Driving a car or taking public transportation can be too much of a hassle for senior citizens nowadays. The roads can be too dangerous to drive and public transportation can be physically challenging for seniors.
The right alternative, especially for making shorter trips, is e-tricycles. These almost double as mobility scooters but provide a lot of extra features and functionality.
Besides, they are perfectly safe for senior citizens and provide intuitive controls so they can start riding as soon as they get into one.
That said, not all e trikes are designed for senior-accessibility. Some electric trikes for seniors can be difficult to operate or lack the right safety features for seniors.
So let’s dive into the features that make up the best e-trike for seniors.
Key Features of Electric Trikes for Seniors
The main reason why seniors pick electric trikes instead of electric bikes is the extra stability. The third wheel on an electric trike creates a self-balancing frame that minimizes tipping over.
Thanks to this feature, seniors can get in and out of an electric tricycle comfortably. They can ride slowly without worrying about trying to balance themselves. Also, they can rest on the trike itself without having to keep one foot down.
So the extra stability provided due to the three wheels is the most crucial feature. Without it, seniors will have trouble riding the trike and enjoying the outdoors.
Low Step-Through Frame
Most electric trikes nowadays feature a step-through frame for easier access. This means that modern e-tricycle frames have done away with the high cross-bar running from the seat to the handlebars.
Because of this change, it’s easier for anybody to get in and out of the electric tricycle. They don’t have to lift one foot over a high bar and strain themselves. They only have to lift one foot over the step-through height (which is around 17.5” on most models) to get in. This is more convenient than having to lift your foot more than two feet off the ground.
Comfortable and Ergonomic Seating
The next big feature is the seats. Electric trikes for seniors place a heavy emphasis on providing comfy and ergonomic seats. Even if it means compromising on performance and aerodynamics, providing safe and comfy seats is a must.
This is why most senior-friendly electric tricycles come with thick and wide cushy saddles instead of thin racing saddles. The thick and wide saddles help spread out the weight of the rider’s back and minimize pressure points from building up.
Meanwhile, the thick cushions absorb any impacts and keep the rider safe and stable when going through various surfaces.
But that’s not all. Some senior-friendly e-trikes also come with backrest support. They include an adjustable backrest which you can raise and lower. Whether that’s prioritising lumbar support or thoracic aid, these backrests have you covered.
Intuitive and Senior-Friendly Controls
E-tricycles don’t complicate things for the rider. They have simple controls with large displays that are readable for seniors.
On top of that, most electric tricycles come with two power modes: electrical assist and throttle. Seniors can stick with electric assist whenever they need to pedal and get some exercise. They can also ride the throttle like a mobility scooter whenever they need to rest or just take it easy.
Modern electric trikes for seniors allow them to switch back and forth between these two modes easily. They can push or twist the throttle whenever they need an extra boost. Conversely, they can set a PAS level and pedal whenever they want.
Spacious Cargo Storage 
From groceries, pets or camping supplies, the best eTrikes for seniors provide lots of storage space and a high enough payload capacity. They can either support heavier riders or hundreds of pounds of extra cargo in the back.
Besides, modern electric trikes include storage racks or bags that are fixed or pre-installed. These allow seniors to stow their cargo easily and ride anywhere without worries.
So it’s important to check things like the payload capacity and cargo storage options. Ideally, an electric trike for seniors should have a payload capacity higher than 350 lbs and a large cargo rack in the rear.
Choosing the Best Electric Trike for Seniors
Addmotor makes some of the most reliable electric trikes for seniors. All their models are designed for accessibility and provide extra features to make them senior-friendly right off the bat.
They also manufacture various types of senior-friendly electric tricycles. They have folding etrikes for compact storage and city riding up to fat tire trikes for extra stability and comfort.
That said, their most popular senior-friendly model is the Addmotor GRANDTAN M-340 trike. This is a UL2849-safety-certified fat tire e-trike with a 450 lb payload capacity and 750W motor. It’s the perfect all-rounder for many seniors' needs and use cases, including off-road riding.
Benefits of Riding Electric Tricycles for Seniors
Electric tricycles are the better option, especially when compared to cars, buses and even two-wheeled electric bikes. This is because the level of comfort, stability and security provided by an electric tricycle is unmatched.
For seniors who need to run small errands and travel short distances, an e-trike always comes out on top. They can help seniors remain independent, and physically active and minimize overspending.
Some of the benefits that electric tricycles offer seniors are:
- Low-Intensity Exercise: Electric trikes can offer the perfect balance of physical intensity for seniors. This can help them stay active without overexerting them. Seniors can use the pedal assist at any customizable level and they can switch to the throttle when they need to recuperate.
- Improves Their Independence: Seniors can use e-trikes to run errands, buy groceries and visit family. They can ride electric trikes by themselves without relying on others. This can improve their self-esteem and help them stay independent.
- Enjoy the Outdoors Stress-Free: With electric trikes, seniors don’t have to worry about parking spaces, traffic and balancing themselves on two wheels. They can ride slowly, enjoy the outdoors, interact with others and support small businesses.
- Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: E-tricycles don’t run on gas and rack up huge maintenance fees. Thanks to this, seniors can save a lot of money by switching to an electric tricycle. They can also help the environment and minimize their carbon footprint this way.
Safety Tips for Seniors Riding Electric Tricycles
Without a doubt, electric tricycles are the safest and most reliable option for seniors. That said, it’s still important to follow defensive riding strategies and safety precautions when driving on the road. Because no matter how careful we are, other drivers and pedestrians might not always be the most prudent.
So if you’re a senior who’s starting to ride an electric trike, be sure to follow these safety tips:
- Wear Protective Gear: Be sure to wear a well-fitted helmet to protect your head. Besides that, it’s a good idea to put on extra safety gear like gloves, knee pads and elbow pads.
- Perform Pre-Ride Maintenance: Make sure to check the battery level, tires and brakes before every ride. This can help prevent malfunctions during an emergency and help you find any faults that need fixing.
- Wear Visible Clothing: Never a bad idea to put on reflective vests or special clothing to boost your visibility. This is especially useful if you’re riding at night or during low-light conditions.
- Obey the Rules of the Road: Always stick to the bike lanes and drive on the right side of the road. Follow all traffic signals and use your headlights, brake lights and turn signals whenever possible.
- Avoid Heavy Traffic: This goes without saying but try to avoid rows of cars, buses and trucks. Always ride defensively and anticipate other vehicles.
Wrapping Up
E-tricycles are the better option for senior citizens compared to cars, eBikes and public transportation. This is because electric trikes allow seniors to ride more carefully and immersively than cars. They are also safer and more convenient than public transport.
When picking up an electric trike for seniors, it’s important to look for things like a step-through frame and comfortable seating. These guarantees that seniors will have a satisfying ride and not aggravate their injuries.
Addmotor electric trikes are the best options for seniors. Their models are designed to be the most accessible and reliable for regular adults and the mobility-challenged.
For beginner riders, their Addmotor GRANDTAN M-340 is a suitable option. It’s optimised for senior citizens and is fully UL2849-safety certified.