Show 10
Hello and welcome to Episode #10 of "The Senior E-biker Podcast." I'm your host, Scott, and if you have any interest at all in E-bikes, well I'm your huckleberry. This is the show for 55+ riders who may be new to the world of electric bikes, or maybe just a little e-bike curious. Side note - I get email from younger listeners who also enjoy the show and if you're under 55 you certainly are welcome. With a little luck you'll become a senior citizen someday.
Today's episode is a special Q&A podcast where I answer questions sent in by my listeners. Just a reminder that if you have questions you can send me an email to: seniorebikerpodcast@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.
Before I get to the questions, I'm happy to announce that my new book, "Buying an E-bike For Seniors" is now available in either paperback or as an e-book at Amazon. There's a link in the show notes or just go to Amazon books for "Buying An E-bike For Seniors." It's 180 pages and if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited it's free to read. If you are not an Amazon fan I still have you covered. Go to LuLu.com and search for "Buying An E-bike For Seniors." Either way, picking up a copy of the book would be a great way to support this podcast. Thank you for your consideration.
Now on to the questions. I receive about three or four emails a day from folks who want to know this or that about e-biking and I thought I'd collect the most common questions and turn the answers into a podcast. So without further ado:
1. The first question is from Claudia Bess, of Lexington, Kentucky.
Is an e-bike safe for someone my age/fitness level? (Often the primary concern, focusing on stability, balance, and ease of use.)
2. The next question comes from Dave Williams of San Jose, California.
How do I balance an e-bike? Is it heavier than a regular bike? (Addressing concerns about the added weight of the motor and battery.)
3. The third question comes from Chad Peterson of Omaha, Nebraska.
Will an e-bike help me get exercise, or is it "cheating"? (A common philosophical question about the effort involved.)
4. Next up we have a question from Brenda Miller in Tampa, Florida.
How far can I go on a single charge? What's the battery range? (Crucial for planning rides and avoiding being stranded.)
5. The next question comes from Gary Davis in Lansing, Michigan.
Are e-bikes difficult to learn to ride, especially with the motor? (Concern about the learning curve and adapting to the "boost.")
What's the best type of e-bike for me (e.g., step-through, comfort, cruiser, mountain)? (Seeking guidance on frame styles and features suitable for seniors.)
6. The next question I received is from Jessica Taylor in Mesa, Arizona.
How much do e-bikes cost, and what's a reasonable price range for a good one? (Budget concerns are always present.)
7. Next up we hear from Eddy Arnold in Kansas City, Missouri.
Where can I buy an e-bike, and where can I get it serviced? (Looking for reliable retailers and maintenance options.)
8. Here's a question from Lisa Johnson in Muncie, Indiana.
What kind of maintenance does an e-bike require, especially the battery and motor? (Understanding the unique care aspects of an e-bike.)
9. The ninth question on this list was sent in by Kevin Schmidt of Washington, D.C.
Can I still pedal an e-bike if the battery dies, or if I want to save battery power? (Reassurance about manual operation.)
10. Sarah Brown from Queens, New York asks:
Are there any specific safety accessories I should get for an e-bike (e.g., helmet, lights, mirror)? (Focus on enhancing personal safety.)
11. The next question is from David Green in Madison, Wisconsin.
How do the different assist levels work, and which one should I use? (Understanding the power modes and how to optimize them.)
12. The last question today is from Frank Lopez in El Paso, Texas.
Can I transport an e-bike on a car rack or public transit? (Practical questions about portability and getting the bike to different locations.)
Thanks to everyone who sent in a question. Please send me more and I'll do my best to answer them on another Q&A show.
And with that - it's time to close-out today's episode of The Senior E-Biker Podcast. You can find show notes and a transcript of this episode on the show's website at https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm. If you have any questions comments or concerns, feel free to send me an email at seniorebikerpodcast@gmail.com.
Also consider signing up for the free show newsletter. I'll have more in-depth reviews of bikes and bike accessories there along with extra tips. It's over at SUBSTACK and if you want direct access you can find it at https://substack.com/@ebikepodcasthost
I hope you'll join me again. New episodes drop the first and third Tuesday of every month. Take care and remember, it's never too late to roll.
