Fitness On An E-bike
Getting fit is about enjoying the ride. Fitness comes from consistency in physical activity. If it is a chore, it is a bore. You just will not do it. Studies show that pedal assist does not diminish the health benefits or fitness quality.
Pedal-assist does not replace activity – you still have to get out and ride. The vast majority of us are not elite athletes. Instead, we desire to experience an activity that affects our mind and body. Whether on an e-bike or a traditional pedal bike, cycling is a perfect activity that combines exercise with a connection to nature and the uplifting effect of settling the mind.
The most common misconception about an e-bike is that it is for older people. This notion cannot be more misplaced. There is a reason you don’t see everyone riding an old Schwinn Varsity around town. At about 40 pounds, it weighs as much as many e-bikes. Ride one. It’s not all that fun. It might take you back to the 1960s, but that is where it will likely stay. I’ve heard this often: “Riding an e-bike is cheating.” By this logic, we should be riding that old Schwinn, not that new super lightweight carbon machine.
Most experts agree that to get and stay fit, aim for about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day. But, of course, any exercise is better than none at all. So, ultimately, your goal is to find a selection of activities to choose from, such as walking, riding, swimming, and even gardening. It all counts. Mix it up and keep it fresh. Go to Costco, park way out, and walk the entrance – that counts too. (Not to mention how far you will walk once you are inside.) Target bicycling at least three to four days per week to stay comfortable on every ride. (That seat punishes you later if you are not conditioned for a ride.)
An exercise program should allow you to maintain a training heart rate to be most effective. But, elite athletes aside, pushing your heart rate to the max is counter-productive (sustained anaerobic activity). That’s why we stop at the top of a hill to take a breather. It’s our body telling us we are overdoing it. Experts contend moderate exercise is 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (220 minus your age, divided by 2, for beginners).
An e-bike facilitates a good workout for all fitness levels and all ages. That is why e-bike sales are skyrocketing. Adjusting the e-bike motor support level lets the rider hit and maintain their target heart rate consistently, regardless of the changes in terrain. As a result, E-bike riders go farther and longer on every ride. An e-bike lets everyone ride together, regardless of fitness level.
The best overall control for an exercise program on an e-bike is achieved with a mid-drive motor. Mid-drives have a torque sensor that regulates power based on how hard you are pedaling (like going uphill). As a result, mid-drives can be fine-tuned only to add power when needed, helping minimize changes to your target heart rate. Consequently, the ride experience on a mid-drive is most like a regular bicycle.
In contrast, a hub motor adds power based only on the power level selected. Once you are at your desired speed, you can best maintain your exertion level by holding your speed steady. If you need extra help up a hill, you must raise the power level selected on the control panel. The hub drive tends to feel strong when you first start to pedal, leveling off once you are underway. Fortunately, hub drives only take a short time to get used to for new riders (especially when starting from a complete stop). Certainly, hub-drive e-bikes are great for casual use and will save you a bit of money. Mid-drive e-bikes, on the other hand, feel and ride like a regular bicycle.
All e-bikes are a great fitness tool for any age and skill level. Versatility is the hallmark of an electric-assisted bicycle. In Arizona, an e-bike is a bicycle. The newest e-bike models look like and ride like a standard pedal bicycle. If you think e-bikes are not the future, look at Europe. Over twenty percent of the new bicycle sales in Europe are electric assist. Every year, batteries and motors get smaller and lighter. Yet, the power and range increase.
The best way to decide is to ride one yourself. Visit our shop and take a test ride or rent an e-bike. We have a huge selection to choose from. Stop in today – See you then.
Copyright Randy Archer 2024
