The attitude of seniors and older people today is to stay active as long as you can. Use it or lose it. If you like riding a bike in the past, I guarantee that feeling has not gone away. The feeling of riding a bike can make anyone feel like a kid again. Let's take a closer look at the best electric bike for seniors.
Many people would like to get on a bike again but suffer from an ailment like COPD, bad knees or a bad back. Many new E-bikes have been developed in the last few years that can help anyone get on a bike again. An E-bike can provide independence to an older person that can no longer drive a car and an e-bike is an ideal vehicle to get around town. With many basket and rack options available an E-bike is great to run errands and pick up some groceries along the way.
What's an E-bike you say? An E-bike is basically a bike with an electric motor and battery on it. Many E-bikes have pedal assist and throttle control. How pedal assist works is you have to pedal to get going and the motor will kick in and assist you.
The motor provides additional power and gets you going faster.It gives you a feeling of the wind at your back and makes going up hills a breeze. Throttle control is like on a motorbike twist the handle and of you go without pedaling.
From talking to people I find E-bikes get a mix reaction. Many people especially older people think E-bikes are somehow cheating and say “what is the point of an E-bike”? Another thing I found is if you put someone on an E-bike for the first time, after their ride they always come back smiling.
E-bikes can get people out riding again that normal would be sidelined and studies show that people that own E-bikes ride them more often and are secure in the knowledge that they will receive a boost if they get tired or encounter hills.
As mentioned in the last few years many new E-bikes have come to market. Some are designed for off-roading and some are designed for city commuting. The big game-changer in the last few years is improved battery performance. New industry-standard lithium-ion batteries are now lighter and last between 20 and 70 miles depending on the type of terrain and the weight of the rider.
Batteries are now more commonly mounted in the frame lower on the bike. this lowers the center of gravity and improved handling. Motors can be mounted in three places front, rear tire or a center hub motor mounted where the pedals are. Depending on your needs and budget each location has its pros and cons. See my full post What are the different types of electric bikes available? to get a better idea.
If you are considering getting a scooter. I think a proper fitting e-bike is a better option for an older person. For one thing, an E-bike is much lighter than a scooter many e-bikes weigh about 50 to 60 lbs whereas an average scooter weighs about 250lbs. A scooter when it runs out of power is pretty well useless. An e-bike on the other hand if you run out of power you can simple peddle home like you would on a normal bike.
Many inexpensive E-bikes have their battery mounted above the rear tire. The following examples of E-bikes for seniors I have included E-bikes with batteries that are mounted lower on the bike. The cost of a lower mounter battery E-bike will generally be more, but with the battery mounted lower the bike has a lower center of gravity and will have a nicer feel when riding.
Best Electric Bike For Seniors
Step-Thru Design
Folding E-Bikes
- Hurbo 250W/350W Folding Electric Bike Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Jetson Metro Electric Folding Bike Black
- VoltBike Mariner
Three Wheel Electric Trikes
- EWheels (EW-29) Scoot-Around Pedal or Electric Power 3 Wheel Trike
- RMB EV Libert-e Adult Electric Pedal Trike/Tricycle with Dual Rear Wheel Power
- Addmotor Motan Electric Tricycle 24 Inch Fat Tire Electric Trike
Step-Thru Design
I grew up calling this a girls bike but the step-thru design is a great way to go for older people because it makes getting on and off the bike much easier.
1. Nakto Spark E-bike
The NAKTO/SPARK E-bike is a great inexpensive step-thru E-bike. A comfortable safe riding E-bike that is easy to operate. Comes with a nice soft and comfortable leather cushion seat that can be easily adjusted to fit different height needs.
Comes shipped to you 95% assembled. The Nakto/Spark is available at Amazon for under $1000 with many positive reviews. Comes equipped with a horn and a bright LED headlamp.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by a 250 watts from the rear hub motor.
- Removable lithium battery 36V 10AH, Seal Detachable Battery
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 15 to 25 miles per charge. Allows you over an hour of using the assist mode at full throttle before needing to charge it again.
- Charge Time:(3- 4 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 60 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 250 lbs
- Under $1000
2. E3 Simi Step-Thru
The E3 Simi Step thru is a very well built Ebike for the money. With its SR Suntour’s gear-driven system supplies ample amounts of torque (60 nm) with 400W of peak power allowing the system to maximize battery efficiency through their Active Torque Sensor (ATS) system.ATS simultaneously monitors the rider’s torque, cadence and bike speed to seamlessly connect the rider and bike delivering power upon demand while increasing riding range.
This gives the E3 ATS systems a high motor efficiency of 87%. Comes in two sizes with frame designs specifically tailored to different genders and rider heights. The E3 Simi Step-Thru is a good solid cruiser that is lighter than the average.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by 400W rear hub motor
- 48-volt battery
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up 30 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(3 – 4 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 50 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Under $1600
3. Voltbike Elegant
See My Full Review | See My Video review
The Volbike Elegant is a very solid bike it has the advantage of a step-thru design but has a solid frame for a ridged feel. The Elegant is built with very good base components. This bike will last for years if properly cared for.
Some components could be improved upon like the tires and shifter but to keep the base price down they had to compromise on a few components. Voltbike has covered important bases.
The Elegant has a strong 6011 aluminum frame, 500-watt Bafang motor, and 48v Samsung battery are components used on more expensive E-bikes. In the next few years, you will have an opportunity to get new tires and make some upgrades as needed.
For the average person, the Elegant is great right out of the box. Comes 95% assembled and shipped to your door. See my full review for more details on the Voltbike Elegant.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by Bafang (8Fun) 500W Electric Brushless DC Motor
- The battery is a 48v 11.6Ah Lithium-ion with Samsung cells
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 25 to 40 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(4 – 6 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 55 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 275 lbs
- Under $ 2,899 now $1699
The Voltbike Yukon Limited Edition is also a great value made by Voltbike. Ideal for a capable senior that can handle a big beefy E-bike.
See My Full Review | See My Video review
If you are going to purchase a Voltbike, please fill in the name “Pete Lautenschlager” in the box that says Enter name of the person who referred you to us.Voltbike.com.
Folding E-Bikes
Folding bikes can be an excellent choice for older adults. Many folding bikes are small and more compact making it easier to store or to take along on vacation. Depending on your vehicle one folding E-bike can fit in the trunk of some cars. If you have two E-bikes both will easily fit in a minivan. There are a number of folding e-bike under $1000 and many get great range.
4. Hurbo 250W/350W Folding Electric Bike Aluminum Alloy Frame
The Hurbo 250 watt folding electric bike is a nice size E-bike for a broad range of people. Priced at around $650 it is a relatively inexpensive e-bike that is an idea for someone that has a hard time walking distance.
Great for paved smooth surfaces and getting around town. The compact foldable design makes it easy to move and store. Comes with front and rear lights and a relatively comfortable seat.
Basic Specs and Features
- 250W rear hub motor
- REMOVABLE LITHIUM BATTERY: 36V 8AH lithium
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 20 to 45 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(4 – 6 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 45 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 220 lbs
- Under $1000
5. Jetson Metro Electric Folding Bike Black
The Jetson Metro Electric folding E-bike is a slick little ride. Fits most adults but with a very compact design that can easily fit in the trunk of a car. This small E-bike is quite solid for its size and comes with many extra features like a front light and rear suspension for a smoother ride. Its compact size makes it a great bike to take on a train or bus and use it at your destination.
Weighing 38 lbs makes it one of the lightest E-bikes around. Ideal size for a smaller woman or man. Comes with pedal assist and throttle control. Goes a max speed of 16 mph and a range of 40 miles. It arrives at your door 100% assembled. All you have to do is just unfold it and go for a ride.
Basic Specs and Features
- 250 watt rear hub motor
- 36V, 5.2Ah lithium-ion battery
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 40 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(4 – 6 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 38 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 265 lbs
- Under $1000
6. VoltBike Mariner
See My Full Review | See My Video review
The Voltbike Mariner quality built fat tire folding E-bike. Voltbike is located in Canada and ships directly to anywhere in the world. The Mariner is ideal for a heavier person or someone that wants a little more substantial folding E-bike than the two previous examples.
The Voltbike Mariner is no lightweight it weighs 58 lbs. The fat tires give it a nice smooth ride and you can ride it in the snow, down at the beach or on some trails.
The Mariner has a range of 35 miles and the 2019 addition will have a 45-mile range. See my full review and video. l share my thoughts with you and show you how it works in the snow.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by a 500 watts from the rear hub motor.
- 48V 14.5Ah / 696Wh Lithium-ion with Samsung
- Speed 25 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 35 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(4 – 6 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 58 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Under $2,999 on sale for $1699
If you are going to purchase a Voltbike, please fill in the name “Pete Lautenschlager” in the box that says Enter name of the person who referred you to us. Voltbike.com.
Three Wheel Electric Trikes
For some people riding a bike is not an option and many seniors lose their drivers license as they get older due to vision or medical issues. A three-wheel trike can be a great alternative for seniors to give them a little independence and allow them to get around town.
A three-wheel electric trike is a safe comfortable ride that requires no balance. The step-thru design makes it easy to get on and off and the best thing is there is plenty of storage to pick up a whole load of groceries.
7. EWheels (EW-29) Scoot-Around Pedal or Electric Power 3 Wheel Trike
The EWheel Electric trike is a great value E-bike trike. Features include a LED front electric light, electric horn, electric battery indicator, forward/reverse switch and oversized seat with backrest. It also comes with two baskets front and back for plenty of room for groceries.
You can use peddle assist to get around or just use the throttle control. The Ewheel also has reverse to make it easy to move around. A great value for the price. A nice safe ride for any senior who wants to get around the neighborhood.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by a 500w Direct-Drive Front Hub Motor
- 48-volt battery
- Speed 20 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 20 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(4 – 6 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Front hub motor
- Bike weight 128 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 400 lbs
- Under $1500
8. RMB EV Libert-e Adult Electric Pedal Trike/Tricycle with Dual Rear Wheel Power
The RMB EV Libert-e Trike is a very well made E-bike. It has little more substantial build than the EWheel. This classy looking E-bike will get you around town in style. Top speed of 10 Mph just the right speed for many seniors.
The RMB EV Libert-e has a powerful 350-watt electric motor mated to a rear end and has differential just like a car has. Unlike front hub motors this gives you better traction. This allows the power to be equally distributed to both rear wheels providing safety, power, and traction. See Amazon for current pricing.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by a 350 watts from the rear hub motor.
- Lightweight Lithium Batteries 36 volts Lithium-Ion Battery Cells
- Speed 15 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 15 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(6-8 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Rear hub motor with differential just like a car
- Bike weight 99 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 286 lbs
- Under $2000
9. Addmotor Motan Electric Tricycle 24 Inch Fat Tire Electric Trike
I added the Addmotor Electric fat tire trike for the person that is out in the country or has a farm and would like something a little more solid. This trike will get you around all year. The Addmotor Trike is a great electric vehicle for anyone who wants a stable ride and is able to carry gear and also go off-road.
The fat tires will give you traction on the beach and in the snow. The powerful 750-watt front hub motor can get you going up to 25 mph. Front and rear baskets are included. It also comes with disc brakes and front suspension to absorb the bumps.
The Addmotor Electric Trike can go up to 50 miles on a single charge and to fully charge the battery it takes about 3 to 4 hours. This trike is a beast. See Amazon for current pricing
Basic Specs and Features
- Bafang 48V*750W Front Hub Brushless Motor – Special Design For Snow Beach All Terrain
- 48V*12.8AH Lithium Batteries In A Sealed Removable Pack
- Speed 25 MPH Maximum power only but if you peddle you can go faster.
- Gets up to 40 to 50 miles per charge.
- Charge Time:(3-4 Hrs Full Recharge)
- Has pedal assist and throttle on demand.
- Front hub motor
- Bike weight 250 lbs
- Max. User Weight: 350 lbs
- Under $3000
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