Getting Fit on an E-Bike

• April 15th, 2025 Uncategorised

Many people consider e-bikes to be “cheating.” They assume the motor does all the work, and you get very few fitness benefits. Yet, getting fit on an e-bike is entirely possible and fun. To make an e-bike work, you still need to pedal, which takes more effort than you think.

In this blog, we’ll talk about getting fit on an e-bike and how effective it is.

Why E-Bikes Count as Exercise

Electric bikes amplify your pedalling rather than taking over completely. Your legs do most of the work at low assistance levels, raising your heart rate. Even when riding at higher assistance levels, you must keep pedalling, which strengthens your cardiovascular system, burns calories, and builds endurance. You’ll find you ride faster on an e-bike, but you put nearly as much effort into the pedals. This means you can go further in a shorter amount of time, making your ride more entertaining while improving your fitness.

Scientific Backing

A study by Brigham Young University monitored mountain bikers riding the same loop on regular and electric bikes. Their heart rates on e-bikes reached 94% of what they hit on standard bikes, yet they completed the loop faster. Motor assistance boosted efficiency without negating physical effort. Therefore, it has been proven that getting fit on an e-bike is more than possible.

You Can Take Longer, More Rewarding Rides

Many cyclists dread hills and long distances. E-bikes make them more manageable, allowing you to ride farther without feeling overwhelmed. Longer sessions build stamina and can raise your resting metabolic rate. Over time, taking on challenging routes grows easier, motivating you to explore new terrain and find new routes. You’ll also find that you’re more likely to go for a ride, especially if you live in a hilly or mountainous area. Sometimes, heading out for a bike ride seems like a lot of effort, but it’s more appealing to ride an e-bike when your motivation is low. Having that little bit of help from the electric motor makes riding an e-bike more attractive if you have to grind up steep hills.

E-Bikes Are Great For Stress Relief

Moderate exercise releases endorphins, reducing anxiety. E-biking delivers this benefit gently, making it suitable for many fitness levels. Lower stress usually translates into improved sleep. An evening spin can calm your mind, helping you drift off faster.

Taking on more challenging routes on an e-bike builds confidence. You see real progress as hills become less intimidating. This, in turn, is incredibly motivating. Cycling also releases mood-enhancing chemicals that help combat depression.

Riding An E-Bike is Low-Impact, Joint-Friendly

High-impact activities like running can be rough on knees and ankles. E-bikes, however, provide low-impact exercise, which is beneficial to your joints. Older riders and those with mobility issues can begin with higher assistance and lower it as they get stronger. If you tire mid-ride, a quick boost of motor power lets you continue exercising safely. Some e-bikes even have throttle modes which allow you to ride without pedalling, like a scooter. This means you can get home without any effort if you feel like you’ve overdone it or you’ve aggravated an injury.

Core Engagement and Muscle Development

Though cycling primarily targets your legs, your core also comes into play. As you ride, your abdominal and back muscles stay active. Over time, you’ll notice better posture and improved balance. This is helpful when you jump on your regular bike if you have one.

Motivation and Consistency

Beginners often worry they’ll tire too quickly. But this is less of a concern when you ride an e-bike. On days when you fancy a more challenging workout, reduce the assistance level. And on days you feel sluggish, choose a higher assistance level to let the motor help more; you’re still exercising but at a lower intensity (it’s better than nothing). This versatility keeps you from skipping rides and keeps you from progressing in your fitness.

E-Bikes Give You A Healthier Way To Commute

Riding an e-bike means you can avoid traffic on your way to and from work. This is especially advantageous if your journeys involve travelling through stressful built-up areas. The motor allows you to keep up with and pass traffic, which is also safer than the constant flow of traffic trying to overtake you on a regular bike.

You also don’t have to contend with the stresses of public transport, and there’s a better chance of arriving at your destination on time. Commuting on an e-bike is much more convenient than riding a regular bike, too. This is because climbing hills is more manageable, and you can arrive at work without being a stinky and sweaty mess.

Supporting Healthy Aging

Riding an e-bike isn’t just about getting fit, it can improve our longevity. We should all try to keep active as we age to help preserve muscle tone, flexibility, and heart health in later years. E-bikes let older adults enjoy cycling without overtaxing their joints or overdoing it. They are the perfect way of getting out and about in a healthy way to keep us living longer.

Getting Fit On An E-Bike Is Fun

When your workout routine feels like a chore, you lose motivation. So, keeping your exercise fun is important. Getting fit on an e-bike is incredibly fun. That surge of power when you drop a cog and select turbo mode to climb a steep hill is addictive and incredibly entertaining.

Another way to make your e-bike rides more fun is to ride with others. You might look forward to rides, especially if you enjoy nature or conversation with fellow e-bikers.

Conclusion: Getting Fit On An E-Bike Is Possible

Motor assistance does not cancel out your effort. Instead, it extends your range, tackles hills, and keeps you motivated. Over time, you’ll see genuine gains in endurance, mood, and overall health.

Beyond physical benefits, e-biking lowers stress improves your social connections and helps you save money. Because demanding routes feel more accessible, you’ll ride more often.

Yes, getting fit on an e-bike is entirely feasible. It’s time to put away the prejudice and stigma of being helped by an electric motor. Once you’ve tried an e-bike, you’ll soon realise that it’s the future of cycling, even if it’s just for training purposes.

Contact us for expert advice if you want to incorporate e-bike riding into your workout schedule. We can help you squeeze in e-bike rides to complement your other workout sessions.