Study reports e-Bikes help with Fitness and Health
A study from Brigham Young University demonstrates that riding an e-Bike helps people with fitness when living a healthy lifestyle. 
In recent years, electric bikes, or e-bikes, have gained immense popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, they offer more than just a means of getting around town. Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with riding e-bikes. Contrary to common misconceptions, e-bike exercise can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity, increase cardiovascular fitness, and contribute to overall health improvements. Let’s explore the findings from several scientific studies that shed light on the remarkable health advantages of e-bike riding.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness: A systematic literature review published in Frontiers found that e-bike use increased maximal oxygen consumption and maximal power output. This indicates that e-cycling can significantly enhance cardiovascular fitness, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and overall well-being [1].
- High-Intensity Workouts: Research from BYU suggests that e-bike riders experience high-intensity workouts comparable to those of conventional cyclists. Participants in the study exhibited elevated heart rates during their e-bike rides, indicating a substantial level of physical exertion. Additionally, participants reported enjoying their e-bike experience, demonstrating that e-bikes make this important form of exercise accessible to a broader community [2].
- Effortless Commuting with Fitness Benefits: A pragmatic study comparing e-bikes to standard road bicycles during a simulated commute revealed that e-bikes can provide an effective workout. In fact, most new e-bike riders completed their commutes faster and with less effort compared to conventional bikes. This study showed that e-bike rides increased heart rates and respiration to levels that qualified as moderate exercise, according to standard physiological benchmarks [3].
- Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines: A pilot study published in the NCBI found that riding an electric mountain bike (eMTB) constitutes moderate to vigorous physical activity. This indicates that individuals who ride eMTBs have the opportunity to meet physical activity guidelines, which recommend engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week [4].
- Comparable Activity Gains: A study published in ScienceDirect discovered that the physical activity gains from active travel are similar in e-bikers and cyclists. This suggests that individuals who choose e-bikes as their mode of transportation can still achieve comparable health benefits to those who ride traditional bicycles [5].
- Lower Exercise Intensity: While some studies highlight the high-intensity nature of e-bike workouts, another study published in the NCBI found that e-bike cycling resulted in lower exercise intensity compared to conventional bicycles. This implies that e-bikes can cater to a wider range of individuals, including those who may be less physically fit or have certain health limitations, making it a more inclusive form of exercise [6].
Conclusion: Contrary to popular belief, riding e-bikes can offer significant health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that e-bike exercise can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and contribute to overall well-being. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply exploring your surroundings, hopping on an e-bike can be an enjoyable and effective way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. So, why not consider the numerous health advantages and embark on an e-bike journey to better fitness?
Overall, e-bike exercise can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity, increase maximal oxygen consumption and maximal power output, and contribute to fitness and health benefits over time.
Citations:
[1] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.1031004/full
[2] https://news.byu.edu/intellect/e-bikes-provide-intense-exercise-but-it-doesnt-feel-like-a-workout
[3] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/19/well/move/bikes-exercise-workouts.html
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6711045/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259019821930017X
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5406898/