Electric bikes are becoming more popular, especially for seniors who enjoy physical activity but want to minimize stress on their joints. When compared to traditional road or mountain bikes, electric bikes can seem expensive. However, their many benefits make them worth the extra cost for most people. Here are a few reasons why electric bike sales continue to rise, despite their sticker price.
What Are Electric Bikes?
Before you can decide whether or not an electric bike is for you, you need to know what it is. If you see an electric bicycle on the street, you might think it’s a regular pedal bike. Although they both look similar, the electric version has a small motor attached to it. This makes it possible for the bike to travel up to 20 miles for hour for around 35 miles or more. The motor is usually located at the base of the bike or in the hub of the rear or front wheel.
Electric bikes (or ebikes, as they are also commonly called) generally have two acceleration modes: throttle and pedal assist. Throttle mode allows you to accelerate by twisting a throttle and doesn’t require you to pedal. Pedal assist mode combines your pedaling power with the power of the motor on your bike and can be adjusted based on how hard you want to work.
Benefits of Electric Bikes
Now that you know what an electric bike is, what benefits can you enjoy if you purchase one? Here are a few reasons why you may want to look for an electric bike for sale instead of a traditional pedal bicycle:
- Strengthen your joints, muscles and overall physical fitness
- Get outside more often
- Burn calories and lose excess weight without overtaxing your body
- Boost your mood by increasing your exposure to sunlight
- Cut back on commuting expenses (ebikes don’t require gasoline!)
Even though ebikes use a motor, you’re still required to pedal if you keep your bike in pedal assist mode. According to a study published in The New York Times, riding an electric bicycle for 40 minutes a day at least three times per week can improve cardiovascular health and may even lead to reduced body fat.
How Much Do They Cost?
Just like a regular road or hybrid bicycle, ebikes have a very wide price range. You might snag one for as little as $1,000 or you might decide to invest in one that’s over $15,000. It all depends on the quality you’re looking for and your budgetary restraints.
One of the reasons electric bikes are more expensive than their non-motorized counterparts is because they are made with more expensive materials and components. Lithium ion batteries, for example, are pricey. Electric bicycles are also heavy (up to 60 pounds), which makes them expensive to ship. But many people discover that the high price is worth the benefits they receive after purchasing an ebike.
Is It Right for You?
Determining whether or not to purchase an electric bicycle is an intensely personal decision. For seniors, there are few better ways to get daily exercise without excessive exertion than by using the pedal assist function on an ebike. Test ride one today to figure out if it’s right for you.
To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.
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