-bikes (like electric fat bikes and high-speed commuters) that might suit your tastes better. But while what makes someone a “senior” is nothing more than their age, there are certain considerations that often come up when we get asked for our opinion on the best e-bikes for older riders. Those considerations often involve mobility constraints, concerns over balance and flexibility and whether a bike’s riding position is too aggressive. Oftentimes, on top of any one of those considerations, this is that person’s first time back on a bicycle in a long, long time.
This list was made with those seniors in mind.
We used a few key criteria to compile this list, mainly:
- Stability and comfort: Comfort and how stable they feel on the bike is often high on the mind of older riders. Bikes that earn a spot on this list shouldn’t just be supportive, they should invoke a feeling of confidence in corners and over varying terrain.
- Quality and components: We evaluate each bike’s spec sheet to make sure manufacturers are making good component choices; a good bike is much more than its frame.
- Value: What are you getting for your money? Are the components better than average and is the craftsmanship on par? We also account for things more intangible than parts bolted to the bike, such as quality customer support, brand reputation and the availability of good in-person service.
- Power and range: How fast does the bike go and how far can I ride on a single charge? These questions are often the first on the mind of someone shopping for a new e-bike so they’re at the top of our mind, too.
- Was it built specifically with seniors in mind?: This may seem like an obvious one, but we tried to find e-bikes built specifically for older generations of riders. Do these design characteristics make sense and are they executed well?
This list does not cover every single bike on the market today that would be a good option for seniors and older riders. In fact, I think most of the EBR staff would argue that almost any e-bike would be a good option for seniors. But, based on a plethora of reader questions (we get TONS of questions about e-bikes for seniors), we compiled this list of our recommendations that we feel are suited best for the fast-growing demographic of older e-bike enthusiasts.
Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus ST
A capable commuter with upright geometry and a step-thru frame
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An approachable and capable commuter, the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is an easy-to-handle e-bike built with city dwellers in mind.
The RadCity certainly isn’t the lowest step-thru e-bike on this list, but its relatively low 21-inch stepover height is still easier to navigate than its high-step sibling the RadCity 5 Plus. Both of these bikes are great options for any e-biker (seniors included) but the team at Electric Bike Report have become big step-thru frame advocates due to their accessibility and ease of use.
The RadCity 5 Plus ST comes with a 750W rear hub motor powered by a 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery. That The semi-integrated battery looks sleek and doesn’t get in the way. The bike is also spec’d with a 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires. It also boasts a stout rear rack for those heavier loads (about 60lbs).
We like the RadCity 5 Plus ST’s accessibility, thoughtfully-spec’d component package, and its integrated rack, making it an accessible, easy to handle and uniquely capable commuter e-bike. It checks enough boxes to be a worthy choice on anybody’s best electric bikes for seniors list.
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Pro’s- The 750W motor and 672Wh battery are plenty powerful and have ample range.
- The frame makes considerations for accessibility and ease of use without sacrificing performance.
- The bike features a twist throttle for easy riding.
- Rad is known for great customer service and has been an industry leader for several years.
Con’s- The cable management could be a little tidier.
- The dual displays used on the RadCity are unique, but the left one is noticeably dimmer and harder to see in sunlight than the center one.
Ride1UP 500 Series
An extremely affordable, extremely fun and extremely stable electric commuter
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The Ride1UP 500 Series distinguishes itself from other e-bikes thanks to its incredibly smooth and predictable motor engagement. Of all the e-bikes we’ve tested, few had more consistent speed increases from one PAS to another. There was about a 2-3 mph jump each time, but none of these speeds were overwhelming or sudden – the motor delivers the speed to you in a natural feeling way typically found on more expensive torque sensing systems.
Ride1UP’s 500 series comes in 2 different frames with a step-over or step-through option. We tested the regular high-step, but the ST option has a 15″ stepover height for easier access. The bike’s geometry is a fairly upright and comfort-oriented riding position, while the included grips, seat and suspension add to the relaxed feel of the bike. It’s small details like these that shows Ride1UP is thinking about riders who may prefer a less athletic, less bent-over riding position
The 500 series is spec’d with a peppy 500W rear hub motor and a 48V, 13Ah (624Wh) battery situated along the frame. The battery gave us plenty of rime in the saddle as we got between 27-67 miles on our max and min range tests. It comes with a Shimano Acera drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disk brakes. Priced a bit below $1,500, it’s a lot of value for what we consider an all-around good performing e-bike.
In addition to the value, the 500 Series is a spectacularly easy handling e-bike that’s predictable, sporty and very fun to ride.
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Pro’s- It’s a fast-rolling bike with or without the motor.
- Absolute stunner for a budget e-bike. XR and ST versions both look good and the battery is integrated beautifully.
- The motor engages reliably and at a ramped up rate so it isn’t full steam instantly.
- The 500 Series had really good handling, we had no problem leaning it into corners.
- The 500 Series surprised us with its braking capabilities. We think it’s due to the bike being lighter weight than some of its competitors.
Con’s- The battery readout isn’t very accurate, so you’ll need to spend time on the bike and get a feel for how much you have left.
- There is a little bit of lag for motor engagement when pedalling.
Blix Sol Eclipse
A comfortable beach cruiser that can really help on hills.
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The Blix Sol Eclipse has a mix of looks, power, and comfort that not many other bikes have blended together so well.
The paint job on any Blix bike is something we routinely rave about; The Sol Eclipse we reviewed has a thick and glossy coat of paint that looks stunning. The other finishes we’ve also seen are eye-catching as well.
While the bike is easy on the eyes, the real draw is how you can remain comfortably seated at all times – hills included. Many cruisers can boast an easy stepover height and upright positioning (which you’ll notice exist here), but very few have been among leaders of the pack when it comes to the hill tests we put each bike through.
The 750W motor of the Blix Sol Eclipse can take over and do the work for you if you want, or the 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain makes for a good pedaling experience too.
Throw in the 615Wh battery which gave us between 25-60 miles on our range tests and you have yourself a bike that performs as well as you could ask from any beach cruiser.
Pro’s- The Blix Sol Eclipse is a great hill climber. We were able to climb our test hill surprisingly quick given this bike’s casual cruiser-oriented vibe.
- Relatively lightweight e-bike at 56 lbs.
- Every bit a comfort cruiser.
- The bike rolls well on it’s own even if you want to ride with no motor power.
Con’s- PAS levels 1 and 2 provide very little motor help, but the other assist levels provide good support.
Evelo Galaxy 500
A mid-drive beach cruiser built with smaller people in mind
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A bike that’s also featured on our list of best electric beach cruisers, the Evelo Galaxy 500 is a mid-drive electric beach cruiser built with smaller-stature people in mind.
The Galaxy 500 rolls on 24-inch wheels, has a relatively low step-thru design and is built for riders standing between 4-foot-10-inches and 5-foot-10-inches tall, making it one of the more compact bikes on the market. It’s a beach cruiser e-bike, so it’s inherently got an upright riding position and is made for relaxed riding.
It’s built around a 500W mid-drive motor and pulls power from a 36V, 13Ah (468Wh) battery mounted on a rack above the rear wheel. It also sports the super cool Enviolo AutomatIQ shifting system that changes gears for you as you ride, taking some of the guesswork out of cycling. Factor in the hydraulic disk brakes from Tektro, and you’ve got one well spec’d e-bike.
We tested the Galaxy 500 at the end of 2020 and loved its compact size and smart componentry. It’s a great buy for a senior looking for a smaller, more manageable e-bike.
Pro’s- Enviolo Automatic transmission system takes the guess-work out of shifting. The bike will shift for you as you ride.
- The low-step frame is easy to get on and off.
- The small frame size makes this a cinch to ride around town. It is very navigable and easy to maneuver around corners or alleyways.
- Upright frame and swept back handlebars allow riders to sit up rather than hunch over.
- Easy to manage the power; this is a great bike for older or smaller riders
Con’s- The Evelo Galaxy 500 only comes in a small frame size, so it is best suited for riders under 5’10”. Evelo also offers the Aurora Limited which has the same transmission system with a larger frame and 750W motor for larger riders.
Aventon Aventure Step-Thru
An adventure ready step-thru with fat tires and ample power
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One of our favorite new e-bikes released this year, the Aventon Aventure is an electric fat bike that’s stable, rides spectacularly well and is chock-full of little features that set it ahead of many of its competitors.
Powered by a 750W Bafang rear hub motor and a 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) battery that’s smartly integrated into the frame, the Aventure has more than enough power to flatten hills and maintain high speeds over long distances. We reviewed the high-step version of the Aventure back in May and were absolutely enamoured with Aventon’s attention to detail when outfitting the bike. Little things, like a full color LCD display and sturdy metal fenders, are what make this bike stand out.
Don’t let the heavier weight of a fat tire e-bike dissuade you, there are several advantageous that come from those larger tires. You can run them with a little less air for an even comfier ride, and the wider tire width helps with overall feeling of stability and handling.
As its name suggests, the Aventure is an adventure-minded e-bike that feels stable and predictable on most any terrain. Add the benefit of a step-thru frame, and you’ve got a powerful e-bike that’s friendly to new or older riders.
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Pro’s- Unlocked as a Class 3, this is an extremely quick e-bike. It’s torquey, powerful and delivers watts in a way that won’t overwhelm new or more gentle riders.
- The full-color LCD display is awesome. It’s easy to read, has a very smart percentage-based battery readout and will even tell you how many trees you’ve saved by going electric.
- The 720Wh battery is slightly larger than the 672Wh standard we often see in this category.
- The included fenders are metal and use beefy mounts that keep them from rattling on rough roads
- It’s got a unique styling for a fat e-bike that reminds us of another Aventon we really liked, the Level.
Con’s- At 74.27lbs (we reviewed a medium with the optional front and rear racks), the Aventure is heavier than many of its peers. It’s tough to knock it for this, as the larger battery alone will add a few lbs, but the heft is something to keep in mind. Especially if you’re a smaller person or new rider.
Electric Bike Company Model S
A classic beach cruiser with options galore
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You’d be hard pressed to find any bicycle (especially an electric bicycle) that’s 100 percent American made, but the beach cruisers built by Electric Bike Company are about as close as it gets.
Electric Bike Company sources parts from all over the world, but much of each one of their bicycles is built or assembled at their factory in Newport Beach, California. We’ve tested several of the Electric Bike Company e-bikes and their Model S, with its low-step design and comfortable riding position is a great option for senior riders.
The base model of the Model S comes with a one-speed drivetrain, a 500W geared rear hub motor and a 576Wh battery, but “standard” options are not what EBC is known for. All of EBC’s bikes are ultra customizable and riders can choose from different battery sizes (12Ah, 18Ah, 30Ah, or 36Ah units with an added front basket on the last two options to house the battery), basket options and even the color of the spokes in their wheels. These are wonderfully comfortable and easy to ride e-bikes that are perfect for jaunts on the coast or around the neighborhood.
Pro’s- Classic cruiser styling with limitless customization options.
- Dual battery system allows for extended range.
- Bikes are assembled and painted in Newport Beach, CA (not shipped directly from China).
- Class 2 or Class 3 compatible.
- Affordable starting price with many optional upgrades.
- 60Nm of torque.
- Front basket comes standard.
Con’s- Wide turn radius – a tradeoff that comes with any beach cruiser e-bike.
Lectric XP 2.0
An ultra-popular affordable fat folder that’s easy to handle and easy on the wallet
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There’s few bikes we see in the wild more often than the Lectric XP and its recently-released predecessor the XP 2.0.
In Electric Bike Report’s home base of southwest Utah, it’s not uncommon for us to spot dozens of these bikes a weekend being carried on the back of motorhomes and SUVs bound for the nearby national parks and public land. These bikes are very popular, and for good reason: Not only are they incredibly affordable, but they fold down small and their 500W rear hub motor is peppy and capable on dirt.
These bikes are a great value buy for a person unsure if they’re going to fall in love with e-bikes (you will) and their small size and fat tires make them easier to handle and more stable on uneven terrain. We’ve spent loads of time on the original Lectric XP, and the new iteration of the bike has kept that same basic design but added improvements like a suspension fork and an increased carrying capacity.
Available in both a high-step and low-step option (though they’re both very low), the Lectric XP 2.0 is a great budget friendly option.
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Pro’s- Great value in this bike. This is one of the most affordable folding ebikes on the market at under $1,000.
- Powerful motor and quick acceleration.
- We found the bike to collapse down to be pretty small, which is great for storage, and transporting it in your car.
- Large LCD display is easy to see with digital numbers and good ride metrics
- The XP comes with great features for the price point. You get quite a bit for what you pay.
- The new version of the XP implemented a lot of upgrades, like a suspension fork, that we really love.
Con’s- The bike is 63 pounds total, which may be heavy for some to lift.
- Some of our previous complaints about a rough(ish) ride are likely answered by the new suspension fork, but a suspension seatpost may still be a worthy upgrade.
Evelo Compass
Feel unstable on two wheels? Try three.
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The three-wheeled Evelo Compass is a well-spec’d electric trike suited well for anyone who wants to take the balancing act out of bicycling.
E-trikes have been surging in popularity as more seniors gravitate towards e-bikes and the Compass is a particularly well outfitted example. With a powerful 500W mid-drive powered by a 48V, 10.5 Ah (504Wh) battery, the Compass comes stock with mechanical disk brakes, a Shimano Nexus internally geared hub and an on-demand throttle. The Compass we tested earlier not too long ago had a lot of pep for such a large bike and we were pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was.
Three-wheeled e-bikes have become incredibly popular among those looking to remove the balancing act from bicycling and are great options for people who have serious concerns about supporting a traditional two-wheel bicycle. One note, though: Electric trikes are incredibly stable up to a certain point. At higher speeds — especially around corners — they can be a little unwieldy. At lower speeds they work exactly as advertised, but their design doesn’t lend itself to fast cornering. Just something to keep in mind if you’re eyeing a trike.
As far as three-wheelers go, the Evelo Compass has proven one of our favorites. We’d recommend it to anyone looking for an ultra-stable e-bike that requires little to no balance.
Pro’s- The Evelo Compass was surprisingly powerful.
- Very comfortable riding position.
- Works for riders of all sizes.
- Easy to get on and off.
- Plenty of storage room.
- The brake switches made parking much easier.
Con’s- We recommend riders try the first ride at low power and get used to balancing on a trike – it’s different than a two-wheel bike.
- Rear fenders are a bit flimsy.
Bottom line: Electric bikes help keep seniors riding, no matter your age
I’ve spent most of my life riding bicycles, and I like knowing that electric bikes are there to keep me riding no matter my age.
E-bikes are sometimes called the great equalizer of cycling. Cycling, as a sport and a mode of transportation, was formerly reserved for the (relatively) young and fit; those unfazed by hills and long durations of physical exertion. But e-bikes, thanks to their small motor and battery, make it so that anyone — no matter their age, fitness level or ability — can enjoy going for a bike ride. E-bikes make hills feel flatter, accelerations easier and give riders the power to choose exactly how much they want to ask of their bodies when riding a bike.
I like to think of it as the democratization of bikes.
Few demographics have been more impacted by e-bikes than the older generations of riders. Not only do they give existing cyclists the power to continue riding at any age, it’s helping people who haven’t ridden a bike in years rediscover the sport. They’re less intimidating, more forgiving and can give you the sensation of turning back the clock to a version of you that used to do laps around the neighborhood on a one-speed bicycle.
We’ve spent hours testing with many of the bikes on this list, testing their braking, handling and acceleration to demonstrate how they handle in the real world. So if you’re a senior on the hunt for an e-bike, you’ve come to the right place.
Now you’ve seen all our picks for the best electric bike for seniors in 2022. Are there others you think should make the list? Let us know down in the comments section below!
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One crappy bike after another. If your goal is to get a bike that breaks down then by all means, buy one of these. If your goal is to get a bike that lurches when you start to pedal, get one of these. If you want a super unstable trike that wants to tip over in turns, get the one they list here. If your goal is a reliable, safe and easy to ride, then go to your local IBD that sells quality bikes and listen to their recommendations. This list represents nothing more than paid advertising. Look elsewhere for advice
Somebody’s favorite got left out. What’s your pick, Chuck, and what’s your stake in the game?
I could not miss that you did not mention your qualifications and were completely negative in your comments while providing a solution of your own. When I followed the link attached to your name it took me to Freedom Folding Bikes. I submit Sir that your motives are not in the best interests of the target audience of this article.
I am a senior who purchased an ebike for several reasons not the least of which is my reduced capacity to ride a traditional bike. I found the article well written and with seniors in mind. Every potential purchaser has their own criteria that needs to be met. My advice to those investigating is to talk with people who have purchased an ebike, take some out for a test ride, and to remember that only you can decide if it is right for you.
Bryan …….. I’m a 79 senior. Riding a Pedego Stretch (cargo bike) for almost 6 years with over 10k miles. Your comments regarding hands on consideration and test and trial of what’s good way to decide on an e-bike are very good. Especially for seniors, who may be less interested in being their own mechanic than younger generations, finding a dealer nearby with a track record of service and being in business for a while is especially important. Also, consider that with e-bike assist, some added weight is not particularly a burden. Especially with regard to wheels and tires, because skinner tires and rough trails or streets potential for flats are something that seniors want to stay away from. Invest time in shopping and talking to experience will pay off. Being on 2 wheels is so much liberation and fun for seniors ……..
And the price point on the Freedom Folding bikes is substantially higher than those in scope for this article, too. Another important point about the critical comment.
You apparently haven’t ridden the Model S from the Electric Bike Company.
I thought I was a moaning old git, but you’ve done well here!
Couldn’t agree more. Seniors want low/no maintenance. A lot of seniors have an above average budget to spend. You only have one belt drive bike on your list. Where are the Reise & Muller and Gazelle e-bikes that feature belt drives and internal gear hubs for maintenance free riding?
At just 68 years old I have found my Radcity to be very reliable, safe, and easy to ride. Extremely smooth and quiet-VERY relaxing to ride.
In my case one of the most important decisions for seniors like myself when considering an e-bike is “WEIGHT”. It affects all aspects of riding and also transporting. I’ve been riding e-bikes since 2013 and I could not recommend any bike that approaches 60 pounds to a senior.
Quite unfair, Chuck. I’ve owned a Pedago for 5 years and it’s never given me a bit of trouble.
David, likewise. I’m a 50+ year cyclist; road, mountain, folding (Brompton) and now e-bike (Pedego Stretch). Pedego offers many model options. The nationwide independent dealer network is especially important, unless one has the ability, tools and a lack of arthritic joints to be a bicycle mechanic. As we age, good dealer service is increasingly important consideration.
Electric Bike Company all the way ❤️
What’s wrong with the Evelo or Model S or R from EBC?
As a 69 year old senior that migrated to an e-bike two years ago due to health reasons, I find that one key item is not addressed in your recommendations.
The weight of e-bikes is a significant factor to understand when buying a bike.
While I understand not everyone has a need to transport their e-bike on their vehicle, those that do need to understand the following:
If you want to transport your bike on a car rack, you have be strong enough to lift it up onto the rack and take it off. (with or without your battery installed).
You also have to have a car bike rack made to handle the weight of e-bikes. The only e-bike rated car racks I have seen require a car hitch, so that might limit your ability to have a bike rack if you do not have a hitch on your vehicle.
You analysis and recommendations should include the weight of the e-bike.
Hi Gary! Saris makes an electric bike rack for ebikes! Check out:
https://www.saris.com/product/door-county
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I am 78 and ride a recumbent trike with a super pedestrian wheel on the hills of upstate New York. Excellent for seniors. Did you consider recumbent trikes in your research?
Don a great comment. Not only are recumbents more comfortable to ride, but much more attractive than the bikes in this article.
I am 85 and have been riding a three wheel Bionx assist recumbent for the past five years. My wife and I switched to recumbent trikes after crashing our mountain bikes three times each while touting on the GAP with panniers. I tried switching back to an ebike about a year ago and found them to be heaver than my trike and very short front to back. I felt very cramped and unstable.
I’m a 69 yr. Old senior with hip and knee issues. I bought a Aventon Aventure Step Thru. Other than its a little heavy as expected ,its great, especially on hills. My area is not very bike friendly, riding on the road mostly. One of my rides I can ride approx. 12 miles in 40 minutes with approx 30% hills, that’s riding on level 3 of 5. Need to work my way up to lower levels, less power, better workout,when. I want. I rode the same area , shorter rides,20 yrs ago on a Mtn bike. So much easier and more fun on ebike at almost 70 vs 50. My backside is the most limiting factor.. Looking at new seat,maybe suspension seat post and tougher backside.
The saddle is crucial! It doesn’t have to be expensive. A suspension seat post is a real bonus. Again, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You appear to be my age with the same problems. I built my own bike as there is nothing on the market with the features I want. (That I can afford).
Thanks for a nice report.
Some of the negative comments by readers are not true.
I recommend that a customer test ride 3 different types of E-Bikes from 3 manufacturers before they buy a bike.
I’m 69 with some hip and knee issues riding a Aventon Aventure. I’m new to ebikes. 20 yrs ago I rode a Mtn bike. No hip or knee issues then. The ebike is much easier to ride and I can ride much further. Ebike is a lifesaver on hills or when my knee is hurting.. My backside is my limit so far doesn’t last as long as the battery . The bike is a bit heavy. But I’m also a big man. 6 ft 1″, 255 lbs.
Out of all of these, the RadCity is my favourite. I suppose I am a Senior now – no escaping the fact. I wanted a bike with the things that were important to me. It had to have: Central battery,low step frame, disc brakes, hub gears, hub motor, steering stabiliser, proper centre stand, proper luggage racks, suspension forks and suspension seat post. I almost achieved what I wanted by building my own for about £800, but the frame was the limiting factor. Out of all these bikes for review, you can cross-off anything with the battery hanging off the back, central motor or fat tyres. The trike I’m not sure of, but I may have to have one in the future – who knows? I will be honest and admit I have ordered a Rad Runner as it has most of the things I/we wanted, although I’m not keen on the tyres. It is supposed to be for my wife. Time will tell.
Its true the RAD City is a well made and excellent bike.
I was 81 when I rode my purchase bike 29 Miles total and fell standing still in my garage at 29 Miles dismounting. Determined bike was too heavy and sold it. I broke 3 ribs and had rehab for 3 months. I still ride a 1999 Curie kit at the beach 24V 600W MAC Chain rear Drive with 12,000 miles. The stock Kollmorgen lasted 8k miles before Hurricane rise of 5 ft in my garage where bike was hanging. Blew the controller with an audible Pop. My experience before the 90s was a kit from Mobility Co in NJ Mounted over front tire. Was friction setup with 12v tractor battery between your legs.
Starter Motor with a bench Grinder disk mounted to the shaft. The mechanics was a break lever that went thru a block and tackle arrangement under the fiberglass housing which had a standard old starter switch that started the motor on contact with tire.
It worked if adjusted correctly and your were moving else you grinder a hole in the tire! It was called Pedal Power Kit. From a company that pioneered Mobility Handicap Scooters in Swell NJ. Frank Flowers was the designer. For $ 99 it came with kit wires and battery with charger 1979. Ive narrows my new bike down to 2 Blix models. Both Step thru The Food up and Beach Cruiser light weight step thru. That’s my experience of many years peddling with Power.. Bob
I was shocked that you did not list one recumbent or one trike with a body. All of the bikes listed were ugly. We older folks are still interested in riding an attractive vehicle.
Don a great comment. Not only are recumbents more comfortable to ride, but much more attractive than the bikes in this article.
Hi I’m a senior in my middle 70” always enjoyed bicycles, & hiking. I have been shopping for a Trike. EBR & Court give the Raleigh Tristarie IE & the Izip Tristar Plus a 👍🏼High Rating . It was a few years ago. The price on this Trikes is $3000. The Evelo Compass Trike is at present time $4,299.00 Oct. 2021 Worth ones time, to check them out. All are good quality. Take Care Carmen
Thanks Carmen!
We did take a look at the Compass earlier this year and enjoyed it.
https://electricbikereport.com/evelo-compass-review/
I didnt get to see this article when it came out much earlier, but found it today and gave it a read. SOrry, but Chucks initial reply rings true to my own experiences dealing with older customers who still want to ride.
Reliability is a HUGE factor when choosing a bike. When a bike breaks down for most people its just an inconvenience, but when that bike is a mobility device, a break down can turn a fun afternoon into a survival problem.
Weight is another. I laughed when I saw the 70+ pound aventure on the list! This is NOT a bike for seniors.
Choose wisely from an actual bike shop and not from review shills on a website, and god forbid you pick ANYTHING from amazon! I’ve also found out that $2000 seems to be the price point to having a repaired often bike to a reliable AND supported one.
I just turned 60 and my wife and I have owned our eBikes since early 2019. We love it! We test rode several brands before we landed on the RadCity 5. No complaints. As to reliability, I’ve got over 700 miles on it and it’s going strong. It just works. No need for service yet. It’s well built and has decent components. Check the reviews… they are solid and have thousands of satisfied customers. And an amazing value at under $2K. The only negative is that it is a bit heavy. Not an issue for me but could be a bit much to handle for a smaller or older person. The big bike manufacturers (Giant, Trek, Specialized, etc.) have eBike models as well. Even Harley Davidson has entered the eBike foray (check out Serial1.com). I’m sure they are great (integrated batteries, high quality components, sleeker look more like a traditional bike, etc.) but you are well over $3K with this option. If money is no option, then check them out but I’m sure any of the options listed here will serve you well. I recommend that you test drive as many models within your price range, talk to owners/check the reviews, and go for it… you won’t regret it!
71yo and Stromer ST2S.
I am the 88 year old founder and President of North Bay Elder Ebikers in northern San Francisco Bay and my overall assessment of your list is that it is geared more for your advertisers and general readers than for potential older eBike riders. In a nutshell, they should want to buy the best quality bike they can afford from the closest eBike store that has a full service operation run by knowledgeable people. Also, I don’t believe value should be an issue if one plans to go down any hills, off road or in traffic. Ease of access and operation, proper fit, quality components, stability and, above all, safety should be their main concerns. In my opinion, any list for older riders that leaves off the Gazelle and Riese & Muller step through eBikes is, at best, incomplete.
I own a Rad rover step, through I have almost 1900 miles on it and love it. I am 79 yrs young ride almost daily. I have added a brooks saddle and double actuated brakes.
I have not read anything about hand comfort for those of us with arthritis in our hands. Squeezing a hand brake after an hour or so becomes painful. Same with a thumb throttle. The throttle twist is better, but not ideal either. I would love to have coast brakes where I don’t have to use my hands at all. I am a small 71 yr. old woman. Do not want to give up bike riding, dang it!!!
I’m sure it’s possible to fit a rear wheel with a coaster brake to a bike with a front motor or even a mid-motor. Would that solve your problem? (Partially).
An excellent point that I’ve never considered or even read about.
Make sure you check bikes with hydraulic brakes before trying to get someone to install a coaster brake, which would be an unsafe option, especially for the typical heavy ebike.
TOWNIE GO by Electra bikes.
I am a senior and have 3500 mile on my Townie. This bike has the FLAT FOOT design with the pedals moved about 6 inches forward is extremely comfortable and easier to control. I commute about 6 miles roundtrip on most nice days and have enjoyed this bike. It has a Bosch mid engine and is fine for the hills in our city.
I believe Trek bought this company to be able to use the patented design. The bike has been durable and held up well.
You identify the Ride-1-UP 500 Series (which I ride), but a number of the comments you give are about the Core 5. Which model are you really trying to describe and recommend for (us) seniors?
Thanks for the catch, Lou. We updated our recommendation from the Core-5 to the 500 series. Looks like the page had an error when updating.
For those whose ability to lift and/or carry heavy loads, weight of the bike is *everything*.
I’m a woman aged 62, and I’ve had my Electric Bike Company Model S for 2 years. It’s lovely–the envy of all the neighbors (that custom paint is gorgeous!)–but it has become too big and heavy. When I purchased it, the weight wasn’t that big an issue (I was 60 at the time). But now I’m older (and an inch shorter!), and I do lift weights, but apparently it’s not enough for me to handle this bike.
At 63 pounds in weight (including the basket and battery), it’s just too heavy to handle when I stop to cross at an intersection, for example. At this point, I’m afraid to ride it. I will try to sell it and get something lighter so I can ride without worrying if it’ll tip over and hurt me. Before you choose a bike, TAKE IT FOR A TEST RIDE. See if it’s too heavy, because you’re only going to get older (and likely: weaker) as you age. If you want to ride it for a couple of years, make sure it’s easy to handle *now*.
It was a great article, thanks for covering such a great piece of information about the best electric bikes for seniors.