Tag: bikes

I’m going to say something that may be controversial…

An ebike might be better for fitness than an acoustic bike.

We already know that ebikes allow people to ride more. Folks on ebikes tend put in more time riding, and cover more miles, than they would if they were riding acoustic bikes or not riding at all. And we know that they can be assistive devices for people with bad knees, or other health issues. There are a number of online support groups for ebike riders over 50, over 60, etc. I read posts from people in their 70s who are now biking again. This is all good stuff.

So yeah, more people on bikes, riding, being outdoors, that’s all good for physical fitness, and mental health, if we want to get into it.

But I’m here to talk about how I use an ebike for fitness…

When I started riding again in 2024 I rode my acoustic bike, and I enjoyed it, and I was doing it for fitness. Now I ride an ebike (I try to ride to work as much as I can) and if you think I just crank the power up or hit the throttle, you’re wrong.

I actually removed the throttle from my bike. I didn’t really use it. I know some people really like it to start from a dead stop (especially older people, from what I’ve read) but my technique when coming to a stop is to drop to first gear and put the pedal assist to “Turbo” (or level 3 assist, the highest setting.) This lets me get started from a dead stop, but gives me a boost in Turbo mode, and once I am across the busy street I drop down to “Eco” (or level 1) pedal assist… or turn off the assist.

Yes, I turn off the assist. If it’s flat ground, or downhill, I don’t need any help if I am already moving.

That said, my bike is heavy. I am heavy. I am carrying a lot of stuff. The bike is slow. In the stock configuration my bike is 67 pounds. I have panniers and carry a u-lock, tools, usually my backpack for work, and a few other bits and bobs that might add another 10 to 20 pounds. I am now pedaling a bike that weighs over 75 pounds. (And I am not a lightweight person!)

My bike has something called Ride Tune, which allows me to dial in the assist for the three levels (Eco, Sport, and Turbo). I’ve dialed down Eco so that it gives some assist, but it just about equals out to what it would be like pedaling my old Trek, which is less than half the weight of my ebike.

So now I’ve got my ebike set with minimal assist in the lowest mode so the experience is similar to a non-ebike. This is perfect.

I’ve still got Sport mode, which I’ve also dialed down, and Turbo mode, which is pretty much default because I commute to work on shitty roads alongside cars and I want that to last as short of time as possible.

Between the heavy bike, the gears, and the pedal-assist there are a number of changes you can make while riding to create more of a workout, or to make things easier when your legs are screaming. On today’s ride I was in Eco for most of it, turned off the motor a few times and let me tell you, it kicked my ass. I got to work tired and sweaty… and that’s okay.

Also, I am still pretty out of shape because I didn’t ride for 6 months while my spine was not working properly.

I’ve been arguing with people online. Maybe I should do less of that and ride my bike more. But I’ve also been trying to call out ableist behavior, which I think is important.

People have also given me grief because I ride an ebike. Here’s my question to those people…

First, imagine you like to ride a bike. Now imagine you get older, you get injured, or your body just doesn’t do what you want it to do without pain.

Do you give up riding a bike, or do you figure out a way to keep riding a bike?

Because of my nerve pain and spinal surgery I just started riding again after 6 months of not riding. I rode 11 miles today, which is a good ride. A few times my knee hurt. Either a twinge or a short shooting pain. I still want to ride my bike. Do you know what helps? An ebike.

I still love to pedal a bike. Mine has no throttle, it’s only pedal-assist, so if I want to move I gotta do some work.

But the thing is, I don’t have to ride so hard it starts to hurt. I can ease up by increasing the assist. Hills? Wind? Knee acting up? I can get some help. Listen, don’t we all need some help sometimes?

And look, I get it. 2026 is the summer of ebike panic. People are riding irresponsibly. Kids, some adults, people who have never rode an acoustic bike before or last did so years ago. People who are ignorant, or inexperienced, and yeah… all of that is a problem.

But I also read posts from people in their 60s and 70s who say things like “I’ve had both my knees replaced but I love riding my ebike!” and “Haven’t ridden in 30 years and now I ride an ebike 15 miles each day.” And shit like that, more people on bikes, is what we need. If you actually care about biking more than gatekeeping, I hope you agree.

Here are some posts from about a year ago. The first time I rode a modern ebike, some thoughts, and then getting my own.

• I Rode an eBike!
• Thoughts on eBike Riding
• I got an ebike!

Here’s what I wrote 10 months ago:

Yeah, my knee occasionally acts up. I’ve canceled rides because of it. Earlier this year I was doing physical therapy for it. It’s actually difficult for me to go up a flight of stairs, so you know… maybe an ebike with pedal assist is something that will ensure I can keep riding.

But guess what? In the 50 days I rode an ebike to work last summer/fall my knee never got too bad. Huh. Okay.

So I don’t care if people give me shit, because it won’t stop me riding an ebike. My own body is the thing that will stop me, but for now I’m not letting it. I just need a little assistance sometimes.