AARP Wyoming is Recruiting E-Bike Pilots to Fight Social Isolation

For older adults living in nursing homes and senior living centers, much of their time inside is spent alone. Frequently, enjoying the simple pleasure of getting outside is physically challenging. 

AARP Wyoming wants to change that by Partnering with Miles of Smiles. Miles of Smiles provides Trishaw e-bikes allowing up to three people to ride in a sort of "Rickshaw" while a pilot bikes them around on a leisurely ride. The trishaws are handicap accessible.


During the cycling season, MoS takes older adults outside the confines of their living facilities to enjoy the simple pleasures of a ride as passengers on our specially designed pedal powered (with e-assist) trishaws. Powered by trained cyclists, our “Pilots”, this open-air experience is a leisurely and safe getaway for seniors to enjoy a ride along local bike paths enjoying the scenery, and sharing their experiences with others.

AARP Wyoming has purchased two Trishaws, one in Laramie and one in Cheyenne and we’re looking for volunteers to become trishaw Pilots.  We’ll provide a complete training program.  Once completed, we ask for just two half-day shifts per month, providing 50-minute rides to passengers eager to get outside and enjoy the open air with you. Our volunteers come from all walks of life:  college students, flex hour workers, retirees, even full-time employees who can give back on weekends. Anyone who loves to move and connect with their community will absolutely love spending time with older adults while riding the trishaw.

These are more than just simple rides: each journey you take as an MoS Pilot is time well spent, building bridges between the generations and helping others experience a sense of freedom and joy. You can be the one to bring that simple pleasure back into the lives of those who need it most.

Find out more about becoming a pilot by emailing AARP Wyoming at aarpwy@aarp.org