E-Bikes & Bikes Customised to You
Now that you've chosen to enjoy a senior community lifestyle, you will want some new wheels. E-bikes provide seniors with an ideal combination of affordability and utility. These motorized cycles offer the same fitness benefits as traditional bikes. However, they're even more versatile and fun to ride.
Thus, older folks increasingly enjoy electric bikes for fitness, fun, and affordable, eco-friendly transportation. Even better, today's e-bike manufacturers have designed some excellent models that older folks find comfortable to ride. New designs make these electric bikes easy to mount, dismount, stop, and start.
Seniors can enjoy the mental and physical benefits of outdoor activity and get a boost from a quiet, efficient motor. Riding in power-assist mode offers plenty of exercise. The motor provides a boost for tackling hills, increasing speed, and enjoying longer trips. Plenty of people over 60 say they wouldn't ride a bike at all without that extra push from their electric bike's motor.
Bicycling Magazine published studies that explored the benefits of e-bikes for the mental health of older riders:
- Studies have demonstrated that outdoor activities can help prevent and delay age-related cognitive decline.
- Riding an e-bike at least three times a week may improve brain function.
- E-bicycling might even prove more beneficial for overall well-being than riding non-motorized bikes.
Pedaling, with or without the assistance of an e-bike's electric motor, provides e-bikers with a chance to enjoy outdoor exercise. At the same time, the motor lets riders travel further and faster, offering more utility than a traditional bike. Of course, electric bikes vary considerably, so you'll want to compare various models to find the best e-bike to complement your lifestyle and goals.
The Best E-Bikes for Senior Living Communities
Electric bike manufacturers produce as many different types of e-bikes as regular bikes. Some companies make specialized models for racing, mountain biking, or carrying cargo or passengers.
Most older riders value comfort and safety for understandable reasons. They want a reliable, everyday mode of transportation for social rides, running errands, and staying fit. Thus, our list of top e-bikes for senior living communities features practical models meant primarily for casual riding.
Qualisports Validor: A High-Quality E-Bike That Folds for Storage
Some senior living communities don't offer a lot of storage space. The Validor folds up to fit in a corner, closet, or car trunk, and the e-bike only weighs 38 pounds, even with its motor and battery. Even with this e-bike's compact size, the battery and 350W motor can still travel up to 32 miles between charges.
This folding e-bike might not offer the comfort of one of the EVRYJourney models listed above, but it's reasonably powerful for its size and incredibly convenient. Some riders have suggested they felt more satisfied with the Validor after they:
- Replaced the default seat with a more comfortable selection
- Exchanged the relatively narrow tires with wider ones for better control and comfort
Find the Qualisports Validor on Amazon.
Review: It rides smooth, is easy to fold, easy to lift, and folded in half, it's small enough to commute on a crowded train. It's good-looking to boot.
Why Are Active Seniors Turning to E-Bikes?
E-bikes offer an excellent compromise between traditional bicycles and motorized vehicles. The motors cost pennies to charge, and the quiet motors run without producing harmful, smelly emissions. Best of all, you can charge your e-bike at any standard outlet and don't need to look for a special charging station.
People with aches and pains who never thought they could ride a bike are rediscovering the joy of cycling. Pedaling in power-assist mode lets e-cyclists ride further and faster than they could without a motor. Maybe it's time to start an e-bike club in your senior living community.
Electric bicycles have turned into an increasingly popular way to enjoy the outdoors, run shopping errands, or cruise around with friends. Best of all, e-bikes can help improve physical and mental health, and they're a lot of fun! You won't need to drive your car as often, and many e-bike riders have decided they don't need a car.