Try our Products at our Electric Bike Shops in Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford or York

At Electric Bike Sales, we opened our first store back in 2005, and not meaning to brag (well, maybe a little), we are the foremost experts when it comes to all things eBike. Since 2005 Electric bicycles have come a long way from rarely-seen oddities to global skyrocketing sales. It’s hard to argue against the clear transportation advantages of e-bikes; they help people arrive at their destinations quicker, without as much sweat and are just loads of fun.

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But that same lack of pedal pain also leads to nagging criticism that e-bike riders sometimes find hard to shake: the idea that electric bicycles are somehow cheating and don’t offer a good workout. Well, in this article, we will look at what science says on the subject.

In recent studies conducted by Brighamham Young University (BYU), researchers noted that electric bikes provide much of the cardiovascular health benefits ordinary bikes provide.

Another recent test performed in the US included a 45-minute ride on hilly terrain. The electric bikes used in this experiment had a total of five pedal assist levels. Level 1 is ideally suited to fit riders looking for a more serious workout. While Level 5 allows the rider to quickly zip along with little effort. The Goldilocks zone was Level 2, which keeps riders on the spectrum’s higher effort end but still provides some assistance.

The results were an average of 498 calories burned for a rate of 664 calories per hour, an average heart rate of 106 beats per minute, with a level 2 pedal assist. A quick search found this handy chart. These exertion levels are roughly equivalent to activities like playing basketball, aerobics, a firefighter hauling hoses, or a vigorous game of ultimate frisbee.

Other studies have found that eBike riders get more exercise than pedal bike riders in the long term. This is because e-bike riders usually spend much more extended periods in the saddle and do so more often than regular pedal bike riders. Therefore, although pedal bike riders tend to burn more calories per hour, electric bike riders burn more calories in total and get more exercise due to spending more time cycling.

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Is riding an electric bike cheating?

Is getting a great workout, burning a ton of calories and having loads of fun, cheating? Is arriving at your destination without needing a shower, easily and safely keeping up with traffic without aching thigh and calve muscles, cheating? Well, if it is, call me a cheat because electric bikes are amazing!!

Haibike eMTB

Some great electric bikes you will love

2021 Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625 Hybrid eBike

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625 Electric Bike 2021

Equipped with a Suntour XCR 32 air suspension forks for easy adjustability and sublime comfort on rough roads. Then we added an adjustable stem and suspension seat post. Shimano’s 10-speed Deore transmission provides a massive range and easy shifting. Included, of course, is the full complement of accessories and a very sturdy Integrated Carrier meaning you’re set up to take any ride in your stride.

2021 Haibike HardSeven 5 500Wh Electric Mountain Bike

2021 Haibike HardSeven 5 500Wh Electric Mountain Bike in Blue

Tour or trail? Uphill or downhill? With the new HardSeven 5, there is no need for tradeoffs because this is a versatile and agile eMTB.

With 120mm travel, responsive disc brakes, nimble 27.5″ wheels and a potent Bosch Performance Line motor with a sleek, integrated 500Wh battery, you will have a huge amount of fun on and off the trail. Adventures – here we come!

Features:

  • Frame material – Aluminium
  • Drive unit – Bosch Performance Line, 65Nm, 25km/h
  • Battery – Bosch PowerTube 500Wh
  • Fork – SR Suntour XCM32 Boost DS, Travel: 120mm