Your go to place for everything Ebike
– Since 2014 –
Your go to place for everything E-Bike
– Since 2014 –
Senior citizens are a great demographic for electric bikes. Riding an electric bike benefits seniors by giving them a way to exercise that is both fun and invigorating. When bike riding, the elderly can regain what they felt was lost to age. Biking at an older age has numerous unique benefits to health and happiness.
Strengthens Muscles and Joints
These are the most important health benefits of electric bikes. With Pedal Assist Mode, pedaling can be added while also using the electric motor. The intensity required to pedal with Pedal Assist Mode is greatly reduced, compared to fully moving the bike using one’s own power. This indeed is a great help for mobility and joint exercise.
Bike riding for the elderly can build up muscle strength in their legs while enjoying rides through the neighborhood like a typical bicycle but without the physically demanding requirements of a regular bike. The mobility of bones and joints can be gradually improved with the light activity required.
Freedom To Get To Places Unaided
If driving is not an option, a bicycle grants liberty to seniors. Simple trips that once required someone else can be done independently. There are no licenses required, so the rider can go alone where they need to go without a toll on their body. Fresh outdoor air and freedom to run errands benefit seniors in more ways than convenience. The feeling of not being trapped is liberating and confidence boosting.
It Is An Exercise Ideal for Seniors And Elderly
An electric bike benefits seniors and elderly by offering a very accessible activity. As more active pastimes become too physically straining for aging bodies, battery-assisted bikes offer a way to continue exercising.
Without any special clothing requirements, seniors can wear whatever keeps them comfortable while riding. Knowing all of these ways electric bikes benefit seniors, it’s worth telling every older person in your life about how age doesn’t have to end an active lifestyle.
Whether it’s the mental or health benefits of electric bikes, seniors stand to gain a lot from adding one to their life. Bike riding for the elderly can become more active, social and healthy.
Whatever your age is, grab your bicycle and ride! If you are 60 or older, and do not ride a bicycle, let me convince you to ride.
Bike riding among those 60 years and older is growing the fastest according to data collected by the Department of Transportation. Between 1995 and 2009, the rise in cycling among people ages 60-79 accounted for 37 percent of the total net worldwide increase in bike trips.
Getting Started – Find a Community of Bike Riders
First of all don’t be afraid of riding a bike. Find a nearby program that teaches adults to ride and the skills required to ride in traffic. There should be a website for this purpose then you will receive a wealth of information about different bicycle programs.
Listed will be bike shops, clubs, classes, events, and bike instructors in communities throughout your state. Don’t overlook your local and state advocacy organizations, which at the grass roots level are working to make their communities safer for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. I am confident you will meet knowledgeable and friendly people eager to see you riding a bicycle safely and with joy.
Get an E Bike
Decide how much you can afford to spend and don’t forget to budget for accessories like a helmet, lights, and a lock. If you are fortunate to live in a city with a bike share program, rent one before deciding to buy. There may be a bicycle recycle program in your city where you can purchase a bike for very little money. If you need an added boost while you ride, consider using an electric bicycle. These bikes can propel you even if you don’t pedal, but that won’t give you the aerobic exercise that you’re going for. The best way to use an electric bike is to allow it to assist you as you push the pedals.
This can take some of the load off, especially if you’re fatigued. Electric bikes can also help you maneuver through obstacles, such as steep hills. For a new bike, go to your local bike shop and have fun looking while asking lots of questions. Most important is to test ride all the bikes that interest you. A good bike shop will help you find an appropriate bike for your budget, the correct size and style for your needs, and make final adjustments for maximum comfort.
Carefully Consider Your Physical Needs
As we get older, our agility decreases, no matter how physically fit we are. Many manufacturers now offer bicycles that are specific for women, seniors, and those with physical limitations. If you are learning to ride or have not ridden in a while, a road (racing) bike may not be the best choice.
City bikes are made for comfort and transportation, and with their upright positioning are very manageable to ride. Consider a tricycle if you find balancing on two wheels a challenge.
If lifting your leg over a bicycle frame proves to be challenging then look for a step-through bike which can be handy for all genders. I am now looking for a bicycle with wider tires and a deep step-through.
Finding Easy and Accessible Places to Ride
Riding your bicycle should provide hours of healthy, stress-free, physical activity outdoors that will allow you to enjoy the scenery and the company of friends. Take time to find places to ride that are easy and where you feel safe from traffic. Look online for bike maps of your area and ask your local bike shop for suggestions. Organizations that offer bike education classes may offer easy group rides, usually free of charge. Be on the lookout for community bike rides, many of which close the roads to motorized traffic.
What to Wear
Wear whatever clothing you have that is comfortable when moving and feels good. There is no need to purchase special clothing. But you should be aware that wide leg pants can get caught in your bike chain, especially if there is no guard. Use reflective ankle straps to clinch around the bottom of your pant leg. Wear shoes that protect your feet and avoid flip-flops. Natural fibres like wool are excellent to moderate heat while “tech wick” shirts wash and dry quickly.
Learning to Maintain Your Bike
A bicycle is a sturdy vehicle with all the parts easily visible and fixable. At a minimum, I encourage you to learn to clean your bike and change a flat tire. Adding a tire repair kit and a multi-tool to your bag will cover most road-side repairs.
Staying Physically Fit
The benefits of regularly riding a bike include weight loss and preventing serious diseases such as stroke and heart attacks. Riding a bicycle is low impact, an important consideration for keeping active if you have arthritis in your lower joints.
You can take your bike every time you visit a museum, go to a meeting, or visit friends. With your bike, you no longer have to worry how far you have to park from your destination. If you have arthritis and are no longer able to walk as far as you would like, don’t forget that you can ride your bike for miles.
Riding a bicycle is for everyone no matter their age!
Whatever your age is, grab your bicycle and ride! If you are 60 or older, and do not ride a bicycle, let me convince you to ride.
Bike riding among those 60 years and older is growing the fastest according to data collected by the Department of Transportation. Between 1995 and 2009, the rise in cycling among people ages 60-79 accounted for 37 percent of the total net worldwide increase in bike trips.
Getting Started – Find a Community of Bike Riders
First of all don’t be afraid of riding a bike. Find a nearby program that teaches adults to ride and the skills required to ride in traffic. There should be a website for this purpose then you will receive a wealth of information about different bicycle programs.
Listed will be bike shops, clubs, classes, events, and bike instructors in communities throughout your state. Don’t overlook your local and state advocacy organizations, which at the grass roots level are working to make their communities safer for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. I am confident you will meet knowledgeable and friendly people eager to see you riding a bicycle safely and with joy.
Get an E Bike
Decide how much you can afford to spend and don’t forget to budget for accessories like a helmet, lights, and a lock. If you are fortunate to live in a city with a bike share program, rent one before deciding to buy. There may be a bicycle recycle program in your city where you can purchase a bike for very little money. If you need an added boost while you ride, consider using an electric bicycle. These bikes can propel you even if you don’t pedal, but that won’t give you the aerobic exercise that you’re going for. The best way to use an electric bike is to allow it to assist you as you push the pedals.
This can take some of the load off, especially if you’re fatigued. Electric bikes can also help you maneuver through obstacles, such as steep hills. For a new bike, go to your local bike shop and have fun looking while asking lots of questions. Most important is to test ride all the bikes that interest you. A good bike shop will help you find an appropriate bike for your budget, the correct size and style for your needs, and make final adjustments for maximum comfort.
Carefully Consider Your Physical Needs
As we get older, our agility decreases, no matter how physically fit we are. Many manufacturers now offer bicycles that are specific for women, seniors, and those with physical limitations. If you are learning to ride or have not ridden in a while, a road (racing) bike may not be the best choice.
City bikes are made for comfort and transportation, and with their upright positioning are very manageable to ride. Consider a tricycle if you find balancing on two wheels a challenge.
If lifting your leg over a bicycle frame proves to be challenging then look for a step-through bike which can be handy for all genders. I am now looking for a bicycle with wider tires and a deep step-through.
Finding Easy and Accessible Places to Ride
Riding your bicycle should provide hours of healthy, stress-free, physical activity outdoors that will allow you to enjoy the scenery and the company of friends. Take time to find places to ride that are easy and where you feel safe from traffic. Look online for bike maps of your area and ask your local bike shop for suggestions. Organizations that offer bike education classes may offer easy group rides, usually free of charge. Be on the lookout for community bike rides, many of which close the roads to motorized traffic.
What to Wear
Wear whatever clothing you have that is comfortable when moving and feels good. There is no need to purchase special clothing. But you should be aware that wide leg pants can get caught in your bike chain, especially if there is no guard. Use reflective ankle straps to clinch around the bottom of your pant leg. Wear shoes that protect your feet and avoid flip-flops. Natural fibres like wool are excellent to moderate heat while “tech wick” shirts wash and dry quickly.
Learning to Maintain Your Bike
A bicycle is a sturdy vehicle with all the parts easily visible and fixable. At a minimum, I encourage you to learn to clean your bike and change a flat tire. Adding a tire repair kit and a multi-tool to your bag will cover most road-side repairs.
Staying Physically Fit
The benefits of regularly riding a bike include weight loss and preventing serious diseases such as stroke and heart attacks. Riding a bicycle is low impact, an important consideration for keeping active if you have arthritis in your lower joints.
You can take your bike every time you visit a museum, go to a meeting, or visit friends. With your bike, you no longer have to worry how far you have to park from your destination. If you have arthritis and are no longer able to walk as far as you would like, don’t forget that you can ride your bike for miles.
Riding a bicycle is for everyone no matter their age!
Often, folks who ride bikes frequently do it just because it makes them feel good. Bike riding can raise your mood, awareness and alertness. it may even assist in giving you an effective outlook on life.
The link between exercising and mental health is complex. Inactivity may be both a cause and a consequence of mental illness, for example. And while we don’t fully understand exactly why or how exercising boosts mood, here are a few possible reasons:
Cure for depression
Research show that exercising can deal with mild to moderate depression as efficaciously as antidepressant medicine—but without the side-effects, of course. in addition to relieving depression signs and symptoms, studies additionally suggests that keeping an exercising schedule can save you you from relapsing.
Bike riding can be an effective depression fighter for numerous reasons. Most significantly, it promotes all varieties of changes inside the brain, consisting of neural increase, reduced irritation, and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well-being.
It additionally releases endorphins, effective chemical substances to your brain that energizes your spirit and makes you feel good. Finally, bike riding can also function as a distraction, permitting you to find some quiet time to interrupt your cycle of negative thoughts that could feed your depression.
Remedy for anxiety
Bike riding is a natural and powerful anti-anxiety remedy. It relieves tension and strain, boosts physical and mental strength, and complements well-being via the discharge of endorphins. Whatever gets you moving can assist, but you’ll have a larger advantage if you pay attention as opposed to zoning out.
Try to focus on the sensation or feeling around you, for instance, the rhythm of your respiration, or the sensation of the wind on your skin.
By including this mindfulness detail i.e, honestly focusing on your body and the way it feels as you’re riding, you’ll not only enhance your physical condition quicker, but you could also be able to break the flow of consistent worries running through your head.
Stress reliever
Ever noticed how your body feels when you’re under stress? Your muscles may be tense, mainly on your face, neck, and shoulders, leaving you with back, neck ache and painful headaches.
You may feel a tightness in your chest, a pounding pulse or muscle cramps. You may additionally experience problems which include insomnia, heartburn, stomachache, diarrhea, or frequent urination. the fear and discomfort of these types of physical symptoms can in turn result in even more stress, developing a vicious cycle between your mind and body.
Bike riding is a powerful way to interrupt this cycle. In addition to releasing endorphins in the brain, physical activity allows to loosen up the muscular tissues and relieve tension within the body. since the body and mind are so closely connected, when your body feels better, so too will your mind.
Regular bike riding can help you sleep better
And good sleep helps you regulate your moods. Even short bursts of bike riding in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you prefer to ride at night, it can also help promote sleep.
Bike riding can enhance your sense of control, coping capability and self-esteem. People that ride often frequently report how good doing this makes them feel. Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul.
When it becomes a habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You’ll feel better about your look and by doing this, you’ll have a sense of fulfillment.
Bike riding increases your energy levels
Increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more get-up-and-go. Start off with just a few minutes of riding per day, and increase your rate as you feel more energized.
Sharper memory and thinking. The same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally alert and ready for tasks at hand. Bike riding also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.
Having to switch from a car to an e-bike, or anything else that runs off an electric battery, will sometimes breed skepticism. “How do I know if this is cheaper than buying gasoline?” they’ll ask. “I’m going to be paying extra electric bills each time I plug this bike into the wall!”
This is not a lie, and we do not want to mislead people into thinking the cost of an e-bike will ultimately be more expensive than driving a car.
That’s why there’s an easy formula put together for you to calculate how much energy your electric bike, electric scooter, or whatever electric vehicle you drive, is consuming. Let’s get down to it.
Electric Bike Battery Specifications
The first thing that needs to be measured for these calculation is the Voltage and Current rating of your e-bike battery.
These are usually featured on the front of the battery. If you’re not sure, check the owner’s manual. A rough average for an electric bike is 36 volts and about 10 Amp-Hours. This is a Lithium-based electric bike running for approximately 20 miles on a single battery charge.
Okay, now to calculate the Kilowatt-hours (kWh) of your electric bike, simply multiply those two numbers together and divide by 1000:
36 volts x 10 Amp-hours / 1000 = 0.36 kWh
This means that it takes about 0.36 kW to charge an electric bike for one hour. In most cases, an electric bike will need to charge for about 4 to 5 hours, so let’s say the total consumption for a complete charge cycle is:
5 x 0.36 = 1.8 kWh.
Cost to Charge an Electric Bike
In New York City, the cost per kWh differs depending on the provider, the user, and the time period. A good, round number that is close to the average is $0.10 per kWh. Let’s get back to our calculator:
$0.10 x 1.8 kWh = $0.18
Now, all of these calculations are approximate, your situation might be a bit different if your electric bill is a bit higher, or your electric bike battery is a bit larger than the example we used.
Despite all of these variations, it is only going to cost between ten and twenty cents to have your electric bike charged from completely empty to completely full. That’s actually very good considering the price of gasoline.
Even if you charge your electric bike every single day from completely empty to completely full (something that will rarely happen with long-distance Lithium batteries), it’s going to cost about $5 per month to charge your bike.
If you’re following along on your calculator, that comes up to $65 per year. Now, how much did you spend filling up that SUV last week? That’s what I thought.
Yes, it is much cheaper to run an electric bike, even in the most extreme circumstances or situations. The cost to charge an e-bike is hardly noticed on a monthly scale, and is far cheaper than running a car on gasoline for a month. Want to save some money? Get yourself an electric bike!
I usually get upset whenever I introduce someone to the concept of an e-bike and they say it’s cheating. I really think this is a very narrow sense of view of the situation, because most times, the opinion is coming from someone who has never ridden an electric bike and has never had a personal experience with them.
I’m sure not everyone will agree with me that’s why I’d like to share the unique perspective I’ve acquired or gained working with people interested in, and that ride these bikes everyday.
From discussing their needs and concerns I’ve come to view electric bikes as a healthy addition to any lifestyle, rather than as a way of cheating.
e bike safety tips
More frequently than not, people interested in e-bikes love biking but need or want a boost.
Most electric bikes are more of a hybrid between the rider and motor rather than moped style throttle bikes.
These hybrid e-bikes work via two different methods which are based on the idea of an assistance and not a take over. These systems encourage and aid the rider to pedal and put in about half the effort.
They are not designed to zip around haphazardly with no effort like a moped or scooter.
Because these pedelec electric bikes merely supplement the rider’s natural ability, they are not cheating. What an electric bike of this nature does permit is for riders to go on longer bike rides that they would normally be wary of and ride more often without worrying about fatigue or feeling stressed and over exerted.
It is true that you get a decreased intensity of exercise from an electric bike but it is this low level exercise over a longer period of time which actually stimulates the body’s metabolism and leads to healthier, happier and more energized riders.
Electric bikes are a healthy addition to any lifestyle
An electric bike actually helps the average person stay in shape better than an ordinary bike and people are more likely to ride every day when riding an electric bike.
Take electric bicycle commuting for example:
If you’re lucky enough to have a shower and a changing room at your office, then you should be very thankful and maybe think about sneaking in bike commuters from other buildings to help out the cause.
The rest of us have to show up ready to work, and that means we have to be clean (not stinky). With an electric bike you can commute one way with a full assistance and arrive dry to work, then after work decrease the assistance level to low and pedal off to home for a bit of exercise.
The average person has such a busy schedule that fitting in a bike ride after work can be tough, so why not base it around riding with an e-bike? This is a great way to increase your energy daily and get or remain in shape.
Bicycle commuting is just one example of how an electric bike can actually benefit you rather than cheat you. In fact, for almost every example of how an electric bike supposedly detracts from the joy of biking you can respond with a better reason why it adds to your enjoyment.
Electric bike riding isn’t cheating, they let you have more fun and encourage you to ride farther and more often. It’s no wonder anyone who rides one gets hooked.
Commuting by electric bicycle is now a thing. A big thing! With the number of e-bike commuters on the street growing each day, regular cycle riders are starting to take notice.
Riding of e-bikes isn’t just for the delivery guys and the tinkerers, It’s a real and mainstream movement towards bicycles made better by an electric motor. So if you want to know more about e-bike commuting, let’s look at some frequently asked questions.
Who commutes by electric bike?
Anyone could theoretically commute by an e-bicycle but who actually does? Most e-bike commuters have very long rides and when they arrive they can’t be looking tired and sweaty.
So, if you work a job where your presentation or the way you look is paramount you may be just that type of electric biker. But that’s not the only type of e-bike commuter.
There are many e-bikes serving as an option for cars on short term trips where driving doesn’t make sense. Many people use electric bicycles in combination with bike trailers to create a sort of electric bike commuting sport utility vehicle.
These people enjoy riding a bike but they need a little bit of assistance to go out everyday and get their stuff done, whether it is picking up kids at school, getting groceries, or going shopping.
Which electric bikes are good for commuting?
As the saying goes, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. The right electric commuter bike for one person may not be the right one for the next. The fact is that they are all good but some have special applications.
Let’s say one person lives in the country and the other lives in downtown in a metropolis. Rural homes tend to have a garage and lots of space so I’d say a full size electric bicycle with extra battery packs would be perfect.
The city commuter values portability and compactness above all else so I’d say a folding electric bicycle would be best.
If e-bike commuting is something you’re serious about you’re in luck because it’s the best way to go.
A recent study focusing on travel habits in seven different European cities revealed something that does not surprise us: cycling is the healthiest way of traveling.
People who ride their bikes every day won’t become overweight. This kind of exercise is great for regulating the body mass index. Lead author Dr Evi Dons of Hasselt University added that “cycling prevents overweight people from gaining additional weight and it prevents those who are of normal weight from becoming overweight or obese.”
Can E-Bikes Help to Fight Obesity?
- Weight loss bicycle
Despite all of the progress made in the previous years regarding the environment, health care, and sustainable energy, there is still one huge problem that cannot be solved by legislation: Obesity.
It’s a big problem, and it’s getting bigger. If there isn’t a major change in our mindset, we’ll see obese children growing up and perpetuating this problem, which leads to diabetes, heart disease, and many other health risks.
The main problem with this fight is that it is an internal struggle. Sure, we can make saturated fats illegal, and make gym class mandatory for every child in high school, but the fight to stay in shape has to be ingrained in each person, not forced upon them.
If an individual wants to be physically fit, they will take it upon themselves to exercise and eat healthier meals. Staying in shape should be a good experience, one that is fun and leaves a person feeling accomplished. Though it may not seem like it, an E-bike is a great way to begin fighting obesity.
E-Bikes Can Be A Great Workout.
mountain ebike
When most people think of riding a bicycle, they imagine a physical struggle. This isn’t a great way to travel, especially for a person not used to daily exercise.
Using an E-bike, the physical work is reduced somewhat by the electric motor, and a person can reach their destination with their heart pumping, a slight sweat, and much more energy to make it through the day.
Commuting to work with an electric bike can incorporate a daily dose of exercise into someone’s day without interrupting their daily schedule. This is important for people who don’t have the time to hit the gym, or find the process of exercising stressful.
Electric Bicycles Are Not For Lazy People.
It’s actually quite the contrary. Some of the best electric bikes actually require the rider to pedal the bike. These e-bikes sense how hard the rider is pedaling, and gives a proportional motor assistance.
Many e-bikes will actually increase the power automatically when the rider is going uphill. For an aerobic workout, this is an amazing feature because it allows the rider to consistently pedal without slowing down or struggling to tackle an incline.
Of course, there are electric motorized bicycles that can be powered without pedaling. These are usually referred to as e-bikes, whereas the pedal-assisted bikes are called pedelec bikes. Both styles can be operated like a regular bicycle by simply turning the electric power off.
This is a popular feature with commuters who use the electric power to get to work, then pedal the bike home for a harder workout. It also beats waiting in traffic, paying for gas, and trying to find parking spaces. An e-bike can be locked to a bike rack like any other standard bicycle.
For adults struggling with obesity, an e-bike is a great way to begin exercising daily without feeling exhausted or pressured. Riding an electric bicycle for just thirty minutes each day will increase your heart rate, speed up your metabolism, and help to burn calories. Electrify your commute and help the fight against obesity!