Need advice for getting an e-bike for my mom
Posted by martunas@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 10 comments
My mom wants to join me on my rides and she wants to get an e- bike. I personally do not own any e-bikes, and I dont know too much about them. Any recomendations on what to get for a 60 year old lady?
Budget is up to $1000
JG-at-Prime@reddit
I think the question is, how fast and how far do you two want to go?
Are we talking about a 50 mile loop or a 5 mile outing?
Do you mostly stay on flat ground or are you in a hilly area?
Does she have any particular disabilities or special size requirements?
Can and does she want to pedal the entire distance?
Is she going to need or want to use the throttle part or the whole way?
Is she going to need a basket for her purse & jacket?
What are the laws like where you live? (don’t dox yourself if you don’t want to state a location, just look them up yourself)
You might find that the bike you are looking for has surprisingly specific requirements.
You should be able to accommodate most requirements on your budget but you both might need to be hands on with the project.
sneakerrepmafia@reddit
Not OP but I am in the exact same situation: 60 yr old mom wants an ebike.
She has never had one, so 5 miles sounds likely.
Mostly flat ground
No disabilities, but lifting more than 30 lbs would probably be a challenge
She would not want to pedal the entire distance
Not sure what a throttle part is
Probably just something to hold a water bottle
Ebikes are treated like regular bikes where she will be using it
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
I am almost 60 and just bought a Velotric Breeze. It was lighter than a lot of other models that had an upright sitting position and has a throttle, which I like for getting started. I bought it after test riding several and I recommend doing that.
sentinel_of_ether@reddit
Throttle is like how a car pedal works. Instant acceleration. No pedaling required when using throttle. Most modern e bikes allow for throttle, pedal assist, and just regular peddaling. All as their own individual settings on the bike.
Hard to really suggest anything for a 60yr old woman, depends how active and in-tune with technology they are they are. E-bikes are just heavy and come with a lot of tech sometimes.
waitingforsummer2@reddit
It’s probably out of your budget but if I were you I would go to a local bike shop. If you buy a cheap one off of the internet you might not be able to get it repaired or assembled anywhere.
Minute-Historian1878@reddit
Go for a trike!
ProfessionalWaltz784@reddit
I don’t have specific models to recommend, but two things are critical - make sure the frame is the correct for her size and make sure it has torque sensor assist versus cadence sensor. Cadence sensor assist can be dangerous for inexperienced riders by causing unintentional acceleration and accidents.
Resplendent_Komorebi@reddit
Raise you budget a few hundred bucks and get a Velotric Tempo. You (and she) won't be disappointed. Traditional eBikes are pretty heavy and can be difficult for smaller riders to handle. The Tempo handles just like a regular bike.
Opposite_Impact6869@reddit
I’m 67 years old, and under 5 feet tall. I could not find an e-bike to fit me, so I converted my small bike to an e-bike. I recommend that your mom “try on” some e-bikes before buying. Also, it might be best to purchase it at a bike shop that will service it. I really enjoy riding my e-bike…makes me feel young again!
sentinel_of_ether@reddit
Keep in mind, ebikes are really heavy. She likely needs something super light. Like the Tempo, roadster v3, or solterra. But these are all above your price point.
1000 just doesn’t get you very far in terms of a quality ebike