Electric bikes are fun, but does it offer exercise?

A way to bypass tough climbs

    There is no doubt that the popularity of e-bikes is skyrocketing. However, avid cyclers and other fitness enthusiasts seem more reluctant to embrace the e-bike craze. For those who prefer "riding fun," an e-bike with its pedals and rechargeable battery that powers the rider to ride can feel like cheating, a way to bypass tough climbs and the endurance required for a traditional 20-mile ride.

    But the beauty of an e-bike is that it's more inclusive, and it allows people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy cycling. Although e-bikes are more expensive than regular bicycles, e-bike incentive programs for low-income people are emerging, and more and more e-bike sharing systems are increasing. In addition, e-bikes are also more likely to replace car travel due to their ease of use. The reason people love e-bikes is precisely why critics don't: the electric bike's motor and rechargeable battery do the heavy lifting.

Eliminate the most painful part of riding

    Chris Cherry, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Tennessee who studies the use of e-bikes, said battery-powered bikes could help bridge the gap and get non-cyclists on board. The most powerful thing about an electric bike is that it eliminates the most painful part of cycling. Either the process of climbing or the duration of the climb are factors that prevent people from taking the first steps of cycling. Since e-bikes are less demanding on joints and muscles, it not only appeals to riders who would otherwise be less athletic, but also provides people with the opportunity to ride longer and walk longer distances. This has led to more people using e-bikes as a preferred option for commuting or running errands over short distances. Although users won't feel like they're doing the kind of strenuous physical activity needed for climbing hills or hot yoga, using an e-bike has been shown to provide the kind of moderate physical activity that most doctors recommend.

 Bring a higher level of fun

    Chris Cherry also found in a study that e-bikes can provide moderate physical activity on flat and downhill sections and vigorous physical activity on uphill sections. Notably, the same study also found that e-bikes reduce the need for post-cycling baths compared to traditional cycling and walking, allowing cyclists to dress appropriately depending on the weather, require less physical effort, and bring a higher level of fun. Although people who use e-bikes burn 30% fewer calories than those who ride road bikes, as the target group in Chris' study feedback, they believe that riding e-bikes achieves higher levels of happiness. When a bicycle is made easier and more enjoyable with the help of pedals, it is more likely to become part of people's daily lifestyles, although the mental health benefits of e-bikes are difficult to quantify.

Bike sharing prescriptions

    For older adults whose immune systems benefit from exercise, as well as people who have had illnesses or joint pain in the past, e-bikes are a way to stay healthy in moderation. Research has also shown that outdoor e-cycling can help stroke survivors, spinal cord injury survivors, people with multiple sclerosis and people born with motor dysfunction, as well as people recovering from more everyday injuries. In 2021, Biketown, an electric bike sharing system in Portland, Oregon, launched a bicycle prescription program to increase the use of electric bicycles and improve public health. The two-year pilot program works with the Dotnomah County Health Department, the Racial and Ethnic Community Health Methods Program, and its Student Health Center to provide shared bike prescriptions to clinic patients and students. All prescriptions come with a free bikeshare membership, helmet and educational support.

Ride in mind

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