Do Electric Bikes Provide More Exercise?

As a regular manually-powered cyclist I initially assumed I would not get as much exercise if I changed over to an electrically-powered bicycle (e-bike).

However, we have come across an article which suggests the opposite is the case.

The main reasons why e-bikes often provide more exercise is:

E-bike riders generally take longer rides

E-bikers tend to rack up more miles by riding for longer periods of time than pedal bike riders. It is assumed longer rides are because e-bikes take the pain out of the harder parts of the ride, particularly the hill climbs.

E-bikers tend to ride more often

Studies also show that e-bikers tend to ride more often eg replacing the car for some regular commutes or daily errands.

E-bike riders tend to tackle tougher terrain

Because e-bikes provide power when needed they allow riders to tackle more arduous or tougher terrain.

The e-bike motor delivers most of the power required to climb up steep hills and to cope with rough terrain and therefore e-bikers don’t receive the full exercise benefit of purely muscle-powered bikes.

However, e-bikers are on average receiving more exercise than pedal-powered bikers who typically take shorter rides less frequently.