Trend: Is e-biking really a sport?

Question: Is e-biking a serious form of sport?

Michèl the same: Yes, because basically all kinds of movement counts as a sport. Targeted physical activity is always good for mind and body. Depending on the age, performance level and sporting ambitions, regular sports and continuous training can therefore take on many forms. Records do not always have to be achieved according to the motto “higher, faster and further”. There are so many great variants to be active: like going for a walk, swimming, climbing on trees, gymnastics with the children on the climbing frame and also e-biking. To name just a few. The main thing is that you have fun and do something good for yourself and your health.

Question: Can I increase my physical fitness through e-bikes?

Michèl the same: I make no secret of the fact that traditional cycling naturally increases physical fitness significantly more, since both the cardiovascular system and the targeted use of different muscle groups are more demanding. In the consequence of correctly adjusted training, larger performance developments can also be expected here. Nevertheless, you can also improve your physical fitness in certain areas through e-bikes. In all electrical models, it is possible to reduce or even switch off the supporting performance of the engine.

There is therefore the possibility – especially for beginners or people who initially feel unsafe on the two -wheeler – to get used to the stress and gradually improve. In addition, I find e-bikes a good opportunity for beginners and not so powerful athletes to open up regions by bike, which might not have been available with a traditional (racing) bike. I am convinced that out of respect for nature to use the two -wheeler – whether electrically or with muscle strength – as the car.

As part of my last tour last weekend, I covered the route from Berlin on the Brocken with my racing bike in nine hours. The total route of more than 260 kilometers is a challenge, which is then increased by the last climb on the mountain in the Harz. Here, too, I was overtaken by one or the other e-biker on Brockenstrasse.

However, this was perfectly fine for me, because for me both for me and certainly for the cyclist with electrical support, it was very personal, individual, sporty goals – no matter where it started and how many kilometers he had already covered. In the end, we were both proud and happy to stand on the summit. It depends on that.

As part of my training sessions with my athletes, I count not only the muscular performance but also the mental skills for physical fitness. Here, too, e-biking can support you, because it is not to be neglected which mental requirements for you and your wheel are placed, for example if you want to cover a curvy route in a hilly forest. Concentration, stabilization, anticipation and possibly quick decisions are required and necessary here.

Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an e-bike?

Michèl the same: As already noted, I see clear advantages in e-biking for beginners and people who, due to the state of fitness and health, can no longer cover longer distances with a traditional bike. E-biking is a wonderful way to explore nature and your own potential. In addition, every bike helps more on the streets of nature and the climate.

If, for example, when you have a moderate stress in heart rate regions, you, for example, make you impossible for a longer training session, the use of electrical support is a good way to keep the load pulse at a reasonable level.

E-bikes often weigh more due to the additional electronic devices and the engine, this should definitely be taken into account when buying and later use. However, newer models have already been significantly improved here compared to the beginnings of e-biking. Furthermore, an e-bike-depending on the equipment-is often more expensive than a comparable model without electrical support.

Of course, regularly charging the battery is also a cost factor that must be taken into account. But compared to the use and any repair costs of a vehicle, you are better positioned with an e-bike in the long term.

Question: How can e-bikes help with rehabilitation?

Michèl the same: In fact, e-bikes can also support the convalescence-i.e. the important time after illness or injury. In coordination with your treating doctor and the form of impairment, the electrical bicycle is a wonderful way to get back to motion, provided that muscle strength for the “normal” bike is not sufficient at the beginning.

As part of my care of Olympic champions, world champions and also hobby athletes, I advise everyone if muscular stress is medically and physiologically possible to move again. No matter what shape. This is also crucial for muscle building, however, indispensable for the often difficult mental phase after an injury. The aim is to rebuild both physical and mental self -confidence in any form and stress. E-biking can be an important first step here.

Question: How can beginners best start e-bike training?

Michèl the same: I always advise beginners who can already cycle to drive the e-bike for a few short units without electrical support in order to get a feeling for the bike, weight and handling. After that, you can start cycling and then increase both in the sense of speed and driving requirements.

I advise against using e-biking only for the speed or the “lawn”. Compared to the traditional bike, please also note that – if you drive with complete electrical support – the speed is almost constant. Therefore, beginners in particular should train driving in the curves to learn the right feeling for speed and technology.

Conclusion

E-biking is a good option to primarily make a classic (racing) bike to enable cycling, especially to use bicycles. The principle should always be: do not fall back on the electrical variant for convenience! If it allows your muscle strength, health and sporting ambition, challenge yourself on the natural way.

Even if it becomes sweaty and exhausting. Climb the mountains, roamed forests and researched coastal roads with your individual use. The crossing of your very personal finish line is all the more beautiful and strengthens you for future challenges.

About the expert:

Michèl the same

Dr. Michèl combines his expertise from sports, military and leadership to inspire people worldwide. As a sports scientist, former elite infantry and leadership expert, he helps to achieve physical and mental top performance. His Christian belief and values ​​such as discipline, respect and team spirit are the core of his work. Dr. Immediately accompanies his clients on the way to personal excellence and sustainable development.