Show Two
Welcome. My name is Scott and this is episode #2 of the Senior E-Biker Podcast. If you're 55+ and have any interest at all in e-bikes, you found your huckleberry.
If you own an e-bike, or your shopping for an e-bike, or you want e-bike tips or you're just curious about electric bikes, my goal is to be a resource for you and to answer all your questions.
The theme for this episode is:
What’s an E-Bike & why is it great for senior citizens? I'll also have a few pointers aimed at helping you get started safely and easily.
Before we begin, I do want to let you know we have a companion website. The URL is posted in the show notes but it's https://senior-ebiker.transistor.fm - our podcast hosting service graciously also provides hosting for the website and you will want to bookmark this site for several reasons. It's a place where you can always find and listen to the podcast. It's also got a link to our TeePublic Store which gives you a chance to buy podcast SWAG and it contains a fairly detailed resource page that features links to sites that serve, entertain and inform e-bikers. You can also sign up for our free newsletter there. We publish the newsletter over at Substack and the newsletter will have info you won't hear on the show.
Last bit of housekeeping - If you have an e-bike question that you can't wait for me to answer, head on over to our website where you'll find my e-mail address in the introduction box. It's seniorebikerpodcast@gmail.com and it should also be in the show notes. I'd love to hear from you.
Okay - on with the show.
Let's start at the beginning. You hear 'e-bike,' you think 'electric,' but what does that really mean for your ride?"
Here's a quick rundown. Think of it as a regular bicycle with a superpower – a small, quiet electric motor and a battery. Two main e-bike types you'll hear about: Cadence Sensor (this is what most of you will use) and Torque Sensor.
The type of sensor you use determines when and how much assistance you get while you're pedaling. The two main types are:
Cadence Sensor: This acts like an on/off switch. It detects if you are pedaling and, if so, provides a consistent level of motor assistance based on your chosen assist setting, regardless of how hard you're pushing. It's generally found on more affordable ebikes. I do recommend this type for basic beginners. It doesn't feel as natural as a torque sensor but it's easier to get going.
The other option is a Torque Sensor: This measures the force you apply to the pedals. The harder you pedal, the more motor assistance it provides. This creates a more intuitive and natural riding experience, similar to a traditional bicycle, and is typically found on higher-end ebikes.
Unless you're buying a scooter which doesn't use pedals, remember this. It’s not about replacing pedaling; it’s about assisting it.
So what are the key benefits for those 55+?
Conquering Hills & Wind: Those gentle inclines or that afternoon breeze? An e-bike smooths them right out. If you remember being young and riding a bike, you may also remember having to hop off and walk your bike up steep hills. You won't need to do that on most e-bikes.
Benefit #2 (and this one is a biggie for me personally) Riding Longer, Seeing More. I never rode a regular bike nearly as far as I ride my e-bike. I don't shy away from the longer loops now. I embrace them. The other day I rode nearly eight miles without breaking a sweat.
If you're one of the 60% of us 55+ who experience osteoarthritis symptoms, then you'll like this. E-bikes are gentle on the joints. You'll experience less strain on knees and hips compared to a traditional bike, making it fantastic for staying active if you have some aches and pains.
Another benefit of e-biking for seniors is just keeping up. If you want to ride with your grandkids or more active friends, an e-bike levels the playing field.
While it isn't talked about much, I am not ashamed that I lost some of my self-confidence when I hit 70. The assistance of an e-bike made me feel more secure and confident to get out and ride.
Lastly, the general mental and physical health benefits of e-biking are generally identical to that of riding any bike. You'll be happier, stronger and in my case I was able to shed a significant amount of weight without using weight loss drugs.
Concerns? Questions?
One thing that does come up - especially with the hard-core racer types is the notion that riding an e-bike is somehow "cheating."
My answer to them is simple. It's not cheating. It’s about enabling you to enjoy cycling, get fresh air, and stay active in a way that suits you. It's smart, not less. It's simply a tool that expands access and encourages more riding. If this is cheating, then I guess fun is cheating!
Feeling inspired? That's great! But before you hop on, let's talk about safety and comfort – they’re key to enjoying your e-bike."
If you're getting your first e-bike, seriously consider trying a few different models if you can. What feels right for one person might not for another. Many shops offer test rides. Unfortunately, not all cities have e-bike shops. You can always order from some of the big online e-bike retailers like Velotric and The Electric Bike Company - most of which offer some sort of return policy but it usually comes at the cost of figuring out how to disassemble the bike, pack it in the original box and pay a re-stocking fee.
I am lucky in that I had the resources to drive six hours to find a shop near me that carried the Pedego bike I wanted to buy. I made the mistake of buying another brand (I won't mention it because there's nothing wrong with that brand - their bike just didn't fit me) and I ended up taking a big loss on it because I couldn't return it. I determined I wouldn't buy another one without trying it first. I highly suggest you do the same.
Once you have a bike you need to figure out how to be safe on it. Yeah - I know - most of us rode without helmets as kids and we survived. But we're NOT kids now and a fall at our age could have more serious consequences so please for the love of God get a helmet and get a good one. My dad used to say - "If you have a $10 head - buy a $10 helmet."
A high-quality helmet - hopefully one that is MIPS certified - More on that in a moment - should cost you somewhere between $60 and $300. Do NOT buy a used helmet. If a helmet has been dropped it looses some or all of its protection.
Make sure your helmet fits well. Don't worry about it being too heavy. In the price range I suggested, they are all pretty lightweight.
I use the Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet. I got it on sale at Amazon for $65.95. It's a great helmet. I'll put a link in the show notes if you want to find one. https://amzn.to/3SIUcvs
Soon I will do a whole show on helmets and I'll invite an expert or two onto the show to help me run through the options but really quickly, here's why I like MIPS-certified helmets.
The MIPS system was originally developed by a brain surgeon and a biomechanics scientist. By complementing the helmet with a low-friction layer, designed to move slightly in the event of an impact, the system is designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head. This is intended to help reduce the risk of brain injury. Like I said, I'll get into this more in-depth on a future show but if you're looking for helmets right now - look for MIPS - trust me when I tell you that you'll be better off if you do.
What other gear do I recommend to keep you safe?
Bright clothing helps, especially during dawn or dusk. While I look like a geek, I wear a Salzmann Mesh Multi-Pocket Working Vest when I ride. It's made of 3M reflective material. I might look like a sanitation or con...
