Electric Bikes: Exercise Or Lazy Ride?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular. But do they count as exercise? After all, they are less physically demanding than traditional bikes. However, studies have shown that e-bike riders can actually get more exercise than traditional bike riders. This is because e-bikes are more inclusive, allowing people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy cycling, and making it easier to ride for longer periods of time and go greater distances.

Electric bikes can provide intense exercise

Another study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that e-bike riders actually get more exercise than traditional bike riders. The researchers looked at data from 10 studies conducted in Europe and North America, which included a total of 1,415 participants.

E-bikes also make exercise more approachable to those who aren’t avid exercisers. A 2018 study from the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that e-bicyclists rode at faster speeds and gained more elevation each day than their counterparts using conventional bikes. This means that a new rider has the confidence to bike with more experienced partners because they can keep pace.

E-bikes are also less physically demanding on joints and muscles, which means that people can ride for longer periods of time and go greater distances. This leads to more people using e-bikes as an option for commuting or running errands. While it might not be the same as vigorous physical activity like mountain biking, e-bike use has been shown to deliver the sort of moderate physical activity most doctors recommend.

Electric bikes are more inclusive

A 2018 study from the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that e-bicyclists rode at faster speeds and gained more elevation each day than those using conventional bikes. This means that a new rider can have the confidence to bike with more experienced partners because they can keep pace.

E-bikes are also more inclusive because they allow people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy bicycling. They can be used for commuting or running errands, and they have been shown to deliver the sort of moderate physical activity most doctors recommend.

However, it's worth noting that the health benefits of e-bikes do vary from person to person. For example, when on a Class 2 e-bike, which includes a throttle and a max speed of 20 miles per hour, a person could theoretically not pedal at all, burning through their battery power without getting much exercise.

Electric bikes are less physically demanding

Although e-bike users won't be doing the same kind of vigorous physical activity as mountain bikers, e-bike use has been shown to deliver the sort of moderate physical activity that most doctors recommend. A 2017 study found that e-bikes provide moderate physical activity on flat and downhill segments, and vigorous physical activity on uphill segments.

A 2018 study from the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that e-bicyclists rode at faster speeds and gained more elevation each day than their counterparts. This means that a new rider has the confidence to bike with more experienced partners because they can keep pace.

A 2019 study found that e-bikes can provide intense exercise, it just doesn't feel like a workout. Another study in 2021 came to roughly the same conclusion: Electric bicycling can definitely count as exercise. Those researchers, who compared the physiological effects of e-bikes and standard road bikes during a simulated commute, determined that the e-bike riders elevated their breathing and heart rates enough to count as a meaningful workout.

Electric bikes are soaring in popularity

One of the main reasons for their popularity is that they make cycling more accessible to people who might not otherwise be physically able to ride a traditional bike. Electric bikes are less demanding on joints and muscles, so they're a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. They also allow riders to go longer distances and spend more time in the saddle, which can lead to increased physical activity and health benefits.

A 2019 study found that e-bikes can provide intense exercise, and a 2021 study supported this, concluding that electric bicycling can definitely count as exercise. Another study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that e-bike riders actually get more exercise than traditional bike riders. This is because e-bikes allow riders to go faster and gain more elevation, which can open up new riding scenarios and build confidence.

So, if you're looking for a fun, inclusive, and healthy way to get around, an electric bike could be a great option.

Electric bikes can be used for commuting

A 2019 study found that e-bikes can provide intense exercise, it just doesn't feel like a workout. Another study in 2021 came to roughly the same conclusion: electric bicycling can definitely count as exercise. Those researchers, who compared the physiological effects of e-bikes and standard road bikes during a simulated commute, determined that the e-bike riders elevated their breathing and heart rates enough to count as a meaningful workout. However, those health benefits varied from person to person.

E-bikes are also more inclusive, allowing people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy bicycling. They make exercise more approachable to those who aren't avid exercisers. A 2018 study from the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that e-bicyclists rode at faster speeds and gained more elevation each day than their counterparts. This means that a new rider has the confidence to bike with more experienced partners because they can keep pace.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a way to get around town, commute to work, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride.

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