How Riding an Electric Bike Gives You Even More Exercise than a Regular Bike
Josh Jones
A devoted road and gravel cyclist and all-around gearhead, Josh has been riding and writing about electric scooters for the past five years. He’s generally happier on two wheels than two legs. When Josh isn’t writing or wrenching, he’s usually out on the road….
It seems counterintuitive. How could a bike with an electric motor actually give you more exercise than a regular, non-electric bike? However, the research suggests it’s true, we’re getting as many, if not more more, fitness benefits from ebikes as from standard bicycles.
In short, ebikes make us want to ride more, for longer distances, even when we aren’t strictly riding an electric bike for fitness reasons. For most people, cruising on an ebike is just more fun than sweating it out on a traditional bike.
In fact, a majority of people surveyed would rather be riding an electric bike than driving. Even on leisure rides, ebikers are still reaping health benefits of mild to moderate exercise they wouldn’t get otherwise.
Electric bikes remove that part of the riding equation loved by hardcore cyclists and hated by everyone else: suffering. Imagine riding to work in the summer without a change of clothes…. or going the distance with your more in-shape friends….
Without the struggle to climb steep hills that leaves them disheveled and sweaty, most people would gladly ride to work every day. Electric bikes make that possible. Ebikes give you more options to ride more often, and help make biking part of your daily routine.
Not all riders work equally hard on an ebike. If you have a Class 2 or Class 3 moped-style bike with a throttle, you can let the electric motor do all the work. Obviously, there are no fitness benefits to just sitting there.
But if you set the pedal assist to only.work when you need it, the moderate level of exercise provides the sustained, low-impact physical activity doctors recommend.
Breaking Down the Research
Several studies over the years have confirmed that ebikes do indeed lead to better fitness results than regular bikes. There are always exceptions. Cyclists who ride dozens of miles a day get more exercise than the average ebike rider, and the Class 3 e-bike rider who never pedals gets less.
In general, Class 1 ebikes using intermediate pedal assist up to 20 mph provided the most health benefits. While a 2017 study found that riding an electric bike burns around 30% less calories than regular road cycling, it also showed that ebike riders are more likely to ride, all the time – to work, to the grocery store, to school – and thus they tend to get just as much exercise.
Another more recent survey of 17 different research studies discovered the same overall trend: electric bikes make people want to ride more. And they break down the barriers that keep millions of people from biking regularly.
Because riders can conquer steep hills without struggling, they have doubled the average length of their trips and in many places have started meeting half their transportation needs with bikes.
The Endurance Advantage over Regular Bikes
E-bikes can boost endurance by helping riders travel longer distances with the assistance of an electric motor, allowing for faster speeds and less effort. This helps riders build up stamina over time.Exploring the Long-Distance Benefits of E-Biking
With the help of an e-bike, even novice riders can explore long-distance routes that may have seemed daunting before. The pedal-assist feature allows riders to maintain a consistent pace, even when tackling hills and inclines. This means that you can embark on longer rides without worrying about exhausting yourself before reaching your desired destination.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely weekend ride or embarking on a challenging adventure, e-bikes can help you cover more ground and uncover hidden gems along the way.
How E-Bikes Encourage Regular Riding Habits
E-bikes are a fantastic tool for encouraging regular riding habits. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes make it easier to commute to work or run errands without breaking a sweat. With an e-bike, you can effortlessly breeze through traffic and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
This convenience encourages riders to incorporate cycling into their daily routines, helping them stay active and fit. Plus, e-bikes are a great option for individuals who may have physical limitations or are recovering from injuries, as the electric motor provides the necessary support.
Not only do e-bikes promote regular riding habits, but they also offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature. E-bikes allow you to experience the beauty of the outdoors while effortlessly cruising instead of feeling out breath.E-bikes can also be a platform for socializing and forming new connections with group rides and cycling clubs. These gatherings not only foster a sense of community but also offer the opportunity to learn from experienced riders.
Maximize Your Ride Time with an Electric Bike
When it comes to riding an electric bike, the possibilities are seemingly endless, making ebikes a versatile choice for everyone from fitness enthusiasts to people who haven’t ridden a bike in years. Here are just some of the ways you can incorporate riding into your daily routine to get more physical activity.
Incorporating E-Bikes Errands into Routines
Whether it’s commuting to work, going grocery shopping, or simply running errands, e-bikes can make these everyday tasks much more enjoyable. Most cargo and commuter ebikes will come with rear rack attachments, or even rear racks welded into the frame.
With the right attachments, you can easily mount a basket or install panniers to carry your belongings, eliminating the need for a car or public transportation. This not only saves you money but also provides an opportunity to get some exercise while going about your daily activities.
The Convenience of E-Bikes for Commuting
Commuting can often be a stressful and time-consuming experience. However, with an e-bike, you can avoid traffic congestion and arrive at your destination faster and more efficiently. E-bikes are also environmentally friendly, as they produce zero emissions. So, not only are you improving your fitness and saving time, but you’re also contributing to a greener planet.
Moreover, riding an electric bike all but eliminates parking woes. No more garage fees or worries about feeding the meter. Ebike security is a legitimate concern. It’s much easier to steal a bike than a car, after all, and whether you spend a few hundred of a few thousand on your bike, you want to know that it will always be there at the end of the day.
It’s essential to invest in a high quality U-lock and always lock your bike to a secure object every time you leave it, no matter how long. Even if your bike has app-enabled security features or a biometric scanner, thieves can still pick it up and carry it away if you don’t physically secure it.
Consider the one-time cost of a quality hardened steel U-lock against the cost of years of parking tickets, garages, and emotional outbursts when parking eludes you.
Conquer Challenging Landscapes and Everyday Rides
E-bikes are great for riders who like challenging terrain. The electric motor helps conquer steep hills, rocky paths, and uneven terrain. With an e-bike, you can confidently explore outdoors with the necessary support.
When it comes to conquering challenging landscapes, e-bikes offer a unique blend of technology and adventure, and a great commuter bike can also take on a tough trail with relative ease.
Because of their versatility, e-bikes can offer a multitude of fitness benefits to riders of all skill levels. From increased endurance to exploring new routes and conquering challenging landscapes, e-bikes provide a fun and efficient way to maximize your workout.
Incorporating an e-bike into your daily routine can not only improve your fitness but also make your everyday activities more enjoyable. So, hop on an e-bike, unleash your potential, and start reaping the fitness benefits today.
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