One common misconception about electric bikes (e-bikes) is that they don’t provide any exercise because the motor does most of the work. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, e-bike riders can get just as much exercise as traditional bicycle riders, while still enjoying the benefits of pedal-assist technology. Here are some examples:
First, it’s important to understand how e-bikes work. E-bikes have a motor that provides assistance when you pedal, but you still need to pedal to activate the motor. The level of assistance can be adjusted based on your fitness level and the terrain you’re riding on, but you still need to put in some effort to ride an e-bike.
Studies have shown that e-bike riders can burn just as many calories as traditional bicycle riders, especially when riding in hilly terrain or against a headwind. For example, a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that e-bike riders burned an average of 400 calories per hour while riding, compared to 450 calories per hour for traditional bicycle riders.
We have found e-bike riders tend to ride farther and more frequently than traditional bicycle riders, which can lead to greater overall health benefits. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that e-bike riders were more likely to use their bikes for transportation and leisure, and rode for longer distances more often than traditional bicycle riders.
Additional benefits of e-bikes are that they can be used by people who might not be able to ride a traditional bicycle due to physical limitations or health conditions. E-bikes can provide a low-impact form of exercise that is easier on the joints and can help to improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
The idea that you don’t get any exercise riding an e-bike is a myth. E-bike riders can burn just as many calories as traditional bicycle riders and may even ride farther and more frequently, leading to greater overall health benefits. So, next time someone tells you that riding an e-bike isn’t real exercise, you can confidently debunk that myth and we have at Joltbike!
Example calorie-burning scenarios:
- A 150-pound person can burn approximately 240-480 calories per hour of leisurely e-biking, depending on the level of pedal assistance used.
- A 150-pound person can burn approximately 360-720 calories per hour of moderate e-biking, such as riding up hills or against headwinds.
- A 150-pound person can burn approximately 480-960 calories per hour of vigorous e-biking, such as riding up steep hills or at high speeds.
Most e-bikes come with a display so that you can measure your calories and mileage. Here is a good write-up from our friends at Avenont on their new displays and the information it displays.
**It’s worth noting that these estimates can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, gender, and level of fitness. However, they do demonstrate that e-biking can be a great way to burn calories and improve overall health and fitness.
Check out our e-bike saddle article to help keep your butt happy on long rides