21 Benefits of Electric Bikes: Health, Climate & Your Wallet

Tyler Madell
Nov 25
6 min read

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are rapidly growing in popularity, and for good reason.

As more people seek sustainable, healthy, and convenient ways to travel, e-bikes are emerging as a powerful solution. They combine the classic appeal of a bicycle with the added boost of an electric motor, making them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of individuals.

This guide will explore the extensive benefits of electric bikes, covering their positive impacts on personal health, the environment, and overall mobility. We will look at how e-bikes provide a meaningful workout, reduce our carbon footprint, and offer a practical alternative to car travel. From improving cardiovascular health to making cities more livable, the advantages are numerous and compelling.

At Shared Mobility Inc., we are committed to sharing these benefits with communities, promoting e-bike usage and ownership as a pathway to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Better Health with Every Ride

E-bikes offer a unique blend of exercise and assistance, making them an excellent tool for improving both physical and mental well-being. They provide a low-impact workout that is accessible to people of all fitness levels and ages.

Improved Cardiovascular Health: Riding an e-bike provides moderate-intensity exercise and can improve cardiorespiratory fitness within just a few weeks. Riding regularly offers similar benefits, with studies showing meaningful VO₂max and VO₂peak gains over 4–12 weeks.
Accessible for All Fitness Levels: One of the most significant advantages of e-bikes is their inclusivity. Cardiologists recognize cycling as a top cardio exercise for people of all ages and body types. The pedal-assist feature allows riders to control the intensity of their workout, making it suitable for everyone from seasoned athletes to those just beginning their fitness journey.
Gentle on Joints and Muscles: E-biking is a low-impact exercise, which means it puts less strain on your joints and muscles compared to activities like running. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with joint pain, older adults, or those recovering from injuries. The motor assistance helps reduce the physical demand, particularly on hills and during acceleration.
Meaningful Exercise, Less Perceived Effort: Research shows that e-bike riders can achieve a significant workout without feeling like they're overexerting themselves. A 2019 study found that e-bikes can provide intense exercise, but it doesn't feel as strenuous. Riders often report having more fun while still burning a substantial number of calories—about 30% less than on a traditional road bike, but with much higher enjoyment.
Aids in Recovery and Rehabilitation: Outdoor exercise on an e-bike can be beneficial for individuals recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. The adjustable assistance allows for gentle, progressive exercise, helping to regain strength and mobility.
Boosted Mental Well-being: Any form of physical activity, especially outdoors, has profound benefits for mental health. Cycling can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and lead to greater happiness. A 2019 study highlighted that spending 120 minutes outside per week is linked to higher levels of health and well-being.

Better Sleep and Cognitive Function: The combination of physical exercise and fresh air from e-biking can lead to better sleep patterns. It also improves cognitive functions like memory and creative thinking and can boost overall productivity.
Reversing the Aging Process: For older adults, e-biking can be transformative. It helps improve brain function, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Harvard Health Publishing notes that cycling is an excellent exercise for older individuals who struggle with balance and strength.
Empowering People with Disabilities: E-bikes offer a sense of freedom and independence. For those who cannot drive or have difficulty with traditional cycling, the pedal-assist or throttle options make it possible to get around. This enhanced mobility opens up access to jobs, services, and recreational activities.

A Greener Planet, One Ride at a Time

E-bikes are not just good for our health; they are also a crucial tool in the fight against climate change. By choosing an e-bike over a car, we can collectively make a significant positive impact on the environment.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transportation is a major source of pollution. In the U.S., passenger vehicles account for 16% of greenhouse gas emissions. E-bikes produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint. If just 5% of commuters switched to e-bikes, emissions could drop by 4%.
Smaller Carbon Footprint than Electric Cars: While electric cars are a step in the right direction, they still have a considerable environmental impact due to their large batteries and carbon-intensive supply chains. E-bikes, with their much smaller batteries, require less electricity and fewer resources, making them a more sustainable choice.
Promotes Sustainable Living: Integrating e-bikes into our daily routines encourages a more sustainable lifestyle. They reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and promote a closer connection to our communities and the environment.

Smarter, Faster, and More Convenient Mobility

E-bikes are revolutionizing urban transportation by offering a practical, efficient, and enjoyable way to get around. They address many of the common frustrations associated with daily commutes.

Reduces Traffic Congestion: By replacing car trips, e-bikes help to alleviate traffic congestion in busy cities. With half of all car trips in the U.S. being less than three miles, there is immense potential for e-bikes to make our urban areas more livable. Switching to e-bikes could take over 40 million private vehicles off the road in India and 8 million in the U.S.
Ride Farther and Faster: The electric motor provides a welcome boost, allowing riders to travel longer distances and maintain higher speeds with less effort. This makes it easier to tackle hills, keep up with traffic, and even pull small trailers for groceries or gear. Commuters can reach their destinations up to 50% faster during rush hour.
Simplified and Reliable Transportation: Modern e-bikes feature cutting-edge technology that makes them easy to operate and control. Their durability and reliability ensure they are a dependable mode of transportation for daily use.
Less Stressful Commutes: People with longer car commutes often report poorer health and lower well-being. In contrast, cyclists are consistently ranked as the happiest commuters. E-biking offers a way to enjoy the journey, reduce stress, and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and energized.

Economic Advantages of E-Biking

Beyond health and environmental benefits, e-bikes also make sound financial sense. They offer significant cost savings and are becoming more affordable through various incentive programs.

Significant Cost Savings: Owning and operating a car is expensive. AAA estimates the annual cost of a new car in America at $10,728. An e-bike, which might cost around $2,000, has minimal recurring charges. By ditching a car for an e-bike, an individual could save an estimated $50,000 over five years. E-bikes are also cheaper to maintain and don't require fuel, insurance, or parking fees.
Government Incentives and Rebates: To encourage adoption, many state and local governments are offering rebates and tax credits for e-bike purchases. For example, Colorado offers residents up to $1,100, and California provides up to $2,000 for qualifying residents. These programs make e-bikes more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Spurring Economic Development: The growing demand for e-bikes presents an opportunity for domestic manufacturing and economic growth. The global e-bike market is expanding, and associated industries for development, maintenance, and deployment have the potential to create new jobs.

Building Stronger, More Connected Communities

E-bikes are more than just a mode of transport; they are a tool for building community and increasing accessibility for all residents.

Enhanced Accessibility through Sharing Programs: E-bike share programs, like Biketown in Portland, Oregon, are increasing access to sustainable transportation. In New York City, the introduction of electric-assist Citi Bikes more than doubled the rides per day compared to traditional bikes.
Community-Led E-Bike Libraries: Initiatives like Shared Mobility Inc.’s E-Bike Libraries are empowering low-income communities by providing free access to e-bikes. These programs, active in places like Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY, enhance access to jobs, services, and recreational opportunities while building a community around e-bike riding.

Embrace the Future of Mobility

The benefits of electric bikes are clear and far-reaching. They offer a powerful combination of health advantages, environmental stewardship, and practical convenience that can transform our lives and our communities for the better. From improving personal fitness and reducing stress to cutting carbon emissions and saving money, e-bikes are a smart, sustainable choice for modern mobility.

At Shared Mobility Inc., we are dedicated to making these benefits accessible to everyone. Through our work in communities across the country, we are helping people discover the joy and freedom of e-biking. We encourage you to consider how an e-bike could fit into your life and join the movement toward a healthier, more connected, and sustainable future.