E-bikes have long since gone mainstream. No wonder—they are comfortable, make long distances easier to cover, and are environmentally friendly. A great alternative to cars. But have you ever wondered if the convenience of e-bikes might cancel out the healthy sites of cycling? To answer this question, I reviewed a number of studies and summarized the most important findings for you. IMAGE: Bianchi E-Bikes for Rent at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA ©Alex Filz

It’s less intense, but it’s still training

First things first, riding an e-bike is less physically demanding than cycling. Consequently, the health benefits, such as improved circulation and muscle building, are less pronounced. Nevertheless, a meta-analysis shows that riding an e-bike has positive health benefits despite the lower intensity. It’s similar to going for a brisk walk instead of sprinting — less intense, yet still beneficial.

However, the health benefits of riding an e-bike do not lie in the direct comparability of physical exertion. Rather, it lies in the fact that e-bikes are often used to cover longer distances, which compensates for the lower intensity of the ride. Additionally, many people use e-bikes for trips they wouldn’t consider taking on a traditional bike, such as commuting to work. In other words, exercise instead of driving or taking the bus. This has a positive effect on health.

E-bikes are also an ideal way for people with physical impairments or those who are just starting to exercise again to stay active and slowly build up.

Conclusion

Therefore, despite the motor, we can cautiously answer “yes” to the original question of whether riding an e-bike is healthy. The most important factors are the distance travelled and how the e-bike is used. Using an e-bike instead of a car can have positive health effects. However, if you use an e-bike instead of exercising, the health benefits are likely to be less significant. Nevertheless, e-bikes are an excellent way for individuals who don’t particularly enjoy sports to start exercising and develop an interest in it.

If you’re in the mood for cycling and can even imagine taking a cycling vacation, check out our article on fall bike trips.