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Riding a bike can be a great low-impact exercise and a convenient way to get around town—but if the thought of pedaling makes you hesitate, consider an electric bike (e-bike) instead. An e-bike is like a traditional bike with a battery-powered motor to help you travel farther and faster with less effort. E-bikes with a throttle even let you sit back and relax while the motor does all the work.
“An older adult might want to pick an electric bike over a standard one because it offers a way to stay active without feeling totally wiped out after,” said Mike Julom, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and founder and CEO of This Is Why I’m Fit in Newark, Delaware. “With an electric bike, there’s less stress about getting stuck halfway up a hill or worrying about how long the ride is.”
Electric bikes are categorized in three ways (Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3), are designed for different heights and weights, and have unique frames and accessories. Some even have room for passengers. Below, we’ll highlight five of the best electric bikes for older adults and help you decide which one is right for you.
We found several important factors when reviewing electric bikes, including:
Bikes with step-through frames are ideal for older adults with limited mobility in the hips because you don’t have to swing your leg over the bike.
We prioritized e-bikes capable of traveling at least 45 miles on a single charge.
Class 2 e-bikes can use throttle power even when the pedals aren’t moving, which makes it easier to walk these heavy bikes uphill.
E-bikes on our list can hold riders who weigh up to 275–440 pounds. Some can handle additional weight in the cargo area.
Before you start
To have a fun, safe experience on your e-bike, we recommend the following:
The Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 EBike is our pick for “Best Overall Electric Bike” because it offers a little bit of everything at a competitive price of $1,177.
Its step-through frame has a minimum height of 18.5 inches—about average—so you don’t have to swing your leg too high to straddle the frame. The bike weighs 64 pounds with the battery installed, making it the second-lightest option on our list. It folds into a compact bundle measuring 37 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 28 inches high for convenient storage and transportation. Assembling the bike upon delivery is a matter of unfolding it.
Despite its lighter frame, the Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 EBike can carry riders who weigh up to 330 pounds and cargo up to 150 pounds. It also works for a wide range of rider heights.
The Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 EBike has several modes. The pedal-assist function gives you a power boost when you pedal, with a maximum speed of 20 mph or 28 mph. (Your local laws dictate the maximum speed settings you should use.) Or, you can use the half-twist handlebar throttle to power the bike solely through the motor, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Pedaling will conserve battery power and help you go further on a single charge. The Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 EBike comes with a standard battery with a maximum range of 45 miles. Choosing the long-range battery option ($200 extra) increases the maximum range to 65 miles—the longest range on our list.
Factors like tire pressure, terrain, and rider and cargo weight can affect an e-bike’s battery life and limit its range. Consider buying a second battery to carry with you as a backup.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0 EBike has a rating of 4.9 out of five stars from more than 5,900 customer reviews on its product page. Many reviewers praise the quality of the bikes and report positive interactions with the customer service team.
“So far so good. I have been riding when I can and on trips. Love it. Getting older, these bikes are great for getting around.”
–Ken S., verified buyer on 8/20/2024
“Totally impressed with the quality! We bought two of the XP 3.0 with extended batteries. We go camping in the Chippewa National Forest, and now that we have wheels, we can check out trails and other campsites that could be future prospects. At 70 years old I can’t walk far, so these e-bikes are a godsend!”
–Jack M., verified buyer on 8/18/2024
“E-bikes are great for people who aren’t super fit or have been out of the exercise game for a while. They’re awesome for people dealing with conditions like arthritis, asthma, or even heart issues because they can stay active without pushing their bodies too hard.”
— Mike Julom, ACE Certified Personal Trainer and founder of This Is Why I’m Fit
The SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle is our choice for “Best Electric Bike for Stability and Comfort” because of its supportive design. The curved handlebars are easy to reach without leaning forward, which may prevent lower back, neck, and shoulder strain. The pedals are also placed slightly more forward than usual, which may feel better on the hips and knees and lead to a more comfortable ride.
Of course, the three-wheel design also adds stability. The trike won’t tip over if you get a little unbalanced, and it’s sturdy enough to ride on trails as well as pavement. We also like the optional extra-large seat with a built-in backrest, which is sold separately for $100.
A large rear cargo basket comes standard with the SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle. Additional accessories include a pannier bag, frame mount bag, basket bag, phone holder, and water bottle holder.
This trike has a maximum speed of 15 mph, which is slower than the other options on our list. It comes with pedal assist and a throttle, and travels up to 50 miles on a single charge. An extra battery is available for $350.
The trike is on the heavier side at 76.2 pounds, but a higher weight is less concerning for a trike than a bike—because it can stand on its own, you don’t have to hold it up when moving it in and out of storage. It holds riders up to 300 pounds and has a rear cargo weight limit of 150 pounds.
The SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle comes with a 30-day trial period, which is rare in the industry.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle has a rating of 4.5 out of five stars from more than 140 customer reviews on its product page. Many reviewers praise the trike and its accessories, but negative reviews tend to mention problems with assembly.
“My wife loves her trike! She definitely needed a trike over a regular bike due to vertigo, ands he has mastered riding it on trails. […] No complaints here, just likes!”
–Bill, verified buyer on 4/13/2024
“I have had this bike for six months and love it. […] I am old and my knees don’t work like they should, but I have no problem riding. I even bought a bike trailer so my dog can come along.”
–Sandra S., verified buyer on 4/11/2024
The Aventon Abound EBike is our choice for “Best Cargo E-Bike” because of the numerous baskets, bags, and other attachments available. Plus, it has a generous rear weight limit of 143 pounds and a dual center-mount kickstand that keeps the bike upright while you pack cargo.
While it’s not unusual to see e-bikes with rear cargo baskets, the Aventon Abound maximizes storage space with a bag that tucks under your seat, directly in front of the rear wheel. Rear cargo accessories come free with the bike. A handlebar bag, front basket, and water bottle clip are also available for purchase.
The Aventon Abound EBike has a unique rear passenger seat for kids. Two kids can fit on the seat at once, and a railing system holds them in place and allows them to hang on. Footboards improve comfort by preventing their legs from dangling, and a rear wheel shield protects them from the wheels and gears.
Like the RadCity 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike, the Aventon Abound has a maximum range of 50 miles and reaches a maximum speed of 20 mph with pedal assist. As a Class 2 electric bike, the Aventon Abound includes a throttle that allows you to move without pedaling. We also love the turn signal lights, which add an extra element of safety.
The Aventon Abound is the heaviest e-bike on our list at 82 pounds, but it comes with a 14-day trial period so you can find out if it’s easy to maneuver in and out of storage. Assembly is required, but you can pay a local bike shop to do this if you’re unable to put it together.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Aventon Abound EBike has a rating of 4.4 out of five stars from more than 240 customer reviews on its product page. Many reviewers say they appreciate the child seat attachments. Others are happy with Aventon customer service.
“Really impressed with the quality of bike and all accessories, especially at this price. Bike is stable, robust, and easier to handle than other cargo e-bikes we’ve tried. […] Everything adjusts and swaps out very quickly – baskets, bike packs, seat, screen, battery, etc.”
–Aldo., verified buyer on 7/10/2024
“Fabulous bike! It is amazing to ride. […] I am comfortable on it now but was intimidated initially by its length and weight. I am 60 years old and plan to ride this into my 80s. Love, love, love!”
–Michelle B., verified buyer on 7/5/2024
The RadCity™ 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike has the best height range we’ve seen on any e-bike. People who are 4 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet tall can use the step-through frame, which we recommend for convenience.
To step over the bar, you must be able to lift your foot at least 21 inches. This is the highest step-through bar (also called standover height) of all the e-bikes on our list. If you have limited range of motion, consider the Aventon Abound Ebike (16.8 inches) or Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 IGH (14 inches).
If you’re up to 6 feet, 5 inches tall, you can purchase the same e-bike in a high-step frame. There’s a catch, though—this RadCity bike has a relatively low weight limit of 275 pounds. Taller riders may be too heavy for the frame. If that’s the case, consider the Lectric XP 3.0 EBike or Aventon Abound Ebike. Both work for riders up to 6 feet, 3 inches. The Lectric carries riders up to 330 pounds, and the Aventon handles up to 440 pounds.
The RadCity™ 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike travels up to 50 miles on a single charge and reaches speeds up to 20 mph with pedal assist or the half-twist handlebar throttle. It’s a little heavier than our top pick at 74.5 pounds, which may make assembly difficult. You can have the e-bike shipped to a local bike shop for assembly starting at $199.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The RadCity 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike has a rating of 4.6 out of five stars from more than 5,600 customer reviews on its product page. While most reviewers are happy with their bikes, negative reviews tend to mention mechanical failures.
“It has been great, my wife and I ride almost every day. The bikes are well built and easy to ride. The step thru design makes getting on and off easy. We can travel well over 50 miles before charging. I am 68 and my wife is 64 and we find the bikes have given us a new freedom.”
– Chris M., verified buyer on 7/1/2024
“Very nice instructions on YouTube. Once fitted for riding, my wife was nervous at first but quickly fell in love with the bike. We run on level one and throttle only on the hills. Fun, fun, fun! Biking is a joy now for this Boomer couple.”
– Richard R., verified buyer on 6/18/2024
We chose the Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 as the “Best Lightweight Electric Bike” because it weighs 20–38 pounds less than the other options on our list. At just 44 pounds, the Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 should be easier to move around when parking the bike or taking it out of storage. It may also be easier to lift up stairs or onto a vehicle’s bike rack.
The Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 is a little different than the other options on our list because it doesn’t have a throttle. That means the only way to move this e-bike forward is to pedal. The motor provides extra power as you do so, helping you reach a maximum speed of 28 mph. This makes it a Class 3 e-bike, which may be held to certain restrictions in some areas. Check with your local transportation department to learn where you can legally ride a Class 3 e-bike.
The Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 has a slightly longer range than most of the other e-bikes we recommend, traveling up to 62 miles on a single charge with a standard battery in eco mode. An optional range extender can go up to 93 miles in eco mode.
If you plan to haul cargo, the Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 may not be the best bike for you. The rear cargo rack has a weight limit of just 44 pounds, while the front basket holds up to 33 pounds. Some of the other options on our list hold 150 pounds in the rear cargo area.
This e-bike may not be a good option for people with limited range of motion in the hips because the step-through bar is 22.6 inches off the ground—the highest bar on this list. Another downside of this e-bike is its high price. Despite not having a throttle, it costs more than the other e-bikes we recommend.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Specialized Turbo Como SL 5.0 has two customer reviews on its product page, both of which rate it five out of five stars.
“Absolutely love this bike. It’s quick and agile and so fun to ride. With the belt drive and internal gear hub, it is not only quiet but as close to maintenance-free as you can get with a bike. This has made me look forward to my commute.”
—Mo, verified buyer on 11/15/2023
“This bike is fantastic. I am sitting upright and comfortable, and still the ride feels lively and sporty. I can modify support via the app to fit my needs perfectly. I use it mostly in eco mode. It charges in a bit under two hours. […] Motor support is smooth and not too loud. The bike exceeds all my expectations after I have driven a few bikes in similar price ranges.”
—Tugsan, verified buyer on 3/31/2023
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 200 hours to evaluating mobility products like electric bikes. We consulted with six health care professionals and mobility experts and mystery shopped 20 brands.
We’ve also surveyed 1,400 recent buyers to understand their experiences shopping for a mobility product like an electric bike.
We evaluate electric bikes based on such characteristics as style of bike, safety features, attachment points, ease of assembly, and other aspects many shoppers consider, according to our survey results.
We choose the best electric bike brands based on how they perform in the most important criteria.
We identified the most important criteria based on our survey results and conversations with mobility experts.
Electric bikes come in a variety of styles with different features and abilities. Here’s what we recommend older adults should look for when shopping for an e-bike.
We recommend a step-through bike. This has a U-shaped frame to make it easier to straddle the bike. Simply step one foot over the low part of the frame just above the pedals. A high-step bike has a horizontal bar connecting the seat to the handlebars. Getting a leg over this bar requires more balance and range of motion.
Also consider whether the bike is designed to travel on pavement, gravel, dirt trails, or anywhere else you plan to take it. If you intend to use the e-bike to commute around town, look for one with a waterproof motor.
Electric bikes fall into three classifications:
We recommend most older adults shop for Class 2 e-bikes. Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes may work well over flat terrain or short distances, but if you get tired and stop pedaling, the motor won’t kick in like it does in a Class 2 e-bike.
Some areas restrict the use of Class 3 e-bikes due to the higher maximum speed. Contact your local transportation department to learn more about local electric bike laws.
“Choosing an electric bike with good stability, easy controls, and adjustable assistance levels can make all the difference for older adults,” said Chris Pruitt, a certified trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy in Clarksburg, Maryland. “Seniors should be cautious of the bike’s weight and speed. It’s important to ensure they’re comfortable with handling and braking, especially at higher speeds.”
We agree with Pruitt. E-bikes can be up to four times heavier than regular bicycles, so choosing one that you’re comfortable handling can help you stay safe. An e-bike that puts you in a stable, comfortable sitting position can also help you maintain your balance without too much effort.
Easy-to-control brakes should be a top priority. Make sure the brake handles are the right size for your hands and that they’re easy to squeeze. You should also be able to easily read your e-bike’s speedometer and control the throttle.
Other safety features to consider include lights, turn signals, and a horn or bell.
An e-bike should be able to have a variety of bags and baskets, especially if you plan to use it to run errands. But not every e-bike is a “cargo bike.” Look for a model that works with the accessories you want to use. For example, some e-bikes can have footboards and passenger seats to allow a person to ride behind you, while others don’t.
When you order an e-bike online, it usually requires some assembly upon arrival. Consider reviewing the brand’s assembly instructions before you buy. In some cases, it’s a two-person job due to the weight of the bike. The screws may also be small and difficult to grasp or see. Most e-bike companies will allow you to ship the bike to a local bike shop for professional assembly, but the price varies.
During our e-bike research, we found only a few companies offer trial periods. Read the return and refund policy before you buy so you know what to expect if you’re not happy with the bike. In some cases, you may be able to visit a showroom or a local bike shop for a test ride without making a purchase. This can help you decide if the bike is comfortable, a manageable weight, and easy to control.
The best e-bikes for older adults start at around $1,000 and can cost more than $5,000. Accessories like cargo baskets, backrests, handlebar bags, and spare batteries may increase the total cost by $20–$500 or more, depending on what you buy.
Electric bikes and trikes aren’t covered by Medicare because they don’t fit the definition of mobility assistive equipment.
You may be able to participate in an e-bike rebate program in your state, county, or city. The reimbursement amount varies and may depend on your income. Contact your local transportation department to find out if a rebate program exists in your area.
| Price | $1,177 | $2,200 | $1,999 | $1,699 | $4,250 |
| Battery range (miles) | 45–65 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 62–93 |
| Max. speed (mph) | 28 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 28 |
| Throttle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bike weight with battery (pounds) | 64 | 76.2 | 82 | 74.5 | 44 (medium frame) |
| Rider height | 4’10″–6’3″ | 5’–6’2″ | 4’11″–6’3″ | 4’8″–6’5″ | 5’–6’3″ |
| Max. rider weight (pounds) | 330 | 300 | 440 | 275 | 300 |
| Min. height of step-through bar (inches) | 18.5 | 19 | 16.8 | 21 | 22.6 |
| Warranty (years) | One | One | Two | Two | Lifetime for frame, two years for parts |
| Trial period (days) | None | 30 | 14 | None | None |
| Best for | Best overall | Best for stability and comfort | Best cargo | Best for smaller riders | Best lightweight option |
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all e-bike, we like the versatility of the Lectric XP 3.0 EBike. It works for many heights and weights while remaining relatively lightweight, and it can travel up to 65 miles on a single charge with the long-range battery. Plus, it’s one of the few options that costs less than $1,200. Its foldable design makes it easy to store and haul, and professional assembly isn’t necessary.
Here are our runners-up for best e-bikes for older adults:
All the e-bikes in this review should be easy for older adults to ride thanks to handlebar controls, like thumb throttles. In particular, we like the stability of the SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle and its ergonomic design. That said, all of the e-bikes on our list require some hand strength to squeeze the brakes, so they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with dexterity issues.
When buying an electric bike, make sure you find out if it’s legal to use on sidewalks and footpaths in your area. Some jurisdictions restrict the use of electric bikes that go too fast. And make sure you look for an e-bike that meets your expectations. Some only give a power boost when you pedal. Others have a throttle that lets you continue moving forward while you rest your legs. As with any bike, make sure the e-bike is the right size for you based on your height and weight. Avoid buying an electric bike that’s too heavy for you to lift onto a bike rack if you plan to haul it with your car or catch a bus during your ride.
We think the SixThreeZero Electrified EvryJourney 250W Tricycle is one of the most comfortable e-bikes for older adults because riders can easily maintain an upright posture, almost like sitting in a chair. Its three wheels provide a stable foundation across pavement and dirt paths, and a throttle allows the rider to take a break from pedaling at any time. It also has a low step-through design so older adults can straddle the bike without swinging their leg up over a high bar.
Although an e-bike can help you travel farther and uphill with less effort, riding an e-bike still requires balance and coordination. Taking a falls prevention class at your local senior or community center can help with your overall balance. E-bikes can go faster than traditional bikes so only go as fast as what feels comfortable for you. Another thing to consider is checking with your health care team before purchasing an e-bike especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as joint pain, cardiovascular issues, or other health concerns. And, of course, make sure that you purchase a properly fitting helmet and other safety gear such as reflective clothing.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
