We all know the health benefits that come with cycling but when it comes to electric biking, some people are still skeptical about their potential to offer these same benefits. This notion comes from the fact that e-bike riders enjoy motor-assistance, so the ride doesn’t feel as authentic as when you’re riding a regular bike.
The truth is that battery-powered bikes are just as beneficial to your well-being, if not better! In this post, we look at 5 health benefits of riding an electric bike!
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Riding an electric bike goes a long way to enhance your cardiovascular system. By staying on your bike, even just for half an hour, your heart rate gets a boost; whether on regular riding mode or pedal-assist. This results in improved cardiorespiratory performance, especially for adults, which helps to keep various heart conditions at bay.
In fact, some cardiologists claim that cycling is among the best cardio workouts for people of different ages and body types. Not to mention that several studies have revealed a connection between regular cycling and lower premature deaths.
Helps in Weight Loss
Getting on your electric bike regularly for a jaunt is a sure way of shortening your weight loss journey! This is because continuous exercise on your bike helps to burn those extra calories you’re trying to get rid of. According to studies, if you can sustain vigorous bouts of workout for 45 minutes every week, your body will lose one pound of weight every two weeks.
Successful weight loss helps to prevent a myriad of health conditions that may undermine your general body wellness. From obesity and cholesterol to diabetes, you want to ride your e-bike more to stay away from the doctor’s office!
Boosts Your Immune System
Moderate exercises such as regularly riding an electric bike on pedal-assist may reduce the risk of contracting upper respiratory tract infection. According to a study published by The Journal of Applied Physiology, the risk is reduced by 29% for adults who regularly exercise.
Further research from the University of California has revealed that just 20 minutes of e-bike exercising can adjust your fitness level, as well as boost your immune system. This means your body is less likely to suffer attacks from disease-causing microorganisms.
Strengthens Your Bones, Joints, and Muscles
Generally, electric biking and fat-tire e-bikes are substantially heavier than their regular counterparts; they usually weigh between 40 to 80 pounds. This means everything from steering to pedaling and balancing the bike offers strengthening exercise that serves to harden your bones, muscles, and joints.
The implication is that joint conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and even lower back pain that many people suffer from today are prevented. These are the very conditions that increase the risk of fractures, disability, as well as deformity. Furthermore, your core strength increases noticeably the more you use the core muscles to balance an e-bike during riding.
Enhances Your Mental Health
Riding an electric bike helps to facilitate your mental well-being in more than one way. Firstly, you get to explore the outdoors and enjoy the fresh air every time you ride your bike, which helps to free your mind of all the negative thoughts that have been troubling you. Additionally, when you’re riding your bike with friends, your mood improves and your stress levels are significantly reduced.
Studies have also found out that people who ride regularly tend to be more outgoing and have more self-confidence when interacting with strangers. Other mental benefits of cycling include things like better sleep, improved memory, and creative thinking, as well as a boost in personal productivity.