Buy Electric Bicycle If You Want To Switch To Cycling For Health

Cycling is known to be one of the most effective forms of exercise in itself. But what if there was a way to increase this efficiency multifold. A new study points out that electric bicycles might just be the solution for this.

A new study compared the riding habits of two groups of cyclists, one who had recently purchased e-bikes and the other still on conventional bicycles, waiting to make the shift. The study concluded that cyclists who switch to an e-bike are able to quadruple their daily riding distance, thus increasing the amount of calories they burn.

A man rides an electric bicycle or an e-bike, in downtown Milan, Italy, (Image: Reuters)

Now published in Science Direct, the new study used a travel diary maintained over a period of six months to study the cyclists¡¯ riding behavior. As per the research, those who shifted to an e-bike increased their average daily cycling from 2.1 km to 9.2 km, an increase of around 340%.

During this period, no change was observed in the average daily cycling distance of those using pedal cycles.

A much needed shift

An interesting insight gained through the study reveals that the e-bike riders started preferring their electric bikes for all of their transportation needs. The e-bikes thus comprised a higher percentage of all transportation methods than a conventional bicycle.

The study recorded an increase from 17% to 49% in the use of e-bikes against all other transportation used. The reason for this is simple, e-bikes allow a continued ride even when the rider is tired of pedalling. In comparison, regular bicycles have to be pedalled constantly to move.

Rome's Mayor Ignazio Marino leaves by his electric bicycle as he is escorted by Vatican's gendarme. (Image: Reuters)

The added distance covered by those riding e-bikes thus proves to be a major benefit, both for utility commutes as well as for those looking to step up their exercise.

Electric bikes are also seeing an increased adoption in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. As people increasingly prefer individual modes of transportation over public means, electric bikes come out as an impressive alternative that have no repercussions for the environment. Governments realise this too and hence several nations have taken steps to increase their use, like creating dedicated lanes for e-bikes on the roads.

And of course, while using these electric bikes, one is bound to lose a few pounds too!