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Thanks for your replies and interest all Hi Nigel Well, I found a Wisper 24” in a bike shop in Cambridge this morning, and the step through is just about right, so I might go ahead with this one, after looking at some bikes over the next few days. It's a lovely bike... hope your wife gets on well with it. Then on WarmRain's advice I visited Cambridgecyclecompany and saw a Gazelle Orange, but it was just a bit too big. No new Gazelle Balance or Amie bikes are due for delivery until November, And have an appointment with the shop in Naveby on Thursday... Think I'll go and lie down now!

Thanks, I’ve sent them an email...

Thanks Nigel, how is your wife getting on with her Wisper?

Many thanks - eek, sharp hills!

Thanks cyclebuddy, I've been googling it for days and not coming up with anything - so that's really promising.

Thanks Warmrain, that's really helpful, and Lincolnshire is fine - could you tell me the name of your Gazelle dealer? I'm pleased they are still selling in UK - one bike shop I visited said they had stopped, and that the Balance was no longer in production. Fingers crossed... I'll follow up on Monday.

Hi all, I've narrowed my search for a very low step through, small wheeled bike down to the Gazelle Balance. I'm 5’2”, mid sixties, with arthritic hips so you get the idea! Unfortunately Gazelle have stopped making these bikes and don’t sell in UK anymore anyway, so it's difficult to find one to have a ride on to see if it is the right bike for me, in case one comes up for sale in UK. so... if there is anyone near-ish Cambridge who has one and would let me try it I'd be very grateful! and if anyone knows of similar bikes that might be suitable, that would be really helpful too.

Hi, Does anyone have a Gazelle Balance or something similar for sale? I'm 5’2”, old and arthritic but would like to start cycling again after a long break...

Hi Paul, sorry, it's sold - I'm collecting it tomorrow.

That's great, Woosh. Many thanks

Thanks, Mr Woosh, David and Neal. I think I'm confused now about what torque and cadence driven do, and the effect of the throttle on top of that... As I understand it, torque driven means that the the harder you press the pedals, the less the motor helps you; and cadence driven means that the slower the pedals rotate, the more the motor helps you to maintain a reasonable speed? So then if I'm going up a steep hill with a lot of pressure on the pedals, the motor wont help me that much, so I need to switch to cadence which will sense that my pedals aren't rotating very fast and cause motor to kick in more? And if I'm starting off going uphill, the throttle will get me going a bit so I can start pedalling more easily - which will get the cadence sensor to kick in with the motor?

Yes I did wonder that too... I test rode a 705se yesterday which I believe has the same size frame as the 705T? The step through was just at the limit of my arthritic ability so decided to go for it because of the dual cadence and torque function and the throttle facility which I tried out when just starting off (on flat admittedly). I found it more stable to ride than my 20" folder, which was encouraging. The secondhand price is good for me too... Still haven't heard back from the seller though - early days, I know - hope he is reading this! I'm pretty attached to the idea of the 705T for all the above reasons but I guess if the old hips become stiffer I might be setting myself up for more grief. So I'd be open to other suggestions if you can recommend a similar beast? I see you have a secondhand 24" frame on website - does it have a comparable spec? Just to say that I'm very grateful for all the input from everyone here

Hi Mr Woosh, that's how I'd need to use it too. Best wishes

Thanks David, I messaged the seller yesterday but haven't heard back yet. I hope to be singing its praises on here soon! (I didn't receive your message though- was it a Pm?). All best

:)I certainly will let you all know how it goes

Hi Neal, I'm decided to go ahead and buy this bike, if Milke still has it. Thanks again for the heads up - much appreciated? Best Marian

Hi David, I've decided to buy this bike (assuming Mike still has it) and would like to take you up on the offer of transferring the warranty, subject to it being checked out at a dealership. Is On Your Bike at London Bridge ok to do this? Kind regards Marian

Hi Mike, I'd like to buy the bike. I'm in London, so I'd need it shipped tome. I'm not sure how to PM you with my details to arrange it all though! Best wishes Marian

That's great - very interested. I'm in London so will see if I can test one out tomorrow at London Bridge, and take it from there with Mike the seller. Thanks so much again everyone, for your help

Mike, does this bike have a throttle? Many thanks

Nealh and David - taa. Does the 705 have a throttle? Can't see if it does on website?

Thanks Nealh, these look good.

Hi, I have been using a pelectric step-through folder with 20" wheels but have found it too twitchy for me - and have fallen off twice! So I am thinking of getting non-folding, step-through with a throttle (arthritic knees and hips). And not too heavy. I'm 5'2", aged 64 and not fit... I understand that crank drive won't work for me, because of the knees, and that I should look for cadence plus throttle? Any advice on what bike might be suitable would be much appreciated. My budget is about £1k, or less, and I don't mind if it's a good secondhand bike. Many thanks!

The bike is now sold - can't work out to delete the ad!

FOR SALE: Volt Metro folding electric bike, white, unisex style and great fun to ride. Sadly because of osteoarthritis in both hips I can't get on and off it easily any more. It's hardly used (less than 200 miles) and always been kept indoors. I need to replace it now with a low step-through bike. You can see all the details on the Voltbikes.co.uk website here: http://www.voltbikes.co.uk/metro-folding-electric-bike.php Some features quoted from the website: - A powerful rear hub Bafang 250 watt motor - sophisticated V-Wave Technology which personalises the rider's own cycling patterns. This ensures optimum riding efficiency - 5 level pedal assistance or throttle or fully manual ride - lithium battery - shimano gears - Kevlar lined puncture resistant tyres - front fork and seat-post suspension - Velo Plush saddle, -disc and v-brakes - Frame Size: 17 Inches - Wheel Size: 20 Inches x 1.75 Please ask if you have any questions. Welcome to have a rest ride... Collection from London. I'd like £750 (paid £1249) but open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking, Marian