Many people are starting to pay attention to the actual contribution of e-bikes to health. However, a confusing question is: "Are e-bikes really effective at burning calories?" Let's find out the truth behind this and explore how to maximize the health benefits while having fun riding.
Electric bikes offer an assisted motor that makes pedaling easier, especially when going uphill or on rough terrain. This means that the intensity of the physical effort is reduced compared to using a traditional bike, resulting in fewer calories burned. However, the number of calories burned depends on various factors, including the level of electric assistance chosen, the duration of the journey and the speed maintained. In general, it is estimated that an hour of pedaling on an electric bike allows you to burn between 250 and 400 calories, depending on the conditions. This value is lower than that of the traditional bike, which can reach 500-600 calories per hour.
Here's a reminder: 200 calories are roughly equivalent to a medium apple and a banana, while 500 calories are equivalent to 100 g of chips.
Despite this, e-bikes are still a valid option for keeping fit, especially for those who are not used to intense physical activity or for those who want to integrate it into their daily routine. Using the minimum assistance mode or temporarily turning off the motor can increase the intensity of the effort and, consequently, the calorie consumption. In addition, even if the e-bike reduces the effort, it allows you to travel greater distances, encouraging more frequent and prolonged use compared to the traditional bike.
How electric bicycles work
Electric bicycles are equipped with an electric motor that provides pedaling assistance or in the case of an electric bicycle with accelerator, you can start the motor without pedaling, simply by pressing the accelerator, reducing the effort needed to move forward, especially uphill or against the wind. Unlike traditional bicycles, where all the power is generated by the cyclist, e-bikes offer different assistance modes that can be adjusted according to the needs and preferences of the cyclist.
Support Modes
E-bike support modes typically range from low, medium, and high. These modes directly affect the physical effort required:
- Low support: The motor provides minimal support, and the rider still has to exert some physical effort. This mode is ideal for those who want to get some exercise without burning out.
- Medium support: The support is greater, further reducing the effort required. This is a balanced mode that allows the rider to cover longer distances without becoming overly tired.
- High support: The motor does most of the work, requiring minimal physical effort from the rider. This mode is perfect for those who need a little extra help, perhaps on particularly steep climbs or during long rides.
Calorie Burn Comparison Between Electric Bikes and Traditional Bikes
One of the main differences between an electric bike and a traditional bike is the calorie burn. When using a traditional bike, all the calories burned come directly from the physical effort of the cyclist. With an electric bike, however, the engine provides variable support that reduces the effort and, consequently, the calorie burn.
Factors influencing calorie burn
Calorie burn depends on various factors:
- Speed: Pedaling at a higher speed requires more energy and therefore burns more calories.
- Slope: Climbing a hill requires more effort than pedaling on a flat surface, increasing calorie burn.
- Riding time: The longer you pedal, the more calories you burn.
- Assistance level: As mentioned before, a higher assistance level reduces the physical effort and therefore the calories burned.
- Physical condition of the cyclist: A more trained cyclist will burn fewer calories than a beginner for the same route, since his body is more efficient.
How many calories can you burn
Let's look at an approximate calculation of calories burned per hour of pedaling based on the different levels of assistance on an electric bike.
- Low assistance level: In this mode, an average cyclist can burn around 300-400 calories per hour, depending on the terrain and wind conditions.
- Medium assistance level: With more support, the calorie consumption drops to around 200-300 calories per hour.
- High assistance level: Here the motor does most of the work, and the calorie consumption drops further to around 100-200 calories per hour.
These values are indicative and may vary based on the specific conditions and the cyclist's training level.
Tips to Maximize Calorie Burn
If your goal is to burn more calories while riding your e-bike, here are some helpful tips:
1. Use a lower level of assistance: As we've seen, less motorized assistance means more work for you and therefore more calories burned.
2. Choose routes with hills: Riding uphill requires more effort and increases calorie burn.
3. Maintain a sustained speed: Riding faster requires more energy.
4. Extend your riding time: The more time you spend in the saddle, the more calories you'll burn.
5. Combine e-bike use with other exercises: Integrating e-bike use with other physical activities, such as running or swimming, can increase your overall calorie expenditure.
Burn Calories with Fiido Electric Bikes
If you are thinking of buying an electric bike to improve your fitness, Fiido has some great options that can meet your needs:
1. Fiido M1 Pro Fat Tire Electric Bike: This e-bike is equipped with a powerful motor and all-terrain tires, perfect for adventurers who want to tackle more challenging routes. With its adjustable assistance, you can decide how much physical effort you want to put into pedaling.
Fiido M1 Pro Fat Tire Electric Bike
The most cost-effective fat tire ebike for off-road adventures.
2. Fiido D11 Folding E-bike: Ideal for urban use, the Fiido D11 offers a comfortable ride with a lightweight and compact design. Even in the city, you can burn calories during your daily commute, taking advantage of the assistance modes that best suit your fitness level.
Fiido D11 Folding E-bike
Fiido D11, the best folding electric bike.
Conclusion
E-bikes are a great way to combine daily transportation with exercise, offering numerous health benefits. Although the motor support reduces the calorie consumption compared to a traditional bicycle, you can burn a significant amount of calories by adjusting the level of assistance and choosing appropriate routes. Ultimately, e-bikes not only allow you to move in a more eco-friendly way, but also help you stay fit.
If you have not yet tried an e-bike, we invite you to try a Fiido and discover for yourself the benefits of this innovative and healthy means of transport.
FAQ
How many calories do you burn with an e-bike?
On average, you can burn 100 to 400 calories per hour, depending on the level of assistance used and the intensity of the pedaling.
Can using an e-bike help with weight loss?
Yes, although the calorie burn is lower than a traditional bicycle, regular use of an e-bike can contribute to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and other forms of exercise.
What is the difference between an electric bicycle and a traditional bicycle in terms of exercise?
The main difference is that the electric bicycle provides pedal assistance, reducing the physical effort required. This translates into a lower calorie burn, but still allows for exercise.
What are the health benefits of electric bicycles?
In addition to contributing to calorie burn, e-bikes improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress and promote mental well-being. They are also a great environmentally friendly means of transport.
