Surprisingly, electric bikes can give you more exercise than regular pedal bikes, even though it might sound weird at first. This fact might catch some fitness enthusiasts off guard, but science backs it up.
Now, let’s dive into why and how this happens.
Many research studies have proven that people who ride electric bikes get more exercise than those who ride regular pedal bikes. This might upset traditional cyclists who sometimes have an “us vs. them” mentality, but this result has been consistently shown in various countries and cultures.
When you take a closer look at why this happens, it makes a lot of sense.
E-bikes usually go on longer rides.
Electric bikes, which have a motor and battery to help riders, often cover more distance.
Studies show that, on average, people who ride e-bikes spend more time cycling than those who use pedal bikes. They not only ride for longer durations but also cover greater distances. Despite receiving some assistance from the motor, e-bike riders still pedal a significant amount—sometimes even more than pedal bike riders.
One big reason for this is that the electric motor makes tough parts of cycling, like climbing hills and starting off, easier. When cycling feels less strenuous, riders are likelier to go on longer trips. For example, a study in 2019 involving over 10,000 adults from seven countries found that electric bike riders had higher levels of physical activity than pedal bike riders, measured in Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes per week.
Another reason people go on longer rides with e-bikes is because they find them more enjoyable than pedal bikes.
Studies show that e-bike riders often have more fun riding electric bikes. When an activity is enjoyable, people are more likely to do it for longer periods of time. So, riding a pedal-assist e-bike translates to more time spent pedaling and getting exercise.
“Positive perceptions toward e-bike riding occurred in most participants, and qualitative analyses included perceptions of commuting with an e-bike as “easier” and “fun,” among other positive terms.”
In 2021 a study founds that e-bikes have more fun riding
Another research Suggests
Cyclists with e-bikes accumulate more physical activity than those with regular bicycles: A cross-sectional analysis of the International Healthy Cities Network survey
Weijs, R. P. J. H., Schipperijn, J., & Hoogendoorn, A. N. (2019)
Riders who use electric bikes with a throttle won’t get the same benefits as those using pedal-assist e-bikes, which still require pedaling. However, even when using a throttle, there are still measurable outdoor benefits.
E-bike riders use their bikes more often.
Research shows that electric bike riders tend to ride regularly. For many, their e-bike has become their primary mode of transportation, replacing cars for daily commutes.
A 2023 study published in Transportation Research Part A found that e-bikes increased the average trip distance by 50% compared to traditional bikes in Norway
Fyhri, A., Fearnley, S., & Hansen, S. T. (2023).
Published in: Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 160, 291-303.
Electric Bikes Make Tough Terrain Easy
When electric bike riders hit the trails, they often tackle tougher climbs compared to when they’re on a regular pedal bike.
While many pedal bike riders might choose to use a chairlift to reach the top of mountain bike trails, e-bike riders typically rely on their motors to help them conquer the challenging climb back up on their own.
While the motor in an electric bike does some of the work needed to climb back up the trails, it means e-bike riders aren’t solely relying on their muscles for the climb. However, they still get more exercise than riders who take the chairlifts.
In simple terms, the idea that electric bikes don’t give you exercise is old news. Scientific studies prove that electric bike riders actually get a lot of exercise. Plus, anyone who has ridden an e-bike can tell you how enjoyable it is.
People often stay out longer on their e-bikes because they enjoy riding them. They spend more time cruising around before heading back home.
