Larry Hartel Chair, Pension & Financial Wellness Committee, ARTA

A pair of e-bikes

Back in the day, we camped and biked with our two sons, exploring trails in Banff, Jasper, Kananaskis, and Peter Lougheed Park. We’ ve also enjoyed the beautiful paths in Calgary, Edmonton, and our hometown of Red Deer. For us, cycling has always been a low cost, high reward way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

As we got older and the hills became harder on the knees, we noticed how easily others on e-bikes handled the same terrain. After talking with friends, neighbours, and fellow riders, we decided to explore whether e-bikes could help us keep cycling without putting strain on our bodies— and whether the investment made sense for our budget.

Larry and his wife Beverly on a trail in Red Deer

When my wife and I began shopping for e-bikes, the variety in styles, battery capacity, gearing, speeds, and pricing felt overwhelming.( Ridley’ s E-bike Buyer’ s Guide is a helpful starting point.) We looked closely at how an e-bike could support our active lifestyle while fitting into our retirement spending plan.

Wellness( and Wallet) Benefits

For retirees, e-bikes can be a smart investment in both physical and financial wellness.

Mobility and health perks: Riding an e-bike allows you to cover greater distances with minimal exertion. Less effort is required for pedalling thanks to the electric assist; a bonus for those with limited strength or endurance.

Even with the built-in electric assist, riding an e-bike still counts as physical exercise and can help improve heart health and muscle tone, as well as trigger the release of endorphins, and dopamine, giving a“ runner’ s high” effect that reduces stress and lifts your mood.

Lower transportation costs: Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, riding an e-bike can be a cost-effective mode of transportation. Compared to a car, e-bikes have lower costs for fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

Environmental and lifestyle value: E-bikes produce fewer emissions than cars and are easier to store, making them a practical choice for downsized living or senior housing.

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