When it comes to electric-assisted bicycles, many people think that if you want to exercise, why do you need a power boost?
That's what a recent study published in the [International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity] says.
Whether you're new to cycling or a veteran, there are many reasons why you might want to try an electric assist, such as saving energy while getting fit and going further afield. So what are the other benefits of riding an electric-assisted?
Electric-assisted bicycles are easy to get started
According to Forbes magazine, whose author Jessica Bourne is a Ph.D. student at the University of Bristol's Centre for Nutritional Biomedical Research, her research found that electric-assisted bicycles provide at least moderate intensity physical activity, less intense than riding a regular bicycle but higher than simply walking.
Although riding an electric-assisted bicycle may seem easy, with little to no sweating, the fact remains that its exercise is still more intense than walking. Especially for people who have not ridden bicycles regularly in the past, electric-assisted bicycles are an easier way to start and can improve the cardiorespiratory health of those who lack exercise.
Improved Health
Although electric-assisted pedaling requires less force than regular bicycles, it still consumes energy. It is known that the heart work level of riding electric assist may exceed the level of non-assisted bicycle users, for example, Sagan previously stated that the heart rate of riding electric assist reached a new high in nearly 10 years.
When riding a non-assisted bike to climb a hill, you can't pedal anymore, while on an electric assist, you pedal down still with electrical assistance, and it will continue to carry you onward. Electric assist also helps newbies strengthen their muscles and improve the efficiency of their cardiovascular system, so users can do more on the bike and not get tired as easily.
Exercise as effective as regular bicycles
Researchers from Boulder, Colorado, published an article in the European Journal of Applied Physiology saying that electric-assist bicycles also allow users to get effective exercise and that the benefits are similar to those of riding a regular bicycle.
They measured the health status of 20 sedentary commuters and started them commuting to work on electric-assist bicycles, and after one month, those who participated in the test had improved aerobic capacity and better control of their blood sugar.
In 2017, a Norwegian study showed that users kept their bodies active 95% of the time while riding an electric-assist bike, and their bodies were 8.5 times more active than when they were static, compared to 10.9 times more active when riding a conventional bike, meaning that the degree of body movement can be different between riding a conventional bike and an electric-assist bike, but the difference is not significant.
Climbing uphill is easier
Many cyclists are afraid of facing climbs, even if they are a climbing kings, when it comes to steep hills, the speed may drop to less than 10 km / h. And with electric power-assisted by the motor, you just control the car. Once you reach the top, you may not quite want to stop and rest, but keep going and conquer another mountain.
Explore new places
A good-performance electric assist can let you ride farther. With the addition of electric power, and the fact that many brands can be retrofitted with extended-range batteries, many places you have not been before will now want to explore and discover some fun new routes.
Reduce muscle strain
Having the help of electric power means less strain on your muscles and joints, especially when you need to start or climb a hill, the motor will provide you with maximum support when going uphill and accelerating. This helps a lot if you're a newbie just starting out on your bike.