Best electric assist bike for seniors

In most of the cases, norman padel assisted bikes are not suitable for seniors, because it needs high efforts of the knee. In those cases, the electric-assisted bike can be the best option for them. 

It doesn’t mean all electric-assisted bikes are suitable for them. You have to think about safety, comfort, flexibility, efforts need to run, weight, stabilities, and lots of other serious matters. 

As seniors are starting loving e-bikes more and more than ever, we have conducted research over hundreds of e-bikes and finally picked some best electric assist bike For seniors. Let’s face it. 

Top 6 best electric assist bike for seniors

Nakto 26″ 250W Cargo Electric Bicycle

The very first electric bike that we would like to introduce you to is a very classic looking e-bike manufactured by NAKTO. One of the primary reasons why this e-bike made it into our list of best electric assist bikes for seniors is their excellent customer service as deemed by the consumers. 

Nakto Cargo Electric Bike has a high strength carbon steel frame with the front fork acting as a shock absorber. Accompanied by V brake at the front and expansion break in the back, you can choose any speed that you want with the Shimano 6-speed-transmission system. 

A horn and LED headlight make it appropriate for night riding. The bike comes with a helmet but it will be great if you invest some to purchase a heavy-duty helmet.  

It has a 36V, 10AH lithium battery that is removable. Each time you charge the battery, it can assist you in riding up to 22-28 miles. With its PAS function system, it can save 85% energy during cycling. 

Its 250W High-Speed Brushless gear motors will give you a smooth performance so that you can travel at the speed of 18-25 miles per hour depending upon the road limit.

Natko 26″ has a capacity of 25-28 miles per hour. This motor is manufactured by NAKTO themselves. You can switch between the two available mood – electric mood and electric-assisted mood as you want.

This bike is available in only one colour, white.

Some people might find it troublesome as the bike weighs 50 Pounds. But hey, this is an electric bike. It is supposed to be heavy with a battery and motor attached to it. It can easily carry a heavy load of 250-300 Pounds. 

A 1-year-warranty card is included in the package, among other things, so make sure you get it. Otherwise, immediately inform the store. They also give you UL approved security assurance. 

To minimize the damage while shipping, a 90~95% assembled product is included in the package. But don’t worry! They will provide you with a tool kit and user manual so that you can finish assembling it on your own. If you find too much of a hassle, there are always people who can do it for you for some extra bucks. 

ANCHEER 26″ City Electric Bike

In the world of e-bikes, ANCHEER is a very familiar name. They are best known for their high-quality, yet cost-effective products as compared to others. 

ANCHEER 26’’ City electric bike is the perfect example of an all-around e-bike that is compatible with both the urban environment and the country trails. If you don’t like the sleek black frame, you can always go for the white one.

It has an aluminium alloy body with a low step-through frame to facilitate easy mounting and dismounting. 

You can adjust the handlebar and saddle as you like to find a relaxed riding posture. 

Its front suspension fork made with high strength aluminium and a black matte seat allows it to absorb all the bumps along the way. 26’’ x 1.95’’ wheels on double-walled rims make the frame sturdier. The vehicle weighs about 50 pounds and has a weight-bearing capacity of 330 pounds. 

Front and rear mechanical disc brakes are reliable for all weather. A 6-speed gear makes hill climbing and terrain adoption easier. It has a headlight and horn for safe night riding. 

It has a lithium-ion battery of 36V 12.5Ah. Together with a 250W brushless gear motor, it can reach a maximum speed of about 19 MPH (miles per hour). 

At a speed of 16 MPH, you can travel up to 35 miles. It takes 6-8 hours to charge the the battery. The removable battery integrated to its rear shelf adds to its neat aesthetic design. This feature makes it look very close to a regular bike.    

There are three working moods in this bike – electric mood assisted mood and normal bicycle. The manufacturer recommends combining two moods for better commutation.  

Ecotric 20’’ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike

Ecotric 20’’ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike comes in two colours, black and white. 

It has 20’’ X 4’’ fat tires. As a result, it can handle all terrains. Beach, snow, mountain, or usual ground doesn’t make that much of a difference. With its foldable property, you can easily carry it with you on a trip.

Form the handlebar to the ground; it has a length of about 1150 mm. The horizontal distance from the head tube to the saddle is about 640 mm. 

The saddle can be adjusted anywhere in between 840mm to 990 mm. You have to be careful while adjusting the height, so you don’t accidentally exceed the safety line.

It has a front and rear disc brake. You can easily adjust the power meter and gear controller for riding convenience. 

The strong driving force of the 500W motor allows it to reach up to 20 MPH (miles per hour). The 36V 12Ah lithium-ion battery is removable so you can easily take it out to charge at home or office. It takes the battery 6~8 hours to charge to full. 

ANCHEER Folding Electric Commuter Bike

ANCHEER folding electric commuter bike from ANCHEER is such a fantastic bike that it is not too much to call it a big surprise in a small package. 

With a small body of only 16″, it has a solid high-strength carbon steel frame and an integrated bell to ease your way. It is very comfortable and at the same time, an adjustable seat and a low crossbar. 

This e-bike is a winner for many in its price range with a balanced overall service according to its consumers. This is a rather light-weight e-bike, weighing only 37 Pounds. 

It comes in two colours- black and white. 

As the name suggests, it is made with the goal of accessible, daily transportation in mind. It even comes with some collapsible aluminium alloy pedal. You can fold the bike and take it with you for an outing. Also, you don’t have to worry about it taking it too much space when packing it away. 

We have kept this electric bicycle in our list of the best electric assist bike for seniors, specifically for those whose old age cannot keep up with their enthusiasm. 

You don’t have to worry at all while riding this e-bike. You can pedal the bike manually when you want and take a rest and let the motor do the job when you are tired. You can then just sit back and enjoy the scenery. This achieves your mental as well as physical satisfaction. 

This bike comes with a removable 36V 8Ah lithium-ion battery that can easily take you 15-30 miles on one charge. It takes 4-6 hours for the battery to charge fully. 

A LED meter is attached to the bike handle that indicates available battery power. It has a 250W high-speed brushless hub motor that will give you a maximum speed of 15.5 MPH (miles per hour).

When operating in pure electric mode (no pedalling), you’ll get a range of 15 miles (25 km) and 30 miles (50 km), while operating in electric-assisted mode (when you are pedalling). 

This electric bike has dual mechanical disc brakes that provide effective stopping power when you hit the brakes. A disc brake at both rear-end and front-end makes this commuter bike reliable for all weather. 

Like other e-bikes, this one too coall the necessary tools and keys. You have to either assemble it yourself or get someone else to do it for you.

Aceshin 26’’ Electric Mountain Bike

Aceshin 26’’ Electric Mountain Bike comes with three different moods, and you can easily switch among them to commute as you like. The three moods are – electric mood, electric-assisted mood, and regular. 

That’s right! You can ride this bike just like any regular bike, without any help from the motor at all. As such, we put it into our list of the best electric assist bike for seniors. 

The 3-button smart meter attached to the handlebar allows the rider to go from electric mood to the highest level of assisted mood. The manufacturer recommends a combination of all three moods. The bike is available in one colour only, black. 

The vehicle has an ergonomic detail design. The body is made from aluminium alloy, and the front fork is made of high-strength carbon steel and designed with a shock absorption mechanism. 

The front and rear wheels are sturdy with a double layer of aluminium alloy and add to it. Equipped with a bright headlamp and a horn, this e-bike is appropriate for night commutation as well. 

The approximate weight is 23.6 kg. It has a load-bearing capacity of 150 kg. 

This bike has both front and rear disk brakes and also a 21-speed transmission system. This adds to the safety of the rider and eases the adjustment of speed during commutation. 

It has a 250W high-speed brushless gear motor that supplies all the power needed to mobilize. It can accommodate the increment in speed up to 15 MPH (miles per hour).

Aceshin uses a 36V/8Ah lithium battery from the manufacturing company Samsung that weighs about 2.2 kg. A smart lithium charger is provided along with it. 

It’s easy charging system takes only 4~6 hours to charge to full. Such a battery can easily support 25 km (15.5 miles) to 50 km (31 miles) of continuous riding.

Macwheel 26’’ Electric Bicycle

City e-bikes demand a more stable performance as compared to other e-bikes as you use them in your daily commutation. Macwheel did an excellent job in this regard with the Macwheel Ranger 500 Electric Bike.

For people who have a mid-range budget, this e-bike can be regarded as an excellent choice. 

From the design and configuration of this e-bike, you can easily discern that the manufacturer put a lot of thought into it. What makes this bike look sleek is its battery. 

The battery is integrated into the crossbar, so it looks more like a regular bike. At a glance, you might not even realize that it’s an electric bike! 

It comes with an adjustable handlebar stem that can be put at a higher angle for control convenience or at a lower angle to avoid wind resistance.

The electronic circuitry is well-concealed within the bike’s frame to keep them out of the way. 

There is also an intelligent LCD with backlight. It displays information about remaining battery life; total distance travelled, current speed, level of assistance selected, and more. 

The front suspension fork, with both preload and lock-out adjustment, has fantastic shock absorption feature and along with dual disc brakes, it allows a comfortable and smooth ride. 

This e-bike has three working moods. A pure electric mood where the motor mobilizes the bike (offering a range of 19-25 miles), electric-assist mood where the motor gives a boost as you pedal (offering a range of 37-50 miles), and manual mood where you go as fast as you can pedal.

Ergonomically designed Shimano shift levers and tourney gear levers fit comfortably in hand.

A 350-watt brushless motor is mounted to the rear wheel that can support a speed of up to 15.5 MPH (miles per hour). 

Together with a high power 36V 10Ah lithium battery, it makes a light work of steep hills and long journeys. You can charge the battery on or off the bike. Including the battery, this e-bike weighs approximately 28.9 kg.

Buying Guides

While choosing an electric bike, you should always keep 3S in mind – Safe, Stable, and Smooth. 

The ride must be designed to prioritize safety and stability. In the end, it all depends on whether you can ride the bike smoothly or not. 

There are some additional concerns that you better keep in your mind for you need to understand them before you get an electric bicycle that is the best for you.

Step-through frame: As our concern is to find the best electric assist bike for seniors, its best to keep their safety in mind. Hence, you should get an e-bike with a step-through frame and not a high top tube e-bike. If you cannot get step-through fame, you should go for one with a low crossbar. This makes it easy for the rider to get on and off the bike and minimizes the risk of tripping over the frame. A good way to check whether it’s perfect for you is to see if you can put both feet on the ground effortlessly while seating on the saddle. Also, the electric wires and other components on the frame shouldn’t get on your own while mounting the e-bike. 

Ergonomic frame: It is advised to choose your bike with an ergonomic structure. You should get an e-bike that allows your body to stay in a comfortable as well as upright position. It shouldn’t strain your muscles and joints in any way and allow you to relax your shoulder and wrists. This will decrease the risk of joint pain or soreness.

Tires: It is quite fruitful if you invest in the good puncture-resistant tire as this will contribute to your safety. Having a thicker or fatter tire is also good as this will contribute to add balance and stability. You surely don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere just because you had poor quality tires.

Motor: For senior riders, it is recommended to choose an e-bike with a 250-watt motor. At most, a 500-watt one. The older you are the less you should prioritize speed as it might become disadvantageous to the physical wellbeing of the elderly. Because, The higher the speed, the greater the potential risk of severe injury. Furthermore, riders experiencing slow motor function should not operate too much of a high-speed vehicle. The characteristics of the terrain you are going to operate will influence the power level needed for your e-bike. Going for a lower wattage will enable you to ride for a longer amount of time as an increment in wattage increases consumption. Another fact you should keep in mind that one of the main reasons that cause an e-bike to weigh more than a regular bike is its motor and battery. The higher the wattage, the more the weight and price.

Battery: When it comes to the battery it is best if you have a back-up battery. Especially for weak-strengthened riders who cannot pedal for long, without any boost from the battery they might have to overexert themselves when the battery charge finishes up and they have yet to go home. Another thing is the position of the battery and motor. Different configurations put them in different places. This affects the center of gravity of the e-bike and that of your body. So you should make sure you are comfortable with it.

Range: The range of an electric bike refers to the distance an e-bike can cover if you start with a fully-charged battery and ride till the charge finishes off. The average speed of the bike, the terrain it is ridden on, the rider’s weight and any additional weight he may carry with him, the condition of the bike among other things can become a variable in this regard.

Make a list: List out your priorities. What type of e-bike do you want, what functions do you expect it to perform, where will you operate the e-bike- ask yourself these questions and make a list of them. Don’t hesitate to expect more of your e-bike. You are the one who is paying, you’ll be the one to ride the bike. So, you have to make sure you get the very best electric bike for yourself.

Know your local law: Law regarding the use of an electric bike may vary depending upon your country, state, and local authority. So, make sure you thoroughly enquire about it before buying the best e-bike.

A little precaution for delivered goods: When your e-bike delivery gets home, receive it yourself. Take a picture of the whole package before opening it to keep a record of the condition it arrived in. after opening the package, again take a picture of the parts with your phone to keep a record. This way, if some parts are damaged, it’ll be easier to ask for a replacement or get a refund. Also, make a special note of the serial number of your product as it might come in handy in the future. 

Are electric bikes legal in nyc?

Short answer: yes

The Department of Motor Vehicle published a law recently that states that people are allowed to operate electric bicycles (commonly known as e-bikes) on the streets and highways of New York State. This law has created a major wave in the e-bike manufacturing industry as more and more people are starting to show interest in e-bike riding in NYC.

They categorized a bicycle with electric assist as an e-bike. The vehicle can have a maximum width of thirty-six inches (36’’). The electric motor cannot have more power than that of seven hundred fifty watts (750W). It has to fulfill equipment and manufacturing requirements as deemed by the consumer safety law. Also, it must fall within one of the categories below:

• Class one bicycles with electric assist can have an electric motor that provides a boost only when the biker is operating it by the pedal and will not provide any more assistance upon reaching the speed of twenty miles per hour (roughly, 32.2 kilometers per hour).
• Class two electric bicycles can have an electric motor that may be used to mobile the vehicle exclusively. However, the speed limit remains within twenty miles per hour (again, almost 32.2 kilometers per hour).
• Class three electric bicycles are more of a city-exclusive bike. You can operate them solely within a city that has a population of one million or more. These city bikes can have an electric motor that exclusively propels the e-bike and provides assistance up to a speed of twenty-five miles per hour (speed of a little over forty kilometers per hour).

Please keep in mind that your local municipality can further regulate the usage of e-bikes- when to use them, where to use them, and how to use them. You don’t need any license. However, some sources state that you may be required to wear a helmet in certain places especially if you are using a class three bicycle. But, this is not the case for all places. So, To find more accurate information and official statements, please refer to the following link. 

do you need a license for an electric bike?

No, you do not need a license for an electric bike (Though, for high-speeding e-bikes that can reach a speed of 28 miles per hour, you will need special licenses and plates). Depending on the time and place of riding, you may face an age restriction. In most of the countries around the globe, the age limit of a rider is inclusively within the age range of 14-16. 

It is advised to not give an e-bike to a child of fewer than six years old. For kids within the age range of 6-13 years, e bike’s size, weight, motor power, and the speed limit should be strictly regulated. Also, you may need to wear a helmet corresponding to the place you are in currently. 

How fast do electric bikes go?

Electric bikes in general, have a speed of 20 miles per hour. Though many can go at a speed of as fast as 25-28 miles per hour, especially the bikes that depend solely on the motor to power it up. 

Many countries regulate the speed of an e-bike, keeping the limit within 20-25 miles per hour. Their requirement states that the manufacturer ensures that the power output of these bikes does not cross this limit.

How to charge electric bike battery? 

By now you should know that you can remove the battery from you e-bike. As such, you can charge it anywhere as long as a matching socket for the charger is available. 

To charge your e-bike battery, you have to first detach the battery from your e-bike. Some people might tell you that you need to keep the battery pack switch (and not the e-bike’s power switch) turned off, but honestly, this depends on the model and configuration of the e-bike.

The reason is that the switch in your battery might be one that toggles the state of the battery between charging and discharging, or it might be one that when turned on, discharges the battery and is, therefore, not needed for charging. 

Thus, we recommend reading your instruction manual (or, just ask Google-sensei the essentials for the specific model of your e-bike if you are too lazy :p). 

Now, all you have to do is connect the charger to the battery and power-outlet respectively and you are good to go. Depending on the size and type of your battery, it may take 2-6 hours to complete charging. Please keep in mind that the current condition of your battery may become a variable in this regard.

Can you still pedal an electric bike?

Yes, you can. In electric bikes that have pedal-assisted / motor-assisted moods, you have to pedal along with a boost from the motor. This way you get more mileage as compared to pure electric mood. 

Also, some e-bike requires you to assist by pedaling when you go up a hill. In the normal mood available in some electric bikes, you can just pedal without any assistance from the motor just like the traditional bikes.

Maintenance

For proper maintenance of your e-bike, you should strictly follow the dictation given by your e-bike manufacturer. As each product is a bit different from the other, they have their tips and tricks of keeping fit. Make sure to follow them! If you are a heavy user, you should service your bike once every 6 months and if you are a light user, you should service your bike once every 12 months. Those who use their e-bike regularly should do regular servicing.