E-bike
Benefits

What are the benefits of electric bikes?

When you're in the market for a new bike, you obviously want to think about how often you're going to be cycling, your style, build and more. So why choose an electric bike instead of a regular one?

Opting for an e-bike can sometimes seem like a cost investment (we've broken down e-bike running costs to help), but there are so many pros to owning a pedal assist electric bike - including amazing health benefits and plenty more.

Here are some of the main reasons to consider buying an e-bike. To help you decide the best one, check out our e-bike buying guide.

Electric bike health benefits

First and foremost, riding an e-bike (and cycling in general) is a great form of exercise and is fantastic for your overall health. Getting in some physical activity is always a good thing, and cycling is a fantastic way to build up your strength and work on your general fitness. Even just moderate exercise on the bike - a quick cycle round the block or to the shops - is a great workout. 

Some people might think that an electric bike offers less of a workout and requires less exertion than a normal bike thanks to the pedal assist feature, but you'll still be using your legs to push the pedals and get moving. Studies have found that e-bike cyclists can achieve a heart rate of over 90% of regular bike riders, proving that e-bikes are great for exercising. The pedal assist just helps you go a little faster on those tricky hills and steep climbs, but you can still push yourself to boost your cardio and get those legs pumping! 

Of course, there are also plenty of mental health benefits to heading out on a bike ride. Getting out in the fresh air betters brain health, and it can be a great way to switch off. The added benefit of the additional pedal power with an e-bike means you really can just focus on the fun stuff. 

It's worth considering the differences between e-bikes and regular bikes to help you choose the best option for you.

Reduce strain while cycling

As well as the usual health benefits that come with cycling, e-bikes can offer other physical benefits versus conventional bikes. For a start, the assistance from the electric motor and battery means you'll be straining your joints and muscles less as you cycle. 

The e-bike motor also helps during particularly difficult climbs, so you'll put less stress on your heart. With full control over your pedal assistance, you can make your ride as hard or as easy as you want it to be. Switch off the motor while you’re riding along the flat, and dial up the assistance when you’re battling those seriously steep hills. And, because you'll have pedal assist to kick in when you need it, you'll hopefully be able to break less of a sweat - ideal if you're using your e-bike for commuting!  

Faster cycling 

There’s nothing worse than losing a whole day to errands—especially when most of that time is spent sitting in traffic. That’s why an electric bike is such a game-changer. An e-bike motor can really help you push off from a standing start, helping you accelerate faster with less effort.

On those glorious sunny days when you’d rather be doing anything other than sitting in your car, you can fly past the traffic on your e-bike—and enjoy the sunshine at the same time. Save time on your errands by taking all your favourite cycle paths, or slow down and grab some lunch by the river. Those weekend tasks have never felt so good.

Environmentally-friendly transport

Electric bike benefits work for more than just the rider, too. E-bikes aren’t just great for you—they’re also good for the planet and have several environmental benefits as a transport option. Unlike cars, buses and trains, electric bikes don’t produce any harmful emissions—making them the best transport choice for the environment (along with regular bikes). So if you don’t fancy the legwork of a regular bike, an electric bike is a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Save money on travel

One of the many amazing benefits of choosing a bike over a car is the cheaper ongoing running costs. Obviously, with a car or other vehicle you'll be paying for regular petrol, insurance, road tax and other costs. With an e-bike, once you've paid for the initial bike, you'll only need to factor in maintenance costs and optional e-bike insurance. 

Plus, if you get your e-bike as part of electric bicycle incentive programs like a cycle to work scheme, you'll be able to pay for the cost of your bike monthly via salary sacrifice.

Get out cycling even more

Whether you’re someone who likes to hit the trail on the weekends or are more of a casual rider, e-bikes are the perfect way to get off the beaten track. With a grippy tread and a lightweight frame, electric hybrid bikes are designed to take you from tarmac to trail—and back again. Spend some time discovering all the best trails near you, or head down to the beach and ride along the promenade on super sunny days. With an e-bike battery that can take you dozens of miles on a single charge, the possibilities for adventure are limitless.

And the options don’t end there. With our range of electric folding bikes , you can stash your bike in the boot and bring it along for the ride. Staycation in Cornwall? Weekend trip to the Peaks? Take your wheels with you.

So — where are you going to go first?

Convinced by all the benefits of e-bikes? Browse our full range of Raleigh electric bikes to get started.