Whether it’s daily commuting or spare-time cycling adventures, electric bikes are the new “it” mode of transportation. They are great for the environment, offer the same health benefits as traditional cycles, and are a lot more convenient. But, there are people who label electric cycles as “cheating” and “not real cycling.”
So, we’ve put together this article that lists some major environmental and health benefits of cycling with an electric bike. Hopefully, highlighting these will help you understand how you can benefit by making the switch.
Environmental Benefits of Cycling
From reducing air pollution to efficient energy usage, here are FIVE environmental benefits of using electric cycles for commuting:
1. Sustainable Transportation
Electric cycles are the face of sustainable transportation- they are made from recycled materials, most parts can be repeatedly recycled, and very few components end up in landfills. That’s why governments are promoting electric bikes and scooters by offering schemes like “Cycle to Work.”
Major electric cycle manufacturers are also playing their part by adding features like regenerative brakes that convert lost energy to electricity and solar charging.
2. Reduced Carbon Emissions
Fossil fuels powering the engines of cars, motorbikes, and public buses are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. Electric cycles, on the other hand, are powered by rechargeable batteries that produce zero emissions. In fact, some electric cycles are 100% sustainable as they can use solar charging to charge their batteries.
3. Reduced Air Pollution
While chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions cause the most damage to the environment, these are not the only harmful emissions of fossil fuel burning. Chemicals like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter also pollute the air we breathe.
Electric cycles, thanks to those rechargeable batteries, are an eco-friendly mode of transportation and produce no such tailpipe emissions.
Cities with poor air quality index can greatly benefit from reduced air pollution.
4. Reduced Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is a growing problem worldwide. It can lead to serious health problems such as tinnitus and hearing loss. Luckily, electric cycles - and other electric vehicles - are helping us go silent on the road.
Electric cycles make little to no noise, which is great for the rider as well as the pedestrians walking by. Just don’t install an unnecessarily loud horn on your electric cycle.
Health Benefits of Cycling
There are plenty of health benefits of cycling to work, running errands on one, or simply going for a weekend ride. It’s not just physical health either. Cycling is great for mental health too, and you’ll find out more in this section.
1. Boost Your Cardiovascular Health
Conventional cyclists will have you believe electric cycles are not as good for your health as traditional bicycles, but that’s not true. Even with the pedal assist, electric cycles provide a robust cardiovascular workout. Plus, you can turn off pedal assist and go full manual when you really want to get a rigorous cardio done.
Along with strengthening the heart, electric cycle rides improve blood circulation and regulate your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
2. Improves Lung Health
When you ride an electric cycle, your lungs get a double treat. First, you get to breathe in fresh air which improves respiratory health. Second, your lungs go into overdrive as they try to keep up with the increased demand for oxygen.
Regular e-bike rides will improve overall lung capacity and strengthen your breathing muscles and strong breathing muscles equals better breathing and fewer respiratory illnesses.
3. Helps with Weight Management
Cycling is great for losing and maintaining your body weight and riding an electric cycle is no different, despite what the naysayers will have you believe.
Even with the pedal assist, electric bikes do a great job of engaging your muscles and putting your core to work. This not only results in muscle toning but also helps with burning calories and losing those extra pounds. Daily rides can help you stay proactive and keep the extra weight at bay.
Another great thing about e-bikes is inclusivity. People who can’t ride traditional bicycles for any reason whatsoever can get their daily dose of physical activity with the help of an e-bike.
4. Improves Mental Health
The health benefits of cycling to work include reduced stress and anxiety. Here’s how:
- Cycling increases blood flow to the brain which causes the release of endorphins. Endorphins improve your mood and reduce stress.
- Other feel-good chemicals that are released in the body during cycling include serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin can improve sleep quality and regulate emotions whereas dopamine boosts satisfaction and motivation.
Enjoying a ride once-a-week can do wonders for your mental health and e-bikes can take you on those long rides without feeling tired afterwards.
5. Boost Immune System & Gut Health
Did you know your daily electric cycle rides can save you from falling sick too often? It’s true.
Cycling helps regulate the production and circulation of white blood cells in your body. This, in turn, will boost your body’s immune system and help it fight off infections and illnesses.
Moreover, the physical activity of pedaling and balancing also enhances digestion and boosts overall gut health. Electric cycle rides can also regulate bowel activity and prevent issues like constipation and bloating.
Conclusion
Now you know how electric bikes are contributing to a greener planet while also offering several health benefits. These environmental and health benefits of cycling an electric bike showcase how electric bikes are not all that different from traditional cycles.
If you are looking to buy your first bike or switch over to the electric side, now’s the best time.