by Jessee Christinen
The electric bike, popularly known as an e-bike is just a normal bike with some electrical components added onto the bike. These components include items such as a motor, an electrical pedal, battery, gears and controllers, all integrated as a single design. The essence of an electric bike is to ease the amount of human force used while biking but point to note, it doesn’t completely eliminate the use of human power in biking. Bikester electric mountain bike is a fine example of a bike that has caught the attention of many bikers.
The invention of the e-bikes has spiked a lot to the discussion as well as arguments with a split forming between e-bike lovers and e-bike haters, despite the recent dramatic growth of e-bikes (that recently even overtook regular bikes in the Netherlands). The haters claim that e-bikes are making bikers lazy with no exercise performed. They view biking as a sports cheating. This is a misconception that should be carefully explained. Who said that a sport should be aggressive and rigorous to count as exercise?
It should be understood that a sport should be purposeful, easy, convenient and most importantly, fun! Bike incidents are reported each day due as a result of over speeding and the amount of aggression used by the bikers. Bikers have time and again made to believe that the harder they go, the more they achieve. This is a complete fallacy. With an e-bike, the exercise is achieved in a safe, healthy and non-aggressive way. Additionally, e-bikes have more benefits as highlighted below:
E-BIKES ARE WAY MORE FUN
E-bikes are designed to be fun and cater to the user’s specifications as much as possible. A rider still needs to pedal but he or she has the option of tuning the level of assistance needed. The bike can be set to provide one with as much or as little assistance in pedalling as possible. Being able to choose the level of assistance makes the rider completely in charge and in control of his exercise making it a fun-filled activity.
E-BIKES GETS THE EXERCISE DONE
E-bikes provide a rider with a serious full-body workout. Unlike popular belief, an e-bike isn’t just hopping on a bike and it rides itself-off. The motor and battery assembled onto the bike gives the bike quite a weight. This gives a rider an upper body workout like no other, especially the shoulders and biceps. An e-bike is just as good as a regular bike when it comes to improving fitness. Although cycling with an e-bike is pedal-assisted, it’s still an exercise after all and therefore good for your health, both mentally and physically.
E-BIKES ARE COST EFFECTIVE
Nowadays, each and every individual strives to save their coins in this strenuous economy. The ever-rising petrol prices are pushing people to result in alternative means of transport and the e-bikes have been a favoured option. E-bikes help save money in the long run. The cost of an e-bike may sound exorbitant but point to note is that it’s a one-off cost and will save on petrol or diesel. The batteries are affordable and can last up to between 30-50kms after being fully charged depending on the level of assistance used.
E-BIKES ARE FAST AND RELIABLE
E-bikes, unlike ordinary bikes, are fast and reliable if well maintained. These bikes are able to cover miles and miles of distance with little effort. E-bikes are also very durable and can be used for years as long as you stick to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are using an e-bike for transport, you can take advantage of the multi-purpose cycle lane during traffic built-up.
E-BIKES ARE STRESS-FREE
The battery-powered pedal assist gives the rider a pedalling push. This reduces the physical stress to the calves, knees and thighs. Moreover, there are other e-bikes with even more boosting technology to conquer steep hills and challenging terrains. All that extra power means that mild or uphill trails quickly becomes a fast and furious test of skills. Gone are the days of scratched knees and sweaty rides.
OPPORTUNITY TO GO GREEN
Degradation of our natural resources by human beings is quickly outpacing the earth’s ability to counteract the damage. Issues such as climate change and global warming are serious concerns that should be addressed like yesterday. Riders should take part in advocating for this agenda by trying to save our environment by any means necessary. The e-bikes emit lower pollution in comparison to cars and motorbikes per kilometre. Additionally, they use on average between 100-150 watts compared to cars that use up to 15,000 watts. Many countries in Southeast Asia took the lead in using e-bikes as a sustainable mode of transportation, and with the continuous rise of urban air pollution, there is a big future for e-bikes.
RIDE TO THE SUNSET YEARS
Mountain biking is an active and rigorous sport that was previously set aside for the youth and those with muscled bodies. However, this is a thing of the past with the introduction of e-bikes. People of all ages regardless of gender, weight or height can partake in mountain biking using e-bikes. A biker can continue enjoying this sport up to his elderly years with no issues. People of all ages and health can ride flawlessly and for much longer with an e-bike. Longer rides mean more views and more possibilities for lunch stops!
E-BIKES ARE THE FUTURE
Human beings are programmed to make invention after invention to sustain the ever-changing needs. In the case of motor vehicles, we began with simple double-sided doors that had average speed with the whole purpose of moving from point A to point B. Fast forward to the 21st century where sleek as sexy is the way to go. The same case applies to the biking world- the bike is on its way to being up there with its smart counterparts.
In view of all this, riding an e-bike is a good form of exercise. The motor of the bike will only provide assistance only if you pedal. So don’t think you can cheat on this exercise. No pedal, no power, no work-out. E-bike increases motivation to exercise for overweight and older individuals who want to maintain a fit lifestyle on a regular basis. With mountain biking trends being on an all-time high, it’s the best time to acquire a mountain bike and join the bandwagon.
Author’s bio
Jessee Christinen is an inspirational speaker and a passionate and creative freelance writer for a number of international publications. Her lifestyle, business, food and travel articles have been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Virtuoso Life, BBC travel, Best women’s travel writing among other notables. She previously worked as a lecturer in English and Literature at the San Jose State University.