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Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).

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Balance low step through bicycle Van Raam

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Safe (electric) bike for elderly

Bikes \ Low step through bikes
Van Raam
Balance low step through bicycle Van Raam

In recent years, most deadly victims in traffic have been cyclists. Older cyclists on an electric bicycle are the main victims. Many of the articles in newspapers where these traffic accidents are named, point out the cause of these accidents: people often fall while getting on and off the bicycle, especially when sudden breaking is needed or when they need to come off the bike unexpectedly. An increased start speed or unexpected engine activity cause people to fall. Most accidents could have been prevented with a different type of electric bike, a type that does not cause difficulty when getting on and off and one of which the pedal support power assistance does not (de)activate unexpectedly. Van Raam manufactures the ideal bike for elderly: the (Tavara) Balance. Read more about the low step through bike Balance here.

Low step through and unique seating position; always with two feet directly on the ground

For the past 30 years Van Raam has been manufacturing the ideal, safe bike for elderly. During the Fietsrai of 1985 architect Piet Tauber received an award from minister Kroes (Ministry of transport, traffic and water management) as winner of a contest for safe bikes. He won this price for his effort in the designing process of the (Tavara) Balance. Van Raam still manufactures this bicycle.

Take a look at the advantages and unique riding characteristics of the Balance here:

  • The bicyle has a unique frame: a low step through and, when seated, the rider’s feet can always reach the ground immediately. Unlike a regular low step through bicycle, the (Tavara) Balance is equipped with a lowered seat. Regular low step through bikes have an elevated seating position and causes elderly to still fall.

Low step through Balance bike Van Raam
Van Raam's Balance bicycle

  • The ergonomics of the frame is such that the low step through allows the rider to get on and off the bicycle easily. Despite this low step through and the lowered seat the rider is still able to make to make the optimum pedal movement. This is because the rider is not above, but behind the crank-gear. The unique seating position allows the rider to reach the ground with both feet and causes its center of gravity to be lower.

  • More forward pedal movement allowsthe riders to make better use of their leg muscles than with a regular bicycle. This makes cycling easier and more comfortable.

  • Van Raam’s Balance’s frame construction also reduces strain on wrists, back, neck and shoulders.

Read more about the Balance on the product page.

Read more about the balance

Unique and easy to use electric pedal support power assistance

The electric variation on this bike has additional unique features. Distinctive about Van Raam’s unique Silent (electric) system:

  • It’s very quiet and works on a power and rotation sensor, which prevents the engine from suddenly turning off or on.

  • The power of the engine and other characteristics (torque at the bottom, maximum speed, acceleration etc.) are continuously regulated by its software.

  • The ‘drive-away’ (starting aid/launch control) feature is installed as standard. This feature makes it easier to ascend from a basement for example; the bicycle will lift itself while you walk right next to it and leave the ‘drive-away’ button pressed. The feature aids the rider in accelerating to the desired speed.

Van Raam pedal assist silent smart display
Smart display and the App

  • It comes with a unique console with limited features on its display so you will not be distracted. Another advantage is that the display is not sensitive to theft and does not have to be removed from the bike every time.

  • If you still want to see or adjust more, you can do so via a handy smartphone app. With the Van Raam app, you can set a different support mode on your Van Raam bike.

  • One electric bike battery will last you 80 kilometers. A second battery can be taken along to increase the range to 160 kilometers. Read more about the battery in the article: 'How many kilometers does a Van Raam E bike battery last?'.

More information about Van Raam's unique Silent pedal support can be found on the page about pedal support.

Read more about pedal support

Instruction video: Balance low step through bicycle

See more of the Balance low entry bike in the product video below.

Trying out the Balance yourself

Would you like to test the advantages of this safe e-bike for elderly during a free test ride at Van Raam? Make an appointment online to schedule a test ride with one of our Van Raam advisors in the showroom in Varsseveld, the Netherlands. You can also find a dealer near you and contact him to discuss the possibilities for a test ride.

Find a dealer

Conclusion: World’s safest bicycle

Van Raam’s balance is one of the safest bicycles available because of its frame and unique engine.The Balance has many unique riding characteristics and is very suitable for seniors. The beauty of this bike is that it is also produced entirely in the Netherlands.

Safest bicycle Balance low step through Van Raam

Check out our other bikes

In case the rider is still insecure on a bicycle, Van Raam manufactures a wide range of safe tricycles or other special needs bikes which provide even more stability. 

View all the Van Raam bikes below:

Our bikes

tricycles van raam

Tricycles

People, who cannot ride on a regular bicycle, look for a proper and safe alternative.

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wheelchair bikes van raam

Wheelchair bikes

The Van Raam wheelchair bikes are used to enable a wheelchair dependent person to travel by cycle.

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Why is there no stand on a 3 wheeled bike Van Raam Twinny two wheel tandem

Tandems

The Van Raam tandems are used to enjoy cycling together.

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side by side tandems van raam

Side-by-side tandems

The two persons have a good view and can communicate well with each other due to the seats being next to each other.

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low step through bikes van raam

Low step through bikes

The low step through bikes from Van Raam enable people to get on their bikes easier.

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electric mobility scooter van raam

Electric mobility scooter bike

The compact electric scooter bike is designed for people with stability problems or variable energy level.

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transport bikes van raam

Transport bikes

Our transport bikes are for children or adults who cannot or do not want to take part in traffic on their own or for recreational use.

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Customer experiences electric Balance bike

Read more about the use of the Balance low step through electric bike for seniors in these customer experiences.

Customer experiences
User experience low step through bike Balance - Wendy de Boer
9 / 10
User experience low step through bike Balance - Wendy de Boer
More than 10 years ago, I ended up at Van Raam via the internet. I just had a few knee operations and cycling on a regular bike was not possible anymore. Through the Municipality I received a small contribution for a bicycle. I then tried some bikes at two different companies, but I chose for a Van Raam bicycle.
Read this customer experience
User experience Balance low step through bike - Eva Richards
10 / 10
User experience Balance low step through bike - Eva Richards
My name is Eva Richards, I live in South Wales in the United Kingdom and I have a Van Raam Balance bike because of my osteoarthritis.
Read this customer experience

Related

BalanceLow step through bikesPedal assist
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