If you’re looking to get fit and lose some weight, an electric bike (e-bike) might be the perfect solution for you. E-bikes can be used by fitness enthusiasts as part of a structured exercise regimen, or by those looking to gently reintroduce physical activity into their lives. This article will explore some of the best e-bikes for fitness.
E-bikes offer several benefits for fitness, making cycling accessible and enjoyable for many people who might otherwise be intimidated by it.
o Gradual fitness enhancement: E-bikes allow you to control the intensity of your ride by adjusting the amount of motor assistance you receive. This makes them perfect for structured fitness plans and gradual improvement of fitness levels.
o Extended rides: E-bikes allow you to travel further without excessive fatigue, making them excellent for endurance rides. You’ll likely spend more time cycling than you would on a conventional bike, so the overall fitness benefit is clear.
o No more hill fears: For those living in hilly areas, cycling can be daunting. E-bikes virtually flatten those hills!
o Recovery rides: Low-intensity rides are known to aid muscle recovery. If you’re a regular cyclist and your legs are sore, an e-bike can provide a great recovery ride.
o Boosting confidence: E-bikes can increase your confidence. If you’re concerned about not making it up a hill or running out of breath, an e-bike can alleviate those fears while still giving you a solid workout.
o Motivation: Exercise can sometimes feel like a chore. Riding an e-bike is fun, and knowing you have motor assistance can be a great motivator.
o Optimal for fat burning: It’s broadly accepted that there is a ‘sweet spot’ for burning fat – 70% of your maximum heart rate. Maintaining this zone is easier when riding an e-bike.
So, which e-bike is best for exercise?
E-bikes come in numerous styles and sizes. In my view, road-orientated, lightweight e-bikes are ideal for fitness. However, if you prefer off-road riding, a good electric mountain bike or hybrid can work.
For road cycling, I’d recommend an e-bike weighing less than 18 kg. The idea is to gradually rely less on the motor assistance as you become fitter. The ultimate goal is to often ride with the assistance off.
Without assistance, a heavier e-bike can feel sluggish and hard to pedal. Consider that some e-bikes can weigh over 25 kg; pedaling one would feel like riding a fully-loaded touring bike!
Tyres are another important consideration. Tyres on road-style e-bikes are designed for the least rolling resistance. Large, knobby hybrid or mountain bike tyres are heavier and create more resistance on asphalt.
Which e-bike motor is ideal for fitness?
To keep the weight down, I’d suggest considering lighter motor options like the Fazua Evation or Mahle X35 e-bike motion system.
Both these e-bike systems are relatively light. The Mahle, including its battery, weighs 3.5 kg, and the Fazua just over 4 kg.
I lean towards the Fazua system because a significant portion of the battery and motor drive can be removed. This means you can ride without the motor and additional weight if you want a solo ride.
The e-bike motion system is also targeted at the fitness segment of the e-bike market. The heaviest Mahle-powered e-bike I’ve ridden weighed only 11kg, and none exceed 13–14kg.
All these motors can be connected to an app on your smartphone, allowing you to add a heart-rate monitor, essential for tracking your fitness progress in apps like Starva.
The smaller batteries associated with these motors should not be a concern. There are various ways to extend battery life without buying a replacement.
Can riding an e-bike help with weight loss?
Absolutely, e-bikes can aid in weight loss. They make exercising easy and are great for upping workout intensity. This means you can burn more calories and lose weight faster. As I mentioned earlier, an e-bike makes it easy to stay in the ideal heart rate range for burning body fat. This might not always be easy to achieve on a regular bike, especially in hilly areas.
The best e-bikes for exercise include…
Here are my top picks for the best e-bikes for weight loss and fitness enhancement. But remember, commitment is key to progress. It’s better to cycle three to four times a week, every week, and gradually increase your riding intensity.
