The Senior Scene

SAVVY SENIOR

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,

What can you tell me about electric trikes for semi-seniors? I used to cycle a lot in my younger years but have some balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-wheeler anymore. I’ve read that electric-powered trikes are a good option for older riders, but I could use some help choosing one.

Unsteady Eddie

Dear Eddie,

Electric powered adult tricycles – also known as e-trikes – are a great cycling option for older adults with balance or stamina issues because they’re safe and super fun to ride, and easy on an aging body.

With a trike you can ride as slow as you want without ever losing your balance, which is very reassuring for most older riders.

E-trikes also come with a small electric motor to enhance the riding experience, so when you saddle up and apply the throttle, the motor will give you a boost when pedaling, or it will do all the work for you. This makes it much easier to whiz up hills and ride into headwinds without gassing yourself or taxing your knee joints.

In addition, most adult e-trikes are also made with a low step-through design, making mounting and dismounting easier; they typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip; and offer oversize seats (some even have backrests) for comfort and support.

There are many types of e-trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere from around $2,000 up to $7,000. To shop for one, contact bike shops in your area, or order one online. When shopping, pay special attention to the motor, which determines how fast it will go, and the battery, which determines how far it will go between charges.

Most e-trikes can reach speeds between 15 and 28 miles per hour, and typically go between 20 and 55 miles on a single charge, depending on how much pedaling you do. Battery charge times will vary, too, from three to eight hours.

To help you figure out the right kind of e-trike for you, ask yourself how and where you plan to ride it. If you’re primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood, fitness, or running errands, an upright cruiser e-trike that has a rear cargo basket would be a nice choice.

Or, if you’re looking to take longer rides, a recumbent e-trike may be a better option. These are aerodynamic, low-to-the-ground, stretched-out frame trikes that allow you to recline with your legs positioned in front of you.

There are also folding e-trikes, which are practical if you have limited home storage or would like to take your trike with you when traveling.

Send questions for Jim Miller to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit savvysenior.org.

The service industry is renowned for having different tipping cultures from country to country. In the United States, tipping often is a significant share of a worker’s salary. Locals and tourists give 15 to 20 percent of the final bill to restaurant waiters, taxi drivers, porters, and tour guides.

For international travelers, here’s what to expect outside the U.S.

• Gratuities aren’t expected, but 10 percent or a rounded-up bill is appreciated by wait staffs.
• Tips in should be left in a discreet manner, as Brazilians prefer to be subtle when it comes to the exchange of money. It’s customary to charge diners a 10 percent service fee. Another five to 10 per cent in cash is common.
• China. Tipping in some places is frowned upon. However, some high-end restaurant and heavy tourist spots may be accustomed to small tips.
• It’s customary for change to be left at bars, three to five percent to be given at casual cafes and restaurants, and 10 to 15 percent at a higher-end place.
• Egypt. Leave between five and 10 percent as a cash gratuity to the servers.
• France. Restaurants, bars and cafes will generally include a service charge in the final bill, so a tip isn’t expected.
• There is no strong tipping culture, but rounded-up bill or small tip is okay.
• Tipping is completely optional and never expected, but 10 percent tip is acceptable if no service fee is charged.
• Locals don’t tip, but tourists can do it in cash.
• Japan. Workers refuse tips and might even consider them insulting. Cultural expectations are that good service should be the norm rather than something to be rewarded.
• Have servers keep the change or offer small tips, even though Dutch law requires establishments to include tips in their published prices.
• Spain. Tipping isn’t expected or customary.
• Thailand. Tipping isn’t customary in Thailand, but small gratuities are appreciated.
• United Arab Emirates. A 10 per cent service charge is required in certain cities like, but workers expect an additional 15 to 20 percent tip.

Source: Stressfreecarental.com.

In the last few years, the recreational vehicle industry has seen millennials living in RVs, retirees swinging to the RV life, and the age 35-to-55-years-old crowd taking a larger market share than the typical 60-plus buyers.

According to the Recreational Vehikcle Industry Association (RVIA), 98 percent of RVs sold are manufactured in the United States. The highest number of RV sales by state are in Indiana ($6.8 billion), California ($2.2 billion), and Texas ($1.8 billion).

With all that as a backdrop, anyone in the market the market for a 2022 RV shouldn’t expect to get a deal. As long as the demand exceeds the supply, the price will keep going up. According to Nomadic News, manufacturers are increasing prices for dealers, which makes dealers less likely to cut buyers a deal.

Before the camper-buying frenzy started, purchasers could expect to take anywhere from 20 percent to 30 percent off the MSRP. However, this is increasingly rare as demand grows and supply shrinks, causing the prices for new RVs to increase. When the 2021 Airstream Flying Clouds hit the market, they started at $78,900 in 2022, the price is $85,300, just over an 8 percent increase.

Airstream isn’t alone in raising prices for new models. Grand Design is raising prices by 6 to 8 percent. Winnebago is raising prices by 7 percent. With RVIA predicting continued growth, this likely isn’t the last increase.

There are some factors that dealerships and manufacturers can’t control. Global supply chains have gotten disrupted, making manufacturing and assembling RVs difficult. Manufacturers have had to change aspects like the color of siding, television models, and even air conditioners to keep production rolling as much as possible.

With supply chain issues and high demand, it’s only a matter of time before there’s a massive backlog on new RVs. Many first-time RVers are looking for the security and assurance that warranties can provide, but they need to be patient if they want a new model, according to industry analysts.

Last Nove

mber, RVIA reported the popularity of RVing was showing no sign of slowing down, with a new survey revealing that 72 million Americans plan on taking an RV trip in the next year in an RV they rent, own, or borrow. That number was up from 61 million in 2020. A new survey showed that interest in exploring the outdoors and traveling more with children and family were the top reasons for people planning to go RVing.

“While flexibility through remote work and school continues to be one of the top reasons for RV travel, this new data shows that interest in exploring the outdoors is by far the number one reason for people wanting to take an RV trip,” said Bill Baker, RVIA’s senior director of membership and. “There has really been a shift in people’s priorities over the past year and their desire to get outside and experience the great outdoors, so it makes sense that more people are turning to RVs.”

RV owners overwhelmingly said in recent surveys that their RVs make it easier to take more frequent weekend getaways or mini-vacations that accommodate busy family schedules.

• More than 11 percent of U.S. households headed by 35-to-54-year-olds own an RV, exceeding the 9 percent ownership rates of adults 55 and over.