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Electric bikes for exercise

Electric bikes for exercise and weekend adventures.

An e-bike does not ride for you; it rides with you. You choose how much help you get, so you can go farther, climb more and come home with energy left for the rest of the day.

A rider in sportswear getting his electric bike ready for a ride

What to look for in an e-bike for exercise

  1. 01

    Assist levels you control

    Lower assist levels mean more effort and more exercise; higher levels help on steep climbs. Many e-bikes offer five levels, so you can adjust as you go.

  2. 02

    Suspension for the terrain

    Front suspension smooths out rough streets and gravel. Full suspension, front and rear, adds comfort and control on trails.

  3. 03

    Tires that match the ground

    Fat tires, about 4 inches wide, grip sand, snow and dirt. Narrower tires roll faster and feel lighter on pavement.

  4. 04

    Torque for the hills

    Torque, measured in newton-meters (Nm), is what pushes you up a climb. Higher torque helps on steep hills and with heavier riders.

E-bikes for fitness and the weekend

Chosen for suspension, tires and torque. Every spec is shown as listed by the seller.

Questions about exercising on an e-bike

Can you get a good workout on an electric bike?

Yes. In the PASTA study, funded by the European Union, e-bike riders got about as much weekly physical activity as regular cyclists (4,463 vs. 4,085 MET-minutes), because they rode longer distances. You set the assist level, so you set the effort.

Is an electric bike good for weight loss?

Regular physical activity helps, and an e-bike makes it easier to ride often and for longer. How much energy you use depends on the assist level, the distance and the terrain. For a weight-loss plan, talk to a health professional.

What is the difference between pedal assist and a throttle?

Pedal assist adds power only while you pedal. A throttle moves the bike without pedaling, like a scooter. For exercise, ride on a low assist level and save the throttle for starts and steep climbs.

Can you ride an electric bike on trails?

It depends on the trail. Many parks allow Class 1 e-bikes on bike trails, while rules for Class 2 and Class 3 vary. Check the trail’s rules before you ride.

One bike, more of your day.

Specs are shown as listed by each seller on Amazon, with gaps filled from the brand’s official site where noted. E-bike rules change from state to state and city to city; check the local rules before you ride.