Looking for relaxed, scenic cycling routes without steep hills, traffic stress, or complicated planning?
Our comprehensive brochure is designed to give you all the information you need, without the jargon and without the pressure.
There is a pervasive myth in the cycling world, often perpetuated by Lycra-clad road cyclists, that riding an electric bike is “cheating.” At AS Bikes, we couldn’t disagree more. In fact, we believe that for the over-50s, the electric bike is one of the most significant health innovations of the last two decades.
As we age, our relationship with exercise changes. The high-impact sports of our youth – running, squash, football – can become punishing on our knees and hips. Yet, the need for cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and mental stimulation is greater than ever. This is where the e-bike industry steps in, not to replace exercise, but to enable it.
You don’t just have to take our word for it. A landmark study conducted by Oxford Brookes University and the University of Reading, known as the “Cycle BOOM” project, investigated the impact of cycling on the health and wellbeing of the older population in the UK.
The results were fascinating. The study found that e-bike riders actually spent more time in the saddle than conventional cyclists. Why? Because the “fear factor” was removed.
On a standard bike, an older rider might look at a hill or feel a stiff breeze and decide to stay home, fearing they won’t have the energy to get back. An e-bike rider knows they have a safety net. The motor is there to help if they get tired. This psychological safety net encourages riders to go further, stay out longer, and ride more frequently.
The study also highlighted that e-biking provides “moderate intensity” physical activity. You are still pedalling; you are still moving your legs and raising your heart rate, but you are not pushing your body into the “red zone” of exhaustion/strain. This is the sweet spot for cardiac health, diabetes management, and weight control.
We often hear customers say, “I used to love cycling, but my knees won’t take the hills anymore.”
Cycling is a non-load-bearing exercise. Unlike running, which sends shockwaves through your joints with every step, cycling supports your weight through the saddle. This makes it ideal for those with osteoarthritis or hip issues.
However, the resistance on the pedals can still be tough on joints during climbs. This is where the AS Bikes pedal-assist system is magical. By taking the peak strain out of the pedal stroke – specifically that hard “push” you need to get moving from a standstill or up a gradient—the motor protects your joints while allowing your muscles to work.
We have customers who have recovered from heart surgery or hip replacements who have been told by their doctors to get moving, but gently. An e-bike is the perfect prescription. It improves circulation, boosts lung capacity, and helps maintain muscle mass, which is critical for balance and mobility as we age.
Health isn’t just about blood pressure and BMI; it’s about how you feel. In the UK, social isolation among the older generation is a growing crisis. As people retire, they can lose the daily social interactions of the workplace. If mobility issues set in, their world can shrink to the four walls of their home.
An electric bike – and specifically our Electrotricycle for those with balance concerns – reopens the world. It allows you to join group rides, visit friends in the next village, or simply get out into nature.
There is a profound mental health benefit to what psychologists call “green exercise”—activity performed in nature. The sensory experience of riding a bike – the wind on your face, the smell of the countryside, the sense of motion – releases endorphins that combat depression and anxiety.
The “Cycle BOOM” study noted that e-bike participants reported improved cognitive function and a greater sense of wellbeing compared to non-cyclists. It engages the brain. You are navigating, balancing (even on a trike, you are active), and making decisions, which keeps the mind sharp.
We must address the elephant in the room: Balance. For many of our customers, the fear of falling is the single biggest barrier to cycling. Inner ear issues, vertigo, or simply a loss of confidence can make two wheels feel dangerous.
This is why the AS Bikes Electrotricycle is such a vital part of our range. It isn’t just a bike with an extra wheel; it’s a ticket to independence.
The UK e-bike industry is highly regulated, which is a good thing for consumer safety. All AS Bikes comply with EN15194 regulations. This ensures the batteries are safe, the frames are tested for stress, and the speed limits are adhered to.
There has been some negative press recently regarding e-bike batteries, largely due to cheap, unbranded import kits used by delivery drivers. It is important to distinguish these from reputable British brands like AS Bikes. We use high-quality lithium cells with proper Battery Management Systems (BMS) that prevent overheating and overcharging. For our senior customers, safety is paramount, and we provide full training on how to charge and care for the battery safely.
Ultimately, when you buy an electric bike or trike from AS Bikes, you aren’t really buying a machine. You are buying the ability to say “Yes.”
For the over-50s, the e-bike is a tool of empowerment. It levels the playing field, allowing you to keep up with grandchildren or younger partners, and ensures that your golden years are filled with motion, fresh air, and adventure. So, ignore the “cheating” comments. If you are out there, smiling and pedalling, you are winning.
