Do E-Bikes Count As Exercise?
The popularity of Electric bikes (e-bikes) is undoubtedly on the rise, especially thanks to the ever-increasing price of fuel and cities showing a preference for greener transportation. People are increasingly turning to these new-age technologies for commuting, running errands, or just having fun! However, do e-bikes still offer real exercise? Keep reading to find out more.
Why Some Fitness Enthusiasts Doubt The Importance Of E-Bikes
For hardcore cyclists who live for fitness, riding an e-bike can often feel like cheating – they feature motors that help with pedalling (which makes traversing challenging hills and long rides far easier). Traditional bike riders will typically enjoy the challenge (often regarded as “Type II fun“), whereas e-bikes will cause you to skip the hard work!
However, E-bikes can open the door to a variety of different people, for example – seniors, beginners, those with joint pain or even people who are recovering from injuries (who can enjoy a ride with much more comfort). This fact means that more people are moving their bodies instead of just sitting in their cars or relying on public transportation.
E-Bikes Replace Car Usage And Boost Activity
Several studies have shown that people who own e-bikes tend to ride them more frequently (using them to replace their car trips). One specific study has found that e-bike owners replaced half of their typical car miles with bike rides.
Herein lies the crucial point: it’s not just about how intense your ride is but also about how often you hit the road, trail or track. People will use e-bikes much more regularly as they are easier (and also more fun, too!).
What the Science Says About E-Bike Exercise
Chris Cherry (a professor at the University of Tennessee) has spent considerable time studying how e-bikes affect physical activity. He explains that e-bikes remove the barriers that stop a lot of people from stepping outside and jumping on a bike in the first place (especially steep hills or long journeys).
In one particular 2017 study, Cherry and several exercise scientists discovered that e-bikes provide:
- A moderate level of physical activity on flat ground and downhills
- Vigorous activity during uphill rides
- Less need for showering after riding, making it more practical for commuting to and from work
- More enjoyment, which in turn increases how often people will ride their e-bike
In 2021, another study confirmed that e-bikes offer a workout which increases heart rate and breathing (especially when riders pedal rather than simply relying on the throttle).
In short, e-bikes ‘do’ count as exercise, even if it doesn’t necessarily always feel like a workout.
It All Depends On How You Ride
If you opt for a Class 2 e-bike (which uses a throttle and reaches speeds of up to 20 mph), you can easily coast without pedalling; however, you would not gain any real health benefits. Researchers have found that, despite e-bike riders burning around 30% fewer calories compared to traditional cyclists, they typically report higher enjoyment and the ability to complete longer rides.
When biking is more fun, people will often take it up as a regular habit (which leads to better long-term health).
E-Bikes Used As A Health Tool
In Canada, doctors are beginning to prescribe ‘time’ spent in national parks. How long until e-bike prescriptions are next?
Companies such as Bosch eBike Systems are currently working with researchers to investigate the benefits of e-bikes as a wellness tool. The overall idea is to accumulate long-term data that demonstrates how electric biking supports both physical and mental health.
In Portland, Oregon, the Biketown programme is testing this theory, and since 2012, they have been offering so-called e-bike prescriptions to teenagers and clinic patients through various partnerships and local health groups. This free membership even includes helmets and training!
The feedback has been very positive so far, with participants riding more frequently, feeling much healthier, and even gaining confidence.
Your Mental Health And Time Outdoors
Although your physical health is important, your mental mindset is equally vital in everyday life. When you spend time outdoors, it can improve your mood, reduce stress, and even promote better sleep.
A 2019 study found that spending just 120 minutes per week outside can significantly boost your overall well-being (source). As e-bikes make it far easier to get outside and explore the world, they can help people feel much more connected to their communities and nature.
E-bikes For Seniors, Rehab Patients, And Much More
It is a crucial point to consider that e-bikes are not just for commuting to and from work; they also work well for –
- Older adults who require low-impact exercise
- People who are recovering from injuries
- Patients with health conditions such as MS, stroke, or spinal cord injuries
For many people, the cost of an e-bike can be a significant obstacle. They are undoubtedly expensive pieces of kit, which makes it harder for low-income individuals to access their benefits (the exact demographic who would gain the most advantage). Fortunately, this is where programs like Biketown come into play, aiming to bridge that gap.
E-Bikes And Public Health Savings
There is definitely an important economic value when switching from cars to e-bikes. A 2021 study from Colorado State University found that bike share programs have saved $36 million in healthcare costs each year across the US.
For example, the area of Madison, Wisconsin, has shown that e-bike usage has more than doubled after the local bike share fleet changed to electric. Additionally, New York City has reported that twice as many rides each day on electric bikes compared to regular bikes.
As more and more people ride e-bikes, we will likely see improved public health, fewer car crashes, and overall safer and greener streets for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
The Future Of E-Bikes
E-bikes are far more than just a fleeting trend; they are actually reshaping how we travel. In fact, it has been observed that e-bike sales are growing much faster than electric car sales in the US (with the projection that 1 million will be sold annually). Whereas in Europe, e-bikes may outsell all cars by the middle of the decade.
As a final thought – a city electric bike provide real exercise, support better health and could even help to build more active (and connected) communities. Whether you’re young, older, a workout fanatic, or just starting out on a fitness journey, e-bikes are making bike riding much more accessible and enjoyable, too! So what are you waiting for? Grab one today and enjoy the vast array of benefits that only an e-bike can bring to the table and your individual goals.
What are your thoughts on my latest article? Please let me know in the comments section below.
