Archive for the 'Bikes + Bits' Category

On Skipping the Gym: Get an E-Bike

Friday, November 6th, 2009

We’re often nagged by the need to “work out” more but so much can stop us. You see people crowded into gymnasiums doing workouts, and think : I have to drive to the gymnasium, pay for my gym member’s costs, then workout. It just seems like a lot of trouble, can’t I do something that’s not going to throw away a lot of my time – maybe something that’s actually pragmatic?

So you might consider bicycling, as biking around is a wonderful means to improve one’s health . You can ride to the local shops or to work, so it’s rather useful. It’s also money-saving – there’s no gasoline involved and the maintenance are negligable. It’s also environmentally friendly. And not forgetting the small detail of actually getting fit too.

Still, lots of individuals are put off getting a bicycle since it’s TOO much exercise. As crazy as it may sound, it could be because they might live in a very hilly location, be aged or suffer from particular ailments that make pedaling too “hardcore” for their capabilities. And for a few individuals, it’s not realistic biking to work since they will sweat too much through the efforts of cycling.

This is where electric bikes come in. E-bikes allow you to give your legs a break on the tough slopes simply by twisting your hand on the handlebar and letting the electric motor take the strain – you don’t need to do any peddling then. Then when you’re ready to switch to manual, just pedal. So you get your moderate exercise and fresh air without breaking a sweat. E-bikes are also cost-effective to run requiring only a daily re-charge if you cycle around 20 to 30 kilometres per day, although most people need just a couple of re-charges per week as they are not doing this kind of mileage. You can find a local supplier of folding electric bikes by browsing online.

Nowadays the actual cost of buying an e-bike have come right down in price, so you can find yourself saving a lot of dosh on gym memberships, fuel, bus fares etc. by buying and on a regular basis using an electric bike.