"Same Great Workout, Just Faster and More Fun"

[J.R.]

And there's proof!

"Riding an electric bicycle is like cheating. You can't possibly get the same level of exercise as you would on a regular, manually-pedaled bicycle. It just makes sense intuitively, but new research just now being published by the University of Nebraska Omaha's Exercise Physiology Department torpedoes that notion once and for all."

Article here in Quikbyke Blog.

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

You'd think using the e-bike without the motor running (all 50 lbs of it) for the comparison would really skew the results, making the runs with the motor much easier. Personally I'm doing a bit more Sport mode (PAS 3 of 4) these days to get a better burn. I suspect this topic will remain controversial for years and other studies will have alternate findings. -S

 

[JRA]

I am afraid that research won't get much traction either. Using two 50 lb bikes of course the one with the motor is going to win. They should have used identical bikes but one with an e system and one without. E bikes are faster and more fun but only up to a certain point range wise and for certain people depending on how they ride them and the terrain they ride them on. Too many factors involved to have any type of comprehensive research study I feel.

As time goes on and hopefully e bike integrate themselves into the US market it will depend on a reliable supply network backed by service and individuals deciding that they will work for their needs and become more comfortable with the technology. It has taken a number of years for the EU market to develop and it will take time here also. Perhaps less due to the success of e bikes across the pond but pricing seems to be at the forefront at this point.

 

[stevenast]

It has taken a number of years for the EU market to develop and it will take time here also. Perhaps less due to the success of e bikes across the pond but pricing seems to be at the forefront at this point.

A lot of people in Europe use these things to commute. In the United States cities are not usually set up very friendly for bike commuting. My e-bike is a "fitness toy", and you are so right that cost is going to be a factor determing how many people buy a toy like this!

 

[PowerMe]

For me it's better exercise than a regular bike because on a non-Ebike, after about 3 - 5 miles I'm tired, often facing a hill of some degree, and feeling discouraged. I don't get nearly the same workout as I do by riding 15 to 20 miles on my Ebike and there's the psychological factor of knowing I will have enough energy to get back.

 

[stevenast]

Yes, it is exactly the same for me.

Lately I've started out riding in "eco" mode, but it's always comforting to know that I have the higher levels of assistance to bring me back home. It motivates me to go much further, and, just as you say, it ends up being a much better workout than letting my regular bike gather dust in the garage!

 

[J.R.]

Love the help of the e, allows me the opportunity to get and keep my rpms up where they once were 20 years ago. High revs gives me and my heart a better workout, that kind of workout gives me that HIGH you can't get anywhere else!

 

[Mike Smith]

Ditto to all three posts above.