Riding a bike - OK if you have balance issues standing or walkng?

Thought I’d like to add a bit to this topic. I’m a 70 yers young male. Always been in very good condition & athletic. Jogging, trail running, swimming, trail bike riding & fitness training. Recently diagnosed ((August 2024) with severe PN. Condition has progressed over a 13 year period to finally knowing what has been happening to my body.
More & more foot pain in both feet. Found a terrific neurologist. Taking Gabapentin (1200 mg per day).
Recently added senior cycle spin classes to my fitness routines. Gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. My message to all sufferers of PN is to try your best to find your level of activity that best suits you & continue to challenge yourselves. There may be no current cures but if we find something positive to uplift our spirts charge forward. Also adding meditative yoga greatly helps me maintain a positive active attitude.

I have had neuropathy for years after an accident. I bought a used recumbent trike because we have great rail trails in our area. This is super comfortable, sporty, fast and requires no balancing. It has Shimano SPD lock-in pedals so your feet can't come off the pedals until you want them to. For an example of these trikes go to http://www.catrike.com. Look for used ones on Craigslist or Marketplace, etc. Exercise is the best thing for neuropathy.

I don't know for certain, but I can't use a treadmill without holding on for dear life; yet I can walk fast and even jog for a 5k. I think it is Newton's law "a body in motion stays in motion". I think this would work for a bike, but getting started and stopping would be the hard parts. It takes me back to teaching my kids - I would start them and stop them. I think a bike without the cross bar (old fashioned girls bike) would help on the stop.
Good luck, your success would be a triumph and an inspiration for all of us.

Get an e-bike with a throttle but use it only when needed like when starting to pedal. Use pedal assist for more exercise & don’t rely on the throttle.

Hi,
I think that the imbalance from neuropathy is to do with the feet for standing or walking. Where as riding a cycle you are balancing throught your hips and ears for balance, the feet and legs are just providing the power and not required to balance. I remember as a child going down hill with legs and arms spread wide free wheeling. All about the hips and ears.
Cheers

Dave that was a sweet comment from you. My husband has cancer now and I had to shut down emails for awhile . I may pursue a doctor who deals with trapped nerves at the peroneal nerve running across my knee.💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

That' a good idea. Thanks. At 83, I didn't even think of an E-Bike.

Have you ever tried a recumbent bike? I have one and you can pedal and not be afraid of falling.

Thank you for your concern. Yes, I have a recumbent and use it in bad weather. however, it doesn't provide the muscle use and balance training that fast walking/jogging provide. I used to live in the blue Ridge in Virginia and I miss the wildlife (deer, turkey, black snake) encounters. Now I exercise on suburban trails and share and enjoy the experience with my neighbors and others. My efforts may be comical to view, but they are both physical and mental therapy.

I have a trike E-bike (very bad balance) and it has made a world of difference for me. It feels so good to be able to move out in the air again and get some exercise. I mainly use pedal assist so I keep my legs moving constantly.