Safe (electric) bike for elderly

In recent years, most deadly victims in traffic have been cyclists. Older cyclists on an electric bicycle are the main victims. Many of the articles in newspapers where these traffic accidents are named, point out the cause of these accidents: people often fall while getting on and off the bicycle, especially when sudden breaking is needed or when they need to come off the bike unexpectedly. An increased start speed or unexpected engine activity cause people to fall. Most accidents could have been prevented with a different type of electric bike, a type that does not cause difficulty when getting on and off and one of which the pedal support power assistance does not (de)activate unexpectedly. Van Raam manufactures the ideal bike for elderly: the (Tavara) Balance. Read more about the low step through bike Balance here.

Low step-through bicycle Balance
Van Raam's Balance bicycle

Low step through and unique seating position; always with two feet directly on the ground

For the past 30 years Van Raam has been manufacturing the ideal, safe bike for elderly. During the Fietsrai of 1985 architect Piet Tauber received an award from minister Kroes (Ministry of transport, traffic and water management) as winner of a contest for safe bikes. He won this price for his effort in the designing process of the (Tavara) Balance. Van Raam still manufactures this bicycle.

Take a look at the advantages and unique riding characteristics of the Balance here:

  • The bicyle has a unique frame: a low step through and, when seated, the rider’s feet can always reach the ground immediately. Unlike a regular low step through bicycle, the (Tavara) Balance is equipped with a lowered seat. Regular low step through bikes have an elevated seating position and causes elderly to still fall.
  • The ergonomics of the frame is such that the low step through allows the rider to get on and off the bicycle easily. Despite this low step through and the lowered seat the rider is still able to make to make the optimum pedal movement. This is because the rider is not above, but behind the crank-gear. The unique seating position allows the rider to reach the ground with both feet and causes its center of gravity to be lower.
  • More forward pedal movement allows the riders to make better use of their leg muscles than with a regular bicycle. This makes cycling easier and more comfortable.
  • Van Raam’s Balance’s frame construction also reduces strain on wrists, back, neck and shoulders.

Read more about the Balance on the product page.
 

Read more about the Balance
Tricycle with low step through Maxi Comfort by Van Raam
The Van Raam Maxi Comfort tricycle

Tricycle for seniors with low step through

In addition to the Balance low step through bike, Van Raam also has the Maxi Comfort low step through with three wheels. The Maxi Comfort low entry tricycle is a variation on the traditional tricycle. In addition to three wheels, the Maxi Comfort tricycle also has a low entry and a unique frame, so you always have both feet on the ground and an ergonomic seating position. With the Maxi Comfort, your wrists, neck and shoulders are hardly burdened. Read more about the Maxi Comfort and the Balance in the article: 'Bicycle with low entry'. Read more about the low step through tricycle on the product page of the Maxi Comfort.

More about the Maxi Comfort
Van Raam Silent Electric system and Smart display
Smart display and the App

Unique and easy to use electric pedal support power assistance

The electric variation on this bike has additional unique features. Distinctive about Van Raam’s unique Silent (electric) system:

  • It’s very quiet and works on a power and rotation sensor, which prevents the engine from suddenly turning off or on.
  • The power of the engine and other characteristics (torque at the bottom, maximum speed, acceleration etc.) are continuously regulated by its software. 
  • The ‘drive-away’ (starting aid/launch control) feature is installed as standard. This feature makes it easier to ascend from a basement for example; the bicycle will lift itself while you walk right next to it and leave the ‘drive-away’ button pressed. The feature aids the rider in accelerating to the desired speed.
  • It comes with a unique console with limited features on its display so you will not be distracted. Another advantage is that the display is not sensitive to theft and does not have to be removed from the bike every time.
  • If you still want to see or adjust more, you can do so via a handy smartphone app. You can also use the Van Raam E-Bike App to change the support settings and send an SOS message in case of emergency. In addition, the current bike data, such as speed, distance, battery capacity and many other things can be viewed.
  • One electric bike battery will last you 80 kilometers. A second battery can be taken along to increase the range to 160 kilometers. Read more about the battery in the article: 'How many kilometers does a Van Raam E bike battery last?'.
More information about Van Raam's unique Silent pedal support can be found on the page about pedal support.
 
Read more about pedal support

Instruction video: Balance low step through bicycle

See more of the Balance low entry bike in the product video below.

Balance bicycle for elderly

Conclusion: World’s safest bicycle

Van Raam’s balance is one of the safest bicycles available because of its frame and unique engine.The Balance has many unique riding characteristics and is very suitable for seniors. The beauty of this bike is that it is also produced entirely in the Netherlands.

Check out our other bikes

In case the rider is still insecure on a bicycle, Van Raam manufactures a wide range of safe tricycles or other special needs bikes which provide even more stability. 

View all the Van Raam bikes below:

Tricycles

Tricycles

View models
Wheelchair bikes

Wheelchair bikes

View models
Tandems

Tandems

View models
Side-by-side tandems

Side-by-side tandems

View models
Low step through bikes

Low step through bikes

View models
Walking aid

Walking aid

View models
Electric mobility scooter bike

Electric mobility scooter bike

View models
Transport bikes

Transport bikes

View models

Customer experiences electric Balance bike

Read more about the use of the Balance low step through electric bike for seniors in these customer experiences.

Balance low step through bike

"I am Albert Smit (78) and I need an adaptive bike for my heart and lung complaints. I was not able to cycle anymore, due to breathlessness."

Albert Smit - Vaassen (the Netherlands)

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Balance low step through bike

"More than 10 years ago, I ended up at Van Raam via the internet. I just had a few knee operations and cycling on a regular bike was not possible anymore."

Wendy de Boer - Apeldoorn

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Balance low step through bike

"My name is Eva Richards and I have a Van Raam Balance bike because of my quite severe osteoarthritis in both knees. This has stopped me from being able to ride a regular bike."

Eva Richards - South Wales (UK)

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