Using electric bikes brings more benefits than people typically think. Research has proven the most common myth out there – using an electric bike is cheating – is plain wrong. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what good you can bring to yourself by using an electric bike to travel around town.
It’s well-known that regular exercise like cycling brings many benefits. More of us are becoming are sedentary, which means exercise levels are decreasing. For some of us, our jobs require sitting down at the office for the most part of the day. Then we travel home sitting in the car or bus, and then sit on the couch and dinner table until we get to bed.
This is increasingly difficult to correct when the major reasons for lack of exercise are “can’t find the time” and “not fit enough to do exercise”. But maybe we could fit exercise into our day by simply replacing the way we travel around.
Electric bikes bring moderate intensity exercise
This research has shown that riding an electric bike brings the level of exercise recommended to stay healthy. This is big news. It means you can get the electric assist – flattens hills, no sweat, travels faster – and still know you’re doing good to your health.
Less risk of heart disease and cancer
A 5-year study highlighted the difference between people who cycle and those who were sedentary. The results are staggering: the less physically active have a 35% higher chance of having heart disease, and 41% higher chance of dying. That’s got to be one of the biggest ways you can make sure you live healthier and longer.
Better immune system
Higher immunity equals more up-time and less sick days. It’s the result of having outdoor exercise. This leads to feeling happier, increased energy, more positive outlook, and decreased tension, anger, and depression.
More switched on
Research has shown cycling improves cognitive abilities, which includes improved memory, reasoning, and planning. The sweet spot for greatest gain is between 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic cycling – which is the type of exercise that is moderately intensive. You may be able to depend less on coffee to wake up and save up to a thousand dollar each year.
Why not an electric bike?
For those who are not already traveling around on bikes, why not? Compared to sitting around all day, I would rather build-in the exercise, without having to plan extra time for keeping fit. Cycling everywhere may not be for everyone, but even one or two times a week will be worthwhile. There’s a lot to be gained if you make the switch.
Plus, you’ll have a blast on an electric bike.