The Health Benefits of Riding E-Bikes 

Electric bikes are fast, fun, and help people ride for longer distances than ever before. It’s no surprise that their popularity is going through the roof! An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, gives you extra power when you’re cycling by assisting you with an electric motor. Almost every aspect related to these innovative bikes, from the frame to the battery and motor, have evolved greatly.

Modern electric batteries have way more power than a mere couple of years ago. At the same time, they’re smaller and lighter while remaining strong enough to withstand the weight of typical e-bike components. Not to mention charging them is also faster and easier than it’s ever been.

However, a niggling doubt may remain for some: is riding an electric bike really cycling? Will it give me the same health benefits? Read on to find out!

Are e-bikes actually good for you? 

If you really want to improve your fitness, should you just stick to a regular bike? For many people, misconceptions arise because e-bikes allow for electrical assistance on your ride. After all, if the motor is doing the hard work, then riding an electric bike surely can’t be considered physical activity and healthy living. Right?

Science has the definitive answer. After examining the physical, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and psychological effects associated with electrically assisted pedalling, some studies have reached a clear conclusion: riding an electric bike does improve your fitness.

But to what extent? Studies conclude that riding e-bikes is a beneficial physical activity of at least moderate intensity. This means that the physical activity that you do while riding an electric bike may be lower than when riding a conventional bike. However, hopping on an electric saddle is still beneficial for your health, offering more intense exercise than just walking or sitting on your couch at home.

So, with that out of the way, let’s jump into some of the specific health benefits of riding an electric bike.

The Proven Health Benefits of Riding an E-Bike 

Promotes Activity

Given the choice, most of us will take the car instead of riding a bike. Some people, for several different reasons, are neither keen nor able to ride a regular bike. Electric bikes change all that! E-bikes make it easier than ever for a physically inactive person to start riding, helping improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. In other words, it can help get even the most dedicated couch potato out and about.

Reduces Impact 

The pedal-assist system of an electric bike reduces the impact and the stress of cycling on certain areas of the body, protecting the ankles and knees especially. This is doubly beneficial for people who have troublesome knees or thighs. In fact, e-bike cycling can act as great physical therapy for someone looking to repair an injured knee, ankle, or ligament.

Suited to Every Age or Skill Level

Head out on a solo ride or take your older parents out with you for a jaunt—these nifty bikes have no age limit! No matter what age you are or how much you’ve trained before, an electric bike has that amazing power-boosting capability that can help you conquer new or challenging terrains and inclines with ease.

Great for Long Rides 

If you’ve never travelled a certain distance before, or you’re out for a scenic ride with the family, you know your electric bike will be there for you when you need it most! It can encourage you to go for longer rides with newfound confidence and helps you enjoy the benefits of being outdoors for longer periods of time.

Mental Health Benefits 

“Mens sana in corpore sano” — healthy mind in healthy body! Being outdoors, moving your body, enjoying an activity with friends or family, or even joining a cycling club are only some of the reasons why riding an electric bike has great benefits for your mental health.

Eco-Friendly Transport Option

E-bikes are not just beneficial for your health, but also for the health of our planet! All bikes are a fantastic ecological means of transport, but electric bikes have become a real alternative for replacing the car on the daily commute. People who have baulked at the concept of a commuter bike now have the option of electrical assistance on their ride to work, encouraging more and more Kiwis to opt for two wheels instead of four!

Not to mention, riding an electric bike will save you money in the long term, especially if you use it to replace public transport and reduce use of your car.

Find the best e-bikes for sale in NZ through 99 Bikes. 

Now, your only job is to find the right e-bike for your needs. Luckily for us, the range of electric bikes available in the market is only increasing, which means it’s easier to find e-bikes and batteries that offer great value for money!

Here at 99 Bikes, we’re New Zealand’s most approachable bike store. No matter what you need from your cycling experience, we can help you out. Shop online or visit us in-store to discover an incredible range of electric bikes for sale in NZ.

Find a fun electric mountain bike, a  practical electric hybrid bike or a beautiful electric cruiser bike. From there, all that’s left is to start enjoying great health benefits!