How To Choose The Best Bikes For Seniors (2024)

Physical activity helps stave off many of the chronic conditions—obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, among others—associated with aging. Overall, older people who exercise consistently are apt to experience:

• Less bone loss
• Better immune health
• Improved mood
• Better heart health
• Improved relief from osteoarthritis and joint pain

Unfortunately, about half of U.S. adults don’t log the 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week experts recommend, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services^[3]Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed 4//11/2022. .

“Biking is an excellent form of exercise for seniors,” says Kathy Wayman, a physical therapist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “It’s easy on the joints, great for thecardiovascular system and a fun and social activity. Plus, a little wind and sunshine are good for the mind.”

Research shows that when older adults cycle, they can:

• Improve their brain function.
• Preserve their balance.
• Reduce their risk of heart disease.
• Reduce their waist circumference. (When extra weight collects around a person’s waistline they’re at higher risk for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and premature death.)

While biking can be good for you, seek your medical provider’s approval before beginning any new exercise program.

There are plenty of bike options that can accommodate older riders and their varying levels of skill, fitness and mobility. No matter the style you ultimately choose, Wayman recommends practicing on a stationary bike before you hit the open road to help boost your cycling confidence and get you used to the mechanics of a bike, including the sometimes-tricky act of mounting and dismounting.

Electric-Assist Bikes (E-Bikes)

E-bikes work much the way traditional pedal bikes do, but they have the added bonus of an electric motor that can assist you when you need it—for instance, when you want to navigate up a hill, keep up with a group or just to give your tired legs a break. You still have to pedal an e-bike, but depending on the “assist” level you choose, you can pedal and ride with less effort. Research in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine suggests e-bikes don’t provide the same intensity of exercise as a pedal bike, but you can still get a decent workout while riding one^[4]Alessio HM, Reiman T, Kemper B, von Carlowitz W, Bailer AJ, Timmerman KL. Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to a Simulated Commute on an E-Bike. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. 2021;6(2):e000155. .

E-bikes are a great choice for any older adult who worries about maintaining the stamina needed to complete a bike ride or ascend a tough hill. On the downside, e-bikes can be heavy (many weigh about 45 pounds), expensive (ranging from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars) and, because of their weight and speed—they can travel up to 28 miles per hour—can pose additional dangers .

Erik Moen, a Washington state-based physical therapist and national authority on bicycle biomechanics and injury prevention, recommends that individuals interested in e-bikes receive instruction on how to use them before taking them on the road. “For people who have limited fitness and strength, e-bikes can be a great assist,” says Moen. “But if all of a sudden you’re on a bike that can go 20 to 28 miles per hour and you don’t have the skills required to handle that speed, there can be problems.”

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Cruisers

As the name implies, cruiser bikes—also known as beach cruisers—are made for casual cycling. With wide tires, wide seats and tall handlebars, they’re ideal for older adults looking for a stable yet comfortable ride. They’re great for wheeling around town or running errands. But all those features that make the bikes stable also make them heavy. If you plan to transport the bike anywhere, make sure you can lift it before buying.

Cruisers are best used on flat trails, says Moen. “They’re not good for long distances [or going uphill] because of their lack of gears and their weight,” he says. “The heavier a bike is, the harder it is to start from a stop and generate momentum.”

Cruiser bikes can also be hard to navigate around tight turns due to their long wheelbase, says Laurie Williams, a League of American Bicyclists-certified instructor who teaches biking classes in the Washington, D.C. area. And with a top speed of about 15 miles per hour, Williams says you won’t break any land speed records on a cruiser.

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Adult Trikes

Remember the tricycles of your youth? Adult trikes operate under the same principle. They’re three-wheeled adult-sized bikes that, like cruiser bikes, are built for the casual cyclist looking for comfort and stability. Trikes are a great choice for someone new to biking, as they don’t require much skill to ride.

The three wheels give the bike a solid, balanced feel—perfect for riders concerned about falling—and some come with gears so you don’t have to worry about getting up hills. However, these bikes aren’t built for speed or off-roading. And thanks to their boxy design, they’re heavier, more difficult to transport and take up more room than a traditional bike.

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Recumbent Bikes

A recumbent bike allows you to cycle in a semi-reclined position, with the bike’s pedals in front of you instead of underneath you. This bike style is a great choice for anyone who needs back or neck support or wants to reduce pressure on their knees. Some recumbent bikes also come equipped with hand cycles instead of traditional foot pedals, so you don’t have to use your legs at all to propel the bike. Because you’re low to the ground, you’re apt to feel more stable. However, that low profile can diminish your visibility to others, so be sure to equip your recumbent bike with a safety flag.

“Recumbent bikes allow you to ride on roads and trails, and because of their extra width, riders notice that drivers give them a much wider pass than they did when they rode a regular bike,” says Williams. Some recumbent bikes can be folded, but they can still be difficult to transport due to their weight.

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The biggest considerations when purchasing a bike as an older adult focus on how you plan to use the bike, where you want to use it and any physical limitations you might have. For example, if you want a bike for cruising around town, look for an easy-to-use bike like a cruiser or adult trike. If you expect to navigate hilly terrain, are concerned about your stamina or want to go fast, consider an e-bike. If you have knee or back problems, a recumbent bike might be the better choice. If balance is your primary concern, a trike might suit you best.

No matter which bike you choose, make sure you can lift it (if you plan on transporting it) and have room for its storage.

Experts recommend visiting a bike shop to find a bike that fits you properly. This includes ensuring proper bike size and seat height. “A bike that isn’t the right size for you can cause undue aches and pains, as well as safety issues,” says Williams. She advises taking a variety of bikes from a variety of brands for test rides. “Also, the heavier a bike is, the more effort it takes to ride it,” says Williams. “So, if it’s in your budget, ask the expert if there’s a lighter version of the bike [you like].”

If you can’t access a bike shop, look into getting fitted for your bike at a local sports physical therapy center, says Wayman.

Besides a proper fit, look for a bike with some built-in comfort and safety features, such as:

• A step-through design. Step-through bikes are bikes without the bar that runs from the front of the bike to the seat, thus making it easier to get on and off. This design is an advantage for any rider with hip or leg problems who may not have the flexibility to mount or dismount a traditional bike with a top bar.
• Side mirrors. These mirrors allow you to look behind you without having to turn your head, which is important for any older adults with neck flexibility issues.
• Horn or bell. A noisemaker of some sort is crucial for letting others know you’re approaching.
• Lights. Even if you don’t plan on riding at night or in the early morning hours, lights are important. They make you more visible should the weather unexpectedly turn dark and stormy, for instance.

Don’t forget to always wear a properly fitted helmet and comfortable, bright clothing. Also, bring a form of ID, your phone, a little cash and even your insurance card when biking. Make someone aware you’re going for a ride, and bring your medical alert bracelet with you if you have one. It never hurts to check the weather forecast and stick to bike-friendly roads, paths and trails, too. And take good care of whatever bike you choose. “Treat it like your car,” advises Williams. “Regular maintenance is important to ensure you’re getting the best from your investment.”