The Health Benefits of Riding an E-bike

It is widely known that cycling is one of the best exercises that benefit both your mental and physical well-being. It reduces the chances of developing diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. In fact, in contrast to driving a car, studies show that death from cancer (16%) and heart ailments (24%) is reduced significantly from cycling regularly.

However, with the popularity and growing demand for electric cycles, people are led to ask one question:

Will riding an electric bicycle provide me with the same health benefits?

Cycling is great for health when compared to an electric bicycle. However, the latter provides greater workout benefits when compared to walking. At least that is claimed in research published by the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity.

But how far is this true? What’s the difference between riding a regular bicycle and its electric counterpart? Keep reading this blog to quench your curiosity!

Riding an Electric Bicycle and Its Important Health Benefits

Your Cardiovascular System is Strengthened

Driving an electric bicycle only a few times every week can enhance the cardiorespiratory performance of an adult and improve overall health in the same way as going for vigorous walks. A 2018 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine differentiated the oxygen intake capacity of 32 overweight adults before and after 4 weeks of commuting by regular and electric bicycle.

Riding an electric bicycle can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood circulation, strengthening the heart muscle, and reducing the risk of heart disease. It can also burn calories and help with weight management, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy heart. Additionally, it can reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being, which also contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system.

Supports Your Immune System

Do you feel tired throughout the day? Do you fall sick more frequently than others? Most of the time, poor immunity can be a reason.

But there’s a solution!

Surely you must be thinking I’m going to share some tips to improve immunity. Yes but not exactly!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity can help improve the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease by increasing the circulation of immune cells throughout the body.

Riding an electric bicycle can be considered a form of physical activity, which may in turn positively impact the immune system. Additionally, the benefits of cycling on mental health, such as reducing stress levels, may also have a positive impact on the immune system.

As per the opinion of experts, using an electric bicycle can render the lungs clean of bacteria, thereby decreasing the risk of contracting a cold and flu.

Cycling is a vigorous form of exercise that increases your body temperature. The sudden rise in the temperature also helps to combat infections effectively.

A Relaxing Exercise for Everyone

Electric bicycling can be considered a light, simple or low-impact exercise. Low-impact exercises are activities that place minimal stress on the joints and bones, and are less likely to cause injuries.

Bicycling, in general, is considered a low-impact exercise as it is a non-weight-bearing activity. Electric bicycles have the added benefit of an electric motor that can assist in pedaling, which can make it easier for people with mobility or fitness limitations to participate in physical activity.

A 2019 research by BYU states that riding electric bicycles is indeed an intense exercise but not like a gymming session. A 2021 American College of Sports Medicine study also agrees with the same. Between electric and ordinary bicycle riders, the former showed higher breathing and heart rates that qualify for a satisfying workout.

Can Reduce the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes

To determine if riding electric bikes could lower the risk of type-2 diabetes, researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK conducted a study. They observed their 18 participants who rode electric bikes approximately 13 miles every week for 20 weeks.

There was a 10.9% increase in predicted maximal aerobic power and the maximum heart rate reached 74.7% after riding an electric bike in contrast to 64.3% from walking.

Running a long distance quickly or riding a traditional and hefty bike can be vigorous exercise. In comparison, driving an electric bike is not such a strenuous activity yet, it’s an effective workout than only walking.

Hence, riding an electric bicycle or bike not only has the potential to minimize the risk of type-2 diabetes to a certain extent but can also help you manage your weight.

Can Help You Shed those Extra Pounds

Riding an electric bike can help with weight loss in several ways. First, it provides an easy and convenient way to incorporate regular physical activity into one’s daily routine. When you ride an electric bike, you are getting moderate to vigorous exercise that can help burn calories.

Electric bikes can also make it easier for older people who have mobility issues or are overweight to participate in regular physical activity, which they may not have been able to do otherwise.

Additionally, electric bikes can be used as an alternative mode of transportation for short trips, which can replace car trips and reduce sedentary time. Using an electric bike for transportation instead of a car, can help with weight loss by increasing physical activity and reducing the time spent sitting.
And the good news isn’t over yet! On average, an electric bike rider can burn 444 calories per hour compared to a conventional bike that burns 552 calories in an hour.

It’s worth noting that electric bikes are not a magic solution for weight loss and it’s important to combine it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good lifestyle overall.

Who Can Ride an Electric Bicycle or Bike?

Want to travel longer distances faster? Want to save on fuel costs? Are you a fitness freak? Well, if your answer to all of these is a ‘yes’, electric cycles and bikes are the perfect options for you!

A majority of the electric cycle users are aged between 25 to 70 years old. That’s right! People in the older age group are also using electric cycles to a great extent as they require less effort.

Coming to our question, who are the ideal users of electric bikes?

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Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, can be a good option for a variety of people, including:

Commuters: E-bikes can make it easier to ride to work or school, especially if the commute is uphill or over a long distance.

Seniors or people with mobility issues: E-bikes can provide assistance with pedaling, making it easier for older adults or people with mobility issues to participate in physical activity.

Recreational riders: E-bikes can make it possible to explore new areas or ride longer distances with less effort.

The environmental activists: E-bikes can be a more sustainable option for transportation compared to cars.

Fitness enthusiasts: Thanks to our work from home, leading a sedentary lifestyle is a new normal now, especially since the start of COVID-19. Cycling is certainly a powerful exercise. And by riding an electric cycle regularly, can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, as discussed previously, with minimum effort.

Is an Electric Cycle a Good Option for the Elderly?

Electric bikes and bicycles offer several benefits for elderly individuals. They provide assistance with pedaling, making it easier for older adults to ride uphill or against headwinds. This can help those with physical limitations or decreased stamina to continue to enjoy biking.

They also provide a sense of increased safety and stability, as the electric assist can help the rider maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden stops. Additionally, e-bikes can also increase independence and mobility for older adults, allowing them to continue to participate in physical activity and maintain an active lifestyle.

Overall, electric cycles are a great option for elderly individuals as they provide a convenient, easy-to-use, and safe way to stay active.

Wrapping It Up

In the battle between normal cycles vs electric cycles, when it comes to having the maximum health benefits, e-cycle riders get the first prize. They exercise more and achieve better fitness levels. And what else? Those who ride electric bicycles have been found to travel longer distances than conventional cycle riders.

Electric bicycles offer a wide range of health benefits that make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. The low-impact exercise provided by riding an e-bike can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and increase endurance. Gone are the days when cycling would be a strenuous activity limited to only children, young and middle-aged adults. Now, whether you want to lose weight, travel a difficult road quickly, or enjoy your leisure time productively, electric bicycles are a great option for everyone, young adults or the aged. Electric cycling a day can keep stress, heart disease, and obesity (and many other things) at bay, at least to a certain extent. So, hop on to your electric bike every day and let me know any significant health benefits you achieved in the comments section.

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Sukanya Seal

A digital content writer by profession and a tech enthusiast by heart, the world of Electric Vehicles has always left me fascinated. And I am sure there are many like me who wish to know more and more about electric cars and bicycles. This has led me to share all the hottest news in this industry with my readers! Exploring new places, trying out different cuisines or binging on Netflix always brings a smile, of course when I am not writing!