At E-bike Lovers, we believe that electric bikes are more than just a mode of transportation—they are tools for freedom, health, and resilience.
Recently, we sat down with James Heilig, a cyclist nearing his 80th birthday, to discuss how e-biking has helped him manage the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Q: James, tell us about the health challenges you’ve been facing recently.
James: I’ve been dealing with diabetes for a while, and a side effect of that is peripheral neuropathy. For several years now, I’ve had constant tingling in my feet and legs, and it has definitely affected my balance. I don't walk quite as well as I used to.
Q: How does that condition change when you get on an e-bike?
James: It’s the strangest thing—the moment I’m on the bike, I don’t notice the neuropathy at all. The balance issues I have while walking just seem to disappear when I'm pedaling. It gives me a sense of stability and movement that I don't always feel when I'm on my own two feet.
Q: Some "purists" say e-biking is "cheating." What’s your take on that?
James: (Laughs) I don’t care! At my age, I’m out there to have fun and enjoy life. The electric assist means I don’t have to worry about hills, and I can go much further than I ever could on a standard bike. If having a big smile on my face while I ride is "cheating," then I’m happy to be a cheater.
Q: You’re turning 80 in just a few days. What keeps you motivated to stay active?
James: You have to keep moving. It is so easy to just sit down on the couch and stay there, but once you stop moving, you lose your strength and mobility very fast. Whether it’s e-biking, yoga, or swimming, you have to find something that keeps your body in motion.
Q: What advice do you have for others dealing with similar health hurdles?
James: It’s simple: Don't give up. It’s a struggle sometimes, but you have to keep pushing. Don't let the condition define what you can do. Get out there and find your "e-bike"—whatever that looks like for you.
Editor's Note: James is a true inspiration to the E-bike Lovers community. His story reminds us that age and illness are just variables, not roadblocks. His story is also featured in a documentary. Check it out here.
