Electric trikes provide riders fun and fitness
- Jim Miller: Savvy Senior
- July 7, 2022
- 866
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about electric trikes for semi-seniors? I used to cycle a lot in my younger years but have some balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-wheeler anymore. I’ve read that electric-powered trikes are a good option for older riders but could use some help choosing one.
Unsteady Eddie
Dear Eddie,
Electric-powered adult tricycles — also known as e-trikes — are a great cycling option for older adults with balance or stamina issues because they’re safe, super fun to ride and easy on an aging body. Here’s what you should know, along with some tips to help you shop for one.
Safer cycling
If you’re interested in cycling but worry about falling or injuring yourself, e-trikes are a great choice because of the three-wheeled stability they provide. With a trike you can ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, which is very reassuring for most older riders.
E-trikes also come with a small electric-powered motor to enhance the riding experience, so when you saddle up and apply the throttle, the motor will give you a boost when pedaling or it will do all the work for you. This makes it much easier to whiz up hills and ride into headwinds without gassing yourself or taxing your knee joints.
In addition, most adult e-trikes also are made with a low “step through” design, making mounting and dismounting easier. They typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride, have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip, and offer oversize seats — some even have backrests — for comfort and support.
There are many different types of adult e-trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from around $2,000 up to $7,000. To shop for one, contact some bike shops in your area to see what they offer, or you may need to order one online.
When shopping for an e-trike, pay special attention to the motor, which determines how fast it will go, and the battery, which determines how far it will go between charges.
Most e-trikes can reach speeds of anywhere between 15 and 28 mph and typically go somewhere between 20 and 55 miles on a single charge, depending on how much pedaling you do. Battery charge times will vary too, ranging anywhere from three to eight hours.
How to choose
To help you figure out the right kind of e-trike for you, ask yourself how and where you plan to ride it. If you’re primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness or running errands, an upright cruiser e-trike that has a rear cargo basket would be a nice choice.
Some popular options in this category include Addmotor’s M-340 Electric Fat Trike and M-360 Semi-Recumbent Trike, both $3,000 at www.addmotor.com; Emojo Caddy Pro, $2,900 at www.emojobike.com; Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 250W Tricycle, $2,200 at www.sixthreezero.com; EWheels EW-29, $2,000 at www.ewheelsdealers.com; and Buzz Cerana T, $1,700 at www.buzzbicycles.com.
Or if you’re looking to take longer road rides, a recumbent e-trike may be a better option. These are aerodynamic, low to the ground, have a stretched-out frame and allow you to recline with your legs positioned in front of you. Catrike at www.catrike.com and TerraTrikes at www.terratrike.com are two of the biggest U.S. companies that make recumbent tadpole-style trikes. The two wheels are in front, and they both offer electric assist options at prices ranging from $5,000-$7,000.
There also are folding e-trikes, which are practical if you have limited home storage space or would like to take your trike with you when traveling. Some good options here include the Liberty Trike, $1,600 at www.libertytrike.com, and Eunorau New-Trike, $2,500 at www.eunorau-ebike.com.
Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.