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In the spring of 2024, we decided to make an investment in eBikes - for our health and as entertainment. We did our research and bought 2 bikes.

The results were great. These bikes are turning out to be much more fun than we expected. We are having a great time getting out into nature and exploring new trails and streets (when it is less than 95F - this has been a hot summer - we are looking forward to riding in the fall when it is cooler).

We think that eBikes are a perfect tool for health and leisure for anyone over 50, who is less interested in overall endurance, may have some physical limitations, and wants to have control over the amount of exercise that they undertake.

If you want to find out more about the bikes that we ended up buying, here is a link to the manufacturer site. We got Velotric Discover 2 Step Thru Frame eBikes.   We have a code you can use at that site to get $60 off - REF601620. They will ship a bike that requires minimal assembly to your home if you cannot find a local bike store that carries that model.

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Here are some of our criteria for selecting an eBike, including some key features senior riders should look for in an electric bike:

- Step-through frame design - A bike frame without a high center bar allows for easier mounting and dismounting the bike, without requiring you to swing your leg over the center bar or the rear tire. This can be important for older riders with limited mobility. It is also nice for keeping the bike upright when coming to a stop, since it is easier to stand without having to worry about the center bar.  

- Upright riding position - A more upright posture is generally more comfortable and provides better visibility for seniors, compared to a road or mountain bike that requires the rider to lean forward. This posture is achieved via the frame length, the type of handlebars and handlebar position, and seat height. Sitting upright is also easier on the elbows and palms of your hands, since you do not need to support as much weight, compared to a lean forward posture.

We have found that the upright position allows us to ride much longer without fatigue and stress. We travel a lot to the Netherlands, which has a culture built around bikes as normal day to day transportation. They know about bikes. The Dutch-style bikes for everyday commuting have swept back handlebars and an upright seating position.

- Sufficient Powered Electric Motor - We like to be able to use electric power when we get tired of pedaling, so we bought bikes with 750 watt motors. They can get us up any of the hills we encounter without having to pedal. If you ride in an area with hills, get something powerful enough to carry you where you want to go. Less than 500 watts will likely feel a bit too weak to work for many people.

- Lightweight frame - If possible, get a lighter overall bike that is easier to handle, lift, and transport if needed. Our bikes are around 60 pounds, and are a bit heavy to carry up stairs or load on a carrier. Bikes with more powerful motors and longer range (requiring a bigger battery) will be heavier, so this may not be possible.

- Pedal assist with torque sensor - Look for a bike with a torque sensor on the pedal assist. This provides a more natural riding feel and is more efficient than cadence sensors.

A torque sensor can sense how much physical force you are using to pedal, and engages the electric motor assist to keep you at a constant rate of force. So the harder you pedal, the most assist is provided. So as you reach a hill, and start pedaling harder to climb the hill, the assist will increase to maintain the same amount of pedal force as you climb the hill.

Many less expensive bikes will provide power when the system senses you moving the pedals. That type of system is called a cadence assist system. It usually provides a constant amount of power, based on the assist level you have selected. A lower end bike, like a city rental bike, often has just one level of assist. You will find yourself moving the pedals just to keep the assist engaged. And that means that you are not really getting any exercise, since your pedaling is not really doing anything to propel the bike.

- A range of pedal assist power levels - The more options you have to adjust the amount of power assist, the better you can adjust the power to control that amount of effort you need to expend on your ride. Almost like setting the amount of weight on a weight machine at the gym. A number of power settings will allow you to dial in just the right amount of assist to give you a workout at the level that you desire.

- A throttle - Get an eBike with a throttle that turns on the power to the motor without you having to pedal. It can be a push lever or a motorcycle style twist handle. A throttle is great for getting moving from a stop, or when crossing the road. Just give it a nudge and the bike will move automatically. No need for a pedal energy to get moving from a dead stop.  And if you want to climb a hill at the end of your ride, it is great to be ablet o engage the motor without having to pedal.

- Battery Capacity / Range - Battery capacity defines how far you can go on a charge. Most bikes will give an estimate about the range based on the battery power. The stated capacity is a good way to compare the utility of different bikes.

- Removable Battery - Try to find a bike that has a removable battery. This will allow you to charge the battery without having to keep the bike in the same location as the plug in charger. So you won't have to move the bike near an outlet to charge the battery. And if you lock your bike outdoors, it is a good idea to remove the battery to make the bike less attractive to thieves.

- Hydraulic disc brakes - These types of brakes usually provide reliable stopping power with less hand strength required. They are usually standard on an eBike.

- Front suspension - Get a bike with a shock absorbers on the front forks. This helps absorb bumps and vibrations to provide a smoother ride. Comfort also depends on having a good seat. Some bikes also have rear shock absorbers. But if the model that you like does not have rear shocks, you can add a shock absorbing seat post to smooth out the bumps. Shock absorbing seat posts begin at around $30 or so and are simple to install.

- Larger, puncture-resistant tires - The tires that you have on your bike should match the type of terrain you plan on riding.  If you are planning on riding on off road trails, then get a bike with fatter tires with a rougher tread. If you ave on roadways and paved trails, then a smoother tire will give you a smoother ride. Larger diameter tires are also better for traveling on paved surfaces, compared to smaller diameter knobby tires.

- Easy-to-read display - Make sure that the bike has a good quality display with large numbers for speed, battery level, etc. It will help you control the options available with the bike.

- Integrated lights - A headlight and rear lights can make you more visible when riding, and will help you make it home if you are riding after dark.

- Rear rack - A front or rear rack can be useful for carrying cargo. It will be more comfortable than wearing a backpack to carry your belongings.

- Fenders - Fenders will help keep you dry if you ride after a rainstorm.

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Other cool features that may be useful include:

- A walk assist mode that moves the bike along at around at walking speed, so you can be under power when you walk next to it, or use it as a low speed power assist to get the bike up a ramp next to a stairway.

- UL certification to indicate that the bike meets safety standards for an electric device.

- A bike and battery certified as generally waterproof. That will be important if you are going to be carrying bikes on a bike rack in the rain.

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Power Tool Resistant Bike Locks - while this is not really part of the bike, it is important to recognize that eBikes are targets for thieves (just like any expensive bike), and if you park the bikes outside for a long period of time, they may not be there when you return. So it is important to take care when parking your bikes, and invest in a good lock that will slow down the thieves.

Remember that any lock can be cut with a battery powered angle grinder tool - your objective is to make it as difficult as possible, and take as long as possible to get through the lock, so that they thieves will move on to the next target, or will be discovered during the theft.

Some locks that have decent ratings include the Kryptonite New York U-Lock and a Kryptonite New York Chain Lock. Kryptonite locks are a bit pricy, but they generally have high ratings.

Using both a U-lock and a chain lock can provide enhanced security by covering different attack vectors and making theft more challenging and time-consuming. Secure both the frame and wheels to a fixed object. Use the U-lock for the frame and a chain lock for the wheels or other removable components. And always lock your e-bike in well-lit, public areas with CCTV coverage if possible.

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‍Learn more: If you are interested in learning more about ebikes, try renting one for a few hours and see if you like the experience. Then find a local bike store that will allow you to test ride different bikes if possible to find one that feels comfortable and stable. And you can buy bikes online that have minimal setup requirements and have them delivered to your home.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and purchase the product, we receive a small commission at no cost to you.

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