Do electric bikes keep you fit?
Do electric bikes keep you fit?
Some cyclists see electric bikes as ‘cheating’. There is a perception that you don’t really have to work on an electric bike. However, numerous studies have shown that electric bikes keep you fit. Some studies have also shown that ebike riders are more likely to ride their bike and do so for longer distances.
Yes. You do have to pedal
To be legal in the UK the motor on an electric bike can only engage when you are pedalling. If you stop pedalling the motor cuts out. So you will have to put some effort in to go anywhere. Most electric bikes come with a selection of modes so you can choose how much assistance the electric motor gives. If you have the bike in ‘sport’ or ‘boost’ mode rather than ‘eco’ you won’t have to put as much effort in, but you will still have to pedal.
Can you get a good workout on an electric bike?
A study done in American compared experienced mountain bikers riding a 5.5 mile circuit on both electric and non-electric bikes. The electric bike riders completed the circuit more quickly with an average speed 4.1mph higher than the non-electric riders. While doing this the ebike riders achieved a heart rate 94% as high as the non-electric riders. So, although they put in slightly less effort they were still getting a good cardiovascular workout and going faster. The study concluded that “eMTB use appears to be an excellent form of aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, even for experienced mountain bikers who regularly engage in this fitness activity”.
Riding further and more often
While the study above looked at electric mountain bikers a number of studies have been done looking at the use of electric bikes for everyday cycling. This includes commuting, going to the shops and generally getting around.
A Dutch study found that ebike riders covered an average of 3km a day compared to 2.6km per day for non-electric bike riders. A Norwegian study found the difference was 9.2km per day for electric bike users compared to 2.1km per day for riders of non-electric bikes. A large study conducted across seven European cities mirrored the finding that electric bike riders ride further. It also found that they were more likely to use their electric bike instead of getting in the car. So using their bikes more regularly and switching to a more environmentally friendly transport mode.
Riding through injuries
There are lots of anecdotal examples of people buying electric bikes so they can keep riding. A good example is American pro rider Ellen Noble. Her partner struggled on a standard bike due to a knee injury so bought an electric bike. This allowed the couple to continue riding together.
We regularly have customers with similar issues from hips, knees, or just general old age who are able to keep going on an electric bike where they would struggle on a standard bike. For many people this can be the difference between riding a bike or not, and so has a positive impact on their fitness.
So do electric bikes keep you fit?
The simple answer is yes. Electric bikes let you ride further and faster while still getting a good cardio workout. As the electric bike can take some of the strain, they also allow more people to keep riding as they age.
