Customer experience Balance low step-through bike - Inez van der Weerden
Inez, aged 78, was looking for a bike that would help her feel more confident when getting on and off. After test rides on various two-wheeled bikes and tricycles, she chose the Balance low step-through bike. She shares how this bike has helped her get back in the saddle and enjoy cycling again.
Looking for more confidence
“My name is Inez and I’m 78 years old. I wanted to keep cycling, but I needed a bike that would make it easier for me to keep my balance. I particularly wanted to feel safer when getting on and off. That’s why I took lots of test rides on all sorts of bikes and tricycles. Eventually, I found the Balance low step-through bike from vanRaam.
I’ve had the bike since September 2026. What really makes a difference for me is being able to stand with my feet on the ground and set off from that position. I also really appreciate the starting aid when setting off. I feel so much more confident than I did on my old bike.”
Enjoying being out and about again
“In summer and on fine days, I cycle 70 to 80 kilometres a week. Sometimes I simply go for a ride for pleasure, but I also use the bike to visit the market, see friends or get to my volunteering.
The Balance is very easy to pedal, so I can cover those distances comfortably. I no longer feel so nervous at traffic lights. I know I can put my feet on the ground and that the starting aid will help me get going again. That gives me confidence.”
Meeting a tractor on a narrow road
“One experience that has stayed with me was a ride along a narrow road with gravel and sand at the edges. A tractor was coming towards me. In the past, I would always get nervous in that situation and get off my bike to let the tractor pass.
This time, I was able to move onto the gravel and sand much more easily. Knowing I could put my feet down if I needed to gave me confidence. I could also feel that the wide tyres maintained a good grip. That made me feel safe, and I was delighted.”
This bike has helped me get back in the saddle and become active again.
Practising with the dealer
“The vanRaam dealer was very helpful during the test ride. We cycled a few laps together, practising stopping and setting off again with the start assist several times. We also tried riding up a slope on a dyke together.
That was helpful because it allowed me to experience how the bike worked for me. During the test ride, we cycled on a smooth road surface. It was only after buying the bike, when I cycled along a brick-paved road on the dyke, that I noticed how the vibrations and jolts felt on an uneven surface.”
Happy to have my freedom back
“I’m very happy that I can cycle to the market and visit friends independently again. However, there are also a few things I find less comfortable. I miss having suspension: on an uneven surface, I can feel the vibrations and jolts, which makes the ride less comfortable for me. I also find the handlebar grips sticky.
Otherwise, the Balance meets my expectations. I give the bike a 7 out of 10. I would recommend it to people who are starting to struggle with a standard bike. I now enjoy going out for a ride again, something I had stopped doing. Above all, being able to get out and about independently again means a lot to me.”
Inez van der Weerden – The Netherlands
Bike: Balance low step-through bike
Pros & cons
- Being able to stand with both feet on the ground when stopping and setting off
- Starting aid provides greater confidence when setting off
- Easy to pedal, even on longer rides
- Getting out and about independently again and enjoying cycling more
- A lack of suspension means vibrations and jolts can be felt on uneven roads
- The handlebar grips feel sticky
Want to share your experience?
Feel free to send us a nice picture of your vanRaam bike along with an explanation.