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Best E-Bikes for Seniors

Richard Shrubb
Written by Richard Shrubb
Contributing Author
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Ideal E-Bike for Seniors

What makes the ideal electric bike for seniors? It needs to offer enough power to climb hills, for a start! A low step-over height is also important to aid in mounting and dismounting the bike.

Can it carry cargo? If so, it will give you a reason to get on your bike and visit the local store.

It should certainly be comfortable too. Seniors should even consider getting an e-trike if they’re worried about stability.

In this article, we’ll show you the best e-bikes for seniors.

Best E-Bike for Seniors

Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus

by Rad Power Bikes
3.9/5
Overall Rating
Class 2
Class
30 mi.
Range
750W Rear Hub
Motor

What We Like

  • Step-through frame for easy mounting
  • 80 Nm of torque
  • Option of using the throttle
  • Large 27.5" wheels
  • Realistic 40-mile range

What We Don't Like

  • 20-mile range on throttle alone
  • Fairly heavy

Overview

The RadCity 5 Plus is an electric bike that costs around $2,000, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to ride it. It’s perfect for seniors because it has a step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting an easy task. Additionally, it has a powerful motor with 80 Nm of torque that can help you climb difficult hills. You can also use the throttle when you don’t feel like pedaling anymore, however, full use of the throttle limits the bike’s range to 20 miles.

The bike also comes with a rear rack that can carry up to 275 lbs of total cargo, making it ideal for carrying groceries or other items. The sprung suspension fork and large wheels provide a comfortable ride. The only downside is that the bike weighs 64 lbs without any cargo or rider, but the battery and motor make up for this added weight, so it won’t feel heavy while riding.

Bottom Line

The RadCity 5 Plus is an affordable and easy-to-ride electric bike, ideal for seniors looking for a comfortable ride in the city or town. It may be a little heavy, but the motor and battery provide ample power.

RUNNER-UP

Rad Power RadTrike

Rad Power RadTrike
4.4/5
Overall Rating
Class 2
Class
750 W Front Hub
Motor

For seniors with limited mobility, the RadTrike might be a better option. While it weighs much more than the RadCity 5 Plus (80 lbs total), it has three wheels for added support and a wide, comfortable saddle.

It only reaches 14 mph, but trikes usually aren’t built for speed. Instead, this e-bike offers an increased capacity of 400 lbs and the ability to fold down for storage.

Best Fat-Tire E-Bike for Seniors

RadRunner 2

by Rad Power Bikes
4/5
Overall Rating
Class 3
Class
45 mi.
Range
750W Rear Hub
Motor

What We Like

  • The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy
  • Extra comfy saddle provides much needed cushion for a comfortable ride
  • Affordable compared to premium cargo bike alternatives
  • Over 330 total configurations for customization
  • Durable and low-maintenance

What We Don't Like

  • Relatively short range for its battery capacity
  • We think a suspension fork would make for a smoother ride
  • Limited warranty of one-year

Overview of the RadRunner 2

The Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 is an excellent choice for seniors who are looking for a simple, reliable, comfortable, and versatile electric utility bike. With its easy-to-mount step-through frame and moped-style seat, it offers a comfortable ride for older riders. We find that high school kids love this bike as well. It really is a versatile option for getting around. 

Although the RadRunner 2 is more utilitarian in appearance, it is still a great option due to its affordability and range of customization options. Rad Power Bikes offers numerous baskets, containers, and other accessories to fit all of your cargo carrying needs. The bike’s no-frills design, extreme durability, and low-maintenance features make it a reliable and cost-effective option for seniors.

Bottom Line

The Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 is an affordable, fat-tire e-bike designed for seniors. It’s simple, versatile, and has senior-friendly features. Although it has some limitations in range, it’s still an excellent bike for commuting, family rides, and errands.

Need More Options?

Best Value Electric Bike for Seniors

Jetson Journey

by Jetson E-Bikes
4.1/5
Overall Rating
Class 1
Class
22 mi.
Range
W Rear Hub
Motor

Highlights

  • MSRP: $1,495
  • Rack and fenders come as standard
  • Comfortable, upright seating position

Bottom Line

If you’re returning to cycling after a few years out, how far will you go? On your first ride. you might get so excited that you run the battery until it’s drained. Sometimes, a shorter distance is just more sensible.

Ideal for those who are returning to cycling, perhaps on advice from a healthcare provider, the Jetson Journey won’t break the bank and is comfortable too. Thanks to its throttle, you won’t need to pedal if you don’t want to, and the low-standover frame won’t impede you if you have poor mobility. It may only have a range of 20 miles, but that’s still plenty to get you most places you need to go.

This e-bike comes with a rack and fenders as standard, so you may find that a ride to the shops is possible, and then perhaps off to coffee with friends as you get fitter. A sensible, low-cost choice that could get the doctor off your back, this is a good first investment in an electric bike.

Things to Consider

The awkward upper frame tube, while routed low on the frame, could impede your foot while stepping into the bike. It will certainly make you have to lift your foot a little higher.

The crossbar impacts the bike’s aesthetics, too. If the bar is there for routing cabling, couldn’t Jetson have just made a wider downtube? Being a trip hazard as well, this is a feature that we find a little unnecessary.

Best Electric Bike for Senior Ladies

Giant Vida E+ Low-Step

by Giant
4.4/5
Overall Rating
Class
35 mi.
Range
W Mid-drive
Motor

Highlights

  • Hub gearbox requires almost no maintenance
  • Pedal assist only
  • You will have to retrofit fenders and a rack

Bottom Line

Both low-step and low-maintenance, the Vida E+ Low-Step immediately ticks two big boxes when it comes to an ideal e-bike for older women. You will not have to raise your foot too high to get over the frame thanks to the low-step design. With the innovative hub gearbox, you will feel the benefits of being able to ride up a hill with complete ease without too much regular bike maintenance.

Coming in the color options of Indigo or ‘Happy Mint’, the bike is beautiful with its soft tones and classic style. Giant is also an important global company when it comes to bikes, competing with high-quality machines that have lifetime warranties on their forks and frames. In short, this is an almost bulletproof electric ladies bike that you can get around while looking good as you go.

Things to Consider

One of the first things you will have to do on unboxing the bike is to have a rack (and possibly fenders) attached to it. A local bike shop should be able to do this for you quite cheaply, perhaps even putting the bike together for you from the box at the same time.

Best E-Trike for Seniors

Rad Power RadTrike

by Rad Power Bikes
4.4/5
Overall Rating
Class 2
Class
30 mi.
Range
750W Front Hub
Motor

Highlights

  • Three-wheeled — ideal for those with balance issues
  • Low-step frame — step on without stretching
  • Large payload capacity of 450 lbs
  • Comes in 3 optional setups according to need (different pricing for each)

Bottom Line

Worried you’ll move too slowly for your e-bike to stay upright? Don’t want to worry about falling off, yet want the health advantages that come with cycling? An e-trike could meet your needs if you have mobility concerns but you still want to get out and about.

The step-through frame on the Rad Power RadTrike allows those with limited mobility to get on and off without stretching. Because you’ll be sitting upright all the time on the trike, you don’t have to worry about its weight. You can even carry the RadTrike in the trunk of your car thanks to the folding handlebars.

The RadTrike carries up to 450 lbs (including the rider), far more than most e-bikes. This could be the machine of choice for those who have put on a little extra weight as they become less mobile.

With both pedal assist and throttle power available (including a reverse mode), you don’t need to push too much when you ride it either.

Things to Consider

First, this uses a front-hub motor. If you accelerate too much, the wheel may spin and do a burnout without pulling the bike away. Not great for fast getaways!

When it comes to turning at speed, trikes will still want to lean into a turn like two-wheeled bikes. To counter this, you will need to lean your body weight out of the turn.

This can be a little disconcerting and doesn’t seem natural at first, even though it is an essential safety maneuver. But take it easy and you’ll be fine!

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We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Richard Shrubb
Written by Richard Shrubb
Contributing Author
Richard is a well-established journalist and copywriter with years of experience in the EV and e-bike world. He has worked with international sailing magazines, e-bike publications, and national newspapers.
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