Best Electric Bikes for Seniors
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy an item via links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
Staying in shape as we get older is so important. Not only for our physical health, but you’ll feel mentally more in check with regular exercise. While using a traditional bike may be difficult for some seniors, an electric bike is a viable and easy way to work out in our later years.
Electric Bikes for Seniors Comparison Chart
Heybike Cityscape 350W E-Bike | ANCHEER 500W Mountain E-Bike | NAKTO 350W E-Bike | ANCHEER 350W E-Bike | Heybike Mars Foldable E-Bike | |
  |   |   |   |   | |
Top Speed | 19 MPH | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | 20 MPH | 20 MPH |
Est Range (Pedal Assist) | 40 miles | 40 miles | 45 miles | 40 miles | 48 miles |
Weight | 58.4 LBS | 53 LBS | 50 LBS | 44 LBS | 66 LBS |
Frame Shape | Step-through | Crossbar | Step-through | Crossbar | Low step |
Frame Material | Steel | Aluminum | Carbon steel | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Gears | 7-speed | 21-speed | 6-speed | 21-speed | 7-speed |
Motor Power | 350 W | 500 W | 350 W | 350 W | 500 W |
Battery | 36V-10Ah lithium battery | 48V-10Ah lithium battery | 36V-10Ah lithium battery | 36V-10Ah lithium battery | 48V-12.5Ah lithium battery |
Price |
How Does an Electric Bicycle Work?
Whether you call them electric bikes or e-bikes, these bicycles make cycling easier since they offer assistance to the rider through the use of devices to help propel the bike forwards.
Depending on the type of e-bike you purchase, this assistance may come in one of several forms. But the most common type of power is pedal assist. There is a motor fitted to the area where the pedals sit, which helps to drive the bike forward, reducing the amount of effort required by the user.
Benefits of an Electric Bikes for Seniors
There are many reasons that an electric bike might benefit older adults. For those that find it challenging to use a regular bicycle, an e-bike offers a viable alternative that still allows you to work out but at your own pace. Let’s take a look at what other advantages you’ll see.
Reduces Strain on Your Joints
As we get older, many of us will experience joint issues such as pain, stiffness, and conditions like arthritis.
Cycling is already considered to be an appropriate exercise for people who do not want to put strain on their joints as it involves long, smooth movements. Couple this with the pedal assist and your joint will surely thank you.
Helps with Injury Rehabilitation
If you’re recovering from an injury, certain types of exercise may be too much for you but it’s still important to improve your muscle strength and your stamina. Using an e-bike is a low-impact exercise that you can do as part of your wider rehabilitation.
Cost-Effective Option
In recent months there has been a significant increase in the price of fuel, so using your car isn’t always the most affordable option. However, an electric bike is a far more cost-effective method of transport for day-to-day journeys. What’s more, there’s no need for additional costs like car insurance, and you will skip those hefty public transport fees.
Environmentally-Friendly
It’s essential that we all do our bit for the planet and while electric cars are becoming more common, there’s a long way to go before we can all afford to invest in one of these.
In the meantime, using an electric bike is a great way to cut emissions and help to protect the environment.
Are Electric Bikes Safe for Seniors?
One of the main concerns when thinking about exercise for seniors is safety. But the good news is that electric bikes are more than suitable for most older adults.
Many seniors find it difficult to mount and dismount a regular bike because of the crossbar. However, electric bikes have a low step frame, sometimes called a step-thru frame which makes it safer and easier to get on and off without a risk of falling.
That said, for seniors whose balance is not as good, you might consider purchasing an electric trike that offers greater stability both while getting on and off and during use.
What Are the Different Classes of Electric Bikes?
As we briefly touched upon earlier, e-bikes come in different forms. You’ll notice when shopping for your bike that they are sold in different classes and this refers to how the bike is powered.
Class 1 (Low Speed Pedal-Assisted Electric Bicycle)
These bikes are fitted with a motor that only runs when the user is pedaling. Once the bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour, the motor stops.
Class 2 (Low Speed Throttle-Assisted Electric Bicycle)
Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that is exclusively used to move the bike forwards. Just like a class 1 e-bike, the motor will stop assisting the user once the speed hits 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 (Pedal-Assisted 28mph Electric Bicycle)
Similar to a class 1 e-bike, the class 3 e-bikes have a pedal-assist motor that runs when the user is pedaling. However, these bikes will continue to assist you until you reach a speed of 28 miles per hour.
Types of Electric Bikes
As well as choosing the right class for your e-bike, it’s important to consider how and where you’ll use the bike. This will determine the right type of electric bike for you.
Cruiser E-Bike
The cruiser electric bike is mainly designed for level terrain and those who wish to ride for leisure. They are usually kitted out with suspension and wider wheels for a more comfortable and stable ride, and the handlebars are often in a position that promotes a comfortable posture.
Mountain E-Bike
If you’re looking for a little more adventure then a mountain e-bike might be right up your street. These bikes are designed for off-road use and have features such as wide tires and handlebars shaped for comfort and ease when moving over uneven terrain.
Road E-Bike
There are a lot of things that are similar between road e-bikes and cruisers. The main difference is that the road e-bike is designed for speed and has features to boost this, including narrower tires and lower handlebars.
Commuter E-Bike
Commuter electric bikes are great for people who need an everyday bike. They’re designed for comfort, although may not be as comfortable as a cruiser, and also have features to encourage speed and ease of use like narrow tires. You might say they’re somewhere between a cruiser and a road e-bike.
Cargo E-Bike
As the name may suggest, a cargo e-bike is one designed for carrying additional items. Some are fitted with extra seats so you can carry a passenger, and these are often hailed as the best type of electric bike to replace a car.
Foldable E-Bike
A foldable e-bike is perfect if you need something more compact for storing. The frame folds, and the bike has narrower wheels to make it even more compact. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these narrow wheels might make the ride a little bumpier.
How to Ride an Electric Bike?
For seniors, it might feel daunting to start using an electric bike when all you’ve ever known is a manual cycle. But there’s no need to worry, getting to grips with your electric bike isn’t difficult and before you know it, you’ll be confidently riding around town.
- Before you start, make sure that your battery is fully charged. Or at least has enough juice to get you to where you need to be and back again.
- Wear suitable safety equipment such as a helmet and knee and elbow pads to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
- Ensure that you inspect the bike before riding, making sure that there are no faults and that the tire pressure is set correctly. Generally speaking, this should be between 30 and 40 psi.
- Once you have mounted the bike, gently push the start button, which is normally located on or near the battery.
- When you begin pedaling, the electric assistance will not yet have started. Once you get moving, you can switch from off to eco mode and you’ll immediately feel the benefits.
- Each model will have different levels of assistance; there may only be three on some models, while others have up to nine. The more power you choose, the faster the battery will drain which is something to keep in mind for longer journeys.
- On one side, you will have the electric power controls and on the other, there will be mechanical gears. You’ll need to set these as appropriate depending on your speed and the terrain.
- As you are riding make sure to always keep both wheels on the ground (unless you’re using a mountain e-bike) and remain seated at all times. This helps to promote better weight distribution and therefore a safer ride.
- The only time you’ll need to stand up whilst riding is when taking a corner at speed. Your bike should do most of the work so stop pedaling, stand up and curve into the corner. You may also need to stand when braking suddenly as this will make the center of gravity higher.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bike
If you want to get the most enjoyment out of your e-bike then you’ll need to choose something that perfectly fits your lifestyle and needs. That’s why it’s essential to consider the following factors before making a decision.
Frame Design
One of the most important things to think about in terms of frame design is whether you need a step-thru or a step-over frame. For seniors with no mobility issues, a regular step-over frame will be fine. However, if you struggle to lift your leg or may lose balance when stepping over the frame with a low or no crossbar will be much safer.
You should also consider what the frame is made from. Generally speaking, e-bike frames will be made from either titanium, carbon, aluminum or steel. The problem with steel is that, while it is incredibly durable, it is much heavier than other materials, so won’t work as well if you want a bike that’s easily portable.
Materials such as carbon and titanium are super lightweight and durable but will cost quite a bit more.
Look at the overall design of the frame; is it going to feel comfortable when riding? For example, you’ll want to make sure that there is sufficient legroom and that the handlebars are within easy reach.
Portability
As we have mentioned, some materials will make a bike heavier than others, so if you’re looking for something portable, then it’s best to choose a more lightweight material like carbon.
If you’re keen to pack the e-bike into the trunk of the car and head off on a more remote adventure, then it’s important to choose a folding bike. Unless you have a very large vehicle, you’ll struggle to get the bike in when unfolded.
Saddle
If you don’t have a comfortable saddle then your riding experience will not be pleasant. Try out different seats and speak to the retailer who will likely offer a service to swap the seat should you find something that works better than what comes as standard. E-bikes with wider seats are generally more comfortable.
Pedal Assist or Throttle
Earlier, we looked at the different ways that e-bikes assist the user, and it’s crucial to choose the type of power that works best for you.
Pedal assist bikes do exactly what they suggest; they provide assistance while you’re pedaling. However, you do have to get started yourself, so you will need the physical ability to do this. There are different levels of assistance which you’ll need to set according to your needs; this involves a little more input from the user.
On the other hand, throttle assist bikes provide power regardless of whether you are pedaling or not. For seniors that would otherwise struggle to get going, this is a great option. The controls for these bikes are simple, and all you need to do is turn the throttle on and off; it’s quite similar to a motorbike.
Safety Features
It doesn’t take us to tell you that safety should be the number 1 priority when using your e-bike. That’s why we’d highly recommend choosing a model with good safety features.
This might include a bell or horn to warn other people of your presence. Lights will make you more visible in low light and will also help to illuminate your path so you don’t miss obstructions.
You might also choose an e-bike with a wheel lock to keep the bike safe when you need to leave it unattended.
Motor Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing an electric bike is the type of motor it uses. There are pros and cons to each type. Below you’ll find information on each one to help you make a more informed choice.
Mid-Drive Motor
Many consider the mid-drive motor to be the best option for an e-bike. They’re certainly very efficient, and you’ll get the best range out of them.
These motors are lightweight and can be used on almost every type of e-bike. Keep in mind that they cannot be used on throttle e-bikes as they are pedal powered.
They are located in the middle of the bike, so they don’t tend to affect how well the bike handles.
Hub Motor
There are two different types of hub motors; front and rear. Front hub motors are located at the front of the frame and are ideal for more basic models. Typically speaking, you’ll only find front hub motors on a throttle e-bike as they cannot be integrated into the drivetrain, which makes it difficult for them to provide pedal assist.
Rear hub motors can either be a geared hub or a direct drive hub. The latter is normally used for level terrain, so is frequently seen on things like commuter e-bikes. However, if you’re opting for a mountain e-bike then a geared hub will be far more adept for uneven ground and sloped terrain. What’s more, these types of hubs can be used for both pedal assist and throttle bikes, so they’re more versatile.
Friction Motor
Friction motors are normally used to add power to a manual cycle which you won’t usually see them on new electric bikes. That said, there may be some out there and they mount to the seat post. However, you should keep in mind that these motors are not as efficient as other types.
Gears
How many gears you need will depend on where you plan to ride your e-bike. If you’re mainly going to be on flat terrain, then you won’t need as many as if you’re going on off-road adventures. This will make it easier to ride up slopes and over uneven ground.
Note that there are some single-speed electric bikes which are great for city use and also come in at a much cheaper price.
Battery
Generally, an electric bike will run on a lithium-ion battery. However, they do come in different sizes, and the larger the battery capacity, the more range you will get on a single charge. However, this will also mean a more expensive e-bike, so that’s something to think about.
How you charge the battery will vary depending on the model of your bike. Some can be removed for more versatile charging, while others remain on the bike. In any case, you’ll normally be able to charge them using a standard wall plug.
Another thing to think about is where the battery is located. For the most part, e-bikes have their batteries bolted to the downtube, but there are other options. If you don’t want the battery ruining the aesthetic of the bike, it is possible to have it installed within the frame so it remains hidden. There are also cages that can be used to hide the battery, and what’s great about these is that there’s often enough room for a second battery to increase mileage.
Sensors
In order for it to function correctly, your e-bike will come with a range of sensors. On most bikes, there will be a pedal sensor so that the bike knows when you are pedaling and when to assist you. This may include a cadence and torque sensor to ensure that the bike stays at a consistent speed and doesn’t get away from you.
There will also be a speed sensor. As we have discussed, most e-bikes will stop assisting when you reach a certain speed, and this sensor tells the bike when the maximum speed has been reached.
Best Electric Bikes for Seniors
Knowing the many benefits of an electric bike, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re clamoring to get your hands on one. But before you do, consider the various options on the market. Here, we list five of the best electric bikes for seniors available today.
1. Heybike Cityscape 350W E-Bike
Best Cruiser Electric Bike – Heybike Cityscape 350W E-Bike
One of the first things you notice about the Cityscape is that it boasts a step-thru frame which is essential for seniors and will make getting on and off the bike so much simpler. This is also a brilliant option for those who are new to e-bikes as it’s beautifully easy to control and stop thanks to the cadence sensors.
The Cityscape is a powerful 350-watt bike running on a 36v battery. This takes around five to six hours to charge, and you’ll get up to 40 miles range per charge when using pedal assist. Note that if you go for the pure electric setting, the range will be limited to 25 miles.
We love what a smooth and quiet ride you get from the Cityscape and how convenient it is. It boasts a USB charging port for on-the-go device charging and safety features such as a horn and LED headlights.
Key Specs:
- Top speed: 19 MPH
- Est range (pedal assist): 40 miles
- Gears: 7-speed
- Motor power: 350 W
- Weight: 58.4 LBS
- Frame shape: Step-through
Pros
Cons
2. ANCHEER 500W Mountain E-Bike
Best Electric Mountain Bike – ANCHEER 500W Mountain E-Bike
When choosing an electric bike for offroading, you need something that’s versatile which is why we love the Ancheer mountain e-bike which comes with 21 gears that’ll help you across any terrain. It comes with a powerful 500-watt motor providing you with the power you need to move across challenging ground.
The Ancheer mountain e-bike gives you up to 40 miles on a single charge and takes just six hours to charge. You can easily charge it overnight and be ready to explore in the morning.
This bike does not feature a step-thru frame which is disappointing considering we need a bike that’s going to be suitable for older adults. However, other features such as progressive braking and a comprehensive LCD display screen more than makeup for this.
Key Specs:
- Top speed: 20 MPH
- Est range (pedal assist): 40 miles
- Gears: 21-speed
- Motor power: 500 W
- Weight: 53 LBS
- Frame shape: Crossbar
Pros
Cons
3. NAKTO 350W E-Bike
Best Electric Cargo Bike – NAKTO 350W E-Bike
In terms of having plenty of space to carry things, the Nakto certainly doesn’t let you down. It has a front basket and a rear rack so you’ve got all the room you need. What’s more, this 350-watt e-bike has all the necessary power to transport you and your cargo where you need to be.
This is an incredibly versatile e-bike with three modes; human mode without any power, pedal assist, and full electric. This enables you to use the bike in a range of different situations. And you cannot ignore the fact that you’ll get up to a 45-mile range depending on which mode you use.
The Nakto is a beautifully safe e-bike with LED headlights and slip-resistant tires. On top of this, the tires are wear-resistant so will last much longer. However, while there are some great features, we should point out that the controls are a little complex so there may be a learning curve with this e-bike.
Key Specs:
- Top speed: 20 MPH
- Est range (pedal assist): 45 miles
- Gears: 6-speed
- Motor power: 350 W
- Weight: 50 LBS
- Frame shape: Carbon steel
Pros
Cons
4. ANCHEER 350W E-Bike with 21 Speed Gears
Best Budget Electric Bike – ANCHEER 350W E-Bike with 21 Speed Gears
The second bike from Ancheer on our list is this 350-watt e-bike with 21 speeds. What’s great is that it won’t break the bank, but it’s still got a lot of exciting features. For example, it’ll give you 40 miles per charge and comes with either throttle or pedal assist with four levels of assistance; talk about versatility!
We love that the Ancheer e-bike is so lightweight, being made from a combination of carbon and aluminum. The tires are super thick and offer excellent traction for use on a variety of terrain types.
This bike doesn’t have a step-thru frame and is only suitable for users up to 6’1”, so taller people would need to find an alternative.
The Ancheer ebike can handle slopes up to 20º and offers front fork suspension for a smoother ride when you’re venturing off road. With mechanical brake discs, stopping has never felt safer or easier.
Key Specs:
- Top speed: 20 MPH
- Est range (pedal assist): 40 miles
- Gears: 21-speed
- Motor power: 350 W
- Weight: 44 LBS
- Frame shape: Crossbar
Pros
Cons
5. Heybike Mars Foldable E-Bike
Best Folding Electric Bike – Heybike Mars Foldable E-Bike
The Heybike Mars is a brilliant option if you are looking for a bike that you can pack in the car and head off to find the best off-road trails. Not only does it neatly fold away for compact storage, but it comes with super wide tires for going off the beaten track.
What’s more, this is a supremely powerful e-bike with a 500-watt motor and a 48v 12Ah battery. This is by far one of the most powerful we have seen and you’ll get an impressive 48-mile range on a single charge. Do keep in mind, however, that all of this does come at the expense of being lightweight and the mars weighs around 66lbs.
The tires will resist punctures which is another brilliant offroad feature, and there are dual shock absorbers for a smoother ride, regardless of the terrain.
Key Specs:
- Top speed: 20 MPH
- Est range (pedal assist): 48 miles
- Gears: 7-speed
- Motor power: 500 W
- Weight: 66 LBS
- Frame shape: Low step
