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What types of e-bikes are there for seniors?

Due to their functionality, we particularly recommend bikes with low step-through or comfort frames for seniors. In other words, bikes that do not have a top tube. This makes it easier for older people and those with limited mobility to get on the bike, as the leg only has to be raised slightly and does not have to be brought to hip height.

Von Fabian Huber  |  8 minutes read time

Was für E-Bikes gibt es für Senioren?
About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: May 9, 2021  |  Updated: May 31, 2024

If you feel confident and care about the aesthetics, you can opt for the alternative diamond frame (for men) or trapeze frame (for women). Regardless of which variant you choose, all MYVELO models have an optimized frame geometry that ensures ergonomic and back-friendly riding.

Are e-bikes a new dimension of mobility for pensioners?

Around 76 percent of Germans cycle regularly. The bicycle is the second most popular product in Germany. Cycling is one of the most popular activities in Germany and is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the environmentally friendly, flexible and time-saving means of transport.

Cycling is a favorite activity, especially among seniors. After all, it is easy on the back, keeps you fit and is sometimes even recommended by doctors to maintain physical performance and thus health even in old age.

As we get older and physical impairments occur, cycling often becomes a problem, especially on climbs and in hilly terrain. The considerable exertion has a negative effect on the circulation, and the tour ends with severe fatigue and joint pain. The motivation to get back on the bike soon decreases.

How do we still manage to maintain the motivation to cycle?

The resulting lack of exercise leads to typical age-related complaints and is a risk factor for serious illnesses. The enormous health opportunity for seniors that comes with regular cycling activity therefore becomes a reason to distance themselves from mobility by bike.

This is where a Pedelec can come in and, thanks to the electric support of the rider through a motor, get pensioners (back) to cycling. We'll explain what e-bikes are, what variants there are, what criteria to consider when buying them, and which senior citizens such bikes are particularly suitable for.


Our recommendation for seniors

An electric folding bike is ideal for the safety needs of seniors, as riding at the speed mentioned does not usually correspond to the safety needs of older people and has more of an effect on the adrenaline than on the original pure mobility. When it comes to cycling, it is recommended that best agers use pedelecs.

Thanks to their sufficiently powerful motor, they provide a solid level of exercise on flat terrain. And a healthy load on the organism. Climbs are no problem thanks to the support.

Despite potential limitations in mobility, fitness or physical condition. For example, due to allergies, back or knee pain. Pedelecs are therefore a great option for best agers. So that you can still be mobile and flexible while moving around, even in old age.

When we talk about an e-bike, we will refer to Pedelecs for the sake of simplicity. After all, this variant is particularly suitable for seniors.


What about insurance coverage for e-bikes in general?

A tip from us in advance. Owners of Pedelecs are not legally obliged to take out additional insurance. However, due to the value of the goods alone, this is simply advisable. Depending on the tariff, a suitable separate bicycle insurance policy can provide adequate cover for the electric bicycle.

The two-wheeler is generally insured against theft as part of your home contents insurance. However, the amount of damages you are entitled to rarely actually covers the costs in this case. This is unlike bicycle insurance, which also insures your bike against damage to the electrical components, especially the motor and the battery. You are also insured against vandalism.

What advantages does an electric bike offer and who is it particularly suitable for?

An electric bike improves the quality of life - period. Almost every pensioner has had to cancel bike rides with their grandchildren due to poor fitness. They have to forego a product in the supermarket because the weight of the product would have made the bike ride back more difficult, or they have to resign themselves to memories of earlier times when they went on one tour after another on their bikes with their loved ones and discovered great places.

We at MYVELO want to put an end to all these situations and build Pedelecs that are ideal for seniors due to their highest quality, best comfort and maximum safety.

Why should you switch to an electric bike?

An electric bike allows older people in particular to stay active, to easily integrate regular exercise into their everyday lives and to remain flexible, mobile and independent. On the one hand, thanks to the support of the motor, trips to the shops or to see friends can be made comfortably and without much effort.

Thanks to the resulting large range, the motivation to go on longer tours also increases in order to make the most of the great free time in retirement with your partner, friends or active grandchildren. And to explore the surrounding area, for example. Headwinds or hilly terrain are no problem here.

Since it is legally permitted to attach child trailers to motorized bicycles, small children can also be taken along on the tour without becoming an enormous burden for the driver due to their weight.

Electric folding bikes from MYVELO strengthen your sense of security

This technical advancement in light outdoor exercise not only contributes to the mobility of pensioners, but also promotes their health. By increasing motivation to exercise regularly in the fresh air, cyclists can move around in a way that is gentle on their backs and, thanks to the possibility of always cycling with the amount of energy they are willing to use, they can also keep their circulation going.

Another important aspect is security. At myélo, we pay particular attention to ensuring that our models meet the strong and absolutely justified need for security of pensioners.

Apart from that, a Pedelec increases safety simply through its electric motor. To what extent? While riders tend to have potentially dangerous balance problems when exerting themselves, especially on steep climbs, you ride an electric bike in a moderate range. The reassuring feeling of being able to reach your destination safely and comfortably is worth its weight in gold.


What are important criteria for buying an electric bike?

You can now see very clearly what was already clear. The advantages of electric bikes are manifold. Anyone who decides to buy a motorized bike should consider certain criteria when buying, after all, such bikes are a long-term and costly investment.

However, if you choose your model carefully and pay attention to certain relevant aspects, you will quickly grow to love your bike and every euro will be worth it.

Where is the best place to park my electric folding bike?

The first point that puts off many interested parties is actually a minor matter: Where do I store the bike when I'm not using it?

Due to the increased weight of the motor and battery and the size of the bike, the journey from the street to your own hallway or garage is often complicated and extremely strenuous. However, you wouldn't just leave a bike worth several thousand euros in front of your house because of the risk of theft.

There are two solutions. Either you buy a specific bicycle garage, which can often be purchased from various retailers with an integrated charging station.

We offer the simplest solution

Or you can get an electric folding bike instead of a "normal" e-bike. Yes, you heard right. As part of the growing variety on the market for motorized bicycles, there are also models such as the myvélo e-folding bike Berlin or the e-folding bike Zurich. These combine the modern technology of electric bikes with the practical, compressible wheels.

At myvélo you will find a wide range of models. From the classic e-folding bike for the city to an electric folding bike with FatTire tires for mountain bike tours.

What advantages does the electric folding bike offer me?

The advantage of an electric folding bike is obvious. While other owners of motorized bikes have to worry about finding an easily accessible, theft-proof and often expensive parking space, you can reduce your electric folding bike to a minimum of its original size after use thanks to a well-thought-out folding mechanism.

And the electric folding bike can be easily stored in the apartment or in a narrow garage. An electric folding bike can also be transported in a car or on public transport without taking up much space or at no extra cost. You can see that electric bikes are the impressive answer to the frequently asked question about how to store your favorite item.

How safe is an e-folding bike for seniors?

A second extremely relevant point is the need for security among pensioners. When buying a motorized bicycle, attention should therefore be paid to certain key components that serve to protect the rider. Due to the higher speed generated by the motor when riding an e-folding bike, the quality of the brakes is a particularly relevant purchase criterion.

Our models have Tektro disc brakes, which are characterized by a high braking effect even with little hand force, their durability and precise response. The brakes are particularly reliable in tricky situations. Another important component in this area is the lighting. Our models always have a front and rear light as well as an additional brake light. Puncture-proof tires and a bell are also included.

Although our models guarantee maximum safety overall, wearing a helmet is recommended. However, this is not legally required.

How comfortable is the electric folding bike?

When selecting a suitable model, not only safety but also comfort should be given special importance. This begins with the saddle, the handlebars and the frame. Three aspects that should be considered not only when buying an electric folding bike, but also when buying a normal bike.

The frame should be sufficiently robust and as lightweight as possible. There are various variants of its shape, all of which we offer in our shop.


How do I set up my Pedelec correctly?

When it comes to comfort, the position of the saddle, pedals and handlebars also need to be taken into account. The positioning of these three contact points between the rider and the bike determines the seat and leg position and therefore has a major impact on ergonomics.

To ensure a posture that is good for your back, both the handlebars and the saddle of the folding e-bike should be adjustable. The latter is a gel saddle on all myélo models, which contributes to increased comfort. And ensures a comfortable seat even on longer journeys.

The handlebars of every myélo e-folding bike are also equipped with comfortable grips that ensure optimal grip even on bumpy sections. Comfort is just as important as safety at myvélo.

Our goal is to build bicycles that meet our customers' safety needs 100 percent while also providing a high level of comfort. For a safe riding experience that is enjoyable.

Should I pay attention to the weight, battery and display when buying an e-folding bike?

The weight of an electric folding bike is also something to consider. Due to the motor and the battery, both of which become heavier as the power increases, an electric folding bike weighs more than a normal bike.

While riding the electric folding bike, the extra kilos are not noticeable due to the motorized drive. But as soon as it comes to transporting it, they literally become a factor.

Before buying an electric bike, pensioners should therefore ask themselves whether they want to tackle long trips, which require a particularly strong battery, or whether they want to ride short distances to the supermarket, for which a battery with a shorter range would be sufficient.

Furthermore, the usability of the folding e-bike should not be neglected, from the ideally clear display (including the most relevant information on the remaining charge or the current speed) to the handling of the battery. The latter is usually integrated in the seat post, under the luggage rack or in the frame construction and should be easy to remove for charging.


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Further information and frequently asked questions zu What types of e-bikes are there for seniors?

Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

An e-bike is a bicycle that is assisted by an electric motor. Thanks to a built-in battery, it can generate ranges of over 50 kilometers and a top speed of up to 25 kilometers per hour.

Contrary to what is commonly used in everyday language, e-bikes are actually bikes whose acceleration and speed are regulated via a throttle on the handlebars, like mopeds. Pedaling is not necessary to move the bike.

Since the “real” e-bikes are legally classified as light mopeds, they require an operating permit to use them, as well as an insurance number plate and a class AM driving license.

The situation is different with Pedelecs, which account for 95 percent of sales of electric bicycles. And in everyday life, they are often simply called e-bikes. With a Pedelec, the motor only provides support when pedaling. Active participation by the driver is therefore unavoidable.

If the speed exceeds the legal maximum of 25 kilometers per hour, the motor switches off. Since a Pedelec is considered a bicycle, it can be used on cycle paths. And it is not compulsory to have insurance, nor do they require a driver's license or a license plate. According to these legal regulations and the aspect of activity, Pedelecs are ideal for pensioners. So that you can stay active with the bike and rely on the appropriate support when needed.

One variant is the S-Pedelec, which is particularly popular in Switzerland. Unlike Pedelecs, the motor on an S-Pedelec only switches off when the speed reaches 45 kilometers per hour.

The S-Pedelec, like the e-bike, belongs to the class of small motorcycles. In addition, helmets are compulsory and riding on cycle paths and one-way streets is prohibited due to the considerable speed.

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