The electric bicycle has come into our lives to stay and make great competition to the traditional one without a motor. It is not the first time that we mention the benefits of riding a bike daily, especially if we do it to get to work (beyond physical exercise). What was not very clear is whether the electric version could provide greater comfort for the user, and this would make them become more "sedentary".
A recent European study wanted to clear up our doubts and has revealed which model is healthier. We tell you everything, below.
The electric bicycle encourages longer journeys
The study has been prepared by the Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives (TRIP) and included the participation of more than 10.000 adults from 7 different countries. They analyzed their transportation habits, which included automobiles, motorcycles, electric bicycles, conventional bicycles, and pedestrians.
The scientists took into account the actual use of each means of transport; that is, it takes into account the pedaling assistance of electric bicycles, which subtract an average intensity of 24% of effort from physical exercise and reduce travel time up to 35% on uneven routes and 15% on flat terrain.
It is precisely this information that encourages e-bike assemblers to carry out longer journeys, both in time and distance. Currently, the electric bicycle is used more days per month (14%) compared to conventional ones (5%).
In addition, there is another main characteristic for which it is recommended: the less active people prefer pedal assistance of the electric ones The average age of traditional cyclists is 41 years, while that of e-bikers increases to 4 years. Similarly, electric bike users also used cars more (48% vs. 1%) and had a higher body mass index (68% vs. 51%).
Is the electric version better?
Research shows that people who use e-bikes accumulate an average of 817 minutes weekly, compared to 471 minutes for traditional cyclists and 447 for pedestrians. So we could say that it is a more "healthy" option, since it encourages the population to avoid traveling by car and encourages them to be more active.
Be that as it may, the key is to be active and move differently from the conventional way. If you are a traditional bicycle user or a pedestrian, it is also a great alternative to go to work.