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Best Cruiser Bikes for Seniors: 5 Top Models + Expert Buying Guide

By jwilder

Our Top Recommendations

1

Steel framed

Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike

Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser Bike, Featuring Retro-Styled 16-Inch/Small Steel Step-Through Frame and 7-Speed Drivetrain with Front and Rear Fenders, Rear Rack, and 26-Inch Wheels, Red

2

Storage space

Huffy Nel Lusso Cruiser Bike

26" Huffy Nel Lusso Women's Cruiser Bike, Banana-Yellow

3

Ergonomic handle

sixthreezero EVRYjourney

sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men's 7-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle, Matte Black w/Black Seat/Grips, 26" Wheels

The high cost of entry into the cycling world keeps people of all ages away from the sport. Cruiser bikes, however, aren’t just uniquely suited to seniors because of their comfortable nature. They’re also very affordable, making them a wonderful choice of bike for seniors who want to get back to being active and enjoying time outdoors.

In our complete guide to the best cruiser bikes for seniors, learn more about the easy-to-use, comfortable bikes, and check out our top 5 recommendations for the best cruiser bikes for older adults!

At a Glance: Top 5 Cruiser Bikes for Seniors

Image

Name

Overall Size

Wheel Size

No. of Speeds

Weight Best For Header
Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser Bike, Featuring Retro-Styled 16-Inch/Small Steel Step-Through Frame and 7-Speed Drivetrain with Front and Rear Fenders, Rear Rack, and 26-Inch Wheels, Red

Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser Bike

16″

26″

7

17.6 kg

Cruising the neighborhood

26" Huffy Nel Lusso Women's Cruiser Bike, Banana-Yellow

Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Cruiser Bike

26″

1

22 kg

Neck or Leg Fatigue

sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men's 7-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle, Matte Black w/Black Seat/Grips, 26" Wheels sixthreezero EVRYjourney 

26″

26″

7

36 lbs

Foot-forward design

Huffy 26" Men's Cranbrook Cruiser Bike with Freebie (Red)

Huffy Men’s Cranbrook Cruiser Bike

26″

1

43.3 lbs

Upright position

Schwinn Perla Women's Cruiser Bicycle, Featuring 18-Inch Step-Through Steel Frame and 7-Speed Drivetrain with Front and Rear Fenders, Rear Rack, and 26-Inch Wheels, Blue

Schwinn Perla Women’s Cruiser Bike

18″

26″

7

25 kg

Quilted seat with springs & trim

Best Cruiser Bikes for Seniors

Buying Guide: Cruiser Bikes

What to Look for in a Cruiser Bike for Seniors

  • Handlebar Position: The position of the handlebars dictates your riding posture more directly than you might think. Try to find a cruiser bike with handlebars that let you sit completely upright without having to lean forward. This will help prevent lower back pain while riding!
  • Electric vs. Manual: If you have extra cash, you can get a cruiser bike with electric motors. These bikes are very convenient, helping you ride farther and faster with less effort. They’re still just as effective for exercise, so you don’t have to worry about not getting the same health benefits just by choosing an electric cruiser.
  • Storage and Accessories: Look for, at minimum, a cruiser bike with a rear storage rack that you can attach baskets and accessories to. The more storage capacity your bike has, the easier it is to bring your important belongings with you as you ride. For shopping, running errands, or picnics at the park, a decent storage basket is a must-have on your cruiser bike.
  • Handlebar Position: The position of the handlebars dictates your riding posture more directly than you might think. Try to find a cruiser bike with handlebars that let you sit completely upright without having to lean forward. This will help prevent lower back pain while riding!
  • Electric vs. Manual: If you have extra cash, you can get a cruiser bike with electric motors. These bikes are very convenient, helping you ride farther and faster with less effort. They’re still just as effective for exercise, so you don’t have to worry about not getting the same health benefits just by choosing an electric cruiser.
  • Storage and Accessories: Look for, at minimum, a cruiser bike with a rear storage rack that you can attach baskets and accessories to. The more storage capacity your bike has, the easier it is to bring your important belongings with you as you ride. For shopping, running errands, or picnics at the park, a decent storage basket is a must-have on your cruiser bike.

How to Find the Best Price on a Cruiser Bike for Seniors

  • Number of Gears: Having more gears in the drivetrain makes it easier to ride uphill because you can shift to a lower, more efficient gear and avoid exhausting yourself. Those added gears, however, come with an added price. If you want to get a low price on a cruiser bike, stick with single-speed models.
  • Brand Names: Because these bikes are inexpensive in general, there are many generic brands that sell low-quality bikes for roughly the same price as Schwinn or Huffy. Save yourself the trouble of getting a bike that falls apart after a few months and stick with the big brands when it comes to cruisers!

The 5 Top Cruiser Bikes for Seniors

1. Best Cruiser Bike for Seniors (Overall):Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser Bike

Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser Bike, Featuring Retro-Styled 16-Inch/Small Steel Step-Through Frame and 7-Speed Drivetrain with Front and Rear Fenders, Rear Rack, and 26-Inch Wheels, Red

Schwinn Sanctuary Cruiser Bike

Overall Size

16″

Wheel Size

26″

No. of Speeds

7

Weight

17.6 kg

The Sanctuary delivers on every metric required of a cruiser bike. It’s simple, it has an extremely comfortable seat, and it’s even among the lightest cruiser bikes on the market! One advantage the Sanctuary has over nearly every other cruiser: seven different speeds, making it ideal for daily use as well as weekend cruises.

The only thing the Schwinn Sanctuary is missing is storage; it has a rear rack that you can attach a cargo basket to, but it lacks any storage of its own. If you don’t need to carry much or you don’t mind purchasing a cargo basket separately, this is by far the best cruiser for seniors!

2. Best Women’s Step-Through Cruiser Bike for Seniors: Huffy Nel Lusso Cruiser Bike, Banana Yellow

26" Huffy Nel Lusso Women's Cruiser Bike, Banana-Yellow

Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Cruiser Bike

Overall Size

Wheel Size

26″

No. of Speeds

1

Weight

22 kg

Every detail of this cruiser bike makes it ideal for cruising down the beach or through town on a warm, sunny day- right down to the banana yellow paint job! It’s got a rear storage platform, a front basket, and a water bottle/cup holder, giving you the ability to stay out all day without leaving necessary items behind.

It’s got a steel frame, so it’s not as light as it could be; as long as you’re not trying to pick the bike up or climb steep hills, though, you’ll be fine. The retro style, storage space, and ergonomic handlebars (not to mention the low price point) are enough to make this a wonderful cruiser for any senior woman!

3. Best Men’s Step-Through Cruiser Bike for Seniors: SixThreeZero Men’s EvryJourney Step-Through Cruiser

sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men's 7-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle, Matte Black w/Black Seat/Grips, 26" Wheels

sixthreezero EVRYjourney 

Overall Size

26″

Wheel Size

26″

No. of Speeds

7

Weight

36 lbs

Step-through bikes can be mistaken for women’s bikes because the frames have a lot in common, but step-through frames aren’t gender-exclusive. They make it very easy to get on and off the bike without straining your hips. SixThreeZero, one of the best smaller-scale manufacturers of bicycles, made an excellent product with the EvryJourney.

The sleek black frame, ergonomic handlebars, and seven-speed drivetrain make it perfect not just for weekend cruises but also for everyday use. If you’re looking for a men’s cruiser that can go almost anywhere and won’t leave you sore after riding, this is it!

Best Cruiser Bikes for Seniors (Runners-Up)

4. Huffy Men’s Cranbrook Cruiser

Huffy 26" Men's Cranbrook Cruiser Bike with Freebie (Red)

Huffy Men’s Cranbrook Cruiser Bike

Overall Size

Wheel Size

26″

No. of Speeds

1

Weight

43.3 lbs

For less than $225, you can get a solid and dependable cruiser bike that you’ll enjoy for years. It isn’t the most complex or luxurious bike in the world, but it isn’t supposed to be. Instead, it brings a sort of functional, “utilitarian” approach to the concept of a cruiser bicycle. The Cranbrook does exactly what it is supposed to do- give you a comfortable, relaxed cycling experience- without any frills or added features.

The bike’s frame, which Huffy has nicknamed the “Perfect Fit”, helps you sit in a more upright position, protecting your lower back from strain and soreness while riding. If you’re the type of person who balks at high prices and features that aren’t necessary, this comfortable and affordable cruiser bike was made for you.

5. Schwinn Perla Women’s Cruiser Bike

Schwinn Perla Women's Cruiser Bicycle, Featuring 18-Inch Step-Through Steel Frame and 7-Speed Drivetrain with Front and Rear Fenders, Rear Rack, and 26-Inch Wheels, Blue

Schwinn Perla Women’s Cruiser Bike

Overall Size

18″

Wheel Size

26″

No. of Speeds

7

Weight

25 kg

The Perla might be the most expensive bike on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your consideration. It’s lightweight, colorful, and has a seven-speed drivetrain that’s perfect for almost any cycling scenario.

This bike also has a very low-entry frame, making it the easiest of any bike on our list to get on/off of! If you’re looking for a bike that can take you almost anywhere and you don’t mind paying a higher price than what is normal for a cruiser bike, the Perla is your ideal match.

What is a Cruiser Bike for Seniors?

Cruiser bikes are simple bicycles designed for leisure riding.

Whether you’re riding around the neighborhood, to the park, or taking a cruise along the beach, these bikes are ready to take you there in comfort and style. Riding a bicycle, even a simple one like a cruiser bike, is great for your heart and joint health.

Getting a cruiser bike is a great way to expand your mobility beyond just driving your car everywhere. It’s also a great bicycle for seniors who want to exercise by cycling but don’t want the intensity of a road bike or mountain bike.

Some cruiser bikes are also electric bikes- bicycles with electric motors and batteries installed. These bicycles make it easier to pedal longer distances, an advantage that is well-suited to the purpose of a cruiser bike. When you ride a cruiser bike, you’re taking it easy. Not riding too slow, but not too fast either; you’re simply enjoying the weather and taking your time!

Pros and Cons of Cruiser Bikes for Seniors

Pros

  • Inexpensive: Similar to comfort bikes, a cruiser bike for seniors is one of the least expensive types of bicycles. You can get an excellent cruiser bike for less than $600; you’d have to be extremely lucky to do the same with a road bike, mountain bike, or three-wheel bike.
  • Comfortable: Because cruiser bikes aren’t built for performance, companies that make them tend to place a lot of emphasis on comfort. A good cruiser bike has a wide, soft seat and a frame that promotes an upright, comfortable posture for the rider as opposed to leaning forward as you would on a more intense bicycle.
  • Convenient: Getting a simple bicycle might not seem like a good idea on the outside, but it actually means you can use it for more than just a specific purpose. For example, you can’t comfortably ride a road bike to the grocery store, but you can on a cruiser bicycle you can run errands, visit with friends, and exercise all on one bicycle.

Cons

  • Slow-Moving: If you’re a senior who enjoys riding at a fast pace, these are not the right type of bicycle for you. They and typically don’t have a complex drivetrain (the part of the bike where the gears are housed). Most cruiser bikes are single-speed. This means that, while you can get up to a good speed, it takes a massive amount of effort to do so.
  • Heavy: Do you want a bike that’s made from lightweight carbon fiber and is easy to pedal uphill? You should look elsewhere. Cruiser bikes are made for flat ground and only slight uphills, and can be pretty exhausting to ride in hilly areas.

Best Brands of Cruiser Bikes

Schwinn

Schwinn has been making bikes since before the Panama Canal was completed, and they’ve maintained a strong market reputation ever since. Schwinn makes excellent bikes that are both fairly priced and very durable. If you want a comfortable, stylish bike that you can afford, Schwinn is the way to go.

Huffy

Possibly Schwinn’s most direct competitor in the States, Huffy bicycles are known for being inexpensive and functional. While Huffy bicycles aren’t quite as stylish as Schwinns, they work just as well as cruiser bikes and are often slightly cheaper.

Conclusion

Cruiser bikes are the best way to spend a Saturday morning, get some light exercise, or visit friends down the street. They’re comfortable, affordable, and usually have a sleek, retro-looking design. Which bike do you think you’ll choose? Let us know in the comments section below!

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