Let’s be honest here! There comes a moment in every individual’s life where they’re way past their physical prime. The keys to a long and healthy life are your cardio and muscles. As the old adage goes “if you don’t use it, you lose it” is very true… Phrasing!
Not saying that you’ll be training for the next Tour De France, but electric bikes are a good place to start your journey! With electric motors that assist your pedaling, you can challenge your body back into fitness while having fun.
In this guide, we get into the Best Electric Bike For Seniors, featured in a quick and easy list with individual reviews for each bike. We have broken everything down, each bike’s features, specs, pros, and cons. Do yourself a favor and follow through!
Quick List for the Best Electric Bike For Seniors
- Best Overall: SOHOO E-Bike Cruiser MTB
- Best Value: ANCHEER Electric Bike
- Best Premium: Schwinn Coston E-Bike Hybrid
- Best E-Bike for Senior Women: NAKTO Electric Bike
- Best Foldable E-Bike: ECOTRIC 500W Foldable E-Bike
Things to consider when buying E-bikes for Seniors
It’s only natural to get a bit more familiar with the differences between electric bikes. This way you can have a better understanding. Ultimately it will help you choose the best bike and the most useful for your particular needs.
Fit
The crucial factor when choosing a bike is how easy it is to mount and dismount it. Generally speaking, older adults struggle to do this by themselves. Naturally, you should always try out different sizes until you find the perfect size or do your own measurements and eyeball it.
Comfort
Comfort is crucial to keep in mind while choosing a bike. Most older adults suffer from some sort of lower back, hip or knee pain so it makes sense to aim for ergonomic design. Make sure that the seat height suits you perfectly. Also, check whether there is enough space between the handlebars and your body.
Seat
Sitting posture makes or breaks a bike. A saddle that fits comfortably and supports your lower spine properly is gold. Additionally, you should not sit too low or too high and your knees should remain slightly bent for optimal pedaling.
Range
The range of an e-bike is the maximum distance that you can cycle before your battery is empty. The more electricity the battery can store, the further you can cycle with pedal assistance. Each electric bicycle comes with a battery. Heavier weights, faster speeds, and challenging conditions naturally decrease the overall range of the e-bike.
Frame Material
The frame materials will have a determining factor in the bike’s endurance. Steel is by far the most cost-effective material for the frame, aluminum is best for weight reduction. The drawback of steel bikes is that they can be significantly heavier than aluminum and rust if left out in the weather. On the other hand, aluminum bikes are lightweight, highly durable, and rustproof, but are pricier.
Weight
The bike’s weight largely depends on the size, the frame material, and the type of tires. Naturally the heavier the bike, the harder it will be to ride the bike.
Steel bikes are bigger than aluminum bikes, with larger tire sizes meaning more weight to move and more energy expenditure. But while you can use a lightweight bike for easier riding a heavier bike will certainly improve your health markers, stamina, and endurance.
Tires
Tires come in many different forms, such as solid foam, pneumatic, honeycomb rubber, solid rubber, and hard plastic and they come in different tread patterns.
Depending on the terrain the tread pattern can make a big difference. Choose the tread relevant to the terrain in order to have the best performance. For example, a more pronounced tread pattern provides grip on rough terrain and helps clear mud when going off-road. Slick tires are better suited to smooth surfaces, which have decent grip but less rolling resistance at fast speeds.
Suspension
Suspension refers to the shock-absorbing system used in bicycles. Some bikes have air shocks, and others use hydraulic ones.
The air suspensions provide greater control over the front wheel and offer a smoother ride. On the other hand, hydraulic systems allow you to adjust the level of damping depending on the riding surface.
Brakes
Electric bikes for seniors are all equipped with brakes and there are 2 types of brakes:
- Rim brakes are a rare sight in electric bikes, although not completely gone. Rim brakes are lightweight and compact and usually sit above the wheel. When squeezed, they apply friction to the surface along the rim’s perimeter. This increased friction will decrease the turning speed of the wheels and you’ll slow down.
- Mechanical disc brakes are the most common brake system in electric bikes for seniors. The steel cable moves the pistons, creating friction that slows the bike. The advantage is that they are compatible with standard rim shifters and getting them fixed doesn’t cost much.
Our Top picks start with …
Best Overall: SOHOO E-Bike Cruiser MTB
Key Features and Specs:
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- Weight: 66 lbs
- Gears: 7 speeds
- Brake: Dual Disc Brake
- Wheel Size: 26 in
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum-Alloy
- Battery: 48V13AH Lithium Battery
Kicking it with the SOHOO electric bike, which has a tremendous blend of price, features, and performance. It comes with a small LCD screen through which you can check the distance, speed, etc.
It has a couple of dedicated modes of riding like a to walk easily with your bike, throttle mode that does not require you to pedal at all, pedal-assist mode with which you can squeeze in a workout, and manual mode. It can reach max speeds of 25 mph with a range of 55-65 miles at 8 mph on a flat surface and it takes over 6 hours to recharge.
Overall, it’s somewhat of a hybrid with a beach-cruiser-walk-through design, suspension, and thick tires for mountainous terrains. Plus it has a rack in the back for extra cargo or another battery, it’s the perfect bike if you want to go exploring!
Pros:
- Can tackle any terrain
- Decent range
- Helpful screen
- Rack for extra cargo
Cons:
- Tad bit pricey
Best Value: ANCHEER Electric Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Top Speed: 35 Mph
- Weight: 59 lbs
- Gears: 6 speeds
- Brake: Dual disc brake
- Wheel Size: 26 in
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Battery: Lithium-ion
The Ancheer electric bike will give you comfortable rides because of its high-volume tires and generous wheels. The bicycle uses a lithium-ion battery and a 250W motor to provide you with a maximum speed of 16 mph for a maximum distance of 35 miles before needing to recharge.
This bike has 6-speed gear that’s helpful when you change the terrain you’re riding on. Plus it’s going to come in handy when you need an extra “oomph” when going uphill. Another great thing is the low step-through frame, so you can mount and dismount with ease. The swept-back handlebars are wide and will help you upright riding posture that’s relaxed as well as comfortable.
It’s made of durable materials while being lightweight and easy to control, granted lithium-ion batteries deteriorate with time faster, and you can easily replace them, all in all, a great budget e-bike.
Pros:
- Aids in your riding
- Cover great lengths on a single charge
- Fairly fast
- Highly comfortable with ergonomic design
Cons:
- Lithium-ion batteries deteriorate with time
Best Premium: Schwinn Coston E-Bike Hybrid
Key Features and Specs:
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Weight: 61.6 lbs
- Gears: 7 speeds
- Brake: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Wheel Size: 27.5 in
- Frame Material: 6061 Aluminum Alloy
- Battery: Lithium-ion
Ther Schwinn Coston is a ridiculously high-quality e-bike, so much so that it has earned Schwinn a certain air of dominance in the market. With an aesthetically pleasing frame, headlight and taillight, sturdy metal fenders, and a rear rack for extra cargo.
The integrated downtube battery can last up to 45 miles on a single charge and takes less than 5 hours to recharge. This bike also has a 7-speed trigger shifter, mechanical disc brakes, and alloy double-wall rims with 2.6′ inch wide tires with different frame versions to make it easier for mounting.
The Coston is designed for comfort and practicality. The saddle is mounted on a suspension seat post and as a senior, you’re going to appreciate the lowered tension in your hips. The cushy seat pops up for storing tools, phones, and or wallets below.
Pros:
- Absolute ergonomics
- Clever cargo design
- Relative fast charge times
- Futuristic aesthetic
Cons:
- Expensive price tag
Best E-Bike for Senior Women: NAKTO Electric Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- Weight: 50 lbs
- Gears: 6 speeds
- Brake: Disc V-brakes
- Wheel Size: 26 in
- Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
- Battery: Lithium
The NAKTO electric bike cruiser is ideal for senior women. It’s especially helpful if you have knee or back issues. The pedal-assist system makes it go faster with less effort and still be easy on the joints.
With 6 gear speeds and a maximum speed of 30 mph, it can get pretty fast while maintaining control. The quick-release lithium battery will last you for quite a while and is easy to charge. For 5 hours of charge, it does 16 miles. The maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs makes it another great bike for older overweight females.
This bike has two modes; one fully automated e-bike and another assisted bicycle mode. The tires are anti-slip and wear-resistant for secure grip and control riding. Very fun to ride!
Pros:
- Easy on the body
- High carrying capacity
- Can reach fast speeds
- Basket & carrying rack included
- Ideal for commuting
Cons:
- You need to charge after 17 miles
Best Foldable E-Bike: ECOTRIC 500W Foldable E-Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Gears: 7 speeds
- Brake: Dual Disc Brake
- Wheel Size: 20 in
- Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Battery: 36V/12.5AH Lithium
The ECOTRIC 500W foldable e-bike is a tremendous option if you want to easily and neatly store it in the apartment. Standard bikes can take quite a bit of space, and if parked outside you always run the risk of theft, with the Ecotric you fold it up and take it inside. Can’t put a price on peace of mind!
The battery has a 23-mile range. You’ll need an 8-hour charge after 23 miles but since it’s compact then you can charge it anywhere, even in the office. The thick tires can handle any conditions and the ride will be relatively smooth, it lacks suspension.
All in all, it has a low profile and you can easily mount the adjustable seat, allowing you to adjust it to your height and not pull a muscle riding the bike!
Pros:
- Can store it anywhere
- Compact & comfortable
- Can handle rough conditions
Cons:
- Long charge time for the range
Frequently Asked Questions on E-Bikes for Seniors
Q: Are electric bikes good for seniors?
A: Yes absolutely, they are for many reasons. They’re a useful tool for senior citizens to exercise or stay healthy. Many electric bikes are designed specifically for seniors who may not be in their prime fit. With a very comfortable riding position and pedal assistance, they can get exercise without hitting fatigue. It’s a fun and fast way to get around and get mental stimulation, plus it’s significantly better than using a car or public transportation.
Q: Are electric bikes safe?
A: E-bikes are as safe as any other form of transportation. Like everything else in life, there is always a risk when doing something active or even stationary. If you respect the rules of the road, equipment, personal safety, and common sense the risk levels of riding an e-bike are very low.
Q: Can you ride an e-bike without pedaling?
A: One of the key features that many e-bikes have is throttle without the need for pedaling. This means that you can push a button or lever and the motor assists your pedaling. You can deactivate the electric motor by letting off the throttles. E-bikes are heavier than typical bikes, so if you run out of battery mid-way then you’ll have to push all the weight by yourself. Be mindful of how you spend the battery.
The Finish line
We would highly recommend the SOHOO E-Bike Cruiser MTB is the best overall because it has the most optimal blend of features, specs, and price. While highly affordable, the ANCHEER Electric Bike is our best value option if you are working with a budget and want to get the most. But if you want to step it up, then look no further than the Schwinn Coston E-Bike Hybrid as it offers you premium features. Fret not because we have included other options that might be more to your speed!
We have concluded a buying guide for the best electric bikes for seniors, this is so you can be better informed. You might have different needs than someone else. We have reviewed each model individually for its features, specs, pros, and cons of each one of them. This way you can quickly compare between them and choose on the spot.
After all, we want you to spend less time researching and more time having fun biking and living to the fullest.
Do be part of the pack and check out some more articles if you liked this one and found it helpful!