Let's start by agreeing on two things. First, any e-bike is better than no e-bike at all. Not everyone has expendable cash sitting around to plop down $2,000 or more on a mid-range or high-end e-bike with all the bells and whistles. Seniors over 50 account for approximately 50% of all e-bike sales in the U.S. In Europe, that percentage is even higher.
By the time you reach 50, health and budgets will become more important as you approach retirement. "E-bikes For People Over 50" strongly recommends purchasing through a local bike shop if at all possible, simply due to the after-sale support as well as many other benefits. However, if your budget doesn't allow for that, and you can only afford a budget on-line purchase, you should know that you're going to have to be handy with a tool kit or know someone who is. We have an array of How to: Video links available on our main menu to help you perform some common maintenance and repairs. Here is a short list of some of the advantages of purchasing your bike on-line.
Lower cost with some options to purchase in installments, some of which are 0% interest.
Better selection - Unlimited inventory of different brands, styles and available components.
If purchasing through Walmart or Amazon, products are returnable if returned in the same manner as which it arrived (Save Packaging).
Low-cost secondary extended warranties which go beyond the manufacturers initial warranty (Note: Most on-line purchase warranties do not cover labor and you can expect to go to battle to obtain satisfaction).
Secondly, we can all agree the benefits of purchasing through a local Bike Shop is worth the premium you'll pay in the long run. Below is an example of some of the benefits you'll receive purchasing through a local Bike Shop.
Professional advice on choosing the right style of bike for the way you intend to use it.
Buying with confidence.
Assembly and pre-delivery adjustments
Local point of contact for service/repairs
Warranty Repairs
Supporting a local business
Now that we can all agree on those two points, let's focus on the reason for this article. As mentioned previously, not everyone has a bike shop budget. We have selected 4 budget e-bikes with good reviews that you can purchase on an entry level budget. All 4 bikes are delivered under $1,000.
There is no best to worse and all bikes are listed randomly. Bikes are chosen based on good reviews and style choice. You should purchase a bike based on how you plan to use it vs. someone's recommendation, or it just looks cool.
Heybike Cityscape
26", 350 Watt, 36V, 10ah Battery, 7-Speed
Dual Shocks, Dual Disc Brakes, 3 PAS Modes
Low Step-Through Design, 20 MPH Top Speed
Great for Seniors
$465.99 Plus $170 Delivery
Lectric XP Lite
Lightweight, only 46 lbs. Perfect for RV's and Seniors
20", 300 Watt, 48V, 7.8ah Battery, Single Speed, Twist Throttle, 5 Levels of Peddle Assist, 20 MPH
$799.00 Free Delivery
Viribus Trike
26", 350 Watt, 10ah UL Tested Battery, Dual Chains
Brushless Motor, Dual Disc Brakes, Front Light, Rear basket
$749.99 Free Delivery
Viribus Cruiser
26", 500 Watt, 48V, 13ah Battery, 7-speed
Ergonomic handlebars, Shimano Derailleur, Dual Disc Brakes, Wide Cushioned Saddle, Front Basket, Rear Rack, Bright headlight, Heavy-Duty Kenda Tires
$679.99 Free Delivery (Price Limited Time Offer)
If you are a senior on a limited budget, or just looking to improve your health and fitness without breaking the bank, the four bikes listed above have good reviews with a reasonable price tag. We recommend you do your own research and buy a tool kit.
"E-bikes For People Over 50" is an Amazon affiliate and receives a micro-commission on sales purchased through our links. These small commissions do not affect the price you pay, and helps support the content we provide on your behalf.
Keeping the local bike shop in business is a good thing generally. Our local shop does not cater to my particular addiction, but less than a hundred miles has me at one that does. Recumbents are a great idea for riders with balance issues and who like a little faster ride than the delta trikes pictured. Any ride is a good ride. See ya out on the trails.
I make $1k/mo. running a shop for fun. I get a little above average for early retirement S.S. (not much, but a little). Few have smaller budgets. There is no way I would purchase any of these. I depend on my bike. It isn't a toy. When, not if it fails, I cannot afford to replace it. Experience in the shop, with almost every brand of on-line bike, has shown me all will do everything, including just ignoring you, to avoid taking care of your bike (I have one right now for which I have asked to just forget warrenty and to pay full price for parts and they still will not help me). That Lectric Lite is an exceptio…