More exercise. More time outdoors. More exploring. Better mental wellbeing. And, for some, a newfound sense of freedom and independence.
Those are among the findings from a recent MeloYelo survey of 324 e-bike owners across New Zealand.
And with 90% of respondents aged 60 or over – and more than half aged 70-plus – the results provide an interesting glimpse into the role e-bikes are playing in helping older New Zealanders stay active.
It starts with exercise, but doesn’t end there
Perhaps unsurprisingly, physical health was the number-one reason people gave for riding.
Some 269 respondents – 83% of everyone surveyed – said improving or maintaining their physical health was one of their reasons for getting on their bike.
But the benefits people reported went considerably further.
Since buying their MeloYelo, 231 respondents said they were getting more exercise and 211 said they were spending more time outdoors.
Another 150 reported doing more travelling or exploring, 122 said they were less reliant on their car, and 105 reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
Others reported better mobility, more social activity, greater confidence and greater independence.
And these aren’t bikes sitting unused in garages.
Three-quarters of respondents said they ride at least once a week. Almost half ride several times a week or every day.
Watch: Is riding an ebike really exercise?
E-bikes are keeping people riding later in life
The age profile of respondents was particularly interesting.
Nine out of ten were aged 60 or older. Three-quarters were 65-plus, while 53% were 70 or older.
For some, the electric assistance appears to be making the difference between continuing to cycle and giving it away.
One rider described the experience simply:
“It makes me feel younger, gives me much joy, and satisfaction in being able to leave the car at home.”
Another said:
“Riding my MeloYelo with our group gives me friendship, movement, strength and brings me joy.”
And another:
“I felt joyful freedom which was missing before I bought my MeloYelo.”
Those comments reflect a theme running throughout hundreds of written responses: people aren’t necessarily riding to become serious cyclists. They’re riding because it gives them an enjoyable way to keep moving.
Health is only part of the story
Asked why they ride, 154 respondents nominated mental health, while 129 said socialising with friends and family was important.
Perhaps particularly relevant to an older audience, 81 people specifically said they ride to exercise arthritic joints.
Watch: How does ebiking help with any injuries or mobility challenges?
Exploration was another recurring theme.
More than 40% said one reason for riding was to see parts of New Zealand they might not otherwise see, while 150 said owning their e-bike had resulted in more travel or exploration.
As one respondent put it:
“It has given me more freedom to explore NZ more closely & the confidence to do so, as my riding & fitness has improved.”
So what matters when choosing an e-bike?
The survey also asked owners what had influenced their original buying decision.
When restricted to choosing their three most important factors, step-through design came out on top, closely followed by price/value.
But what happened around the bike mattered too.
Local support was the third most commonly selected factor, followed closely by product quality and the knowledge, experience and nature of the local MeloYelo representative.
That’s interesting because 69% of respondents said they had visited traditional bike shops before buying their MeloYelo.
Among those who gave an applicable comparison, 81% described their MeloYelo experience as better or much better.
Their written comments repeatedly mentioned patience, personal attention, product knowledge and being given time to make a decision.
For older or returning riders, that may be particularly important. Buying an e-bike isn’t necessarily just about comparing motors, batteries and specifications. It can also be about finding somebody prepared to listen, answer the seemingly silly questions and help you regain your confidence.
Maybe an e-bike isn’t really about the bike
Reading through the hundreds of comments in the survey, words and ideas such as freedom, confidence, friendship, exercise, exploration and independence appear again and again.
One respondent summed it up particularly well:
“This bike makes me smile every time I go out on a ride, which makes exercise enjoyable, varied and interesting.”
Perhaps that’s the real story behind these results.
For many people in their 60s, 70s and beyond, an e-bike isn’t about becoming a cyclist.
It’s simply another way of continuing to do the things that make life enjoyable. Getting outside, staying active, seeing new places and spending time with other people.
And if it makes you feel a little younger along the way, that’s not a bad bonus either.
Watch: What would you say to others who were considering a MeloYelo?
Related reading
How to regain your cycling confidence after years away
You don’t need to feel confident before you get back on a bike. Confidence usually comes afterwards.
