E-bikes: Riders get as much exercise as on regular bicycle

The old trope that e-bikes are a cheat never rang true with anyone who'd actually taken the time to ride one. And now scientific research has stepped in to reaffirm the numerous benefits electric bicycles have to offer.

Research published by sciencedirect.com has found that e-bikes are used for longer trips compared to conventional cycles. And, perhaps more surprisingly, overall physical activity among both groups is comparable. The data suggests e-bikers may compensate, at least in part, for the lower effort per kilometre of e-biking by travelling longer distances.

The research concludes that a growing demand for e-bikes requires expanded cycling infrastructure adapted to accommodate higher speeds. And that the health benefits of using e-bikes, particularly when replacing car trips, should be factored in when considering subsidising e-bikes. Mass uptake of electric bicycles could create more than £2bn in health benefits and cut one million tonnes of emissions annually according to an evidence review by academics at Westminster University.

E-bikes offer numerous advantages over electric cars; Not only do they consume far fewer natural resources to build and run, but they occupy less road space, cause little road danger, create no tailpipe emissions and constitute active travel. Another key advantage is their ability to be recharged from a household electricity supply so there's no need for the costly infrastructure that's slowing the uptake of electric cars.

Insurance for e-bikes

We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it under our cycle insurance at no additional cost.

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
• Any rider covered to use your bike

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

{{cta-cycling}}

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.