If you’ve noticed marketing that promotes an adult tricycle for sale, you’ve seen one of the hottest trends in cycling in recent years, electric bikes. With a little help from a motor, e-bikes have opened up new possibilities in commuting, long-distance cycling and accessibility. But that’s not the only trend in cycling; there are many new products on the market to make bike riding safer and more fun. Here’s a look at some bike tech trends for 2020.
Electric Bicycles
For older adults who need a little help with balance, commuters, or anyone who wants an easier way to get fresh air and exercise, adult tricycles are here to stay. With room for a basket, they’re also great for running errands around town. Even more popular are electric bicycles for sale from leading manufacturers. With a motor to help you over rough spots and give you a little insurance that you’ll arrive at your destination, electric bikes are a hot product. Motors with an output of up to 1,000 watts are available for those who want that extra push.
Smart Helmets
Smart technology has come to bike helmets, with riders able to make and answer phone calls, listen to music and access lights all from their lid. Bluetooth connectivity is also part of many packages. One of the latest models, from Safe-Tec, now offers an integrated Alexa feature, so you can check the time, make a shopping list, set a timer and more while keeping both hands—mostly—on the handlebars.
Fat Tire Beach Bikes
Beachcombers have discovered the benefits of a fat tire to help them tour the coastline. No longer just for mountain trail rides, fatter and fatter tires have become available that make easy work of shifting sands. For those who want a little more help, consider a fat tire electric bike for sale online or at an area shop. With tires as wide as four inches and more, you can now enjoy slow and easy outings without the hassle of getting bogged down.
Smart Rear Lights
Just like motor vehicles, you can now see what’s behind you with an HD camera that is part of the Smart Bicycle Backlight from Rothem. Along with an LED light panel, speakers and a mic, this rear light includes radar to track nearby cars and how close they are to you (showing you on your smartphone). Another awesome feature is the loud warning it sounds when a vehicle gets a little too close. If the car driver does hit the cyclist from the rear, the Backlight automatically uploads a video of the crash to the cloud.
Smart Watches
It didn’t take long for fitness trackers to expand to a variety of sports, and several are available for cyclists. The Smartwatch from Suunto is packed with features that include Google format Play, Pay and Assistant, as well as the ability to map your routes, monitor heart rate and more. It’s designed to resist water, dirt and shock and has oversize buttons for easy use.
With so much tech to try with your bike, and the activity’s built-in social distancing features, there is still fun to be had this summer. Electric-bike riders, start your engines; for the rest of you, start pedaling!
