Exercising provides many benefits to the human body. These benefits include physical, psychological, social, and mental health wellbeing. For seniors, this a big win, since their abilities, both physical and mental start to decline as they age. When older adults incorporate exercise in their routine, they can improve cognitive function and may even prolong life expectancy. Exercising can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions that often occur in seniors.
One of the best ways for seniors to incorporate exercise into their daily routine is by biking. Biking is a low impact workout that most seniors can easily pick up. Most bikes come with a comfortable seat, durable material, and can sometimes provide special features for those with limited mobility. Plus, biking is an affordable choice as well. Below are the best bikes for seniors. Take a look to see which bike may be the best choice for you!
1. Schwinn Wayfarer: Top Choice!
The Schwinn Wayfarer is the best overall choice for seniors that are looking for comfort, style, and price. The bike is a hybrid model, with an upright riding position and very durable, which is perfect for seniors that need the feeling of being control while riding. The Schwinn Wayfarer is also perfect for riding around the neighborhood or places where a marked bike path may be. The bike provides seniors with a great low price as well, around $300!
2. Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 : Best for Urban Cycling
Our next bike is the Co-op cycling bike by REI. This model is great for urban living residents, for both men and women. The bike offers a sturdy aluminum frame with puncture-resistant 700 x 40 mm tires, which is perfect for driving on flat or bumpy terrain. The Coo-op cycles are lightweight at only 27.8 pounds and can support up to 300 pounds. The bike has many features, including up to 24 gears for smooth ride and can handle almost any riding environment, which most seniors would prefer.
3. Raleigh Detour 1 Bike : Best Hybrid Bike for Beginners
Next is the Raleigh Detour 1 Bike. Many seniors choose this model because of its comfortable seat and sturdy aluminum frame, which is a plus for those who have not ridden a bike in a while. The Raleigh Detour 1 bike is great for seniors just getting started with riding by just going a few miles a day, or getting out to do run a couple errands around the block. The bike is light, weighing only 31 pounds. The bike comes with several features, including a soft seat, fender mounts, good handlebar support for gripping, and an extra rack.
4. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney : Best Ergonomic Bike for Comfort
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney is one of the best bikes for seniors for several reasons. One is that of the ergonomic design, which makes the senior feel comfortable when riding it and a enjoyable ride to and from the store. The bike is great for both smooth riding, as well as rough and uneven terrain. Most seniors choose this bike because of its lightweight frame and comfortable seat. The bike is equipped with 26-inch wheels and wide tires for a sturdier ride on any type of terrain. The sixthreezero EVRYjourney offers four different speeds and seniors can ride up to 20 miles at a time. The bike is also great for seniors that want to stay active, especially after having knee or back pain, or those who enjoy riding uphill.
How to Choose the Bike for you
Some believe that the best options for bikes for seniors is a hybrid model. The reason for this is that it can help seniors get the exercise they need while also providing the opportunity to run some errands around town with ease. A hybrid bike can offer seniors more features too. From better comfortable seating, to having a higher weight capacity, to a better overall ride on almost any terrain. Whichever model that seniors choose, making sure it offers the best height, weight, or physical needs for each senior. Below are some other features that seniors should consider.
- Adjustable handlebars — Handlebars should be high enough to be comfortable for cruising, yet easy for gripping firmly, no matter the speed.
- Contoured seats — Saddles, as some call them, should be padded and shaped for both male or female riders. Giving them a more comfortable feel.
- Seat adjustment — Upright seat positions give the rider a better ride and less pressure on the back.
- Shock absorbers — Choose the “road feel” that is preferred but still buffers bumps on the road.
- Tires — Seniors should choose tires with anti-slip grooves for wet weather and wider tires for more comfort.
- Terrain — If you live in a hilly area, get a bike that’s lighter but with good handling ability on inclines.
What kind of bike is the easiest to ride?
For seniors or older adults, most people will agree that the easiest bikes to ride are lightweight and provides dual brakes, making it simple and easy to stop fast. A bike with a good suspension system is also a plus. Most bikes that are made for seniors have about 3 to 7 speeds, making it convenient to ride on smooth rides, hilly terrain, or rough pathways. Having all weather tires are also a must! They can help seniors to improve their traction while cruising around town. Both hybrid and cruisers are a great option for seniors.
Safety Tips on how to Stay Safe while cycling
- Always put a helmet on, even if you are going around the neighborhood.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, this is to protect your feet and grip the pedals.
- Attach bike lights to the front and back of your bike for greater visibility.
- Be sure to have a working bell so you can warn pedestrians ahead.
- You should wear reflective or light-colored clothing, so motorists can see you easily at night.
- Signal well ahead of when you intend to turn, and check for traffic.
- Add a patch kit and a pump to your bike frame, and know how to use them.
- Avoid cycling at night if your night vision is poor.
- Carry a mobile phone and battery charger in case of emergency.
- Always have some form of ID on your person.
Bikes designed for seniors with mobility issues
In this next section, we will discuss what are the best bikes for seniors with disability challenges. Although the previous bike options are some of the best for seniors overall, the bikes in this section are better designed for those that have mobility issues or concerns. Here is a small list of the best choices for disabled or physically-challenged seniors.
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bicycles are a great alternative for seniors who still need to exercise, yet may have some mobility issues. The average recumbent bike will help seniors to burn up to 300 calories per hour, depending on the person’s weight. It also gives the senior a more comfortable seat, while getting them in shape, all at the same time. Since the senior is sitting while riding, and lower to the ground, the bikes provide a less of a chance for seniors to tumble off the bike, making it a safer ride. Seniors with balance issues should also choose this type of bike, since there is no need for them to balance while riding. Cycling in a recumbent bicycle is also good for the heart and lungs, lowering the senior’s chances of heart disease and stroke. The bikes are for all people that have problems with the tissue or cartilage in their knees or ankles, not just seniors. Recumbent bikes come with both 2 and 3 wheels, and in all shapes and sizes, so seniors can choose which one is right for them. Most can hold up to 400 pounds. Recumbent bikes can range from $1,695 to up to $8,000, it all depends on the brand, model, and size.
Trikes
The trike is second on this list, although some believe it is easier to balance on than the recumbent bikes. These three-wheeled cruisers give seniors and disabled individuals an great alternative than your average two-wheel traditional bicycle. The trike offers wide tires and handlebars, comfortable saddle to keep senior sitting upright, and both front and rear fenders for a classy look while riding down the street or through the neighborhood. Most model trikes provide rear wire basket, easy to control pedals, and a bell on the handlebars for walking pedestrians to notice them riding by. The trike is ideal for short trips, such as taking a stroll down to the beach, making a quick trip to the grocery store, or just walking the family dog. The trike also helps seniors raise their heart rate and gets the blood flowing for a good workout. Even though the trikes do provide good balance, seniors should avoid going to fast around corners, to prevent the risk of rolling out. The price are trikes are more affordable than the recumbent bikes. They range from a few hundred dollars to couple thousand dollars, depending on where you buy it.
The Alinker
Our last bike that works well for seniors with mobility issues is the Alinker. It is designed with two large wheels in front and a smaller one in the back. It is often called a “walking bike” built specifically for those with balance and mobility limitations, or have been sedentary for some time. The bike works by requiring the senior to propel it with their feet, instead of using pedals. The Alinker offers an adjustable saddle, strong aluminum frame, and a hand brake on the right handle bar, making it very easy to stop if need be. It is also a great choice for seniors with arthritis, sore joints, or other physical impairments related to balance. If you are looking for physical assistance, then the Alinker is the right bike for you. It can help with rebuilding muscles and boost your cardiovascular health, and stimulate circulation for those who have been wheelchair-bound for some time. It holds up to 265 pounds and is available in 3 sizes. The price for an alinker is $2,570, if paid in full. However, the website does offer rent-to-own options for those looking for easier payment arrangements.
Final Notes…
The older we get, the harder it is to ride a traditional bicycle. Many traditional bikes can put unnecessary strain on the back, hips, and knees, making it uncomfortable to do long trips. For seniors, comfort is probably the main feature that they look for in a bike. Seniors also want to find a bike that will support their back and reduce knee pain while pedaling. The width of the tires are also important, since they want to be able control where they ride and get a smoother ride. Riding a bike improves your physical and mental wellbeing, so seniors should consider this activity. Plus, riding offers a low impact workout for seniors, which is exactly what they need. For those who choose the recumbent bikes, it will provide the perfect combination of comfort with a good cardio workout without straining the muscles. Stability is also important to seniors. So choosing the Alinker may be the best choice for you.
For those who still have their balance yet want an easy ride, then choosing a hybrid bike would probably be a good option. Look through all the features that each bike offers when choosing the right one for you. Pricing is always a factor as well. There are some sites that do offer bikes for those on a budget. Lastly, always choose a bike that comes with a warranty, even if it a small one, just in case you might need to repair it or if something breaks on it. It may be helpful to choose a bike with some extra features to help you enhance your workouts. This could be like having a Bluetooth app that can track your workouts or adding resistance levels to boost your physical fitness. Whichever you choose, make sure you are comfortable with the changes on the bike.
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