Older Australians getting back on the bike as e-bike popularity booms

The rising popularity of e-bikes on the south coast is helping older residents to become more active and rekindling their passion for riding, say enthusiasts.

When Michelle Wright first moved to Ulladulla three years ago, the 60-year-old dreamt of becoming more active, but was held back by fears she wouldn’t be able to conquer the south coast town’s steep and formidable hill.

That was until she learned about e-bikes.

The electronically powered pushbikes are rising in popularity on the south coast and have helped the region’s ageing population stay fit, Ms Wright said.

“I tried a few e-bikes and I was sold right away,” she said.

“Its so much fun, and I feel I can still get a work out.

“If I‘ve got a headwind or a big hill, being able to flick it into turbo and get that extra power makes it so much more enjoyable.”

Mollymook Milton Ulladulla E-Bike Group

E-bike models range from street bikes to mountain bikes, with some models even able to travel at road speeds.

Unlike electric motorbikes or scooters, the motor that powers e-bikes only assists in peddling.

south coast Electric Bikes owner Rus Phelan said that for older people, that meant the amount of power provided by the motor can be tailored to the ability of the rider, offering more or less assistance when needed.

As a result, Mr Phelan said many older riders had been able to rekindle their love for riding with e-bikes.

“Those people that haven‘t ridden a bike for some time are now finding that they can ride without as much effort as they used to,” he said.

“You can enjoy the fresh air and freedom without the exertion because that motor assists you on a hill, so you‘re not working as hard.

“Its so much fun, and I feel I can still get a work out,” Mollymook Milton Ulladulla E-Bike Group member Michelle Wright said

“You still need to put effort in, but certainly not what you need to on a normal bike.”

After only two years in the bike industry, Mr Phelan said he could already see the writing on the wall when it came to the popularity of e-bikes and began ordering them in en masse at his Nowra-based shop.

Through word of mouth, the bikes have become highly sought after, Mr Phelan said, especially in Ulladulla.

The inaugural ride of the Mollymook Milton Ulladulla E-Bike Group this month attracted more than a dozen riders, with more than 100 locals trading tips and suggestions for new riders in an online group.

Ms Wright was in attendance at that first ride and said all the new members were over 50, and at least a third were women.

“I‘ve got several of my friends now who either have an e-bike or looking into buying an e-bike,” Ms Wright said.

As an avid bushwalker, Ms Wright was excited to take her bike off-road and explore trails that were previously inaccessible.

“You can go further and discover different trails on a bike rather than just walking those same tracks,” she said.

“I’ve also just ordered a van and I’m planning to put the bike on the back of it, so when I go up and set up camp somewhere I can use my e-bike as my vehicle just to get around and explore a bit to get a bit of exercise.

“That’s something else I’m anticipating in the future, but haven’t got there yet.”