Are eBikes good for exercise?
eBikes are for lazy people?
Let’s start with a common misconception. eBikes often get the wrong reputation as a bike for the lazy. I often hear people say they are holding off getting an eBike until they are older, or how they plan to only use the extra power on the hills. Mostly these quotes come from people who have never ridden an eBike.
Lack of understanding of how eBikes work
Most of our ranges are powered by Bosch eBike systems, as well as the best reliability these also have the most natural riding response. They are not twist and go, you still have to pedal. The Bosch system is regarded as the most natural experience as the moment you start pedalling there is power and the moment you stop pedalling its off. So, the sensation feels like the motor is powering your legs, not that you are riding a motor bike.
It’s why we recommend test riding an eBike to truly understand how it works and feels.
Will an eBike get me fit?
Well, it all depends on where you are starting from. If you’re an enthusiastic, high mileage road rider, switching to an eBike isn’t going to make you fitter. It all comes down to whether an eBike will give you the wings to be more active generally and swap car journeys with the bike.
eBikes are fun
Fun is such an important aspect of an eBike. The Moustache eBike brand uses the term “Smiling Machines” and it couldn’t be more true. The key thing here is if you enjoy something its likely you will want to do it more often.
Tailwinds are better than headwinds
I’ve never met an enthusiast cyclist who prefers headwinds to tail winds. The eBike effect is you have a tail wind at every point on every ride. It’s just more enjoyable to go a bit faster.
Fitness is a Habit
We all know the key thing to building fitness is having a routine that’s easy to sustain, then before you know it’s a positive habit. This comes back to the fun aspect. An eBike makes it much more likely you will build a habit and want to ride your bike more.
eBikes make you want to ride further
One of the comments I hear from customers is how they are not only using their eBikes more often but also riding further and for longer. A big part of this is the fun and capability aspect but also that the bikes are more reliable and dependable. The bigger, more robust tyres reduce the fear of punctures and at the same time add the comfort required for more time on the bike.
Speed is your Friend
My own background is mountain bike racing, but now I only ride eMTB’s. If I go out for an hour I still like to work hard, but on an eBike I’m going faster which means I get to go further and ride more of my favourite trails. Its similar to a normal bike where I could have a ride where I just go steady or a ride where I go for it, for me that doesn’t change whether I’m riding an eBike. Sometimes I’m happy going steady, but mostly I still want to push as fast as I can.
You select the power level
Another consideration is how much support you want from the bike. All eBikes have various levels of motor support from gentle support to turbo. This allows you to select for your style of riding and the ability to easily adjust mid ride with the thumb-button controller.
Control the Power
Bosch Smart System eBikes also have the option of changing the pre-set power modes to suit your style of riding. There are two options Dynamic modes eMTB and Tour+ that vary the power output in line with the effort you put in. So, if you pedal harder you get more motor support. These are my personal default modes as they encourage me to put effort in by rewarding and adding to my leg power.
With the Bosch Smart System you can go into the App and not only select the power settings that work for you, but also fine tune them. If you think ECO (the lowest power mode) is still too much support you can turn it down, meaning you as a rider need to put in more effort.
Here’s Bosch Guide CLICK HERE
It’s good for your head
One thing we haven’t touched on is the mental health benefits of getting outside and away from your daily life. I always think I have my most positive and creative thoughts when out there on the bike.
If this has given you inspiration then would recommend you book a test ride at one of our stores.
Steve Kitchin
Fully Charged New Forest
