I've always thought about an e-bike as a workout machine that let's you continue to increase the resistance by decreasing the assistance. It allow you to start working out no matter how out of shape you are.
Go for a bosch mid drive Gen 4 smart system every assist mode is now completely customisable to suit it's not just the 5 assist levels that the manufacturer has decided its all up to you now with the latest updates! It's incredible
I moved to a rural, hilly area. I found I wasn't riding my bike, especially to gatherings 15-25 miles away because the hills are a killer. I still try to ride near my house on my non-electric bikes for exercise, but hauling kids in a trailer is tough if not impossible in a hilly area. I found an ebike works great for eliminating my excuses for not getting outside and riding. Also, my wife can ride the ebike while I follow getting a workout. My experience is having an ebike is a great complement to a non-electric bike. It is what you make of it.
Your comments about losing weight while using an e-bike are true from my experience. I will be 70 in a few days, and I have found that it is more difficult to lose weight at 70 than when I was 55 years old. Your comment concerning weight loss "begins in the kitchen" is spot on. When I first began, it took about two months for me to lose my first 24 lbs. with a strict diet and riding my e-bike consistently. Also, I know that for me, what I do now will be evident about two weeks later. I did not immediately lose weight when I started, but the evidence of my diet and exercise became apparent about two weeks later. Perhaps the process is an age thing. But now, I awake earlier in the mornings with vigor and look forward to my ride. My e-bike weighs 65 lbs with two batteries. The manner in which I ride, I can ride about 110 miles without charging. This is accomplished by turning the assist off while pedaling the flats and going down hills, and using the assist only when necessary on the hills. But I do not turn the assist on first, I always downshift first to keep my cadence until I cannot downshift any further. What is remarkable is that I now use panniers and do three to four-day touring trips in the range of 180-240 miles a trip. I challenge myself not to use pedal assist to conserve battery. But when the wind whips up or the grade becomes too steep, I smile when I turn the pedal assist on and keep going. My overall goal is to achieve a 32-inch waist. I used to be near a 40-inch waist. My goal is in sight, for I am now a 34 waist. Every piece of advice from your experience, I too had to do. It has also helped me to keep my consumption of food within an 8-hour range, depending on my amount of daily exercise. In this manner, my body is not always having to process food which in itself uses a lot of energy to do so. I sleep better and awake refreshed for the next ride. Thank you for this instructional video. It echos my path toward better health.
Thank you for this wonderful comment. I too am about to embark on bike touring. I love my ebike. It is absolutely a part of my daily exercise and health routine.
As an avid ebike rider, I am amazed at the lack of understanding non riders have about ebikes. Universally I have met people that, after learning I use an ebike, for some reason feel the need to dismiss every possible thing about my hobby. The most common one is dismissing any form of improvement to my mental or physical health... Universally it comes down to people *continually thinking an ebike is just a less powerful motorcycle*. I cannot help but feel that they think all ebikers are 100% using a throttle the entire time. My ebike tops out at 28mph (45km) but that is with PAS and peddling pretty hard I might add. My ebike also has a torque sensor, so I can't just ramp up the PAS to level 5 and barely pedal for speed like a cadence sensor... I do have a throttle, but it tops out at 20mph (32km). Both of these are the legal limits of where I live, which I know is still pretty good compared to other areas. For myself, I bought an ebike 50% for fun and 50% for health. I made a lot of horrible life decisions regarding my health for almost two decades and now I'm tying to just curve that a little bit both physically and mentally. Stationary workouts bore me (indoor cycling failed hard), weight lifting leaves me too sore and I don't stick with it and I'd rather hit myself then go for a run... Biking on the other hand keeps me engaged and the environment is always changing so I stay interested. I've been doing it a lot since October of 2022 and whilst I haven't lost basically any weight, despite my cardiovascular health dramatically improving (my blood pressure has gone WAY down and so has my heart rate) I have chalked up the non-weight loss to the fact that my diet could be a lot better and my natural genetics as well. My body really really fights to stay at the weight I am. Bottom line you can get as much exercise as you want on an ebike and I'm ALWAYS reminded of a quote I once read on RU-vid. "You'll get way more fit riding an ebike than riding in a car or riding a couch."
I really appreciate your comment. Thank you. It aligns very much with my experience. The snide comments about ebikes. Nonetheless, for me, the benefits are huge and I'll keep advocating for them.
Great video. I’m sick of people telling me I’m cheating using an e-bike. I pedal my ass off on my XP3.0, and explore more territory than I ever dreamed of. It is clearly what you make of it. Ps. Great trail!!! Very jealous
I am 60. I ride a mountainbike bike, a road bike and an e-bike. I agree to everything said in this fine video. To me the biggest difference is that it is much easier for me to get on my e-bike (Cube Katmandu) to commute because it is so fun and pleasant to ride. Motivation plays a big role in creating a lasting habit. I am amazed at the level of skepticisme you meet from people when they learn that I use an e-bike. You always need to defend your decision towards people who use their car to get to work! I lost 4 kg after buying my e-bike because I use it so consistently. And believe me, you can burn a lot of calories on an e-bike if you want to.
ebikes are better than regular because you can adjust the levels to your goals and capabilities. Going uphill can ruin a run, so having the option to overcome an obstacle and continue on a trajectory is very beneficial - the next time you're there you can use a lower assist to try and overcome it, with the ultimate goal to get over it without pedal assist
Thank you for sharing. I had a life threatening medical emergency and surgery a year ago. I was quite overweight at 256 lbs (at 54 years old).God had given me the wake up call I needed to enable me to be very committed! I had just given away our mountain bikes that sat for years unused just a month prior to a charity. But when I knew I was at great risk (don't let yourself get to that stage), I followed my surgeon's advice. Intermittent fasting, good hydration, reduced carbs especially sugar, eating better, less processed foods, started the reversal. I ordered a Lectric brand XP 2.0 e-bike and as soon as I could stand it, I got on and regularly rode for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours at a time in PAS2, three to four times a week and let me tell, you what a difference my body experienced! The e-bike made a big difference! What a difference it made, getting out in nature and seeing the sights and sounds that I took for granted in a vehicle. Through the cold New Brunswick (Canadian) winter I bought an elliptical and regularly worked out doing HIIT training to maintain. Fast forward a year later... I am down 65 lbs and maintaining at 191 lbs, I have gained muscle mass. I have dropped from a 42" pant size to 34" and I feel so much better about myself and about life in general. My wife and I just bought two used folding Dahon bikes (conventional) and we are exploring towns and city trails now. Spending time together is priceless! I never, ever thought I'd ever see myself riding bikes ever again! I still love my e-bike for long distance riding! It's awesome. Weight loss most certainly is a battle and I know it's a commitment for the remainder of my life on earth but it's worth it.
Thank you for the comment. I had a run-in with the big C in early 2021 and after surgery I have remained a strong user of my ebike. So far, follow-ups have been clear. I can't say it is the bike but the weight reduction and the vigorous exercise helps, I'm sure. I think it likely boosted my immunity during COVID too. Now the task is to hold on to the improvements and not backslide.
In my case I don't get much as my ebike mostly is self propelled. But. I still have to take it to you and down the stairs. I have to push it manually in certain areas. I am outdoors. Just being outside burns more calories. I am more likely to wander. "Oooh what's over there" syndrome. It takes me places where I move my body. This in turn makes me fitter. Even the act of riding and balancing on a bike even without any pedalling is a core work out. Your still moving your balance. Your experiencing forces your body needs to counter. Remember even standing still is a core body work out. Do that in a body that weighs an extra 60kg and you still have exercise
I'm disabled I use it to lose weight to get places. I can't walk to because I can't walk far to do a lot of things. I've had someone say I was cheating. But by the time I got them talking to them. They was apologizing because I explained them exactly how stupid they soundedamn .
Yes, I'm sorry you had that experience. There's a lot of snobbery within the ebike community (how we use our bikes and bike types) and from other cycling disciplines. It's disheartening. But keep up the effort. Our health and well-being depends on it.
Yes, using an ebike can help with circulation and burning calories. The key is pedaling and using no throttle. Set your travel distance and most important stick to a diet plan.
Wonderful, just wonderful. Thank you for sharing and chatting with us. I’m 58 and jog 2-3 miles everyday but I know your feelings. I’m just South of Buffalo, NY. Maybe one day I can ride across the peace bridge and meet up with you. I am currently prepping to ride the Erie canal. 368 miles from Buffalo to Albany and then back.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. Yes, I too am planning some longer rides. I actually enjoy the backcountry. Indeed, if you're ever in Calgary, I'll gladly show you the cycling network we have.
@@talkingebikes oh, my Calgary - I thought you were close cause I saw one of your videos talking about the peace bridge (haven’t watched it yet). But I have to tell you I watch a number of RU-vidrs they are vanlifers that live in and pass through Calgary and gosh I would love love love to come up here and ride with you.
Weight loss is highly unlikely if the ebike has a throttle unless you have enough self discipline to always pedal. I have a class 1 Gazelle NL c8. I ride in eco mode until I need turbo for the steep hills in my county, 10 miles per day. I'm a 5'11" old man(66). In 2020 I weighed 228lbs. Now 167lbs.
Wow, that is fantastic. Well done. Throttles can be problematic because they appeal to those that are lazy to start with. I know, a harsh statement. I doubt throttle users are watching this video anyway. Yes, there are those that have mobility issues and use the throttle but most often it is those using their bikes as mopeds. I have a throttle and never ever have I used it instead of pedaling. From the outset I got into the habit of using low pedal assist, watching my heart rate and riding accordingly. Thanks for the comment.
To lose weight: CHANGE WHAT and HOW MUCH YOUR EATING!!!! Eliminate as much as possible sugar, presertives excessive carbohydrates...focus on dark leafy green vegetables fresh fruits, legumes, Sour Dough to Sprouted Breads are best, and don't forget to do some form of cardio exercise; walking jogging, cycling swimming. Eliminate smoking, alcohol, sweets (except for Dark Chocolate); Keto for Men/Ketosis for women....
Yes you can loose weight on the Easy- Bike but I'm sure you can do it faster on a normal human powered bike and have more money in your bank account and no risk of your house burning down with Cheap unsafe Chinese E-bikes. I lost 27 lbs in 2 months and I didn't change my diet and rode 3 -4 times a week about 14-19 km. Now look at all, the kids on E-scooters and E bikes wow so sad.
I bought a mid-drive e-bike after putting on so much weight with water retention, etc., from having long COVID. My respiratory system is really poor now! I was a cyclist years ago, racing downhill, but when I thought at Christmas past, I'm going to go get a new bike to try and get some control back and lose weight, I could hardly manage a normal bike! I just turned 39 and feel 89, so I went for an e-bike, something I thought I would never have to be honest, wasn't really interested in them! But I went for the Cube Stereo full-suspension Bosch mid-drive smart system, and it's incredible! I am losing weight and starting to breathe better. It's only been since February 2024, but I'm improving quite a bit! The new updates let my Galaxy smartwatch now sync up with all the data to the Kiox 500. The power-assisted levels can be completely controlled in each setting for each setting, so it's completely customizable power assist. It's amazing,The new auto mode is something other than eco. I have adjusted to what I call "ultra eco," with everything at its lowest setting for a good workout! I now hate the nonsense about e-bikes not being healthy. There's no way I would have been able to get on a normal bike to start losing weight again! At 300 lbs at the start, now 270 lbs in 12 weeks is a lot for a big man who was pretty much housebound and couldn't stay on his feet longer than 5 minutes without his back giving out
The same anti ebike people saying "you don't get exercise on those" are the same people jumping in their car to go 1 mile to the grocery store. I take the long way(about a 10 mile ride, 20 miles round trip) on my ebike when i go to the grocery store but somehow I'm wrong 🤷🏾♂️
I’m 55 and never thought I would buy an e-bike, but ever since the pandemic, I cannot seem to lose weight. I got my hybrid bike out, but to even put in 10-12 miles was killing me, because I was so far out of shape and too heavy. I’m hoping the e-bike I just bought will kickstart me back into a more active lifestyle by giving me the help I need on some of the hills.
I love the path you are riding on! I haven’t found anything that awesome around here yet. I’ve had my e-bike for a week now, it was my birthday present to myself. Haven’t lost any weight yet, but I’ve stopped gaining. It is so much harder to lose weight in my 50’s than it was in my 40’s! Learning that the hard way. I love how honest you are, it’s so hard not to reward yourself sometimes! I’ve found that my will power has decreased as I’ve gotten older too. That’s the main struggle!
Thank you for the comment. Isn't that the truth? I'm in my 50's and it is damn hard. But without the biking, it would be worse. Persistence is all we have. Glad you've joined the ebike ranks, they're amazing.
I am 74 and in 8 years of e-bike I am down 70 lbs. and yes I want to lose weight and eat right but even my Dr said keep it up and ride. I use a PAS and push all I can for about 10 miles a day. Ride about 220 limes a year, winters here are cold and wet so miss some then.
Ex Pat South African living in Australia - Just got my first e-bike yesterday , and today I was out by myself doing an 18km ride with a halfway picnic stop. I’m really looking forward to the mental and physical health benefits I was so unsure about buying one , but now that I have it , I’m in love :)
@@talkingebikes thanks. Loved your video btw! Great hearing that SAFFA accent. I bought a Cube Supreme Sport Hybrid with Bosch battery. Unfortunately could only get a 400w battery, no stock anywhere of the 500w. Hopefully this will do the trick for now. Could have got a Norco Scene VLT for same price with 500w battery, but no front suspension, and non integrated shimano battery. Merida also seemed good, but saw that too late, and didn’t want to muck about the sales guy any further. Anyway a 30day “trial “ period and can exchange if I absolutely think it’s not for me. I’m not keen to use this option, so will likely stick with what I have unless there is some serious fault or issue I have.
I come home after a 10-20 mile ride sweating and feeling worked. This is even using high pas and throttle periodically. I definitely push it in lower pas levels until my legs and butt burn then I let the bike do work for a while.
What ebike do you ride? I am a taller rider, (6'7") and am trying to find a good ebike that won't break the bank. Any suggestions? I have been pretty good about walking, at least 8 miles a day, but am finding that I need to be able to work a little harder to lose weight. I am in my early 50's and my vacations also ruin me. I will be pretty good for about 4 months and then when I take a vacation, I end up putting it all back on and more.
Yep, sounds like me, Craig. I have found if I don't ride 4-5 times a week my weight starts to creep up. But as a weight loss/control mechanism, I have found my ebike to be great. I'm 6'2" and I ride a RAD Rover 5. To be honest, at 6'7" I can't say off the top of my head. More affordable bikes are hub drives. Brands include Aventon, Himiway, Magicycle, Biktrix, RAD Power Bikes. They're all similar, using similar parts. You just need to work through the models to find one that fits your frame.
Have a look at the Volt Yukon with the 21 inch frame. I’m not from Volt and don’t get paid from them. 2 of my friends ( 6.5 and 6.3) have them Volt is an Canadian company with a pretty decent track record. I’m a short guy and would buy their Mariner model or maybe even the Yukon with a 17 in frame, if I neede a new bike. Just my opinion
Any form of exercise combined with a focused diet can let you lose weight. I got back into cycling at 63 and after a few years of disciplined exercise and a better diet with portion reduction and reducing snacking I have gone from 193 to 153Lbs. I ride an EMTB, a regular MTB, a road bike, and a spin bike for when I just want to stay home. You hit the mark with it being about diet. All the exercise you can do will be undone by overeating the wrong foods. For me it’s about how badly do I want results.
@@talkingebikes exactly and I am now considering one as a bad Knee keeps me from walking much and if peddle assist x is what allows me to get off the couch and take the dog to the park thats great
FantStic video!! You give a very well explained approach to weight loss for an older person. I have a similar approach. A SUSTAINABLY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE is the best in my opinion. I maintain 10,000 steps (minimum) per day (NO EXCEPTIONS) tracking with my Fitbit. I have switched to fruit smoothie in the morning and only salads for lunch. Yes, I love food and I make exceptions thru the week or on vacation. The key is consistency. At 62 my wife and I have taken wine tours on e bikes. It’s fantastic! Gets you moving, instead of riding in a tour van. A balance of everything has allowed me to drop 20 lbs. thanks for the advice and inspiration!! I’m shopping for our our own e-bikes! It’s less expensive to drink a glass of wine when we get back home!
Thank you for the comment. My wife is a pickleball nut and she counts her steps daily. I agree, we have to sustain the effort. Stop moving and slowly die, to be somewhat hyperbolic.
A fellow South African! I love your content. I’m overweight currently and considering getting my first e-bike. I have a small child and it would do wonders for me and at the same time my child. Which brands do you recommend? I’m looking at the cargo style
@@Thecraftyblacksheep been a bit slack in producing content this year. Sold my house and can't find my GoPros. But I did get a drone. Ja, losing weight. It works very well, so well in fact that it is quite easy to burn 800 calories on a ride. The trouble is controlling your diet which is an ongoing exercise. Ozempic anybody? If your child is small enough to go on the bike with you that is awesome. Great bonding exercise. There are plenty of cargo bike offerings. Depends on your budget and the terrain in your area. If it is relatively flat then you can get away with a more affordable bike from RAD Power Bikes or similar. Otherwise you may need to look at the European offerings which cost the same as a small car. Thanks for your comment.
I've not been out on my scot hybrid pedal bike since my friend died. This was back in 2016 ish. This is my plan ger funnily enough a rad e back I think this is the 6. Well that's what I'm aiming for. I'm not saying I won't enjoy it and have fun using the battery for a few hours a week but this is what I was thinking . Getting this & still using a tough gear till I'm back fit . Then I'll know how to ballance between the fun & training. Anyway glad I saw this video. I stopped cycling because my friend who really motivated me was murdered . Went back out a few times. I live in the east end of Glasgow & I used to be able to cycle to lochlommond then pick another longer trail back home than the one that got us there . I'm 45 no after that happened we had the pandemic. I was thinking of getting my bike converted into a e bike. I have a fairly good Scott. Carbon fibre but I might be wrong . But the wheels are the ones you can clip off. I don't think I can get a motorised wheel that will fit this. But I love the look of that rad power? 6 so going to start here
Hi Eddie, thank you for your comment. I'm sorry for your loss. I know the debilitating feeling. I lost a friend to murder in 2004. It was shocking. An ebike will give you back your cycling confidence because it helps with fatigue. You can ride as long or as hard as you choose. I have a RAD Rover 5. But, sadly, RAD has just decided to withdraw from the UK and European markets, so I can't recommend it. An older RAD Rover (called a Rhino in the UK) I'd recommend all day long. They're tough and parts are easily available. Otherwise, for the UK, have a look at Himiway. I don't know how good their service is but the bikes are very similar to RAD and use similar parts.
I ride to work 3 days (about 7. 1 miles each way) a week and do one or two long (maybe 22 miles) weekend rides on my Specialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ. It is a relatively light bike with a small battery and a weak mid-axle motor. The 3 levels of assist are ECO, SPORT, and Turbo; I typically use Sport. The Memphis area is flat so I spend most of my ride in 6th gear. I have not modified my diet but am fitter and my legs are stronger. Definitely helps my skiing.
Ha, I'm a huge downhill skier. Glad someone else also sees the benefits for skiing. Only thing is, it doesn't work my butt enough. But there's definitely an overlap.
Lance Armstrong once said that riding bikes can be the same exercise as running, as long as you ride fast enough. In some cases(torque sensors) the same goes with e-bikes vs regular bikes. Especially if you turn the PAS down. My e-bike on level 1(eco) takes about the same level of effort as my lightweight gravel bike.
Thanks for the comment. Cadence sensors work the same way as long as you pedal to the limit of the PAS that you're in. On the other hand, as you mentioned, torque sensors can also be too easy if you're applying too much assist. The difference being that a torque sensor does need a minimal amount of pressure, as you know, whereas a cadence sensor doesn't. A torque sensor is superior imo.
I agree with the guy in the video about the hub drive (cadence sensors), as long as the power is 0w, you're doing exercises already, and you're the one providing all the power to the bike.
@@talkingebikes No kidding, He blames his weight loss from not drinking his 3 large Ice cream Black & White Mocha drinks. He changed his job, and the new location that has huge bike Boxes for his recumbent bike.
Not sure which part of the ride, but under 32kph unless I use human power for more. I actually pedal all the time. Our limit, under power, is 32kph. Of course, slower on the pathways but that's unofficially subject to the foot traffic and conditions. I only have 7 gears. I wish I had a wider range of gears.
E-Bike is no tool for weight loss. If You really want to lose weight, You have to change Your life to get into energy deficit like You described in the video. If You manage to eat less - fine. You've already won. Sport is only supportive for weight loss - it isn't weight loss on its own. To get into deficit by sport You fool Yourself thinking "so I do not have to change my diet". You fool Yourself even more if You do pseudo sport that doesn't really exhausts You and doesn't burn enough calories - like E-Bikes. You won't have enough tme to waste it to low energy burning sports. An E-Bike is good to fill the mobility gap between classic bicycle and a car for daily way to work or weekend trips. But it is dumbest idea for weight loss.
@@utrian4148 evidently you don't know what you're talking about. Do you even own an ebike? I regularly burn over 1,000 calories a ride. That makes it a very effective tool for weight loss. Do yourself a favour and read the research before spouting nonsense.
It basically comes down to two main things. Firstly, would you be on your bike at all if it wasn't an ebike? If not any exercise is a plus. Secondly, if you're riding your bike to try to lose weight/improve aerobic fitness, don't get an ebike with a throttle (an e-moped).
While e bikes are pricey, they are dropping quickly. My previous bike Trek Sport FX 2 is a 5 speed; it took me 33 minutes to get to work and consumed 100 calories for every 10 minutes. My new e bike takes 22 minutes for me to get to work and consumes about 180 calories (likely accurate as the bike has an app measuring to calories expended).
@@SafferCA Sarcopenia is real, so resistance training is needed.But riding bikes builds muscle better then running (look at the studies, it's essentially a leg press) so start in the kitchen, you can't out ride McDonald's
It's Calgary, Alberta. I know, I complain a lot but we actually have a decent network of pathways, perhaps the most in North America at over 1,000kms, and that says a lot for an oil and gas city.
Disagree with much of the advice. Ebikes are great because you can go biking more. More utility trips, but going to a pretty trail every day, or even restaurant/coffee shops is great. The rule is simply always do 100w (unpowered race bike speed of 22-25kmh). Have an ebike with good gearing so that even when you go fast, you can add pedalling, and are probably doing more than 100w to spin over 40kmh. If you don't have a fitbit, your ebike display should show watts or amps. Use 9 pas levels, and for any pas level try to keep the watts/amps down while you go a bit beyond the "speed setting" for the PAS level. Ebikes are great because you can go in higher speed traffic near rush hour. It will motivate you to pedal harder until you reach quieter destination. I lost 25lbs in 4 months (down to 170) in just 1000km. No diet change. No keeping it in PAS 1 when faster speed is appropriate. (sure trails go slow and enjoy the air/view). Blast through fast road sections and hills, but you need good gearing. Ebikes are also great for keeping target effort independent of up/down hill or wind.
Not sure what you're disagreeing with. Keeping PAS as low as you can handle by keeping the resistance on your legs is exactly what you are saying except you call it going "a bit beyond the speed setting". I still stand by my opinion that the bulk of any weight loss happens through diet. You're free to disagree, of course.
I've Lost 23lb since I owned my Bafang BBSHD Bike and I love it but I will NEVER own a Hub Motor Bike for I love Riding in the Woods and I Seen over Three Different People Burn out there Hub Motors Trying to Ride with me in the Woods and there is over 2,000 Miles on my Bafang BBSHD and Still Running Strong as Brand New. But I Take Care of my Bike and Don't Beat it to Death as one would be if it was a Hub motor and Trying to do the Same.
That is true. I have a video of me in the backcountry. There are steps to mitigate overheating and it would be helpful if the groupsets on hub drive ebikes were broader, coupled with a torque sensor. But this is a lot to ask. If you're into the backcountry or live in a hilly area, a mid-drive is better.
