BERLIN, August 3, 2025, 8:15 p.m. – E-bikes are surging in popularity, but do they stack up to conventional cycling when it comes to health benefits? A recent German study suggests that while e-bikes offer greater convenience and mobility, they may fall short of conventional cycling for boosting physical fitness.
E-bike riders tend to achieve lower levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to traditional cyclists.
Did you know? – A 2022 study found e-bike riders engaged in less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than traditional cyclists. However, the study also found no meaningful difference in accident risk between the two groups.
The findings come from a study published in 2022 in the sports medical e-journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. Researchers aimed to understand how e-bike use impacts physical fitness and accident risk under real-world conditions. They excluded professional cyclists from their investigation to focus on everyday users.
E-bikes vs.Traditional Bikes: A Fitness Showdown
The study tracked 1,250 e-bike riders and 629 conventional cyclists for four weeks. Participants wore activity trackers and completed questionnaires.The core question: were they meeting the World Health Organization’s guidelines for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly?
Heart rate data, measured using criteria from the American College of Sports Medicine, indicated that e-bike riders, on average, reached fewer minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. Conventional cyclists spent more time cycling and engaged in more intense activity.
Pro tip: – E-bikes can be a good option for those with physical limitations. They allow individuals to stay mobile and continue cycling regularly. The convenience of e-bikes also encourages more people to choose cycling over cars.
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in accident risk between e-bike riders and traditional cyclists during the four-week study period.
Is the Ease of E-bikes Too Much of a Good Thing?
The research team concluded that traditional cyclists generally reap greater health advantages. Though, the study doesn’t dismiss e-bikes entirely. They highlight the e-bike as a valuable option for individuals facing limitations due to illness or age, enabling them to stay mobile and continue cycling regularly.
Moreover, the convenience of e-bikes appears to encourage more people to choose cycling over cars for daily commutes. Many e-bike users reported that the reduced effort made them more willing to use their bikes regularly.
Reader question: – Does the study suggest e-bikes are bad? No. The study highlights e-bikes as a valuable option for those with physical limitations. They also encourage more people to cycle instead of drive, which is beneficial for the environment.
