A practical guide to finding an e-bike that’s easy to get on, comfortable to ride, and confidence-inspiring.
Remember when getting on a bicycle was something you did without giving it a second thought?
One leg over the saddle, a quick push, and off you went.
Fast-forward a few decades, and that same manoeuvre might not feel quite so appealing. Perhaps your hips aren’t as flexible as they once were. Maybe your knees occasionally remind you how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. Or perhaps you simply don’t fancy performing a balancing act every time you get on your bike.
The good news? Modern step-through electric bikes have made cycling much more accessible, particularly for people in their 60s, 70s and beyond.
But not all step-through e-bikes are created equal.
If you’re 68 and shopping for an easy-to-mount e-bike in New Zealand, here’s what you should look for, along with several models worth comparing.
What exactly is a step-through e-bike?
A traditional bicycle has a high crossbar running between the handlebars and the saddle. Mounting the bike generally involves lifting your leg over that bar or swinging it over the back of the bike.
A step-through bike has a lower, more open frame. Instead of swinging your leg high, you can step through the middle of the bicycle. For many older riders, that’s a big advantage.
However, there’s an important catch: Some bikes described as step-through still have a surprisingly high section of frame to step over.
That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the label.
Five things to check before choosing a step-through e-bike
1. How low is the step-through opening?
This is probably your first consideration. You should be able to step into the bike without lifting your foot uncomfortably high or losing your balance.
Try it several times, getting on and off from both sides. Remember, you’ll be doing this every time you ride.
2. Can you comfortably reach the ground?
A bike that feels too tall can be unsettling, especially when stopping at intersections or approaching other riders on a narrow trail.
You should be able to stop and support yourself confidently. Depending on the bike and your riding experience, that might mean placing one foot securely on the ground rather than trying to get both feet flat while seated.
Don’t sacrifice a comfortable, efficient pedalling position simply to lower the saddle.
3. How heavy is the bike?
Many e-bikes weigh somewhere between 26kg and 30kg, sometimes more.
That weight isn’t necessarily a problem while you’re riding, because the motor helps you along. But you certainly notice it when you’re pushing the bike around the garage, turning it in a tight space or loading it onto a bike rack.
A lighter bike may be easier to manage, particularly if you’re smaller or less confident.
4. Does the motor make starting easy?
Starting from a standstill can be one of the trickiest moments for a returning cyclist.
Some e-bikes have a thumb throttle that can help get the bike moving without first having to push hard on the pedals. Others offer a walk-assist function or very responsive pedal assistance.
These features work differently, so it’s worth trying them rather than assuming they’re interchangeable.
5. Does the bike feel comfortable and stable?
An upright riding position, comfortable handlebars, appropriate saddle and well-chosen tyres can make a considerable difference.
But here’s something worth remembering: a lovely soft saddle won’t compensate for a bike that feels too big or difficult to control.
Fit and confidence come first.
Seven step-through e-bikes worth comparing in New Zealand
There are some excellent choices available from New Zealand and international brands. Here are seven models I’d suggest putting on your research list.
MeloYelo Town’nTrail
Best suited to: Everyday leisure riding, cycle paths, rail trails and riders looking for good value.
The Town’nTrail has a step-through frame, a rear-hub motor, a 630Wh battery and a thumb throttle that can help you get moving from a standstill.
Its relaxed, versatile design makes it a sensible starting point for someone who wants to enjoy cycling without tackling particularly demanding trails.
It’s worth comparing if you want a bike for riding around your neighbourhood, exploring cycleways and enjoying the occasional longer adventure.
MeloYelo Ascent 3
Best suited to: Riders who expect to encounter hills or want to explore more challenging trails.
The Ascent 3 combines a step-through frame with a powerful Bafang mid-drive motor, a 720Wh battery and a thumb throttle that works from a standstill.
It is a more trail-oriented option than the Town’nTrail, with a motor that delivers its assistance through the bike’s gears.
For someone living in a hilly area, or planning to explore New Zealand’s more adventurous cycle trails, the Ascent 3 deserves consideration.
The trade-off is that it is still a relatively substantial bike to manoeuvre when you’re not riding it.
MeloYelo SuperLite 3
Best suited to: Riders who particularly value lighter weight and easier handling.
At approximately 22kg, the SuperLite 3 is noticeably lighter than many fully equipped electric trail bikes.
It has a step-through frame, a Bafang mid-drive motor, a 630Wh battery and a thumb throttle to assist with starting.
For a 68-year-old who is concerned about manoeuvring a heavy bike, this is one I’d certainly recommend trying.
Its small-frame version is also worth investigating if you’re shorter than average.
Sinch Jaunt EZ
Best suited to: Riders wanting a versatile step-through bike with a Shimano motor system.
The Jaunt EZ range includes low-entry models designed for everyday riding and cycle trails. The Jaunt EZ 1, for example, features a Shimano mid-drive motor and a 504Wh battery.
It is a useful alternative to compare against the MeloYelo mid-drive models.
Pay particular attention to how naturally the motor responds when you start pedalling, and whether the available frame sizes suit your height.
Wattwheels Oxford
Best suited to: Riders seeking a low-entry bike for recreational and everyday use.
Wattwheels offers Oxford models in several configurations, including low-step options.
These are worth investigating if ease of mounting is high on your priority list.
Check the exact model’s frame height, motor type, weight and wheel size, because the Oxford variants are not all identical.
Avanti Explorer-E Low
Best suited to: Riders wanting a comfortable, versatile electric hybrid from an established cycling brand.
The Explorer-E Low range is worth comparing for leisure riding, commuting and formed cycle trails.
Its low-entry frame and hybrid-bike design make it a relevant alternative, particularly if you have an Avanti stockist nearby.
Compare the riding position and ease of mounting against a more trail-oriented bike such as the Ascent 3.
Liv Amiti E+
Best suited to: Riders looking for a well-established international brand, with attention to fit and everyday comfort.
Liv, part of the Giant family, offers electric hybrid bikes designed around women’s riding needs.
Low-entry versions of the Amiti E+ are worth investigating where available.
Be sure to check the precise frame configuration, as not every Amiti E+ is a low-step model.
At a glance: Which might suit you?
| Your main priority | Models worth trying |
| Easy leisure riding and value | Town’nTrail, Wattwheels Oxford |
| Hilly riding and longer trails | Ascent 3, Sinch Jaunt EZ |
| Lighter weight | SuperLite 3 |
| Comfortable everyday versatility | Avanti Explorer-E Low, Liv Amiti E+ |
| Help starting from a standstill | Town’nTrail, Ascent 3, SuperLite 3 |
This isn’t a ranking. It’s a starting point for deciding which bikes deserve a test ride.
Don’t buy a step-through e-bike without doing this first
You can spend hours comparing motors, batteries, frame materials and prices online.
But there’s one thing a specification sheet cannot tell you.
How confident will you feel when you’re actually sitting on the bike?
Before making your decision, I’d suggest trying this little exercise:
- Get on and off the bike several times, with the motor switched off.
- Walk alongside it and turn it around in a small space.
- Sit on the saddle and check how comfortably you can reach the handlebars and brakes.
- Start, ride a short distance and stop several times in a safe, quiet area.
- Try a gentle hill and a few corners, once you feel comfortable.
And don’t feel rushed.
If you haven’t ridden for 20 or 30 years, it’s perfectly reasonable to begin by simply sitting on a bike and getting comfortable with it.
There are no medals for completing your first test ride in record time.
The importance of finding someone who understands older riders
Here’s something that can matter just as much as the bike itself: the person helping you choose it.
At 68, you may have different questions from someone buying an e-bike at 28.
You might want to know whether the bike will feel stable when stopping, whether your knees will be comfortable, or what happens if you lose confidence partway through a ride.
A good e-bike retailer should listen to those concerns and help you work through them patiently.
At MeloYelo, for example, our nationwide representatives are called Ride Guides.
That’s a deliberate choice of words.
Their role isn’t simply to sell you a bike. It’s to help you identify a suitable model, choose an appropriate place for your first ride, and build confidence at a pace that feels right for you.
For some people, that first meeting might involve a ride around a quiet car park.
For others, it might start with a coffee, a conversation and the opportunity to sit on a bike.
Either is a perfectly good beginning.
So, which step-through e-bike should a 68-year-old choose?
There’s no single correct answer.
If you’re mostly interested in relaxed rides around town and on easy trails, a bike such as the Town’nTrail or a suitable Wattwheels Oxford may be all you need.
If you want to tackle steeper hills or more adventurous trails, consider comparing the Ascent 3 with the Sinch Jaunt EZ.
If weight is one of your biggest concerns, the SuperLite 3 deserves a close look.
And if comfortable everyday riding and an easy-entry frame are your priorities, models from Avanti and Liv should also be on your shortlist.
But my biggest piece of advice is this:
Don’t choose the bike that looks best on paper. Choose the bike that makes you feel comfortable, capable and excited about riding again.
Because at 68, the goal isn’t to become the fastest cyclist in your neighbourhood.
It’s to enjoy the freedom of being out on a bike, discovering new places, perhaps making new friends, and coming home with a smile on your face.
And there’s no age limit on that.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re ready to try an e-bike or still have a few questions, we’d be delighted to help.
At MeloYelo, you can talk to a local Ride Guide, explore the different models, or arrange a relaxed test ride when you’re ready.
No pressure. No hurry. Just a friendly helping hand.
