Best Bikes For Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's can be a frustrating and isolating condition. But it is crucial to remain active in order to manage symptoms and slow progression.

Cycling is a fun and social activity that can boost mental and physical health. Even better, it is one of the most recommended activities for Parkinson's.

The best bikes for Parkinson's help riders maintain their balance and are easy to get on and off. These include:

1. Theracycle 300
2. Biria Easy Boarding
3. RadCity Step-Thru 3
4. Pedego Electric Tandem
5. Sixthreezero BodyEase Tricycle
6. Buzz Bikes Cerana T

Living with chronic conditions makes life unpredictable. I know; I have two of them. One day I am perfectly capable of doing an activity completely independently; the next day, I'll require all the assistance I can muster. Thus, there is no perfect bike for Parkinson's. Not only does each person's experience with Parkinson's unique, but each day is different.

Thus, when it comes to cycling with Parkinson's, people generally require two bikes: stationary and one to enjoy the outdoors. The indoor exercise bike provides the ability to keep moving, even on more challenging physical days or in poor weather. The outdoor bike raises the spirits, increases freedom, and is incredibly fun.

‍6 Best Stationary And Exercise Bikes For Parkinson's

There have been studies and reviews on the benefits of bicycling with Parkinson's, including motorized assistance. Stationary bikes are the safest and most consistent way to achieve these benefits. In addition, they come in a wide range; thus, there is a stationary exercise bike to suit every stage of Parkinson's.

1. Confidence Fitness Motorized Electric Mini Exercise Bike

The Confidence Fitness Motorized Electric Mini Exercise Bike allows for motorized assisted exercise or manual for your legs and arms. It has nonslip peddles with adjustable straps. At only 13lbs, it is perfect for those who love to travel the country in a motorhome.

It has 12 adjustable speed settings, with a maximum speed of 80 RPM. Thankfully, you don't have to worry about losing your balance to change settings mid-workout as there is a hand cord remote. This small exercise bike has five programs to take you through the paces if you don't feel like designing your own. However, it has a bizarre 250lb weight limit.

Pros For Confidence Fitness

• Twelve speeds
• Excellent for legs and arms
• Settings adjustable with remote

Cons For Confidence Fitness

• A 250lb weight limit

2. Excy XCS 260 Portable Recumbent Mini Exercise Bike

The Excy XCS 260 Portable Recumbent is an incredibly versatile workout for your arms or legs. This bi-directional peddle set can be used sitting up or on your back. You can also place the Excy on the floor, on a sofa, or on the bed. It only weighs 14lbs and can be assembled in 2 minutes, making it easy to bring along while you travel.

However, this works strictly on your own peddle power, with no motorized assistance.

Pros For Excy XCS 260

• Bi-directional
• Versatile positioning
• Lightweight and portable

Cons For Excy XCS 260

• No motorized assistance

3. Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Electric Mini Exercise Bike

The Exerpeutic 2000M Motorized Electric Mini Exercise Bike is surprisingly quiet. Like other mini exercise bikes, it can be used to work your upper body or legs. It has a handy 47-inch electric cord and a nonslip mat. A 70-inch cord for the remote allows you to alter your program without losing your balance.

The CLD is easy to read and provides continuous readouts on your workout stats. The speed and resistance can easily be adjusted, including a manual option. However, the motor has a safety feature, stopping if the user fails to assist in the rotation.

Pros For Exerpeutic 2000M

• Quite
• Has auto stop if legs or arms fail to rotate
• Foldable pedals allow for easy storage

Cons For Exerpeutic 2000M

• Does not perform well for heavier users

4. Sole LCR Recumbent Bike

The Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is commercial grade and the choice of many physiotherapists. This bike is incredibly durable and well made. It has 40 resistance levels, a 30lb flywheel, and is self-powered, so you don't have to worry about placing it near an outlet.

This bike is comfortable and stable. It is angled back, keeping stress off the rider's joints. There are grips alongside the seat and next to the display screen. The dual handlebars allow for different positioning and are very handy when getting on and off.

However, the seat does not swivel, and there are large cupholders on the sides. While the cupholders are excellent for holding your water bottle, they can make it awkward for those that have to swing their legs around to get off.

Pros For Sole LCR

• Excellent value
• 40 resistance levels
• Supportive and comfortable

Cons For Sole LCR

• No motorized assistance

5. Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Bike

The Sunny Health And Fitness Magnetic Recumbent Stationary Bike is an affordable choice. The seat is wide and cushioned, making it a comfortable fit for most and eases stress off joints. In addition, it is an incredibly quiet bike, with 8 stages of resistance and a 9lb flywheel.

Unfortunately, despite the adjustable seat, the bike only fits people 4'9-5'9. It also has a weight limit of 300lbs. While taller people can still, technically, use the bike, the lack of leg extension will be frustrating.

Pros For Sunny Health

• Affordable
• Quiet
• Pretty stable despite a smaller footprint

Cons For Sunny Health

• Difficult fit for anyone over 5'9

6. Theracycle 300 Stationary Bike

The Theracycle 300 Stationary Bike is the rock-star option, specifically designed for the progressive needs of people living with Parkinson's. It is a full-body workout and can provide motorized assistance as required. The ergonomic seat can swivel, and there is plenty of pass-through leg space, making it easy to get on and off.

The bike has an easy-to-read and use control panel with a safety shut-off. There are three adjustable pedal options to suit your needs. Theracycle is also accessible to a range of body types. The base model takes up to 300lbs, and there is an optional modification, so it holds up to 500lbs.

If you can afford the Teracycle, this is the best stationary bike for Parkinson's on the market. It's built to keep you moving, meeting you wherever you are at, no matter if it is a good day or a less functional one.

Pros For Theracycle 300

• Full body workout
• Accessible to a range of body types
• Safe

Cons For Teracycle 300

• Expensive

4 Best Bikes And E-Bikes For Parkinson's

There are people with Parkinson's who can manage a two-wheel bike independently. Some find keeping their balance on a bike is easier than walking. However, it is recommended to consider models that are easy to mount and dismount, such as step-thru, and, if possible, allow both feet to be flat at a stop. These features will reduce the chances of a fall.

1. Biria Easy Boarding Bikes

The Biria Easy Boarding range is one of the most accessible step-thru designs available. They are an excellent choice for anyone with tight hips. This easy off-and-on frame is used to offer riders a substantial selection. For example, their EB Balloon 7 has so much cushioning it is as if it had full suspension. They also have an electric option.

Their most popular model is the EB Easy 7, which has a tall version. This 7-speed city cruiser weighs 33lbs and has front and rear aluminum v-brakes.

Pros For Biria Easy Boarding

• Excellent step-thru design
• Excellent choice
• Built for balance

Cons For Biria Easy Boarding

• Braking isn't as smooth at higher speeds

2. Blix Sol Eclipse Electric Bike

The Blix Sol Eclipse Electric is a classic cruiser with a wide seat, providing a smooth ride. Like most cruisers, it places the body in a relaxed, upright position, and the step-thru allows for better accessibility. While it is not a mountain bike by any stretch of the imagination, its fat, stable tires handle a surprisingly diverse range of terrain. It also takes on hills pretty well.

It is one of the more affordable e-bikes. Consequently, the brakes are mechanical. However, there is now an LED light for night riding, unlike the original.

Pros For Blix Sol Eclipse

• Comfy, cushioned ride
• Handles hills well
• Well priced

Cons For Blix Sol Eclipse

• Mechanical disc brakes will require more hand strength

3. RadCity Step-Thru 3 Electric Bike

The RadCity Step-Thru 3 is a comfortable e-bike generally used for city riding. However, its tires and engine can handle milder trails; just don't try to mountain bike in it. Its LED lights are on the front and back, making it safer to cycle in low-light conditions. The Velo Plush saddle is fantastic. The bike has various rack mounts, allowing you to customize it to your needs.

Pros For RadCity Step-Thru

• Affordable
• Half-twist throttle
• Not as noisy as others in this price ranges

Cons For RadCity Step-Thru

• Mechanical disc brakes can reduce stopping time

4. Sixthreezero Body Ease Bike

The Sixthreezero Body Ease has a unique body positioning, tilting the seat slightly back to be kinder to joints. The wide, comfortable seat absorbs shock, and the fork is anti-shock. In addition to the step-thru design, it allows both feet to be flat during stops.

The Body Ease comes in a few styles, including various gear options, from 3 to 21. But the most popular is the 7-speed which is enough to do hills comfortably. While the fit of the 7-speed unisex is wide, there is a women's and men's version, should you require a smaller or bigger bike.

Pros For Sixthreezero Body Ease

• Flat foot for stopping
• Unique geometry made for comfort
• Comfortable hand grips

Cons For Sixthreezero Body Ease

• Despite the wide tires, it doesn't perform well off the pavement

4 Best Tandem Bikes And E-Tandems For Parkinson's

Tandem bikes and trikes are an excellent way to exercise outside safely. It's social and fun, giving you the confidence to go further. There is a knack to peddling on a tandem bike, as the two riders must learn to work together. But once you and your partner have mastered the tandem bike knack, they are a blast.

1. Kulana Lua Tandem Adult Beach Cruiser

The Kulana Lua Tandem Adult Beach Cruiser is available in single-speed or 7-speed. The single-speed uses rear coaster breaks with the using front and rear v-brakes. It is a comfortable cruiser with dual spring saddles. While it isn't a true step-thru, the rear seat does have a lower bar than the front.

This is the perfect option for people who will do most of their cycling indoors but want a casual outdoor option that doesn't cost the earth.

Pros For Kulana Lua

• Affordable
• Stable, wide tires
• Comfortable, upright geometry

Cons For Kulanan

• Rear seat is not compatible with riders under 5'4

2. Pedego Electric Tandem 500W

The Pedego Electric Tandem is a comfy 7-speed that can last up to 56 miles on a single charge. The handlebars are relaxed and back, allowing you to sit in a back and balance friendly upright position. The wide seats are soft and cushioning. It has disc brakes for controlled stopping.

Pedego also has a full-throttle for when you need to take a break from peddling during the ride. This feature uses up the battery faster, nor does it earn anyone points with their physiotherapist. But it provides reassurance while venturing out that you won't get stuck.

Pros For Pedego

• Full throttle for when you need a break
• Built for comfort with a soft saddle and relaxed handlebars
• Wide tires for added stability

Cons For Pedego

• The step-thru frame is high

3. Schwinn Twinn Tandem

The Schwinn Twinn Tandem comes in two frames: medium (20in front, 16in rear) and large (22in front, 18in rear). It is a well-priced tandem with 21-gears, mechanical disc brakes, and a suspension fork. The hybrid style allows some trail riding, although not to a mountain biker's standards. Nevertheless, it's a surprisingly smooth ride, given the price.

However, like many tandems, the step-thru is pretty high, which may cause difficulty for some people with Parkinson's. It also struggles to navigate tight turns, but to find better, you will have to go up another price bracket.

Pros For Schwinn Twinn

• Affordable
• Suspension fork
• 21-gears

Cons For Schwinn Twinn

• High step-thru

4. Tandem Twinny

The Tandem Twinny is a brilliant tandem bike that intends to make cycling as accessible as possible. It comes with numerous customizable options, including an e-bike version, seat belt, backrest support, and holders for a walker, crutches, or stick. Twinny even lets you choose if you want the steering in the front or back.

The Twinny's geometry places the riders further apart than your standard tandem, making it a more pleasant experience for all involved. It also has a step-thru for both riders, front, and rear adjustable handlebars, and there is the option to pedal independently.

Pros For Tandem Twinny

• Can peddle independently
• Step-thru for both seats
• Adjustable rear handlebars

Cons For Tandem Twinny

• Has to be shipped over from Europe

6 Best Tricycles And E-Tricycles For Parkinson's

Tricycles allow independence while providing greater security and balance. The steering is slightly different from a bicycle, but once a rider has adjusted, they are an excellent way to stay fit, do errands, and meet up with friends.

1. Buzz Bikes Cerana T 350W Tricycle

The Buzz Cerana T is a well price e-trike with a battery that can go up to 40 miles before recharging. It was designed with seniors in mind. Thus, its LCD screen is easy to read, the step-thru frame is accessible, and it is an incredibly comfortable ride. Its large, stable tires cushion you through all the bumps. The front and rear baskets are room to carry your things.

Pros For Adult Tricycles

• Well priced
• Comfortable, even over bumps
• Powerful headlights

Cons For Adult Tricycles

• Poor performance on hills

2. Emojo Electric Tricycle Caddy Pro 500W

The Emojo Electric Tricycle is a stable and durable trike with a strong 500W motor. It can travel up to 35 miles on a single charge. The Emojo's step-thru frame provides easy on and off.  It also boasts front and back baskets to carry your groceries, extra water, and fur friends. The rare backrest also helps riders keep their balance and provides comfort.

The Emojo tires are excellent. Their fat width not only provides extra stability but allows access to city streets and some mild off-roading, including zipping around golf courses.

Pros For Emojo Electric Tricycle

• Comfortable ride
• Stable, wide tires
• Great brake system

Cons For Emojo Electric Tricycle

• It isn't waterproof, so you either have to skip rainy days or put a bag over the LCD

3. Schwinn Meridian Tricycle

The Schwinn Meridian Tricycle is a well-balanced and affordable ride. It is single-speed, so it isn't dynamic. But it is good value and will cruise around town, making errands enjoyable. The cushioned seat absorbs the bumps. It comes with 24' or 26' wheels; the larger will make the ride slightly smoother. The handy rear basket does fold down when you need.

Pros For Schwinn Meridian

• Stable
• Easy assemble
• Comfortable

Cons For Schwinn Meridian

• Heavier riders find the seat moves

4. Sixthreezero Body Ease Tricycle

The Sixthreezero Body Ease is a cruiser-trike with flat foot stopping and step-thru on and off frame. This tricycle isn't just practical if you have Parkinson's but an excellent choice for anyone with a bad back or arthritis. In addition, its roomy collapsible basket can hold plenty of groceries or everything you need for a day at the beach.

Pros For Sixthreezero Body Ease

• 7-speed drivetrain with Shimano derailleur allows it to climb moderate hills
• Ergonomic design built to be kind to joints
• Flat-foot technology

Cons For Sixthreezero Body Ease

• Takes around 4 hours to assemble

5. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 250W e-Tricycle

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 250W e-Tricycle is ergonomically designed for comfort and accessibility. Like the Body Ease, this trike is a good choice if you have additional aches and pains, reducing strain on the hips and other joints. In addition, if you need to give your legs a break mid-ride, there is the option to switch from peddle assist to full-throttle.

The EVRYjourney is a hybrid, so it can handle a wider amount of terrain, even if you buy the non-electric version. It also has slightly more zip than other electric trikes, reaching 24mph.

Pros For Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

• Ergonomically designed to reduce strains and aches
• Full-throttle option for when you need a break
• Hybrid design can handle a variety of terrain

Cons For Sixthreezero EVERYjourney

• Assembly can be finicky

6. Vanell Adult Mountain Tricycle

The Vanell Adult Mountain Tricycle will take you onto the trails. While it can't navigate every path a proper mountain bike can handle, it still accomplishes a surprising amount. Its steel frame is high quality and handles off-road abuse. In addition, it has a suspension fork to help cushion as you ride over the bumps.

But building something for this kind of off-roading comes with some drawbacks. For starters, you lose the step-thru frame. Also, the body positioning is slightly forward, which can be less kind to joints.

Do note that the 60lb gear carrying capacity is part of the 400lb total weight limit, not in addition.

Pros For Vanell Adult Mountain

• Suspension fork
• Higher weight capacity than most trikes
• Affordable

Cons For Vanell Adult Mountain

• You lose the step-thru in exchange for rugged durability