Deb Test Rides the 20-Inch Simple Step-Thru E-Bike After Hip Replacement: Light, Low, and Easy to Take Anywhere

Some test rides are about speed or range. Deb's are about something more personal. She is riding on a new hip, and every bike she tries gets judged by a simple set of questions. Can she get on and off without twisting or lifting her leg high? Does it let her pedal without pressure on her joints? Does it feel safe, comfortable, and fun? And can she actually take it somewhere, or is it a bike that only works if you live next to a bike path?

In an earlier ride at sixthreezero headquarters, Deb tested a full-size step-through. This time she moved to something noticeably smaller: the 20-inch Simple Step-Thru. In her own words, it is "a much smaller bike," and its standout feature is how low the frame sits. The step-through point is only about 9 inches from the ground, which means mounting and dismounting is closer to stepping over a curb than climbing onto a bicycle.

Within seconds of pushing off, her first reaction was about weight. "Gosh, this is much lighter," she says. That one sentence sets the tone for the whole ride. Over the next seven minutes she adjusts gears, tries the throttle, comments on the suspension, explains how she set the seat and bars, and shows how the bike folds down enough to fit in the trunk of a car.

This article follows that ride closely. We stay faithful to what Deb says and does in the video, and we build out each point with practical context so you can decide whether a small, low step-through e-bike makes sense for you. If you are recovering from a hip or knee replacement, living with stiff joints, shorter than average, or simply tired of swinging a leg over a high saddle, her experience is worth reading in full.

One important note before we start: Deb shares how the bike feels to her body. She is not giving medical advice, and neither are we. If you have had joint surgery, talk with your surgeon or physical therapist about when and how to start riding again. With that said, let's get rolling.

The headline feature of this bike is its step height. Deb points out that the frame is only about 9 inches from the ground at the point where you step through. For comparison, a conventional diamond-frame bike asks you to lift your leg over a top tube or swing it over the saddle, which can mean raising your foot well above knee height while balancing on the other leg.

For most people that movement is so automatic they never think about it. For someone with a new hip, a replaced knee, arthritis in the ankle, or simply less flexibility than they used to have, it can be the hardest part of riding. Many riders who say they "can't ride a bike anymore" can still pedal perfectly well. What stops them is getting on and off.

A 9-inch step changes that. You stand beside the bike, lean it slightly toward you, step your foot across the low part of the frame, and settle onto the seat. There is no high swing, no hop, and no awkward moment where you are balanced on one leg with the other in the air. Getting off is the same motion in reverse. Deb demonstrates exactly this at the end of her ride, noting that she can "just dismount easily."

The smaller 20-inch wheels are part of what makes this possible. Smaller wheels let the whole frame sit lower, which brings the step-through point down and also lowers the bike's overall height. That lower stance has a few side benefits that come up later in Deb's ride, especially when it comes to lifting the bike and putting it in a car.

Deb mentions her new hip several times during the ride, and her comments line up with what many riders recovering from joint surgery tell us. The challenge is rarely the pedaling itself. It is the extreme ranges of motion: lifting a leg high, twisting the hip outward, or bending the knee deeply while bearing weight.

A low step-through frame reduces those demands in a few ways. First, the step itself is short, so the hip does not need to flex as far to clear the frame. Second, you are not twisting your body to swing a leg around the back of the saddle. Third, because you can keep both feet close to the ground while you get set, you are less likely to make a sudden, unbalanced movement if the bike shifts under you.

That is why Deb keeps coming back to the same point: whether you have had a hip replacement or a knee replacement, a setup like this avoids putting extra pressure on the hip, the knee, or the ankle. She is speaking from her own experience, and it is worth taking seriously because she has tried several bikes back to back and can feel the differences.

If you are considering riding after surgery, here are a few general questions to bring to your care team:

• Am I cleared for cycling, and is there a range of motion I should avoid for now?
• Should I start with a stationary bike before riding outdoors?
• Are there movements, such as twisting the hip outward, that I should avoid when getting on and off?
• How long should my first rides be, and how will I know if I am overdoing it?

Bringing a description of the bike, including its low step height and upright position, can help your physical therapist give advice that fits your actual situation.

Deb's first comment once she gets rolling is about weight. Compared to the bike she had just tested, the 20-inch Simple Step-Thru felt much lighter to her, both underneath her while riding and, later, when she talks about lifting it.

Weight matters more than many shoppers expect. A lighter bike is easier to walk alongside, easier to turn around in a driveway, easier to steady at a stop, and easier to lift over a threshold or into a vehicle. For riders who are still regaining strength, those small moments add up. A heavy bike can be perfectly fine once it is moving and still feel like a chore every time you have to handle it off the saddle.

A smaller frame and smaller wheels naturally help here, because there is simply less bike. Deb sums up the effect later in the ride: it's nice and light, you pick it up, put it in the trunk, and off you go.

If weight is one of your top concerns, a practical tip is to think about the specific moments when you will handle the bike without riding it. Do you need to get it up a step into a garage? Into a hatchback? Through a narrow gate? Picture those moments and imagine doing them on a tired day. That exercise often makes the choice between a full-size bike and a compact one much clearer.

One of the most useful parts of Deb's ride is a small admission. She raised the seat on the 20-inch bike, and she says she should have raised it a little higher on the previous bike she rode. Her reason is simple: a higher seat lets your leg extend better and longer on each pedal stroke, and that is much more comfortable.

This is one of the most common fit mistakes riders make, especially newer or returning riders. It feels safer to set the seat low so you can plant both feet flat on the ground. The trade-off is that your knee stays sharply bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke, which means your knee and hip are working through a cramped range of motion over and over. Over a short ride you might not notice. Over a longer ride, or with a recovering joint, it can become uncomfortable.

Raising the seat lets the leg straighten more naturally at the bottom of each stroke. The muscles work in a more efficient range, and the hip and knee do not have to flex as deeply. That is exactly what Deb is describing when she says it lets her leg extend a little better and a little longer.

How to Find Your Starting Seat Height

Every rider is different, and if you are recovering from surgery your physical therapist may have specific guidance. As a general starting point, many riders use these checks:

• Sit on the seat and place your heel on the pedal at its lowest point. Your leg should be nearly straight but not locked.
• When you pedal normally with the ball of your foot, your knee should have a slight bend at the bottom of the stroke.
• Your hips should stay level and not rock side to side as you pedal. Rocking usually means the seat is too high.
• You should still be able to reach the ground comfortably when stopped. On a low step-through frame, many riders find it easy to slide forward off the seat and put a foot down.

That last point is where a low frame helps. On a conventional bike, a properly set seat can leave you on tiptoes at a stop. On a step-through with a low frame, it is often easy to come forward off the seat and stand with the frame between your legs, so you get both a good pedaling position and a secure stop.

Make adjustments in small steps, ride for a few minutes, and adjust again. Deb's comment about her previous bike is a good reminder that even experienced riders notice they could have gone a little higher once they try it.

Deb also raised the handlebars a little before her ride. Her goal was for her arms to sit in a nice, relaxed position, and she notes that this makes the bike easy to maneuver.

Handlebar height has a big effect on how your upper body feels. Bars that are too low pull you forward, putting weight on your hands and wrists and rounding your back. Bars that are too high or too far back can make steering feel vague. The sweet spot for a comfort-focused rider is usually bars high enough that you sit upright with a slight bend in the elbows and your shoulders down and loose.

A relaxed upper body also helps steering. When your arms are not braced or locked, you can make small, smooth corrections, which is exactly what you want on a bike with quick handling. Deb's ride includes several turns, and she handles them without fuss.

Some quick checks for handlebar comfort:

• Your elbows should be slightly bent, not straight and locked.
• Your shoulders should feel relaxed, not shrugged up toward your ears.
• You should be able to take one hand off briefly to signal without feeling unstable.
• After ten minutes, your wrists and palms should not feel numb or sore.

Deb is honest about one thing that took adjustment: the throttle on this bike is more sensitive than on the one she rode before. She says it more than once, and later she notes that acceleration with the throttle feels a lot faster.

Her advice is reassuring. You just have to get used to it, and it took her about five minutes. That matches what most riders experience when they move between e-bikes. Throttles vary in how quickly they respond, and the first few presses on an unfamiliar bike can feel like more than you intended.

For riders who are still building confidence, or who are riding on a recovering joint, a quick surge is worth respecting. Here is a simple way to learn a sensitive throttle safely:

• Start in an empty parking lot or quiet path with plenty of space ahead of you.
• Get rolling with the pedals first, then try the throttle with very small, gentle presses.
• Practice easing off the throttle as smoothly as you apply it.
• Keep a light grip and avoid resting your hand in a way that accidentally presses the throttle.
• Try a few starts from a stop only after you are comfortable with the throttle while already moving.

There is a positive side to a lively throttle. Quick response can be helpful when pulling away from a stop, crossing an intersection, or getting moving on a gentle rise. Once you know how it behaves, that responsiveness becomes a feature rather than a surprise. Deb's verdict after getting used to it: "This is cool. It's nice."

About three minutes into the ride, Deb shifts down to fourth gear, makes a turn, and gets going again. Then she notices something many new e-bike riders run into. She is using the throttle, and her pedals feel loose, as if they are spinning without much to push against. Her solution is to shift into a higher gear, and the pedals immediately feel better.

This is a useful moment to understand. When the motor is moving the bike, a low gear can leave your feet spinning quickly with very little resistance. That loose feeling is not harmful, but it can be unsettling and makes it hard to contribute your own effort. Shifting to a higher gear gives your legs something to push against, so your pedaling matches the speed of the bike.

Deb then moves up to fifth gear. As she puts it, she can do a little bit more, putting a bit more pressure on her legs to pedal. And she explains exactly why she wants that: she is trying to strengthen the muscles around her new hip without straining them.

Using Gears to Build Strength Gently

This is one of the most thoughtful ideas in the whole video. An e-bike is not just a way to avoid effort. It can be a way to choose your effort. You decide how much you push, and the motor fills in the rest.

For riders rebuilding strength, that control matters. You can ride a little harder on a flat stretch when you feel good, then ease off when you start to tire. You can avoid the kind of all-out effort that a steep hill on a regular bike would demand. Gradual, steady work is often what recovering muscles need, and the gears and motor together make it easy to keep things in that range.

A few tips for using gears this way:

• Shift before you need to, especially before stopping or climbing, so you are not stuck pushing a hard gear from a standstill.
• If your pedals feel loose while the motor is working, shift up a gear or two until they feel connected.
• If pedaling feels heavy or your knee feels strained, shift down. There is no prize for pushing a hard gear.
• Aim for a smooth, steady pedaling rhythm rather than slow, heavy strokes.

Right after talking about building strength, Deb makes a key point: when you get tired, you're in cruise control. In other words, the electric assist means a ride does not have to end the moment your legs run out of energy.

This is one of the biggest reasons e-bikes appeal to riders in recovery or returning to cycling after a long break. On a regular bike, every ride has a hidden cost. You have to save enough energy to get home. That can make people cautious about riding at all, or keep their rides so short that they never build up much fitness.

With electric support, the calculation changes. You can pedal with real effort on the way out, and if you feel tired, let the motor take more of the load on the way back. That safety net makes it easier to ride regularly, and regular riding is what builds strength and confidence over time.

Deb's ride captures this balance well. She chooses to work a little harder in fifth gear, then reminds viewers that support is there whenever they want it. It is a good model for anyone easing back into exercise: push when you feel good, coast when you don't, and keep showing up.

About six minutes in, Deb comments on the ride quality. The bike has a nice suspension, she says, and she feels cushioned as she rolls over bumps. Her summary is short and clear: very comfortable.

For riders with sensitive joints, bumps are more than an annoyance. Each jolt travels up through the bike into the hands, arms, back, and hips. On a small-wheeled bike, that can be more noticeable, because smaller wheels do not roll over cracks and edges as smoothly as larger ones. Suspension helps absorb some of that before it reaches your body.

Deb's experience suggests that the combination of suspension and an upright seating position makes this small bike feel more forgiving than its size might suggest. Even so, it is always smart to ride with awareness:

• Look ahead for potholes, curbs, and cracks so you can steer around them.
• Slow down before rough patches rather than hitting them at speed.
• Keep your arms and knees relaxed so your body can absorb small bumps along with the suspension.
• Choose smoother routes while you are building confidence, then branch out.

Deb takes a moment mid-ride to point out one of the most practical features of this bike. Because it is smaller, it is easy to transport. The handlebars fold down and the pedals fold up. She is clear that the frame does not fold in the middle, but with the bars and pedals folded and the bike being light, you can pick it up, put it in the trunk of your car, and off you go.

She repeats the idea near the end of her ride: wherever you want to go, throw it in the back of the car and off you go. It is clearly one of the things she likes most.

This is a bigger deal than it sounds. Plenty of people buy a bike, ride it around their neighborhood a handful of times, and then let it sit because the best places to ride are a drive away. A bike that fits in your car opens up lake paths, beach boardwalks, park loops, and visits with family in other towns. For many riders, it is the difference between a bike that gets used and one that gathers dust.

Tips for Loading a Bike Into a Car

Even a light bike deserves a careful lift, especially if you are protecting a new joint. Some general tips:

• Fold the handlebars and pedals before lifting, as Deb describes, so the bike is as compact as possible.
• Stand close to the bike and the car, bend at the knees rather than the waist, and keep your back straight.
• Lift in two stages if needed: first onto the bumper or trunk edge, then slide it in.
• Lay down a blanket or mat to protect the trunk and keep the bike from sliding.
• Ask for a hand on heavier days. There is nothing wrong with sharing the lift.
• If you have lifting restrictions after surgery, check with your care team before loading a bike on your own.

Measure your trunk or cargo space before you buy, and compare it with the bike's folded size on the product page. A few minutes with a tape measure can save a lot of frustration.

Near the five-minute mark, Deb explains that the seat can extend upward if you have longer legs or are taller, and the handlebars can be raised or lowered as well. Her estimate is that the bike could fit someone up to about 6'2", as well as riders shorter than she is.

That is worth noting because many people assume a 20-inch bike is only for short riders. The smaller wheels keep the frame low, but an adjustable seat post and handlebars can open up the fit range considerably. Deb's estimate is her own impression from the ride, so check the official sizing details on the product page to confirm the fit for your height and inseam.

Adjustability also matters for households. If two people of different heights want to share one bike, a frame that adapts with a few quick changes is a practical choice. It also lets you fine-tune your position over time. As your strength and flexibility improve, you may find you want the seat a little higher or the bars a little lower, just as Deb noticed she could have raised the seat on her earlier bike.

Throughout the ride, Deb comes back to the riding position. She describes sitting upright as good for the body, and adds that it takes pressure off your bum.

An upright position shifts your weight back onto the seat and off your hands and wrists. Your spine stays in a more neutral position, and your neck does not have to crane upward to see the road ahead. For many riders, especially older riders or those with back, neck, or shoulder issues, this alone makes cycling far more enjoyable.

Being upright also improves visibility. You see more of what is around you, and drivers and other path users see you more easily. That sense of awareness is part of why upright bikes feel so calm and confidence-inspiring to ride.

Pair an upright position with a properly set seat height and relaxed handlebars, and you have the combination Deb describes: comfortable, easy to maneuver, and gentle on the joints.

Deb ends the ride by calling it a little mini bike and saying, again, that it is very comfortable. She plans to try a couple more bikes to see which one she likes best, but her verdict on this one is simple: this was great.

Here is a quick summary of her observations:

• Very low step: about 9 inches from the ground, so mounting and dismounting is easy.
• Much lighter: her first reaction once she got rolling, and a big help when handling the bike.
• Comfortable fit: raising the seat let her leg extend more fully, and raising the bars relaxed her arms.
• Sensitive throttle: faster acceleration that took her about five minutes to get used to.
• Useful gears: shifting up removed the loose-pedal feeling and let her add gentle effort to strengthen her new hip.
• Cruise when tired: electric support is there when your legs need a break.
• Suspension: she felt cushioned over bumps.
• Portable: folding handlebars and pedals make it easy to put in a trunk.
• Adjustable: seat and bars adjust for a range of riders, which she estimates goes up to about 6'2".

The one caution she repeats is the throttle. Her advice is to be aware of it and give yourself a few minutes to learn it. Everything else she mentions points toward a bike that is easy to live with.

Based on Deb's ride, this bike seems like a strong match for several kinds of riders:

• Riders recovering from hip or knee replacement who need a very low step and want to pedal without extreme ranges of motion, once cleared by their care team.
• Shorter riders who struggle to find a bike that lets them reach the ground comfortably.
• Riders with limited flexibility or balance who find swinging a leg over a saddle difficult or unsettling.
• People who want to drive to their rides and need a bike that is light and compact enough to fit in a car.
• Riders with limited storage in an apartment, condo, or small garage.
• Returning riders who want electric support as a safety net while they rebuild fitness.

It may be less ideal if you want a frame that folds fully in half for tight spaces like a small hatchback floor or a closet, since Deb notes that this one does not fold in the middle. It may also take some adjustment if you prefer a very gentle throttle response. In those cases, it helps to compare options. Deb herself is trying several bikes before deciding, which is exactly the right approach.

You can browse the full range, including other step-through models, on the sixthreezero website.

If you decide a bike like this is right for you, the first week sets the tone. A little structure helps you build confidence quickly and avoid overdoing it.

Day 1: Fit and Familiarity

Set your seat and handlebar height using the checks above. Practice getting on and off several times while standing still. Walk the bike around and get a feel for its weight. Fold and unfold the handlebars and pedals so you know how they work before you need them.

Day 2: Gentle Rolling

In a quiet, flat area, ride using only the pedals and the lowest assist. Practice braking gently and coming to a stop with one foot down. Try shifting gears while moving so you know how each feels.

Day 3: Learn the Throttle

Following Deb's advice, give yourself time with the throttle. Use small presses while already rolling, then practice easing off. Notice the loose-pedal feeling she describes and shift up to fix it.

Day 4: A Short Loop

Ride a short, familiar loop. Pay attention to how your hips, knees, and back feel. If anything aches, adjust your seat or bars slightly, or shorten the next ride.

Day 5 and Beyond: Build Gradually

Add a few minutes at a time. Use the gears to add gentle effort on stretches where you feel strong, and let the motor carry more of the load when you're tired. When you're comfortable, try loading the bike into your car and riding somewhere new.

Keep notes if you are in recovery. A simple record of how long you rode and how you felt afterward can be very useful to share with your physical therapist.

Comfort and confidence go hand in hand with good safety habits. A few essentials apply to every rider:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride, even short ones.
• Check your tires, brakes, and battery charge before heading out.
• Make sure the handlebars and pedals are fully unfolded and locked in place before riding.
• Use lights and bright clothing, especially in early morning or evening.
• Follow local rules for e-bikes on paths and roads, which vary by area.
• Carry water and a phone, and let someone know your route if you are riding alone.
• Stop and rest if you feel pain, not just fatigue. Pain is your body asking you to slow down.

For riders recovering from surgery, the most important safety step happens before the ride: get the green light from your care team and follow any limits they set.

How low is the step on the 20-inch Simple Step-Thru?

In the video, Deb says the step-through point is only about 9 inches from the ground, which makes mounting and dismounting very easy.

Is this bike good for someone with a hip or knee replacement?

Deb, who is riding on a new hip, found the low step and upright position comfortable and felt it did not put pressure on her hip, knee, or ankle. Everyone's recovery is different, so check with your surgeon or physical therapist before riding.

Is the 20-inch Simple Step-Thru heavy?

Deb's first reaction was that it felt much lighter than the bike she rode before. For exact weight, check the product page.

Does the bike fold?

The handlebars fold down and the pedals fold up, but the frame does not fold in the middle. Deb says that makes it easy to lift into the trunk of a car.

How tall a rider can it fit?

Both the seat and handlebars adjust. Deb estimates it could fit riders up to about 6'2", as well as shorter riders. Confirm the sizing details on the product page.

Is the throttle hard to control?

Deb found the throttle more sensitive, with faster acceleration than her previous bike, but says it took her about five minutes to get used to. Practice in an open, quiet area first.

Why do my pedals feel loose when I use the throttle?

When the motor is moving the bike in a low gear, your pedals can spin with little resistance. Deb fixed this by shifting to a higher gear so her legs had something to push against.

Can I still get exercise on an e-bike?

Yes. Deb shifted to a higher gear to put more pressure on her legs and strengthen the muscles around her new hip, then relied on electric support when she got tired.

Does the bike have suspension?

Yes. Deb says the suspension left her feeling cushioned over bumps and very comfortable.

How high should I set my seat?

Deb recommends raising it enough that your leg can extend more fully, which she found much more comfortable. A common starting point is a nearly straight leg with your heel on the pedal at its lowest point.

Deb's ride on the 20-inch Simple Step-Thru is a reminder that the right bike is the one that fits your body and your life. A 9-inch step means getting on and off is no longer the hardest part of the ride. A lighter frame and folding handlebars and pedals mean the bike can come with you instead of staying in the garage. And a mix of gears, electric assist, and cruise control means you can build strength at your own pace without worrying about getting home.

Her tips are simple and worth remembering: raise the seat enough for your leg to extend, set the handlebars so your arms relax, give the throttle five minutes of practice, and shift up when the pedals feel loose. Most of all, listen to your body.

Deb is still trying a few more bikes before choosing her favorite, and that is good advice for anyone shopping. Test what you can, compare how each one feels, and pick the bike that makes you want to ride again tomorrow. If a small, low, easy-to-carry step-through sounds like it fits, explore the options at sixthreezero and find your ride.