PHOTO BY KBO=BIKE
What We’re Seeing on Trails and Bike Paths…
Park trails and city bike paths are teeming with older adults riding E-bikes and hiking with trekking poles.
by Catherine Gannon Taintor
November 2022
HOP ON AN E-BIKE AND ENJOY THE RIDE.
Not only are they fun, but you don’t need to be super fit to ride one
What is an e-bike? I worried at first it was a super-fast motorscooter. It’s not.
An E-Bike is a bicycle equipped with a small motor. You can pedal an e-bike, but you won’t have to pedal hard. Newer versions are lightweight, attractive, and more powerful.
PROS OF AN E-BIKE:
- Gets you outside
- Helps you climb steep hills with its small motor
- Improves your balance and mobility
- Is a good low-impact exercise
- Improves cognitive function and stimulates the mind
- Is a great way to green your transportation. Bike instead of drive and cut down on air pollution and carbon emissions.
Are they pricey?
They are more expensive than regular bikes. The average cost of an e-bike is between $550-$1,500 depending on the type of bike you buy. More expensive e-bikes can cost as much as $8,000. It’s a good idea to rent one from a bike-share and try it out before you buy.
BIKE CLASSIFICATIONS
- Class 1: has only pedal assistance up to 20 mph.
- Class 2: has pedal assistance + throttle assistance (ride without the need for pedaling) up to 20 mph/
- Class 3: has pedal assistance + throttle assistance up to 28 mph
TYPES OF E-BIKES
- Cruiser bikes: Riding on bike trails and paths. They ride 20 mph and travel 45+ miles on a single battery charge
- Commuter bikes: Faster bike for traveling to a local destination such as work, school, or stores.
- Mountain bikes: Handles rugged terrain with fat tires. Can be custom made.
DON’T CARE, NOT GOING TO WEAR SPANDEX
Relax. Cycling wear comes in baggy shorts and shirts and in sedate colors and styles. Always wear a helmet.
TREKKING POLES
A must for safety on rocky trails
Trekking poles are two poles made of lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. They reduce the force on the knees and help with balance and stability. Most are adjustable in length. Trekking poles are great for rocky or uneven terrain. The cost is anywhere from $60 to $200.
Trekking poles:
- Protect knees during descent. Poles allow upper body muscles to take over cushioning tasks for the muscles that support the knee.
- Ease ascents. Muscles of the upper body help out the legs. The ability to push off with poles is helpful on hills.
- Increases stability. Allows hikers to brace themselves on poles to remain upright during a stumble.