Best Bikes for Seniors

How to choose a senior-friendly bicycle

Choosing your trusty ride requires careful consideration. Firstly, it’s important to check numerous details before ordering to ensure the perfect fit is found. The handlebars, seat, and pedals need to be comfortable, adjustable, and in good working condition. Height is also important, as the bike should be neither too tall nor too small, and it shouldn’t be too heavy either, so it’s easy to move.

There are several styles to choose from. One of the most comfortable is the step-through bike. As its name suggests, a person can ‘step through’ since the horizontal top tube is missing. This makes it ideal for people who are less mobile, as it’s much easier to mount than standard push bikes. It also has curved handlebars and the pedals are closer to the ground, so the cyclist is in an upright riding position. The only downside is that space for accessories like baskets and saddlebags is limited.

The adult tricycle is best for maximum safety. Trikes have three wheels, so losing balance is virtually impossible. Moreover, they’re incredibly sturdy, easy to pedal, and they fit accessories comfortably. Unfortunately, they’re are also significantly heavier than their two-wheeled siblings. An alternative is an electric-assisted bike. E-bikes are safe, too, since they maintain speed no matter the slope and don’t require hard pedaling.

Best bike safety tips for seniors

The real fun begins once you’ve chosen the bike. However, you must cycle responsibly to minimize the chance of an accident. Every ride should start with a quick maintenance check of the brakes, chain, and gears. Moreover, it’s worth taking a look at the weather forecast and traffic, as you should never ride in heavy traffic unless there’s a bike path. It’s also imperative to mind your surroundings and learn the different cycling hand gestures if you haven’t already. Of course, this also means avoiding listening to music through headphones, as you may drown out the sounds of the road, leaving you less alert to dangers.

Protective equipment is the key to safety. Should you fall, wearing knee and elbow pads offer additional protection, while a helmet can save your life. Moreover, sturdy shoes help you pedal confidently and fluorescent clothing makes you more noticeable. It’s also recommended to join a biking community. Riding with others provides another level of safety, as your companions can call for help in an emergency. Finally, it’s important to have a healthy meal before hitting the road, remember your vitamins, and take some snacks and plenty of water with you.

On-the-go medical alert systems for extra peace of mind

Following these precautionary measures is important, but technology can always provide some extra assistance as well. Using an on-the-go medical alert system like LifeFone or Alert1 lets you carry an alert button around, which is often paired with a mobile app. These systems are generally equipped with GPS tracking as well. This means that family members, caregivers, or professional help can easily find the user when they press the button even if they don’t know their exact location. As a nice extra, these devices usually come with optional fall detection automatically sends an alert to the monitoring agency when a misadventure happens. All in all, you can explore the great outdoors without a care in the world, knowing that help will arrive shortly in case of an accident.