The Best Bicycles For Seniors 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

Cycling is a great way to increase your sun time, exercise, and get a breath of fresh air as you get older.

And to truly enjoy your cycling experience, you need a comfort bicycle for seniors.

If you’re looking for the best bicycles for seniors on the market, I’ve gathered them right here on this list.

• Best Step-Through Bike (and the best electric!)
• Best Cruiser Bike
• Best Comfort Bike

and…

The overall best bike for seniors

The Best 5 Bicycles for Seniors for 2020

Without any further ado, here are the best bikes for seniors that you can get today.

Best Step-Through Bike For Seniors – Ancheer Commuting Electric Cruiser Bike 

The Ancheer Commuting Electric Cruiser Bike is a pedal-assist electric bike with excellent features for senior recreational riders. Firstly, the low step-through frame is ideal for ease of mounting and dismounting which makes it one of the best bicycles for seniors. The frame is constructed with a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy. 

The electrical bike has an impressive 6-speed gear that provides the power required for hill-climbing and venturing off the pavement if required to go onto off-road terrain. You will find commuting the city streets on the e-bike ideal with the comfort of wider handlebars which support a relaxed riding posture, therefore, reducing back pain. 

This model is designed to reduce stress, pain and fatigue with a lightweight fork and compact appearance and three workings-modes. The three modes include E-Bike, Assisted Bike and Normal Bike offering senior riders a choice of combinations as needed. When a rider chooses to activate the bikes pedal-assist mode, they can cruise effortlessly and complete their ride with ease. This allows for a mixture of leisure riding and physical activity.

Bottom Line:  This is a popular choice amongst those looking for an affordable electric bike that ensures a smooth ride and an easy commute. The bright LED lights make it easy to change the active modes and the adjustable features allow customisation for each rider. The product includes 1 E-bike, 1 battery charger and 1 tool kit for assembly and is great value for money. Ideal for anyone looking for a low step-through frame.

Best Cruiser Bikes For Seniors –  Viribus Beach Cruiser Bike

The Viribus Beach Cruiser Bike makes our Best Cruiser Bikes for Seniors because it is a simple, cost-effective, single-speed cruiser. The cruiser is perfect for day trips to the beach, riding around town and exploring at a relaxed pace. The high carbon fibre steel frame paired with the low step-through design is ideal for senior riders who need a good quality yet comfortable bike at an affordable price. The large, durable tires work as a great shock absorber to minimise the impact of any bumps on the road. 
Newly released in 2020, the sleek and glossy finish makes it a popular cruiser bike with both men and women. The cruiser is available in two sizes, 24 and 26-inch wheels which feature durable alloy rims and front and rear band breaks. The comfortable padded seat and smooth handlebars are great for extended rides whilst avoiding unnecessary stress on your body.

Tips: Seats for heavy riders are often very comfortable and perfectly suited for seniors. Check our list of seats for overweight riders.

Bottom Line: This is a simple and effective choice for a single-speed cruiser bike that will be ideal for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors and ride in comfort and style. Senior riders should find this a comfortable and practical cruiser bike that is perfect for enjoying a leisurely ride. 

Best Comfort Bike For Seniors – Schwinn Meridian Adult Trike

The Schwinn Meridian Trike is a fantastic tricycle for senior riders who wish to ride in comfort. This is a newly redesigned model featuring 26-inch wheels and a strong aluminium standover frame. Due to the single-speed of this trike and the rear expander brakes, it is both easy to use and safe. This is important for senior riders as shifting gears can be tiresome. A single-speed option is the purest form of cycling and is basic enough for everyone to use. 

The trike is particularly comfortable with a wide swept-back cruiser handlebar option which can be adjusted from 37 inches to 40 inches to reduce aches and pains. The adjustable cruiser spring-based seat works to provide additional support with even weight distribution for longer journeys. The front alloy linear-pull break will ensure secure stopping power when it is needed. 

For seniors, this trike is particularly practical as it has a large rear folding cargo basket that can be used for running errands such as buying groceries and three wheels offer more stability than a standard two-wheel bicycle. A trike is one of the best bicycles for seniors as it will remain stable and upright meaning riders can enjoy the benefit of remaining seated whilst stationary.

Bottom Line: If you are in the market for a trike, then the Schwinn Meridan Trike is a great choice. The three-wheeled cruiser provides a stable and durable frame, adjustable features, and a handy storage option making it ideal for daily use. For less than $500 it is great value for money in comparison to other adult trikes on the market. Schwinn has long been a reputable brand since 1898 creating high-quality and affordable bikes for everyone. 

Best Bike For Senior Women – Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Cruiser Bike

The classic Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Cruiser Bike is a great choice for commuting, leisure trips and exploring the outdoors in style.

There are so many wonderful features included with this bike that you are sure to enjoy.

Firstly, there is a unique colour palette available in Gloss Blue. Then there is the front carry basket and a water bottle holder fitted to the handlebars for ease of use. The cruiser has a rear rack for additional storage making sure it is perfect for any outdoor or shopping occasion. The fenders provide the beautiful creme and tan wheels with added protection and the padded saddle works to ensure comfort on longer commutes.

A single-speed cruiser bike is ideal for seniors. You can focus on enjoying the ride. Last, but not least, this cruiser looks great with a lovely retro style which will complement any rider.

Bottom Line: Overall, this is a wonderful women’s cruiser bike for anyone who is looking for a low-cost option that is both stylish and comfortable. It makes the perfect commuter bike with the added safety of the easy-to-use coaster brake. The features on this cruiser are designed to make sure you can get outdoors and have a fun time exploring on the paved roads with ease.

Best Bike For Senior Men – Sixthreezero Ride in The Park Men’s Touring City Bike

If you are searching for the perfect Men’s Cruiser Bike, thean the SixThreeZero Classic 3-Speed Men’s Cruiser Bike might just be what you have been looking for! The Shimano internal hub paired with the easy-to-use Nexus shifter means that you can ride without any hassle. 

Some of the many benefits of this bike include a rear rack for optional customised baskets, matching fenders, double-walled rims, durable grips and a sleek ergonomic aluminum frame. 

This cruiser packs modern features with a vintage image that is especially suited for leisurely rides around the city. A cruiser bike is made for low-speed, low-impact rides with tough tires that work as a shock absorber to reduce the impact of rough terrain. This makes a cruiser especially ideal for senior riders as the upright position and comfortable saddle improves one’s ability to ride their bike.

Bottom Line: This is one of the best Men’s commuter bikes available for under $500 that is designed by ThreeSixZero who are known for good quality bikes and varying styles. The bike is both customisable and practical and is ideal for exploring paved city streets and taking in the sights. This model is also available in a Men’s 7-Speed and both the 3 and 7-speed versions are available in either grey or black. 

Best Overall – Schwinn Discover Hybrid

The Schwinn Discover comes with a suspension for that cushions the gears and enable the rider to regulate the speed. Combine that with 21 speeds, and you get full control over the speed of the bike.

Moreover, the Promax alloy linear brakes are good for urban traffic. However, it’s recommended that you make sure they work well before you take it on a ride.

For a more comfortable grip and better control, the Schwinn Discover comes with swept up handlebars.

Its sturdiness enables the user to carry a lot of weight with no trouble –so it’s an excellent bike for older people that like to go shopping.

Also, replacing the plastic rear rack with a metal one would be a better choice that takes no time or effort.

Bottom Line:

The Schwinn Discover is a great step-through that suits people of all heights, genders, and ages.

However, before you get to cycling, make sure you drop it at the mechanic’s to check the brakes.

Raleigh Detour 2

If you enjoy going on a bike ride for relaxation and cooling off, you will love the Raleigh Detour 2.

To take on gentle slopes, it’s equipped with adequate and reliable gears. On the other hand, it comes with a vibratory front suspension that absorbs shocks and reduces vibration on bumpy terrains.

Moreover, the flame is built to reduce the effect of shocks and bumps further as well as to take the tension off major joints.

Not only that, but the seat post is also equipped with the suspension to reduce vibrations and maximize comfort.

The Raleigh Detour 2 also has a smooth cruiser configuration that provides the rider with smooth and comfortable pedaling.

And to make it as a top-notch comfort bike, the Raleigh Detour 2 comes with 2-inch slick tires that deliver a cushioned ride.

It also has a rear rack for adding panniers and accessories according to the user’s preference.

The only downside to it, however, is that it’s tough to assemble on your own and might require professional help as the instruction manual is not readily available.

Bottom Line:

The Raleigh Detour 2 is the ideal choice for women –especially ones shorter than average. Its petite design truly qualifies it to be so.

Moreover, the upright adjustable handlebars make it a great comfort bike for seniors in general.

Check ALso: Best Three Wheel Recumbent Bike: The Ultimate Guide

Retrospec Critical Cycles

Looking for a well-made, comfortable, and sturdy bike? The Retrospec Critical Cycles has all those qualities and more.

I have to admit, however, being a single-speed bike is a little bothersome. But with urban traffic, it doesn’t seem like you’ll need much more.

Although it has a bit of a retro design, its functionality is futuristic, and its components are of high quality.

Like all comfort bikes, the Retrospec Critical Cycles has a step-through design that facilitates mounting and descent.

Moreover, the mustache handlebars come with leather grips that match the leather saddle and give you better handling.

The 30mm deep-v rims help minimize the weight of this bike to make it easy to handle and assemble.

Bottom Line:

The Retrospec Critical Cycles provides a smooth and comfortable ride, and that’s why it’s a great bike for seniors looking for some relaxation on their bike.

Sixthreezero Body Ease

Sixthreezero is as comfortable as a bike can get.

The cruiser configuration facilitates pedaling, and it comes with 2-inch slick tires that provide the rider with maximum comfort.

It’s designed in a way that allows the rider to maintain an upright position with no strain whatsoever on their back.

Moreover, the rear rack is a nice addition that allows you to carry baskets and other items.

It has a single-speed system which will simplify greatly the cycling. Concentrate fully on the road, nothing else.

However, it’s a small-size bike, so it might not suit taller people, and why it’s a great bicycle for women.

It also looks great and comes in a variety of colors and styles for you to chose from.

Bottom Line:

In terms of comfort and ease of use, the Sixthreezero is an amazing choice. Its design and features make it a very suitable bike for a 60-year old woman or people with back problems.

Retrospec Beaumont-7

If you’re a senior woman looking for a reliable bike, I’d recommend the Retrospec Beaumont-7.

It has a lightweight step-through steel frame that makes it both stylish and easy to get on and off.

The Retrospec Beaumont-7 comes with premium-quality components, including the drivetrain, brakes, and tires.

With a 7-speed control, you’ve got enough gears to climb some sloping hills or easily commute in town.

However, it’s a little hard to assemble, so you may need your local mechanic’s help.

But once you have it assembled, you’ll enjoy how reliable the brakes are and how comfortable the ride is.

Bottom Line:

The Retrospec Beaumont-7 is a versatile bike in terms of the people that can use it and the terrains it can traverse –which makes it an ideal choice for a bicycle for the elderly.

How Is Cycling Good For Aging Bodies?

Our biological peaks usually occur between the ages of twenty and thirty-five years of age. From then on, the body begins to lose muscle, and the functions of the heart and lung weaken. Moreover, your exercise capacity and body’s ability to recover from intense activity decline. 

Cycling can effectively slow down the progression of ageing, muscle deterioration and much more, according to a study reported by The Guardian. Cycling helps to maintain stable testosterone levels in men, preserve strength, stabilise body fat levels, and improve cholesterol levels. Overall, riding a bike is a great way to maintain your health and stay active. 

Furthermore, as we get older the thymus, the organ that produces T-cells begins to shrink. T-cells are essential for the immune response to antigens. The study showed that cyclists make as many T-cells as younger individuals. Moreover, another study showed that interval training, such as cycling changed activity levels in genes that have an impact on mitochondria health. And of the group of interval trainers, cyclists especially had more noticeable results.

Compared to other sports suchas jogging; riding a bike is relatively low impact. Choosing the bike that is right for you is key in successfully enjoying the sport. 

Selecting The Ideal Bicycle for Senior Riders?

There are five key factors to consider when shopping for a bicycle for senior cyclists. For anyone who is looking to ride a bike, comfort and safety is highly important! Let’s take a look at the five top points:

Comfort: Bikes are perfectly safe for seniors but it is important to find the correct level of comfort and the support for the individual rider. The comfort factor is one of the most essential features to look for when you’re buying a bicycle for a senior. As people age, it is important to minimize additional aches and pains during physical activity. 

The combination of the bicycle frame, seat, fit, and suspension will determine the level of comfort it can provide to the rider. A great alternative for reducing fatigue is to purchase a bike with an electric motor known as an e-bike. These allow for pedal-assistance as needed by the rider creating added comfort on longer commutes.

Frame: The best kind of bike frame to purchase for a senior rider is the low step-through frame. This particular design enables the rider to mount and dismount the bicycle easily without having to manoeuvre their legs around the tubes of the frame. In addition to the step-through frame, senior riders may find a tricycle frame beneficial for reducing strain on the body as it remains stable when stationary. 

Fit: An upright riding position is the best for a senior rider as it causes less stress on the lower back, so it’s easier to ride. Another thing to consider about the fit of the bike is the handlebars. The best choice is the upright, wide-swept handlebars. These, too, put less strain on the back and don’t require a crouching position over the bicycle. 

Seat: Comfortable seats or saddles are made of padded foam or gel. As a senior rider, the saddle you choose will have a significant impact on your level of physical comfort. Steer away from the metal or plastic seats found on many bikes which don’t provide the required support for senior recreational riders. The seat should allow of ease of movement, reduce pain in the sit bones and minimise stress on the hips and lower back.

Suspension: The suspension of the bike determines the weight it can carry and the kind of terrain it’s able to traverse. It should be placed at the fork of the bicycle where it absorbs direct impact from the road or on the seat post. Choose a bicycle with suspension that provides the rider with enough comfort and a smooth ride with adequate shock absorption to minimise the risk of injury. 

Final Thoughts

Biking is a fantastic hobby for seniors who want to explore the outdoors and stay healthy. A recent survey in the United States showed that seniors made up nearly 30% of new riders in recent years with the majority of new riders over the age of 55. There are a large number of best bikes for senior riders that provide the ideal blend of comfort, style and safety. 

If you’re looking for the very best bicycle for seniors I would highly recommend the Raleigh Detour 2 for its sturdiness, smooth performance and ease of use. However, the Raleigh Detour 2 is not the most affordable bike in the current market. The good news is that a budget-friendly choice can still provide a rider with a quality bike. Check out the Retrospec Critical Cycles for a cost-effective yet popular bike for seniors. For the ultimate combination of affordability and quality, I would recommend none other than the Schwinn Discover.