I Found the Perfect EBike as a 75 Year Old! I Tested Different Electric Bikes & Choose the Best

Choosing an electric bike later in life can feel overwhelming. There are different frame styles, motor sizes, wheel diameters, controls, and riding positions—each claiming to be the most comfortable or the safest option. For older riders, the decision matters even more. Confidence, stability, ease of use, and comfort are no longer “nice-to-have” features—they are essential.

To better understand what truly matters, a 75-year-old lifelong cyclist tested several different electric bikes back-to-back. The goal was simple: find the e-bike that felt the most natural, the most secure, and the easiest to ride—without sacrificing enjoyment.

What followed was an eye-opening comparison that highlights exactly what older riders should look for when choosing an electric bike.

At 75 years old, cycling experience does not disappear—but physical priorities change. Balance, reaction time, joint comfort, and confidence at stops all play a bigger role than they did decades earlier. An electric bike can extend riding years dramatically, but only if it fits properly and behaves predictably.

Many first-time e-bike buyers focus on motor power or top speed. For older riders, those factors matter far less than:

• How easy the bike is to get on and off
• How stable it feels at low speeds
• How intuitive the controls are
• How smooth and predictable the power delivery feels
• How confident the rider feels when stopping and starting

This test focused on those exact elements.

The rider in this test is 75 years old, 6’1”, and has ridden traditional bicycles regularly for years—typically five to ten miles per ride. However, experience with electric bikes was extremely limited, totaling only a few short test rides prior to this day.

That combination is important. This was not a beginner cyclist, but it was someone new to electric assistance, making the reactions especially relevant to older riders considering their first e-bike.

Rather than riding one bike and forming an opinion in isolation, five different electric bikes were tested consecutively. This made differences in geometry, balance, motor response, and comfort immediately noticeable.

Each bike shared similar baseline specifications—street-legal motors, pedal assist, and throttles—but differed in frame design, wheel size, riding posture, and overall feel.

First Impressions

The first bike tested featured a very low step-through frame, allowing the rider to mount and dismount without lifting a leg high or leaning the bike aggressively. This alone made an immediate impression.

From the moment the ride began, confidence increased. The bike felt stable, predictable, and easy to control.

Riding Feel

• Upright riding posture
• Relaxed handlebars that came naturally toward the rider
• Smooth power delivery from the motor
• No feeling of being “pulled” or surprised by acceleration

Most importantly, the rider reported feeling secure—a word that came up repeatedly during the ride.

Reaction

This was the longest e-bike ride the rider had ever taken, and the response was immediate enthusiasm. The experience felt intuitive rather than intimidating, which is a critical factor for older riders transitioning to electric bikes.

The second bike also used a step-through frame but featured a different pedal position and cockpit layout.

Notable Differences

• Pedals positioned slightly farther forward
• Subtle change in handlebar reach
• Different control layout for pedal assist

Riding Experience

The differences were noticeable but not disruptive. The riding position felt familiar, and confidence remained high. However, the bike required slightly more engagement from the upper body during steering.

Preference Comparison

When asked to compare the first two bikes, the rider preferred the first model, citing a more natural and integrated feel. While both were enjoyable, one clearly inspired more confidence.

This bike introduced a higher top tube and a more traditional cruiser aesthetic. While visually larger and heavier, it offered a familiar feel reminiscent of classic bicycles.

Observations

• Slightly bulkier appearance
• Steel frame rather than aluminum
• Higher step-over height

On the Road

Despite the heavier look, the bike rode smoothly. The rider reported feeling surprisingly confident, noting that the added mass made the bike feel planted and predictable.

Key Takeaway

A higher top tube was not a dealbreaker. For riders comfortable with traditional frames, this style can still work well—though ease of mounting remains a consideration.

This model introduced smaller wheels and a more compact frame.

Immediate Differences

• Faster steering response
• Lighter overall feel
• Slightly more sensitive pedal assist engagement

Rider Feedback

The bike felt “more finicky,” particularly when transitioning between pedal assist levels. While not uncomfortable, it required more attention to maintain smooth control.

Important Insight

Smaller wheels and lighter frames can feel twitchy to older riders. While perfectly usable, they may require a longer adjustment period—something to consider for riders prioritizing immediate confidence.

The final bike tested featured a more powerful motor and a folding frame design.

Power Delivery

The increased torque was immediately noticeable. Acceleration was stronger, and the motor response felt more assertive—even when used gently.

Comfort & Control

While comfortable overall, the added power did not translate to increased confidence. For this rider, it felt unnecessary rather than beneficial.

Key Lesson

More power does not equal a better experience—especially for older riders. Smooth, predictable assistance often matters far more than raw torque.

After riding all five bikes, one stood out clearly.

The Winning Factors

• Lowest step-through height
• Most natural riding posture
• Smooth, predictable motor response
• Easy-to-use controls
• Immediate sense of confidence

The rider described feeling “part of the bike” rather than riding on top of it—a crucial distinction for comfort and safety.

1. Confidence Comes First

If a bike feels intimidating, it won’t get ridden—no matter how good the specs look on paper.

2. Step-Through Frames Matter

Easy mounting and dismounting dramatically reduce anxiety, especially in stop-and-go riding.

3. Smooth Power Beats Strong Power

Controlled assistance builds trust. Sudden torque erodes it.

4. Familiar Geometry Wins

Bikes that feel intuitive from the first pedal stroke create better long-term riding habits.

5. Test Riding Is Essential

Specs don’t replace experience. Riding multiple bikes back-to-back reveals differences quickly.

Many riders hesitate to purchase an electric bike without knowing how it will feel in real life. That hesitation is valid—especially when comfort and safety are the priority.

Choosing a brand or retailer that allows a true test-ride period can make the difference between a confident purchase and buyer’s remorse.

Electric bikes are not about going faster—they are about going farther, more comfortably, and with more confidence. For older riders, the right e-bike can transform cycling from something cautiously attempted into something genuinely enjoyed again.

This real-world comparison shows that the best e-bike isn’t the most powerful or the most advanced. It’s the one that feels right the moment the wheels start turning.