Extra 8% discount for Troxus ENTIRE range of e-bikes only on Women's Day! （Use code FORLADY at checkout）
Women on bikes played a critical role in changing societal norms and expectations that helped pave the way for greater mobility and independence for women. Invented in 1817, the bicycle was initially designed only for men, while women had limited transportation options, including walking, riding on horseback, or in a carriage.
But when women started riding bikes, the world began to change.
Photo by Douglass, Neal
Ride to the Wider World
The union of feminism and cycling became influential at that time. Just like Susan B. Anthony, a prominent women's rights activist in the US, famously said:
“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel…the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”
The bikes provided women with a tool for mobility that was affordable, efficient, and easy to use, and helped them to challenge traditional gender roles that had kept them confined to the home for centuries. They provided women with autonomy over their transportation options, freeing them from relying solely on men. As author Sue Macy told us:
“It gave them independence because you didn’t have to depend on a man to take you somewhere or you weren’t consigned to the home, which a lot of younger women were.”
Out of a strong interest in bicycles, Frances Willard, a suffragist and temperance advocate based in Illinois, start cycling in her 50s, the last decade of her life. As she described in her enthusiastic book about the experience, A Wheel within a Wheel :
“ I also wanted to help women to a wider world.”
Photo by Frances Willard House Museum and Archives
Women with Bikes
Annie Cohen Kochanovsky cycled around the world in 15 months in 1894/95, covering 15,000 miles on her 42-pound Columbia bicycle.
Her cycling journey was groundbreaking at the time, and she became a symbol of women's independence and empowerment. Her story continues to inspire many people, and she is still remembered as one of the early pioneers of women's cycling.
Juli Furtado is a retired American professional mountain biker who won several World Cup and World Championship titles. She achieved three Olympic gold medals in the women's time trial event, in 2008, 2012, and 2016. She also won numerous national championships and world championship medals in time trial and road race events.
Furtado was well recognized for her strong performances in time trials, and she retired in 2016 after winning her third Olympic gold medal. She is still active in the sport as a coach and guide for future riders.
Dressed for Change
Bicycles were first introduced to the United States in the late 1860s. And it went through a series of design changes. But still only for male riding. However, in the 1890s, the inclined beam design made it possible for women to ride bicycles.
The bike craze fueled "the Rational Dress Movement," which helped women shed corsets and other body-constraining garments. Loose trousers known as "bloomers" also became fashionable.
French female racing cyclist Marie Tual wearing typical bicycle dresses, or bloomers, on a racing bike. Photo Credit: Jules Beau 1896 or 1897
Nowadays, women's cycling apparel is specially created for comfort, style, and high performance.
Women's cycling outfits such as shorts, tights, and bibs feature excellent moisture-wicking fabric and comfortable padding to provide relief from prolonged sitting. Women's cycling jerseys come in breathable fabrics to keep the riders cool and dry.
Traditional Bikes to E-bikes
With the advancement of technology and increasing awareness towards sustainable transportation options, traditional bicycles are being upgraded to more eco-friendly and convenient electric bicycles.
Electric bikes are particularly useful for people lacking the confidence, strength, or stamina to ride regular bikes. The pedal-assist function helps all ages and abilities tackle steep hills or ride longer distances without getting exhausted.
This type of bike has helped many women overcome physical barriers to cycling and allowed riders to gain confidence, build fitness and reduce their dependence on cars. E-bikes are becoming popular for commuting and running errands, and many riders enjoy the fitness and confidence benefits of using one.
Celebrate Women's Day with Troxus
In honor of the 2nd anniversary of Troxus, we're offering 40% off our entire range of e-bikes throughout March.
Plus, on March 8, we're offering an extra 8% off for new order.
55% off all in all! Half the price on a premium Troxus e-bike！If you've never ridden an e-bike before, this is your chance to try it out. ( Please use code FORLADY at checkout）
Explorer Step Thru is our all-around electric bike designed for women, with fat tires suitable for step-through riding. Its front shock absorption can adapt to extreme terrain, from sandy beaches, snowfields, to mountains. The red design is stunning and versatile, making you the most eye-catching presence this spring.
The introduction of e-bikes further improves accessibility for all women, and we look forward to enjoying a more sustainable future with more women on two wheels!
