THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC BIKES

Sedentary lifestyles have become a major part of the developed, digital world. This is anchored mainly by technological advancements, the use of which demands people to sit in front of computers and other ‘connected’ devices. This lack of physical activity has been causing major health problems that have drawn much attention and awareness from the masses. However, what is ironic in this case is that along with being the culprit, it is the technology that is the solution as well to the problem. Electric bikes are the technologically advanced version of the traditional bicycles that offer huge physical health and mental health benefits to their riders. In this article, we will take a look at the health and environmental benefits of electric bikes.

Health Benefits of Electric Bikes

Cycling has also been associated with good health. The several health benefits of electric bikes are no different than those of traditional bicycles but rather enhanced in their magnitudes. Riding an e-bike improves one’s fitness, boosts the sense of wellbeing, and fortifies immunity, along with offering many other physical as well as mental health benefits. Here they are:

Moderate Exercise

A misconception often associated with electric bikes is that they do not require you to put in as much effort as the traditional bicycles, therefore, they are less beneficial to the health. However, an e-bike is not a no-exercise option and is a great source of moderate-intensity activity. Furthermore, it allows you to pedal for longer distances, allowing you to longer workouts that have different benefit provisions than short-time and higher intensity workouts. Moderate exercise is much better for cardiorespiratory fitness and additionally is an option that is available to those who cannot engage in hard-pedaling due to some medical conditions.

 

Cardiovascular Health

The ability of your body to absorb and utilize oxygen and release carbon dioxide from the system is termed your cardiovascular health. Regularly riding an e-bike enables your body to produce more red blood cells that greatly help the gases to move smoothly. The activity also helps in the creation of more efficient and stronger capillaries that allow the swapping of CO2 and oxygen to take place at the muscles and lungs in a better manner. This makes you feel more energized throughout the day.

Heart Health

When you indulge in a physical activity like riding an e-bike, your heart pumps harder and faster. This makes it stronger in general as it adapts to this stimulus. A stronger and healthier heart means more amount of blood pumping around your body and a lower resting rate.

Muscle Tone

The act of riding an e-bike engages almost all the muscles across your body, toning and strengthening them. This enhances your general strength as well as renders your muscles more firm. Not only that but the balancing and steadying element of an e-bike ride works your core as well.

Metabolism

One of the most major physical health benefits of riding electric bikes is the burning of large volumes of energy. What is even better is that your body continues to do so even during the rest period while your muscles are recovering from the ride. A better metabolism allows you to maintain your weight better or lose weight quicker if you want to. Riding an e-bike increases your muscle fibers that all have to be kept oxygenated, meaning the body burns more and more energy each time you perform the activity.

Immunity

Improved physical health leads to a better and stronger-functioning immune system. Enhanced immunity means your body is better able to resist and fight off diseases and illnesses.

Well Being and Stress

Riding electric bikes have several mental health benefits as well, including stress reduction and strengthening the mind. It is an activity that requires you to step outside in the sun and fresh air that is extremely beneficial for your overall mental health. Electric bikes also take you to places that you might not have experienced before, allowing your brain to sense high levels of escapism and freedom. All this reduces your chances of being depressed and even helps your recover from the stress by releasing endorphins to lift your spirit.

Some other health benefits of electric bikes include better sleep and mitigation of risks of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many other conditions and illnesses. More regular sleeping patterns allow you to stay alert and fresh on a daily basis. Riding an e-bike also elevates your moods and makes your brain function better.

Environmental Benefits of Electric Bikes

Electric bikes make zero contribution to air and noise pollution and do not put excess weight on the roads, which slows down their wearing process. The process of fixing road damages is a major source of pollution. Also, electric bikes do not burn oil or gas to fuel themselves, thus do not have a carbon footprint. Here are some of the environmental benefits of electric bikes:

Zero Emissions

An e-bike is fueled by human strength and electricity instead of diesel or gas. This means they do not release carbon dioxide into the environment. On average, 6 metric tons of CO2 are released in a year by each passenger vehicle. Other than carbon dioxide, other vehicles that run on gas or oils release smog, toxic gases, chemicals, and other pollutants that are harmful to the physical as well as mental health of people into the air as well that electric bikes do not. Also, it is not just the process of non-renewable energy consumption that is harmful to the environment but that of energy production as well. So, by not using non-renewable energy sources, you also contribute towards less demand for oil or gas extraction which leads to lower pollution and a more natural ecosystem.

Better Batteries

Most of the electric bikes use Lithium batteries instead of lead batteries that most of the other vehicles use. Lithium batteries have much fewer environmental implications and are longer lasting. This means that they stay away from landfills for much longer than those of cars and trucks etc. They can also be recycled to keep them away from landfills for good.

Electricity

One of the most major environmental benefits of electric bikes is that they can be charged with solar or other forms of renewable energies that produce zero emissions. However, even if you are to charge it with the electricity on the grid, you can choose to do so at off-peak hours, contributing to keeping the grid from getting less strained.

Disease Transfer

Many diseases are formed and spread due to environmental factors. By helping to keep the environment cleaner and safer, the risks of new diseases spreading get lower. Also, opting for public transport as a way for daily commute is a major source of transmission of diseases as you have no choice but to be in close proximity of other people. E-bike riding allows you to stay at a safe distance from other people while going to work or anywhere else.

These health and environmental benefits of electric bikes make e-bike riding a great source of protecting the environment and enhancing physical and mental health. Electric bikes are a much better option than traditional bicycles because of the above-mentioned reasons.