Who says you can’t get a good workout on an ebike?
About five years ago, I made a trek to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Idaho. Among other things, we rented e-bikes and rode them on Sweitzer mountain. Up and down the hills where skiers usually dominated the slopes, we spent the afternoon navigating the mountain on two wheels. My first experience at mountain biking but even more fun than that, it was also my first experience on an e-bike! We rode up and down the mountain all afternoon and we had a blast riding in the dirt! It was quite a workout and we were filthy in the end but it was well worth it! It was an experience I’ll never forget!
After that experience, I started saving my pennies to purchase my own e-bike and finally in 2021, I did just that! It’s one of the best things I ever did for myself! When I bought it, I felt like it was such a splurge and two years later I can honestly say it was well worth every penny.
I haven’t been back to Sweitzer with my own bike to ride the mountain, but I ride around my hood just about every weekend, spring through fall and in the winters when it’s mild enough weather that I can ride.
For whatever reason there seems to be a common misconception that e-bikes don’t provide a good workout, but I’m here to tell you that misnomer is simply not true. Many cycling enthusiasts say that e-biking is “cheating.” Whenever I hear that comment, it makes me laugh! I smile and tell them, “I’m not competing, I’m just having fun!” Frankly the idea of an e-bike being considered “cheating” is hilarious. I’m guessing the people making those comments have never ridden an e-bike!
Riding an e-bike can actually be a great way to get exercise while enjoying the benefits of assisted pedaling. Here are a several reasons why I love my e-bike and how it can be a great workout:
1. Pedal-assist functionality: E-bikes are equipped with rechargeable motors that provide varying levels of assistance while pedaling. I can adjust the level of assistance based on my fitness level or desired intensity. The level of assistance can vary and it can make cycling easier, especially uphill or against strong headwinds. Some argue that using the motor diminishes the physical effort required and therefore (I assume) the comments about “cheating.” But I disagree.
Even when using pedal assistance, I’m still pedaling. I’m engaging in physical activity by using muscles in my legs, arms and core not to mention the cardio workout. But the level of exertion can be adjusted, allowing me to find a good balance that suits my fitness goals or limitations on any given day.
I find the pedal assist feature especially useful when starting from a full stop. Pedal assist provides me with an extra boost to help get me going more easily and comfortably. I just hit the throttle a little bit and within seconds, I’m zipping right along, instead of fighting the bike to get my balance and/or bike up to speed. Having that motor has bailed me out of some tight spots a few times where I probably would have laid down a regular bike.
2. Variable assistance levels: E-bikes typically offer multiple levels of assistance, ranging from low to high.
Riding an e-bike is something I can do on a workout “recovery” day, yet still allows me to move my body, get my heart rate up and engage my legs and core. Meaning if I’m feeling a little more fatigued that day, I can choose to use more pedal assist to give me a helping hand! Or if I really need to burn some calories and work my muscles hard, I can choose to use pedal assist less, thus giving my heart and legs a really challenging workout! In short, when I want a more challenging workout, I can simply decrease the assistance level and rely more on my own pedaling power.
3. Terrain challenges: E-bikes can be used on various terrains, including hills and off-road trails. Riding uphill or navigating rougher terrain without relying solely on the motor assistance significantly can increase the intensity of your workout. I purchased an e-bike that allows me to ride all terrains (a “fat tire”/all terrain style) so I have a lot of flexibility where I ride, be it a paved road, the dirt, the beach or even the snow. I am also very lucky that I live in an area that has all of that terrain available to me, so I can enjoy whatever type of riding experience I am in the mood for that day. Each type of terrain brings its own type of workout. But no matter where I ride, it’s just so much fun and I consider my e-bike rides an extension to my regular workout.
4. Extended range and duration: With the assistance provided by the electric motor, I can cover longer distance and ride for extended periods of time if I want to.
5. Improved cardiovascular health: Riding an e-bike still requires consistent movement and increases the heart rate. Regular cycling, even with assistance, has helped me improve my strength, endurance for my body in general, as well as heart and lungs.
6. Accessibility: E-Bikes can be especially beneficial for individuals who have physical limitations, injuries or health conditions that make traditional cycling challenging. Not long ago, one of my friends came to visit for the weekend. She loved to bike ride, but was apprehensive because of a recent knee replacement surgery. I sold her on the idea that e-bike riding was different and offered great flexibility to accommodate her concerns. She took my bike for a spin around the block to see how she felt. That short ride gave her the confidence she needed. We rented her an e-bike and went for a ride (20 miles) and she had zero issues. In fact she loved it so much that she purchased an e-bike of her own! The motor helped her overcome her perceived and real obstacles and she was able to enjoy the benefits of cycling again. It was then that I realized how e-bikes promote inclusivity and encourage people who might not otherwise be able to participate in cycling to do so.
7. Commuting and transportation: E-bikes can serve as a practical alternative to cars for commuting or running errands. And it’s more fun than driving in a car! E-bikes help reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions and contribute to a more sustainable mode of transportation. The assistance provided by the motor can make commuting more convenient, especially for longer distances or hilly terrains. I have yet to ride my bike to work, but I plan to one of these days. Occasionally I do like to ride my e-bike to the grocery store when I have a light shopping week.
My bike is equipped with saddle bags and a small ice chest to carry my items home with ease. But if you do ride to any location where your bike might be unattended, be sure to buy a really good lock for your e-bike as they are magnets for thieves. Mine is guaranteed in that if my bike is locked and gets stolen, the lock manufacturer will replace my bike. How’s that for a guarantee?!
8. Recreation and enjoyment: E-bikes can enhance the enjoyment of cycling, especially for those who may find traditional biking physically challenging or those like me who like speed, but not the high speeds of a motorcycle. The e-bike enables me to go further, explore new routes and spend more time outdoors in nature. Ultimately the goal of cycling is to have fun and enjoy the experience, whether it is assisted by a motor or not. And any exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise gets an A+ in my book.
If you are thinking that e-biking may be a great activity for you, trust me…you are thinking right!
You may be asking what kind of hit your wallet will take to purchase an e-bike?
First, know that many e-bike shops offer rental services in addition to selling and servicing e-bikes. Renting an e-bike can be a great option for those who want to experience the benefits of e-biking without committing to a purchase or for tourists who want to explore a new area from a different perspective. Best of all, renting offers a “try before you buy” option. It allows you to test lots of different e-bike brands, models and/or styles to determine which one suits your needs and preferences best. It’s an opportunity to get a feel for the bike’s performance, comfort and features before making a purchase. Some shops, like the one where I purchased my bike offered me a “free” try before you buy ride. They told me to stay out for at least an hour but it didn’t take that long for me to decide that the bike I rode was the right bike for me!
The cost of an e-bike can vary widely depending on various factors such as brand, model, features, quality and country of purchase. Generally e-bikes tend to be more expensive than traditional bicycles due to the additional components such as the motor and battery, and of course any accessories you choose such as a rack, saddle bags, bells, coolers, locks, lights, maintenance and battery replacements (over time). Some of the more entry level bikes can be found for $499 and generally have less features and functions than the more expensive models. The e-bikes that are more feature rich will cost more, anywhere from $3000.-$5000.
As for ongoing maintenance, I take my bike in every year for a tune up before the spring/summer riding season and that runs me about $80. Well worth it as the guys at the shop where I purchased my bike take good care of me and my bike.
Many e-bike shops even offer group rides for those who have purchased from them and that’s a great way to get out and meet people with similar interests.
If you want to venture beyond what you consider your home territory, there are many bike racks available that are meant to carry the weight of an e-bike (or two or three or four) including the fat tire style, so you can travel with your bike and then take a nice ride when you get to your destination. Having a rack for my car has enabled me to ride in different states which is always fun to do.
The e-bike is easy to charge as I just plug it in to a regular electrical outlet after each ride and leave it plugged in till the next ride. The battery stops charging when the motor has reached a full charge. Simple.
Whether you rent or buy, e-biking is a fun experience for people of all fitness levels. I always look forward to my rides, whether they be solo or with friends who have bikes (e-bikes or regular bikes). The only drawback for me is that I choose not to pull my dog along with me (via a trailer), so Miss Olive has to sit this particular activity out.
If you are looking for an exercise that gets you out in nature, and is more fun than work, you might want to check out e-bike riding.
The journey to a healthier, happier you is so worth it. I know—because I lived it. I stopped chasing skinny and started focusing on my health—and that single shift changed everything. I lost 140 pounds, but more importantly, I found clarity, energy, and a life that finally feels like mine. I share the whole story in my book. Click HERE to learn more.
