E-bikes are rapidly gaining popularity in the cycling world, with two out of every three bikes sold now electric. In Australia, more people are turning to e-bikes as their preferred mode of transportation, recognizing their affordability and environmental sustainability. Studies suggest that e-bike riders travel further and more frequently compared to those on traditional bicycles.
According to a survey conducted by Bicycle Network at its E-Bike Expo in Brunswick earlier this year, the primary reason participants expressed interest in e-bikes was the desire to become more physically active. This sentiment is backed by research, which continues to highlight the numerous health benefits of e-bikes. Here are five compelling reasons why an e-bike could be your gateway to improved health.
1. Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines
Health guidelines recommend that Australians engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week. E-bikes can be an excellent tool to help achieve this target.
A study conducted by Deakin University examined how riding an e-bike affects the body, measuring factors like energy expenditure, heart rate, and oxygen consumption. The researchers concluded that riding an e-bike could produce physiological responses equivalent to moderate-intensity physical activity. In other words, e-bikes make it easier to meet your weekly exercise goals.
2. More Frequent and Longer Rides
E-bike riders tend to cover greater distances than those on conventional bikes. Data from Europe provides strong evidence for this claim. A study involving over 10,000 adult e-bike users across seven European countries found that the average daily distance pedaled was 8 kilometers, compared to 5.3 kilometers for traditional bike riders.
In Norway, a trial tracked the cycling habits of kindergarten parents using e-bikes and found they averaged 20 kilometers per week—much higher than the 12 kilometers logged by conventional cyclists. Another study in Norway noted that people who already owned a traditional bike increased their weekly cycling distance significantly after purchasing an e-bike, with the share of their total kilometers ridden jumping from 17% to 49%.
With e-bikes, a little electric boost can take you a long way.
3. E-Bikes Make Exercise Enjoyable
Not only do e-bikes get your heart pumping, but they also offer an enjoyable and relaxed way to exercise. Many riders report that the physical effort feels less demanding, even though they’re still engaging in significant activity.
A study involving 101 German workers compared the heart rates and exertion levels of e-bike users and traditional cyclists. While e-bike riders reported lower perceived exertion, they completed more trips, spent more time on their bikes, and ultimately expended more energy each week than conventional riders. The takeaway? E-bikes can make exercise feel like fun rather than a chore.
4. Boosting Mental Health
Exercise is known to benefit mental well-being, and e-bikes are no exception. A study directly comparing e-bike and traditional bike riders found that both groups experienced mental health improvements. However, e-bike riders reported greater boosts in certain areas, including self-reported measures of mental well-being.
Cycling, especially on an e-bike, provides not only a physical outlet but also a mental break, making it an ideal activity for those seeking to enhance both body and mind.
5. E-Bikes Aid Recovery from Injury
E-bikes are particularly beneficial for people recovering from injuries. Their adjustable electrical assistance allows riders to control the amount of effort they put in, providing a gentle way to get back into physical activity.
This is especially important for individuals in rehabilitation, such as stroke survivors. A study conducted on stroke patients who were given e-bikes to aid in their recovery found that the assistance provided by the electric motor enabled many participants to start riding outdoors again—something that would have been too challenging without the extra help.
Conclusion
E-bikes are proving to be more than just a convenient mode of transportation—they offer substantial health benefits, from helping riders meet exercise guidelines to aiding in recovery from injury. If you’re looking to improve your physical and mental well-being, an e-bike might just be the perfect companion. For more information on the benefits of e-bikes, check out our comprehensive booklet or visit our E-Bike Expo at Albert Park on October 5, where you can experience firsthand what e-bikes can offer. You can register your interest via Facebook.