Discover Your Perfect Ride: Exploring the Bicycle Styles for Active Aging
There’s an old saying that I’ve heard applied to a variety of areas including real estate, which applies equally well to choosing to take up bicycling: The best time to start riding a bicycle was 20 years ago, and the second best time is today. There is no wrong time to take up cycling as the benefits are so great both for personal wellness and for all the associated benefits for us all. But, depending on age and physical abilities, choosing a style of bicycle might play an important role.
Older adults might not want to ride a BMX or a steel-framed fixed-gear bike with no brakes, and that’s ok. Most people don’t. Most people want to get a bit of exercise, a boost in mental health and clarity and enjoy the benefits of leaving the car at home. It doesn’t matter what style of bicycle you ride, just that you start turning those pedals.
These days, there are so many incredible styles of bicycle that are directly, ahem, geared to those who aren’t interested in racing around in lycra or bombing downhills in the mountains.
In this article, we will explore the styles tailored to the needs of older adults and offer examples . We will discuss the pros and cons of each, delving deeper into the stories of individuals who have found their perfect ride among step-through bicycles, low-step bikes, recumbent bicycles, adult trikes, and the ever-popular e-bikes. So, fasten your helmet and join us as we pedal through the pros and cons of these versatile bicycles, each offering a unique experience for older riders.
Step-Through Bicycles
When people think of true utilitarian bicycles, we often imagine cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam where riding on the daily is deeply engrained in civic culture. But take a closer look at what everyone is riding and it isn’t the Raleigh 10-speed you had when you were in high school. It’s a bike designed for comfort and the wear and tear of daily all-season riding.
The so-called Dutch bike, is usually a step-through bicycle with an upright riding position, a steel frame, fenders, a chain guard and a handful of gears at most.
For older riders, an upright riding position combined with a step-through frame provides great comfort and allows a full field of vision.
Pros: In the world of cycling, accessibility is key, and step-through bicycles are the gatekeepers to this world. With their uniquely designed frame, these bikes make mounting and dismounting a breeze, catering to those with limited mobility or flexibility. Imagine effortlessly mounting a saddle without having to perform the acrobatics required by a traditional diamond-frame bicycle. This feature alone has made step-through bicycles a favorite among older adults.
But it’s not just about accessibility; step-through bikes also offer comfort in spades. The upright riding position reduces strain on the back and neck, allowing riders to cruise along in comfort while enjoying the scenery. Whether you opt for a traditional city bike, a hybrid, or a cruiser, step-through bicycles come in various models, catering to different preferences.
Cons: However, it’s not all smooth riding in the world of step-through bicycles. One trade-off for the ease of accessibility is a potential sacrifice in speed. These bikes may not match the speed of other styles due to their more relaxed riding position. If you’re aiming for high-intensity rides or off-road adventures, a step-through bike may not be your best companion. But for leisurely jaunts through the park, to the grocery store, or exploring your neighborhood, they are a perfect fit.
There are a number of brands specialising in step-through electric bicycles such as Leaper(pictured below).
