How to Select the Best Ebike for Seniors

Riding any type of bike is a good way to get some movement in your day but an electric bike (ebike) with pedal assistance has advantages over a non-assisted bike for baby boomers.  An ebike allows you to get the exercise you need without unnecessary strain on muscles or joints, run errands without getting exhausted, go on recreational rides, and have fun.  If you’ve decided an ebike is for you, there are some features that older adult should look for in an ebike to assure the maximum safety and comfort. 

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Advantages of movement for seniors
As an older adult, it is good to remain active for your health.  Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do since it can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also promotes agility and balance that everyone needs to deal with all the stresses of life.   Following are some of the benefits of movement:

1. Heart Health – Regular exercise riding a bike promotes a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and enables proper blood circulation throughout the body which help reduce the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack.
2. Respiratory Health – Lack of oxygen contributes to depression, anxiety, and lethargy.  Riding a bike helps produce more oxygen for you muscles and more energy on a regular basis.
3. Muscle Health – Riding a bike helps strengthen muscles in your thighs, calves, legs, quads, and core. There is also some upper body strength development during bike rides holding onto the handlebars and supporting your upper torso. Muscle strength helps with overall mobility. 
4. Joint Health – Joint pain is a common ailment for seniors and riding a bike is a nice, low impact form of movement that does not put a lot of stain on the joints.    
   
   

What to look for in an ebike for seniors
Every style of bike available today is also available with a pedal assist feature.  So if you prefer a hybrid, mountain, road, cruiser, recumbent, tricycle or tandem with thin or fat tires you will be able to find one with a motor and battery for a boost.  Here are some of the features available in many of these styles  that are beneficial for older adults. 

• Step-through frame – A step through frame, also called a low-step bike, has a low or no crossbar or top tube.  They are easier to get on and off because you do not have to be flexible enough to raise your left over the saddle to get in a position to sit on the bike saddle, you can just “step thru” the frame.   As a person loses flexibility with age a step-through frame reduces the risk of falling or tripping when mounting dismounting a bike.    ​​

Step thru frame and upright riding position

• Upright seating position​ – The design of a bicycle supports a specific riding position and the goal of each position is to maintain shoulder and wrist comfort while making efficient use of muscles for power in the pedal stroke.  While each has its advantages and disadvantages, an upright riding position is best for older adults because it supports a natural position for your back, neck and arms.
• Saddle height – A bicycle saddle should be of shape to support your bones, not your flesh, so an extremely wide saddle or one with lot of cushioning is not necessarily most comfortable.  Each riding position has different saddle requirements, i.e. an upright riding position will benefits from more cushioning than a balanced position where your weight on the bicycle is balance between the three point of contact on a bike, the saddle, handlebars, and pedals.  Select a bike with a saddle that matches your riding position and be prepared to raise or lower the saddle to accommodate an efficient pedal stroke. If you select an ebike that is perfect for you in every way except the saddle, the saddle can be swapped out for another one that is more comfortable.​

• Motor and battery power – The power that an ebike delivers can vary from 250 watts to 500 to 750, the maximum allowed by law in most states to be considered a bicycle.  With increased speed comes greater risk of injury in the event of a crash, so seniors who then to have slower reaction times as they age, would benefit from an ebike in the lower power range, 250-500 watts.  Of, course, if you are riding in hilly terrain or rugged landscape, a stronger motor would be beneficial.
• Tire size – Ebikes tires come in various heights from 20 inch, 26 inch, 27 inch (aka 700C) or 29 inch and thicknesses.  Seniors will benefits from tire at least 2.5 inches wide because the extra rubber will make for a more cushy ride and a smaller size height, such as 20 or 26 inch, will make for a bike lower to the ground that is easier to get on. 

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An ebike will enable a senior an opportunity to get some much needed exercise that will benefit their health and allow more fun.   Selecting features that make an older adult comfortable enable going further and on longer rides.​