In recent years, electric bikes have exploded in popularity, with users enjoying the ability to travel greater distances in less time with less effort. But as e-bikes have become common sights on streets and trails, misconceptions about them have abounded. This has made it a bit more difficult for beginners to get into e-biking.
To clear up these misconceptions, we’re going over some of the more common myths and facts to know about using e-bikes.
Myth: You Don’t Get Exercise on an E-Bike
Many people think of e-bikes as another version of a moped, which does all the work for you. Because of this, many people assume that they can’t use e-bikes to improve their fitness. Some even go so far as to refer to riding an e-bike as “cheating.”
But one study found that people who used e-bikes still expended a great deal of energy. The difference is that e-bikes simply make it easier for the rider to handle challenging terrain such as large hills. So keep in mind that you’ll still need to use muscle recovery strategies after using an e-bike for an extended period.
Read also: Are electric bikes cheating (backed by research)? And, Are electric bikes good for fitness?
Myth: E-Bikes Move Too Fast
The motors powering e-bikes aren’t as powerful as the engines in motorcycles, so e-bikes don’t move as quickly as you might think. In fact, many ordinances limit the speeds of e-bikes with motor-assist to 20 miles an hour. For reference, cyclists in the Tour de France average at about 40 miles per hour.
This doesn’t mean you can’t travel faster if you want to speed up through manual pedaling. But if you’re worried about zipping along at the speed of a car, you can put your fears to rest.
Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?
Fact: E-Bikes Are Environmentally Conscious
One of the reasons why people choose to ride bikes for their commutes is to cut down on the emissions that their vehicles would otherwise produce. Since e-bikes have motors, they might appear to go against that goal. However, e-bikes produce only one-tenth the emissions of cars. Additionally, because they can travel farther distances faster, people can use them to travel to locations they would have had to use their vehicles to get to before. This gives e-bikes an extra eco-friendly edge.
Read also: Are electric bikes good for the environment? And, Are electric bikes safe?
Fact: You Can Ride an E-Bike in the Rain
The common myth that you can’t ride an e-bike in the rain makes sense. After all, an e-bike is a piece of electrical equipment. However, the electrical components found on e-bikes are sealed, making them safe to use even if it’s raining.
It’s understandable why people would be hesitant to try something they don’t know much about. However, when we are equipped with the knowledge it’s easier to see the benefits of new technology. This is especially true of e-biking.
Read also: Can e-bikes get wet? And, How to clean an electric bike?
