Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, but what are the advantages of combining pedal power with an electric motor?
From health and fitness to economical and environmental advantages, electric bikes can be a great way to get started with riding or to keep up with your exercise routine.
Here are 12 reasons to ride an electric bike, from commuting to work to soaring to the top of mountain bike routes.
Rider Efficiency
Regardless of your level of fitness, an ebike will allow you to go quicker. Faster acceleration and hill climbing are to blame for this.
If you're already pretty fit and riding a performance bike, you may find yourself riding unassisted if you're using an ebike's motor at more than 25kph/15.5 mph in most nations.
If you cycle in a flat area, though, your speed is likely to go up overall.
Your Fitness will Increase
An electric bike, like any other bike, will help you improve your cardio fitness. But even if you don't put in as much effort, you'll still be turning the pedals and expelling some of the energy needed to propel yourself forward.
The hearts of ebike riders may be functioning at a level up to 90% higher than those of non-assisted bike riders, but they don't feel as much strain.
At Brigham Young University in Utah, researchers tracked seasoned mountain bikers' heart rates as they rode ebikes and non-motorized bikes.
On a 10-kilometer test circuit, riders on e-MTBs achieved heart rates that were 94% higher than those of riders using only their legs for propulsion. Training zone four was reached as a result of this performance.
They concluded that riding an electric hybrid bike to work provided the majority of the benefits of commute. The average heart rate of people riding ebikes was 89% higher than the average heart rate of people riding without a motor.
In a comparable BikeRadar test, Tom Bell, the 2021 National Hill Climb Champion, rode an eMTB on his favorite off-road test loop and hit 198 bpm, just shy of his maximum heart rate of 208.
If you want to go fast on an ebike, Bell thinks you can. You simply have a little more help. Therefore, although it can be used to ease climbing and riding in general if you want to back off, it's also feasible to put in a great deal of work but ride faster for this effort. "
You'll be able to do more after you get off the bike, and you'll also feel fresher and more energized as a result of the workout.
Maintaining a Competitive Edge
It is one of the main advantages of electric bikes that they can keep up with quicker cyclists. As a result, group rides are more pleasurable for everyone, including the less fit members. It's also great for rides with the whole family, since everyone's talents vary.
Also, they're great for socialising because you can communicate with your buddies while riding.
A fantastic option for people with disabilities who want to get out and exercise but don't want to put in the time or energy.
It is Easier To Climb Hills
Even if you're an expert climber, your pace is likely to drop below 15 mph on many climbs, which is why so many cyclists struggle. If you select a higher level of support, the motor will step in and provide some aid.
You'll be more energized and less likely to want to relax once you've reached the peak of a climb, so you'll be more likely to keep going.
See More of The World With An Ebike
You should be able to go further on an ebike as well. According to a study of health and transportation statistics from seven European cities, those who ride electric bikes travel farther and faster than those who don't. As a result, the fitness levels of ebikers and pedal-powered riders were comparable.
It is possible to expand the range of your bike by installing a second battery. This will allow you to see more of the world, while the aid will allow you to get to places you couldn't get to previously.
Quick-start
When you're starting from a standstill, the electric bike's motor will assist you accelerate quickly and easily. As a result, merging and stopping at intersections and traffic signals is a lot less of a hassle.
Sweating Decreases
Due to the motor, you'll be able to ride cooler because you won't have to exert as much effort.
Using an assisted bike for commuting will keep you cooler than riding a non-assisted bike and getting to work at the same time.
Muscle stress is reduced
Less strain on your muscles and joints is a benefit of using the motor, since it provides the most aid on steep ascents and accelerations. Because of this, you'll require less recovery time and be more energised for the next ride.
Even if you're just getting started with cycling and haven't yet developed the muscles you need to move smoothly on the bike, it's a good idea to take some time to warm up.
Less Strain on The Cardiovascular System
Using an ebike will put less strain on your heart than using a conventional bicycle.
You'll still get a good aerobic workout even if you don't use the motor, because you'll still have to pedal. Proof of this comes from a scientific article in Norway.
Improved Mental Well-Being
Cycling, or any sort of exercise, can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
There are five mental health benefits of cycling, including less worry and stress and an increased sense of well-being, according to British Cycling. According to this study, the benefits of exercising outside outweigh those of doing out in the gym.
Cycling's stress-relieving effects, combined with the benefits of physical activity and fresh air, should help you sleep better at night.
It's Easy To Store
Folding ebikes that fit under the stairs or in a cabinet is an option if you're limited on storage space (and who isn't?).
It's far easier to park an ebike than a car, even if it's not foldable if you live somewhere with no off-street parking.
If you have to carry your ebike up a flight of stairs, keep in mind that it is heavier than its non-assisted competitors.
