Electric trikes have always had an edge over two-wheeled electric bikes in one thing: accessibility. This makes electric tricycles the preferred option for seniors who have trouble balancing on just two wheels.
Also, electric trikes provide extra power thanks to the electrical assistance. Seniors can ride further without tiring themselves. They can also switch back and forth between carefree riding and low-impact exercise seamlessly at the push of a button.
More and more people are waking up to the benefits of an electric tricycle. Some seniors and regular adults are using their cars less in favor of electric trikes because of these many benefits.
But other than that, electric trikes offer another significant advantage for seniors. They get to experience the outdoors more immersively and connect with others.
Seniors get together in parks, support local businesses and enjoy their golden years making meaningful connections. All thanks to the accessibility, affordability and convenience provided by electric trikes.
So let’s dive into these benefits. We’ll figure out how seniors can stay independent and make meaningful connections thanks to electric trikes.
Improving Accessibility and Freedom for Seniors
Maintaining independence is important for seniors and it’s not just a matter of pride anymore. When seniors can take control of their own lives and not rely on others, they feel more confident and empowered.
This aspect is important because it significantly affects their physical and mental well-being. Seniors who don’t feel like a burden lead better lives because they’re moving around and doing things physically. This provides them with low-impact exercise and helps them stay fit and active.
Meanwhile, independence provides seniors with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It gives them control over their own lives and helps “exercise” their mental muscles. This also prevents degenerative mental conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How Electric Trikes Foster Confidence and Independence in Seniors
With electric trikes, seniors get to experience more freedom and independence in terms of transport. With an electric trike on hand, they are not always stressing about how they’re going to go get groceries or medicine.
Similarly, they’re not as stressed about owning and riding a car. Seniors don’t have to worry about finding a place to park or what to do if they get in a traffic accident. Besides, they don’t have to trouble family members or rely on public transportation or expensive ride services.
Unlike a car, seniors get to be more proactive with their transport solution. They have to do a little extra physical work to ride an electric trike and this brings in the many benefits of low-impact exercise.
Also, since electric trikes are self-balancing, it’s perfect for seniors with mobility or balance issues. They can ride comfortably, exert themselves only when they want to, and gain a sense of accomplishment and pride. The latter of which is most important for their quality of life.
Health and Wellness Benefits of An Electric Tricycle
Sure, seniors might be sitting all the time when they’re on an electric trike. That said, they’re getting a ton more exercise and physical activity than if they were just riding a car or mobility scooter.
This is because, with an electric trike, they’re moving their body around a bit more. With an electric tricycle, seniors will have to pedal a little, shift their weight, mount and dismount the electric tricycle and do so much more.
These little activities significantly improve physical health. Without even knowing it, seniors are undergoing light exercise. They’re working their muscles, letting their joints move around a bit and giving the heart a good workout.
As a result, their bodies will feel more energetic and flexible. This reduces stiffness in their muscles and promotes mobility. With enough time, this improves their balance, and endurance and even minimizes the impact of existing injuries and pains.
Mental Benefits of Riding an Electric Trike
Senior citizens are more vulnerable to mental illness and emotional instability compared to adults and children. It can be hard for seniors to stay mentally stimulated and motivated since they’re somewhat limited with the activities they can do because of their age.
Because of this, staying mentally sharp is even more important for seniors. Otherwise, they can fall into depression, feelings of helplessness and other issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
This is where electric trikes come in. Unlike public transportation, electric trikes allow seniors to exercise their brains and hone their mental faculties. This is because when riding an electric trike, they need to make decisions, focus on the road and coordinate navigation.
Also, compared to a car, seniors need to be more alert and aware when riding an electric trike. This means they naturally improve their cognitive abilities and keep their mental acuity as sharp as ever.
Encouraging Social Interaction and Community Engagement
Seniors need to be social much more than regular adults. Otherwise, feelings of loneliness and a lack of purpose might overtake them and affect their overall well-being.
What’s great about electric trikes is that they improve accessibility for seniors and allow them to be more social. With an electric trike seniors can be more active in their respective communities. They can shop locally, hang out with friends and attend meetups and events more easily.
The electric trike makes all of this happen. Unlike a car, the Trike encourages seniors to “take it slow” while enjoying the outdoors. Besides, they have better parking capabilities, which means they’re more likely to stop and smell the roses.
Here’s a list of things that seniors can do with an eBike to boost social interaction:
- Visit Friends and Family: The eTrike allows seniors to be independent and go anywhere they want to go. This means seniors can easily visit their friends or family members anytime they want and without disturbing anyone else.
- Run Errands with Family or Friends: From taking grandkids to the playground or grocery shopping with their children, a passenger electric trike can make it happen. Seniors can even ride electric trikes indoors so they’re less stressed and fatigued when running errands.
- Explore Local Parks and Bike Trails: The easiest way for seniors to enjoy the outdoors is to head to the local park. An electric trike can allow seniors to get some exercise on a bike trail and experience the outdoors worry-free.
- Join Senior Bike Clubs or Groups: Seniors with electric trikes can band together and share their love of the outdoors and e-triking. This can help seniors bond and do activities with people who share the same interests.
Best Electric Trike for Seniors: The Addmotor CITYTRI
Most seniors live around the city or suburban areas. Living in the countryside is too difficult, especially for seniors who live alone.
So for that reason alone, Addmotor recommends their CITYTRI electric trike as the best option for seniors. This electric trike offers many features and accessibility-first improvements while still retaining cost-efficiency and power savings.
The CITYTRI is one of Addmotor’s most high-value electric trikes. It doesn’t break $2,000 but provides excellent specifications that keeps it on par with other high-end electric trikes.
Some of the most important specs of the CITYTRI are:
- UL2849 safety certification
- 90+ miles of range on a single charge
- 750W motor with 20 mph top speed and 90 Nm of torque
- Mini, standard and plus size variations to suit height range from 4’9”-6’1”
- A foldable frame that can help you save space or transport it easily
- Maximum payload capacity of 360lbs (280/80 split front and rear)
- Total width of 28.3 when fully unfolded. This is less than 32”, which means you can ride it indoors.
The Addmotor CITYTRI is more than enough for a senior’s everyday activities. That said, if you’re looking for a sturdier-looking alternative, Addmotor has you covered on that front as well.
Second Best Electric Trike for Seniors: Addmotor GRANDTAN M-340
The Addmotor GRANDTAN is a more high-end electric trike that’s somewhat pricier than the CITYTRI and comes in a larger frame.
That said, it’s got several other things going for it. The GRANDTAN M-340 has a higher cargo capacity along with fat tires for worry-free offroading.
So if you’re looking for something that’s more robust and off-road capable, the GRANDTAN is the next best option. It can make a great addition for seniors, provided they aren’t missing out on the foldable frame.
The GRANDTAN has the following specs:
- UL 2849 safety-certified
- 40-85 miles of range on a single charge
- 450lbs of payload capacity (350/100 split)
- 4-inch fat tires
However, unfortunately, the GRANDTAN does not come with a foldable frame. Also, you can’t ride it indoors and can’t match the mileage of the CITYTRI.
But on the flip side, you can carry a lot more cargo with it and take it outdoors. The fat tires guarantee that seniors will have a more stable and comfortable ride while allowing them to go anywhere, anytime.
Wrapping Up
Seniors need to remain independent because it helps boost their self-esteem and gives them activities to improve their physical well-being. One of the safest ways to do this is by solving their transportation problems with an electric trike instead of a car.
With an electric trike, seniors can get low-impact exercise. They can also take in the outdoors slowly and engage with the community better. This prevents them from falling into loneliness and affecting their overall health.
Addmotor recommends the CITYTRI electric trike for seniors. It’s compact, offers better mileage and has enough cargo capacity. Alternatively, seniors can also benefit from the Addmotor GRANDTAN. It’s not as sleek but comes with fat tires and better payload capacity.