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Intro to Best Electric Bikes for Seniors, 2022
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
Whether you’re looking to get back on a bicycle for the first time in years or you’re just looking for a forgiving way to get back in shape, the number of seniors getting into e-bikes has exploded over the past several years.
The team at Electric Bike Report is often asked for our opinion on the best electric bikes for seniors, enough so that we put our heads together and came up with this list of our favorites.
Electric bikes have fast emerged as one of the most low-impact and most senior-friendly modes of exercise. While the small motor helps take the edge off obstacles — like hills — that may have kept some seniors off traditional pedal bikes in the past, they still require enough physical effort to make for a great workout. They’ve also been proven to help maintain cognitive and mental health among older riders — the light assist from an e-bike, according to one study, can inspire confidence and improve self-esteem in older people who may feel limited by mobility issues.
Thanks to the assist of a motor and battery, there’s a laundry list of e-bikes that work well for seniors. This list is a selection of our favorites.
Our Best Electric Bikes for Seniors 2022
How we picked the best e-bikes for seniors
There are undoubtedly many seniors who read the above list and scoff because the bikes we chose are too laid back or aren’t fast enough.
That’s fine, we’ve got recommendations for other e-bikes (like electric fat bikes and high-speed commuters) that might suit your tastes better. But while what makes someone a “senior” is nothing more than their age, there are certain considerations that often come up when we get asked for our opinion on the best e-bikes for older riders. Those considerations often involve mobility constraints, concerns over balance and flexibility and whether a bike’s riding position is too aggressive. Oftentimes, on top of any one of those considerations, this is that person’s first time back on a bicycle in a long, long time.
This list was made with those seniors in mind.
We used a few key criteria to compile this list, mainly:
- Stability and comfort: Comfort and how stable they feel on the bike is often high on the mind of older riders. Bikes that earn a spot on this list shouldn’t just be supportive, they should invoke a feeling of confidence in corners and over varying terrain.
- Quality and components: We evaluate each bike’s spec sheet to make sure manufacturers are making good component choices; a good bike is much more than its frame.
- Value: What are you getting for your money? Are the components better than average and is the craftsmanship on par? We also account for things more intangible than parts bolted to the bike, such as quality customer support, brand reputation and the availability of good in-person service.
- Power and range: How fast does the bike go and how far can I ride on a single charge? These questions are often the first on the mind of someone shopping for a new e-bike so they’re at the top of our mind, too.
- Was it built specifically with seniors in mind?: This may seem like an obvious one, but we tried to find e-bikes built specifically for older generations of riders. Do these design characteristics make sense and are they executed well?
This list does not cover every single bike on the market today that would be a good option for seniors and older riders. In fact, I think most of the EBR staff would argue that almost any e-bike would be a good option for seniors. But, based on a plethora of reader questions (we get TONS of questions about e-bikes for seniors), we compiled this list of our recommendations that we feel are suited best for the fast-growing demographic of older e-bike enthusiasts.
Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus ST
A capable commuter with upright geometry and a step-thru frame
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An approachable and capable commuter, the Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is an easy-to-handle e-bike built with city dwellers in mind.
The RadCity certainly isn’t the lowest step-thru e-bike on this list, but its relatively low 21-inch stepover height is still easier to navigate than its high-step sibling the RadCity 5 Plus. Both of these bikes are great options for any e-biker (seniors included) but the team at Electric Bike Report have become big step-thru frame advocates due to their accessibility and ease of use.
The RadCity 5 Plus ST comes with a 750W rear hub motor powered by a 48V, 14Ah (672Wh) battery. That The semi-integrated battery looks sleek and doesn’t get in the way. The bike is also spec’d with a 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant tires. It also boasts a stout rear rack for those heavier loads (about 60lbs).
We like the RadCity 5 Plus ST’s accessibility, thoughtfully-spec’d component package, and its integrated rack, making it an accessible, easy to handle and uniquely capable commuter e-bike. It checks enough boxes to be a worthy choice on anybody’s best electric bikes for seniors list.
Pro’s- The 750W motor and 672Wh battery are plenty powerful and have ample range.
- The frame makes considerations for accessibility and ease of use without sacrificing performance.
- The bike features a twist throttle for easy riding.
- Rad is known for great customer service and has been an industry leader for several years.
Con’s- The cable management could be a little tidier.
- The dual displays used on the RadCity are unique, but the left one is noticeably dimmer and harder to see in sunlight than the center one.
An extremely affordable, extremely fun and extremely stable electric commuter
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The Ride1UP 500 Series distinguishes itself from other e-bikes thanks to its incredibly smooth and predictable motor engagement. Of all the e-bikes we’ve tested, few had more consistent speed increases from one PAS to another. There was about a 2-3 mph jump each time, but none of these speeds were overwhelming or sudden – the motor delivers the speed to you in a natural feeling way typically found on more expensive torque sensing systems.
Ride1UP’s 500 series comes in 2 different frames with a step-over or step-through option. We tested the regular high-step, but the ST option has a 15″ stepover height for easier access. The bike’s geometry is a fairly upright and comfort-oriented riding position, while the included grips, seat and suspension add to the relaxed feel of the bike. It’s small details like these that shows Ride1UP is thinking about riders who may prefer a less athletic, less bent-over riding position
The 500 series is spec’d with a peppy 500W rear hub motor and a 48V, 13Ah (624Wh) battery situated along the frame. The battery gave us plenty of rime in the saddle as we got between 27-67 miles on our max and min range tests. It comes with a Shimano Acera drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disk brakes. Priced a bit below $1,500, it’s a lot of value for what we consider an all-around good performing e-bike.
In addition to the value, the 500 Series is a spectacularly easy handling e-bike that’s predictable, sporty and very fun to ride.
Pro’s- It’s a fast-rolling bike with or without the motor.
- Absolute stunner for a budget e-bike. XR and ST versions both look good and the battery is integrated beautifully.
- The motor engages reliably and at a ramped up rate so it isn’t full steam instantly.
- The 500 Series had really good handling, we had no problem leaning it into corners.
- The 500 Series surprised us with its braking capabilities. We think it’s due to the bike being lighter weight than some of its competitors.
Con’s- The battery readout isn’t very accurate, so you’ll need to spend time on the bike and get a feel for how much you have left.
- There is a little bit of lag for motor engagement when pedalling.
A comfortable beach cruiser that can really help on hills.
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The Blix Sol Eclipse has a mix of looks, power, and comfort that not many other bikes have blended together so well.
The paint job on any Blix bike is something we routinely rave about; The Sol Eclipse we reviewed has a thick and glossy coat of paint that looks stunning. The other finishes we’ve also seen are eye-catching as well.
While the bike is easy on the eyes, the real draw is how you can remain comfortably seated at all times – hills included. Many cruisers can boast an easy stepover height and upright positioning (which you’ll notice exist here), but very few have been among leaders of the pack when it comes to the hill tests we put each bike through.
The 750W motor of the Blix Sol Eclipse can take over and do the work for you if you want, or the 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain makes for a good pedaling experience too.
Throw in the 615Wh battery which gave us between 25-60 miles on our range tests and you have yourself a bike that performs as well as you could ask from any beach cruiser.
Pro’s- The Blix Sol Eclipse is a great hill climber. We were able to climb our test hill surprisingly quick given this bike’s casual cruiser-oriented vibe.
- Relatively lightweight e-bike at 56 lbs.
- Every bit a comfort cruiser.
- The bike rolls well on it’s own even if you want to ride with no motor power.
Con’s- PAS levels 1 and 2 provide very little motor help, but the other assist levels provide good support.
A mid-drive beach cruiser built with smaller people in mind
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A bike that’s also featured on our list of best electric beach cruisers, the Evelo Galaxy 500 is a mid-drive electric beach cruiser built with smaller-stature people in mind.
The Galaxy 500 rolls on 24-inch wheels, has a relatively low step-thru design and is built for riders standing between 4-foot-10-inches and 5-foot-10-inches tall, making it one of the more compact bikes on the market. It’s a beach cruiser e-bike, so it’s inherently got an upright riding position and is made for relaxed riding.
It’s built around a 500W mid-drive motor and pulls power from a 36V, 13Ah (468Wh) battery mounted on a rack above the rear wheel. It also sports the super cool Enviolo AutomatIQ shifting system that changes gears for you as you ride, taking some of the guesswork out of cycling. Factor in the hydraulic disk brakes from Tektro, and you’ve got one well spec’d e-bike.
We tested the Galaxy 500 at the end of 2020 and loved its compact size and smart componentry. It’s a great buy for a senior looking for a smaller, more manageable e-bike.
Pro’s- Enviolo Automatic transmission system takes the guess-work out of shifting. The bike will shift for you as you ride.
- The low-step frame is easy to get on and off.
- The small frame size makes this a cinch to ride around town. It is very navigable and easy to maneuver around corners or alleyways.
- Upright frame and swept back handlebars allow riders to sit up rather than hunch over.
- Easy to manage the power; this is a great bike for older or smaller riders
Con’s- The Evelo Galaxy 500 only comes in a small frame size, so it is best suited for riders under 5’10”. Evelo also offers the Aurora Limited which has the same transmission system with a larger frame and 750W motor for larger riders.
Aventon Aventure Step-Thru
An adventure ready step-thru with fat tires and ample power
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One of our favorite new e-bikes released this year, the Aventon Aventure is an electric fat bike that’s stable, rides spectacularly well and is chock-full of little features that set it ahead of many of its competitors.
Powered by a 750W Bafang rear hub motor and a 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) battery that’s smartly integrated into the frame, the Aventure has more than enough power to flatten hills and maintain high speeds over long distances. We reviewed the high-step version of the Aventure back in May and were absolutely enamoured with Aventon’s attention to detail when outfitting the bike. Little things, like a full color LCD display and sturdy metal fenders, are what make this bike stand out.
Don’t let the heavier weight of a fat tire e-bike dissuade you, there are several advantageous that come from those larger tires. You can run them with a little less air for an even comfier ride, and the wider tire width helps with overall feeling of stability and handling.
As its name suggests, the Aventure is an adventure-minded e-bike that feels stable and predictable on most any terrain. Add the benefit of a step-thru frame, and you’ve got a powerful e-bike that’s friendly to new or older riders.
Pro’s- Unlocked as a Class 3, this is an extremely quick e-bike. It’s torquey, powerful and delivers watts in a way that won’t overwhelm new or more gentle riders.
- The full-color LCD display is awesome. It’s easy to read, has a very smart percentage-based battery readout and will even tell you how many trees you’ve saved by going electric.
- The 720Wh battery is slightly larger than the 672Wh standard we often see in this category.
- The included fenders are metal and use beefy mounts that keep them from rattling on rough roads
- It’s got a unique styling for a fat e-bike that reminds us of another Aventon we really liked, the Level.
Con’s- At 74.27lbs (we reviewed a medium with the optional front and rear racks), the Aventure is heavier than many of its peers. It’s tough to knock it for this, as the larger battery alone will add a few lbs, but the heft is something to keep in mind. Especially if you’re a smaller person or new rider.
Electric Bike Company Model S
A classic beach cruiser with options galore
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You’d be hard pressed to find any bicycle (especially an electric bicycle) that’s 100 percent American made, but the beach cruisers built by Electric Bike Company are about as close as it gets.
Electric Bike Company sources parts from all over the world, but much of each one of their bicycles is built or assembled at their factory in Newport Beach, California. We’ve tested several of the Electric Bike Company e-bikes and their Model S, with its low-step design and comfortable riding position is a great option for senior riders.
The base model of the Model S comes with a one-speed drivetrain, a 500W geared rear hub motor and a 576Wh battery, but “standard” options are not what EBC is known for. All of EBC’s bikes are ultra customizable and riders can choose from different battery sizes (12Ah, 18Ah, 30Ah, or 36Ah units with an added front basket on the last two options to house the battery), basket options and even the color of the spokes in their wheels. These are wonderfully comfortable and easy to ride e-bikes that are perfect for jaunts on the coast or around the neighborhood.
Pro’s- Classic cruiser styling with limitless customization options.
- Dual battery system allows for extended range.
- Bikes are assembled and painted in Newport Beach, CA (not shipped directly from China).
- Class 2 or Class 3 compatible.
- Affordable starting price with many optional upgrades.
- 60Nm of torque.
- Front basket comes standard.
Con’s- Wide turn radius – a tradeoff that comes with any beach cruiser e-bike.
An ultra-popular affordable fat folder that’s easy to handle and easy on the wallet
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There’s few bikes we see in the wild more often than the Lectric XP and its recently-released predecessor the XP 2.0.
In Electric Bike Report’s home base of southwest Utah, it’s not uncommon for us to spot dozens of these bikes a weekend being carried on the back of motorhomes and SUVs bound for the nearby national parks and public land. These bikes are very popular, and for good reason: Not only are they incredibly affordable, but they fold down small and their 500W rear hub motor is peppy and capable on dirt.
These bikes are a great value buy for a person unsure if they’re going to fall in love with e-bikes (you will) and their small size and fat tires make them easier to handle and more stable on uneven terrain. We’ve spent loads of time on the original Lectric XP, and the new iteration of the bike has kept that same basic design but added improvements like a suspension fork and an increased carrying capacity.
Available in both a high-step and low-step option (though they’re both very low), the Lectric XP 2.0 is a great budget friendly option.
Pro’s- Great value in this bike. This is one of the most affordable folding ebikes on the market at under $1,000.
- Powerful motor and quick acceleration.
- We found the bike to collapse down to be pretty small, which is great for storage, and transporting it in your car.
- Large LCD display is easy to see with digital numbers and good ride metrics
- The XP comes with great features for the price point. You get quite a bit for what you pay.
- The new version of the XP implemented a lot of upgrades, like a suspension fork, that we really love.
Con’s- The bike is 63 pounds total, which may be heavy for some to lift.
- Some of our previous complaints about a rough(ish) ride are likely answered by the new suspension fork, but a suspension seatpost may still be a worthy upgrade.
Feel unstable on two wheels? Try three.
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The three-wheeled Evelo Compass is a well-spec’d electric trike suited well for anyone who wants to take the balancing act out of bicycling.
E-trikes have been surging in popularity as more seniors gravitate towards e-bikes and the Compass is a particularly well outfitted example. With a powerful 500W mid-drive powered by a 48V, 10.5 Ah (504Wh) battery, the Compass comes stock with mechanical disk brakes, a Shimano Nexus internally geared hub and an on-demand throttle. The Compass we tested earlier not too long ago had a lot of pep for such a large bike and we were pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was.
Three-wheeled e-bikes have become incredibly popular among those looking to remove the balancing act from bicycling and are great options for people who have serious concerns about supporting a traditional two-wheel bicycle. One note, though: Electric trikes are incredibly stable up to a certain point. At higher speeds — especially around corners — they can be a little unwieldy. At lower speeds they work exactly as advertised, but their design doesn’t lend itself to fast cornering. Just something to keep in mind if you’re eyeing a trike.
As far as three-wheelers go, the Evelo Compass has proven one of our favorites. We’d recommend it to anyone looking for an ultra-stable e-bike that requires little to no balance.
Pro’s- The Evelo Compass was surprisingly powerful.
- Very comfortable riding position.
- Works for riders of all sizes.
- Easy to get on and off.
- Plenty of storage room.
- The brake switches made parking much easier.
Con’s- We recommend riders try the first ride at low power and get used to balancing on a trike – it’s different than a two-wheel bike.
- Rear fenders are a bit flimsy.
Bottom line: Electric bikes help keep seniors riding, no matter your age
I’ve spent most of my life riding bicycles, and I like knowing that electric bikes are there to keep me riding no matter my age.
E-bikes are sometimes called the great equalizer of cycling. Cycling, as a sport and a mode of transportation, was formerly reserved for the (relatively) young and fit; those unfazed by hills and long durations of physical exertion. But e-bikes, thanks to their small motor and battery, make it so that anyone — no matter their age, fitness level or ability — can enjoy going for a bike ride. E-bikes make hills feel flatter, accelerations easier and give riders the power to choose exactly how much they want to ask of their bodies when riding a bike.
I like to think of it as the democratization of bikes.
Few demographics have been more impacted by e-bikes than the older generations of riders. Not only do they give existing cyclists the power to continue riding at any age, it’s helping people who haven’t ridden a bike in years rediscover the sport. They’re less intimidating, more forgiving and can give you the sensation of turning back the clock to a version of you that used to do laps around the neighborhood on a one-speed bicycle.
We’ve spent hours testing with many of the bikes on this list, testing their braking, handling and acceleration to demonstrate how they handle in the real world. So if you’re a senior on the hunt for an e-bike, you’ve come to the right place.
Now you’ve seen all our picks for the best electric bike for seniors in 2022. Are there others you think should make the list? Let us know down in the comments section below!
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