Which EBike Will These Seniors Over 60 Choose? First Time Riding Electric Bikes, This is a Must SEE!

Two riders—Pat (73, 4'11¾") and Don (67, 5'9"–5'10")—tried several sixthreezero e-bikes for the first time. Both have limited recent time on two-wheelers (Pat: “a little bit” in the last year; Don: ~10 years). Their goal: find an e-bike that feels stable, easy to control, and comfortable.

Test Lineup (Highlights Only)

• Simple Step-Thru 20" (500W) – Compact, low standover, easy on/off.
• Simple Step-Thru 26" – Full-size cruiser feel with upright posture.
• Larger/Heavier Cruiser Variant – Longer frame, wider saddle, swept bars.
• Higher-Power Cruiser (750W) – Stronger acceleration and twist throttle.

(Exact configurations may vary; check product pages for current specs.)

How We Evaluated

Each rider:

1. Started unassisted to check balance and steering feel.
2. Added pedal assist level 1 to feel gentle support.
3. Tried throttle briefly for controlled starts.
4. Gave quick feedback on fit, comfort, weight, and handling.

Fit checks used: slight knee bend at the bottom of the pedal stroke, upright back, relaxed shoulders, soft elbows.

Pat (73, 4'11¾")

Primary concerns: low standover, light overall weight, predictable assist, simple controls.

1) Simple Step-Thru 20" (500W)

• Fit: Seat lowered; bars adjusted slightly.
• Ride feel: “Small, easy to get on and go.” Felt lighter than other e-bikes she’s tried elsewhere.
• Assist & throttle: Quick to learn; preferred gentle throttle use.
• Comfort: Liked the overall feel; wanted a slightly different saddle for long rides.
• Verdict: Favorite. The compact size and easy handling inspired confidence.

2) Larger/Heavier Cruiser Variant

• Fit: The Reach and bar shape felt unfamiliar at first.
• Ride feel: “Nice and comfortable once moving,” but the longer frame and different handlebar shape felt awkward initially.
• Verdict: Usable, but not her top choice. Preferred the smaller step-thru for confidence and ease.

3) Other Models

• If the standover was higher or the frame longer, confidence dropped. Lower entry remained a key requirement.
• Overall: Low step-thru + light feel = best match.

Don (67, 5'9"–5'10")

Primary concerns: stable handling, predictable assist, upright cruiser posture, supportive saddle.

1) Simple Step-Thru 20" (500W)

• Ride feel: “Very stable, light, comfortable.” Assist “kicks in as soon as you start pedaling.”
• Handling: Nimble; easy to maneuver.

2) Simple Step-Thru 26"

• Ride feel: “Much heavier—but more substantial.”
• Stability: “Where you send it is where it goes.” Liked the wider cruiser bars and the bigger seat (Super Max Cush style).
• Verdict: Favorite. Preferred the full-size stability, cruiser bars, and bigger saddle.

3) Higher-Power Cruiser (750W)

• Ride feel: Noticeably stronger acceleration; twist throttle convenient.

Preference: Still favored cruiser-style bars, and the ride feels similar to the 26" Simple Step-Thru.

Overall: Full-size step-thru with upright cockpit and cushioned saddle wins.

Final Picks

• Pat’s Choice: Simple Step-Thru 20" (500W)
• Why: Low step-thru, light, confidence-building, easy to start/stop.
• Don’s Choice: Simple Step-Thru 26"
• Why: Stable, substantial feel, cruiser bars, and a wider comfort saddle.

What This Means If You’re 60+

• Fit first: Low step-thru frames reduce hesitation and boost confidence.
• Start small (assist 1): Gentle support helps you focus on balance and steering before adding power.
• Prioritize posture: Upright bars and a supportive saddle can transform comfort—especially on longer rides.
• Weight & wheel size matter: Smaller frames feel lighter and easier to handle; larger frames feel calmer at speed.
• Throttle is a tool, not a crutch: Use it lightly for starts; rely on pedal assist for natural control.

Next Steps

• Explore the Simple Step-Thru 20" and Simple Step-Thru 26" on sixthreezero’s site for full specs and sizing guidance.
• Questions? theteam@sixthreezero.com or (310) 982-2877.
• 30-Day Test Ride: If it’s not love in the first month, send it back—no questions asked.
• 1-Year Warranty: Parts and labor covered in year one.
• Join the sixthreezero Pedalers Facebook group to chat with current riders, and download the sixthreezero app to track rides and join the leaderboard.

It’s your journey, your experience. Enjoy the ride.