I have to admit, I really enjoy seeing seniors on the bike trails either riding conventional bikes or e-bikes. You can see the feeling of happiness on their faces due to their enthusiasm. However, it is fair to wonder if electric bikes are good for seniors, or if they are safe to ride in your golden years.
I Completely Get it! but, let me give you some insight,
ARE ELECTRIC BIKES GOOD FOR SENIORS?
Electric bikes are good for seniors because they foster independence, improve your mood, and enhance cardiovascular health. In addition, strengthen the muscles and joints for a healthier body.
Ebikes definitely made those trails more fun for seniors. All because bikes and e-bikes promote health, are eco-friendly, and are a nice way to get around. On top of that, it’s also fun to ride.
Cycling, alongside walking, running, jumping, dancing, and swimming, are low-impact exercises that are recommended for able seniors. With the dynamism that is found in any type of e-bikes, most seniors can enjoy effortless pedaling.
In fact, most seniors, who had their first experience with an e-bike, joyfully confessed the kind of liberation that comes with it. This is to tell that less energy is spent when any senior rider pushes the pedals on a pedal-assisted e-bike. The journey is simply stress-free.
Seniors can definitely enjoy riding for longer using an e-bike and the journey can also be devoid of pain. The positive impact of riding an e-bike will also be reflected in your cardiovascular strength.
Please note, riding a bike strongly positions the body to fight illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and several heart issues.
However, safety is and should be the priority.
ARE ELECTRIC BIKES SAFE?
When good weather arrives, then it is safe to prepare for a bike ride. Although, it is the stability, comfort, eco-friendliness, balance, and versatility that e-bikes provide that makes it safe for anyone. I personally have seen numerous seniors riding e-bikes and enjoying them safely.
In fact, a study among older adults in Australia can confirm it where e-bikes have predominantly replaced cars the same way you are expected to replace some of your exercises with cycling. An e-bike feels just like standard bikes – only better!
That’s why e-bikes are now the fastest-growing segment of the bike market. In the US alone, e-bike sales increased by $54 million between 2017 and 2018.
Cycling to me has been the motivation for exploring the outdoors in a way I never did before. The adventure and enjoyment are numerous throughout the trails across the USA, I am confident there is so much fun you can experiment with.
So, go for it!. Don’t be afraid, electric bikes provide you with the boost of power and acceleration you need for a pleasant ride. These are features the wholesomeness electric bikes possess that guarantee safety for both young and old.
Now, let’s go over the health benefits.
BENEFITS OF E-BIKES AMONG SENIORS
I have no doubt any seniors can find fun and get fit while having a wonderful experience with electric bikes. And, the plethora of health benefits among senior riders is also vast. Let me share with you some details.
Ø FOSTER INDEPENDENCE
With the right exercises like cycling, the feeling of independence and boost of mental awareness is surely guaranteed. It gives older adults the space to run errands independently.
Moreover, biking empowers you to be more social, it automatically boosts your ability to socialize with other riders. When you interact with people, you add years to your life. But don’t just take my word for it, you can try it and see the amazing results yourself.
Ø IMPROVE YOUR MOOD AND EMOTIONAL STATE
Cycling is a nature-based recreation and this can also help aid with your emotional health. What people don’t understand with cycling, especially on e-bikes, is the effect of nature-based activity.
Exposure to fresh outdoor air gives you this feeling of liberation and confidence. If you ride an e-bike, you will find it convenient as it allows you to ride for longer distances and within more difficult routes or trails without any problem.
Your general well-being gains will improve when you ride and as a result, you will become less susceptible to stress and depression.
Ø ENHANCE CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Riding an electric bike is as effective as riding a standard bike but more comfortable and fun. As a result, you see more seniors that may have sustained injuries or experience other health conditions willing and ready to cycle on e-bikes.
As electric bikes are praised for giving older people easy access to life outdoors, medical research has also demonstrated they do provide as much aerobic and cardiovascular fitness as conventional bikes.
To me, this is a great sign to start unlocking the goodies. If you want your body to remain young and fit, start biking, even if you are in your golden years. Your heart, arteries, and veins will appreciate it and will give you the healthy and prolonged life you deserved.
Ø EASILY STRENGTHEN THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS
The flexibility that comes with an e-bike has made it possible to build up muscle strength in the legs, thus making it an encouraging reason to potential adult riders.
This is possible because of the assistance provided by the electric motor. With an e-bike, your legs move with ease which makes the ride more pleasant. In addition, the mobility you achieve is still an effective workout.
I also like to provide you with some medical facts,
According to the Arthritis Foundation, cycling is one of the best workouts for joint pain, stiffness, and physical restrictions with osteoarthritis. In a study among seniors, the heart rates were monitored for weeks and in the end, there were significant reductions in joint pain for everyone involved.
This is accompanied by an increase in muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and longevity.
SAFETY TIPS FOR RIDING AN E-BIKE
- Seniors should consult with a doctor before riding an e-bike especially if they have any health condition concerns.
- Always do a pre-ride bike inspection before starting the trip. Make sure your tires and brakes are in good working order.
- Senior riders should learn perfectly how to make use of all signals, especially that of roads.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged before taking off.
- Everyone, especially our seniors, should wear helmets.
- Rear face mirrors should be attached to increase safety.
- Installing blinking lights, especially at the rear of the bike, to make riders visible to vehicles coming from the rear is an added safety tool.
- It is also convenient to use bells or horns to alert passersby and pedestrians.
BOTTOM LINE
If you are a senior and willing to unlock the gifts outdoors give, try the incredible nature-based exercise called cycling. It will boost your health physically and mentally.
Electric bicycles are especially good for seniors since they can revitalize the body and bring back that sharp, elegant, and captivating look of your younger days.
Don’t underestimate the health benefits. I truly believe, once you get one and start using it regularly, the magic begins!
_Ria