Riding an eBike for the First Time - A Guide for Older Adults

[@Eric_Tennant]

Love the green. This states in overheat mode for a while more still.

[@richarddkearney]

We got hurricane type weather today, but yesterday was an awesome day for riding here. When we were having our 100+ weather, rides were limited to an hour and usually early morning, but all day riding is here now. I saw you riding all day in 95+ weather. I'm pretty sure I couldn't do that or wouldn't do that. lol

[@patlsmith404]

That’s life..wish you the best! We’ve all had a rough time health, etc. I wouldn’t have put a rocking chair off the porch to do my video. Outside is always better, even in the rain at times. We got ours and still practicing around our yard and drive. Now we bought a ebike rack and ready to start on some trails! Good luck and prayers!🚴😎

[@richarddkearney]

Thanks. Let us know how your riding on trails go. There are so many things to learn about riding on trails depending on type of surface you are riding on.

[@EuroYank]

Richard, you’re a good soul with a positive attitude. Thanks for a great video. Like you, my ebike brings joy to my life. Keep on truckin’, brother!

[@richarddkearney]

Thanks for your comment. Apparently riding my ebike and nice comments both bring joy to my life!

[@Ukiah.Spirit]

The chances of going over the handlebars is, well, near nill. If your front wheel locks up (very unlikely on clean, dry pavement) the wheel will slide out from under the bike, which is not pleasant either. However, you're just as likely to take a spill if the rear wheel unexpectedly locks up, particularly if one hand is not on the handlebar and you're in a turn. That said, go slow during a turn and signal other traffic well in advance of your or turn or lane change. Good luck, sir.

[@richarddkearney]

I'm not for taking chances if I can avoid it. I've seen several youtube videos where people flip over going down a hill and hitting front brake while they signal with the right hand. It is best to learn from the start to do it correctly. There is a KZbin video I watched where someone was leaning forward on their eBike trying to adjust something that was in their front basket with their right hand when braking was required and they hit the left brake to bad results. (I adjust things in the front basket with my left hand just in case I have to hit the brakes because of that video) I have never flipped over on my ebike, but I have several times when I was young on my mountain bike and that experience stays in my mind. Now on my eBike, I have several cases where hitting either brake is likely to cause you to slide and those cases were usually related to tiny rocks on the paved road. Quite scary.

[@hurcell1]

Dude, loved the vid. I'm big and older like you. I'm glad you were motivated to make the vid. I'm a benefactor. I also have health related restrictions and challenges. May I ask why you don't have a step through ? Seems like it would be a helpful choice

[@richarddkearney]

thank you. Only reason I didn't get a step through is because I believed they were not as sturdy for riding mountain bike trails. Since I've gotten the bike, I've had a lot of people tell me that step throughs are study enough for riding mountain bike trails. My next bike will probably be a step through due to it being a lot easier to get on and off.

[@supanyc3199]

All the best 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@richarddkearney]

Thank you

[@genz2008]

A problem that really startled me the first time was that the pedal assist kicked in even with only the slight pressure of resting my foot on a pedal or bumping the pedal. Now I always stay in PAS 0 until I'm ready to move. And don't put your foot down into a pothole. And don't turn fast on sand, gravel or wet/slick surfaces.

[@richarddkearney]

Yes, All of that is true. Thank you for adding to the conversation!

[@Ginaspcs]

Richard I am so sorry to hear all of the things you are dealing with 😢. 🙏🏾 . By the way my toy poodle ran when you pressed your bell.

[@richarddkearney]

Thank you for your kind words. And... I'm excited that the horn isn't totally worthless. I finally got confirmation of a reaction by a dog! yay!

[@replicator1896]

While your rendition of "old mcDonald' is uhh recognizable, I wouldn't quit my day job. Sorry to hear about the recent extra stress in your life. Things will get better.

[@richarddkearney]

Thanks I'll keep that in mind when considering career choices.

[@garywillhoit]

I started graying in my 20s. Hair in bottom of shower. Still gray , ones there, 50 years later. Gray supposedly make us look distinguished. Stay on that bike. Get a rescue dog. More fun to talk to than an ebike. The ebike creators have had their health issues this year.

[@richarddkearney]

I've actually been trying to get a rescue dog. Right now I'm 0-8 on the dog I pick still being available by the time I contact them. I do have a potential puppy that I might end up with, but will have to wait a couple more weeks before I'll know for sure.

[@terrynelson2385]

Richard, this is a good video for brand new ebike riders. I see you are using the no-nose seat like I am. I like it. I didn't realize you have terminal cancer. My baby sister (63) just found out that she has cancer. Nasty stuff. So far I have only some skin cancer (that I'm aware of). Getting old sucks. I'm 76 so I've reached the "average age" for a white American male. Keep going my friend.

[@richarddkearney]

Thank you. I was hoping it would be good for brand new eBike riders. My niece said too many people in family have died recently, that no one else is allowed. So I'm getting a dog that I'm going to have to take care of for the next 15 years.