Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are rapidly rising in popularity. E-bikes have integrated electric motors that make cycling faster, easier and more fun. Electric bike batteries are efficient and easy to charge. There are e-bikes designed for all types of cycling needs, from commuting to mountain biking, making this exciting new development suitable for everyone.
Electric mountain bikes (E-MTB bikes) are designed to assist you on steep slopes, helping you push your limits. Racing e-bikes built for speed are surging in popularity. Those who enjoy long-distance riding might find they can go further with an e-bike to give them that extra energy. And eco-warriors are taking to electric cargo bikes to fulfil the transport functions of larger petrol vehicles.
But what are the benefits of investing in an e-bike? At The Edge Sports, we stock a fantastic selection of e-bikes, catering to all needs and tastes. Here’s our expert guide to the benefits of riding an electric bicycle.
E-Bikes Improve Fitness
Perhaps you are thinking that an e-bike does all the work for you – that it’s a lazy way to get around. But that isn’t the case. It’s still necessary to power your e-bike through pedalling. You can push as hard as you like when riding an e-bike, it’s just that you have extra assistance when you need it.
Riding an e-bike will strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness. It’s a great all-rounder form of exercise and is particularly useful for those with knee problems that prevent them from doing similar cardio exercises such as running.
What’s more, it’s possible that having the option of extra help makes reluctant exercisers more likely to get out the door and on their bikes. Which is a huge fitness win, over not getting on your normal bike at all.
E-Bikes are Better for Group Riding
Having an e-bike can really help in a group riding dynamic where some riders are naturally faster than others. If you regularly find yourself lagging behind your mates, consider closing the gap with the help of an e-bike.
Sociable riding is a great way to catch up with friends, and having the encouragement of a group means you’re more likely to get out there and get your exercise in the first place.
E-Bikes are Better in Hilly Environments
If you live in a hilly landscape, you might previously have felt that it limited your cycling potential. Many cyclists, even very experienced sportspeople, struggle with hills.
However, electric bicycles have changed the cycling landscape. The e-bike motor will cut in to give you a boost if your speed drops too low on a climb, meaning it feels much more possible to get around your up-and-down terrain.
E-Bikes Journeys will be Faster
If you’re riding as part of a commute or for running practical errands, this could be a particularly important point for you – riding an e-bike will speed up your overall journey time. Although there are now speed limits in place for electric bicycles, you’ll find that having the extra energy boost on tough sections, or the help of the motor when you are feeling tired, will really increase the time efficiency of your journeys. Invaluable when you are late for work!
E-Bikers will Ride Further
With the reassurance of extra power behind you, you’ll find yourself riding further than before. You’ll be better equipped for long days of riding where you can discover new places. Studies have shown that e-bike riders are likely to travel further than those without motors, and these longer journeys put the fitness gains for e-bikers on par with those for motorless bike users.
E-bikes are the perfect adventure vehicle, and some models even have the potential to fit an extra second battery, extending the travel possibilities even further.
E-Bikes Give a Faster Start
The motor of an e-bike will help you get going more quickly – making it much easier to keep up with traffic flow and maintain pace with cars when you have been waiting at traffic lights. A very useful feature for those riding in urban environments.
E-Bikes Give a Cooler Ride
If you’re commuting to the office, an e-bike might be a great solution in order to turn up looking smart. Using the motor effectively will mean you have to sweat a lot less to get to your destination – perfect when you need to rock straight up to an important meeting after you dismount.
E-Bikes are Gentler on the Muscles and Heart
If you’re aware that your fitness isn’t what it should be, you need to ease into exercise gently. It’s important to build your muscles and heart up to be stronger, without putting too much sudden strain on them. An e-bike can really help here, giving you the chance to improve your strength and cardiovascular health without overloading your system or pulling muscles.
The motor’s assistance should also leave you feeling fresher after your ride, meaning you’re more likely to get back on again next time. So using an e-bike is a great long-term fitness strategy for anyone who has become unfit, needs encouragement to keep going, or is recuperating from injuries.
E-Bikes are Better for Your Mental Health
It’s well-documented that any form of cycling is a great way to boost your mental health. E-biking is no exception – getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise endorphins flowing can do wonders for your state of mind.
E-Bikes are Cheaper Than Running a Car
For many, an e-bike provides a cheaper and more practical transport option than a car. It’s much cheaper to run and insure, and it’s a lot easier to find a parking space! If you will need to transport items as well as yourself, electric cargo bikes provide a fantastic alternative vehicle – while the motor gives you the power to deal with the extra weight, no problem.
While an e-bike will require some maintenance, this will be much simpler and cheaper than the maintenance required for a car.
E-Bikes are Eco Friendly
An e-bike is a great way to do your bit for the environment. With no petrol fumes, simply make sure you use a green electricity provider, and you’ll be greener than you’ve ever been.
E-Bikes are Easy to Store
For those who are really pushed for space, you can get fold-away electric bikes. But even a full-size machine is much easier to park than a car! This is especially useful in busy city environments if you don’t have off-road vehicle parking.
E-Bikes are Quiet
There’s nothing less relaxing than the whirr of traffic. By comparison, e-bikes create little-to-no noise pollution. There might be a slight buzz when the motor kicks in on a steep hill, but generally, they are silent, providing a beautifully peaceful way to enjoy your environment.
Are You Considering Getting an Electric Bicycle?
If you’re considering investing in an e-bike, browse The Edge Sports’ unparalleled selection. Whatever the type, style, and specification you’re looking for, at The Edge our friendly team of e-bike experts can help. Whether you are just getting into cycling, or you’re a semi-pro racer; and from the everyday commute to off-trail adventures, there’s an electric bike to suit everyone.
Contact Us for your E-Bike Requirements
