Electric bikes have come a long way from the bulky, clunky faux-mopeds that they once were. With continued improvements in technology, weight and aesthetic, you can easily buy an electric mountain bike rather than something akin to a giant motorised tricycle.

Despite these improvements, electric bikes are still a costly purchase, meaning the benefits need to go beyond the obvious.

There are two main types of electric bike, those that resemble mopeds – which encourage users to either cycle normally or use motor power, and pedal assist. Pedal assist bicycles, such as the Eco Expedition Electric Bike, give riders help when needed but doesn’t do all of the work for them.

You can use an electric bike to improve your fitness when…

…Starting your first exercise regime

Getting started with an exercise regime is largely about preparation, making sure that you have a weekly/monthly fitness plan, but it is also about motivation. Without personal motivation or a trainer, you could easily lose focus and give up.

You can also lose motivation if you overdo it or find exercising too difficult. Training your body and increasing your fitness level is going to come with aches and pains. But that doesn’t mean you need to go from zero to sixty with your effort level.

An electric bike with pedal assist is a useful way of jump starting your fitness regime, while working within your limits. With extra power to help you go further, you will be able to cycle for longer, even mastering longer and steeper hills. With a feeling of achievement, you will be encouraged to keep going, lessening how often you use the pedal assist feature.

…Recovering from an injury

Recovering from an injury is a frustrating time, especially for those who are frequently active. Any injury, from a sprain to a break, can cause not only an immediate loss of physical mobility but also muscle weakness.

If you are recovering from a serious injury, such as a leg break, and know that it’ll be a long road to recovery, then investing in an electric bike would be a good idea. The extra support that the motor provides will allow you to build up strength in your injured limb while being able to do something physical.

For those who have had back injuries, a pedal assist electric bike minimises the strain placed on such a sensitive region. Any easing that helps an injured person to get back to doing what they love, with a smaller risk of pain, can only be beneficial.

…Dealing with age related fitness

While age is certainly not always a barrier to physical fitness, as we get older our bodies are more prone to irreparable damage. Chronic conditions, lengthy recovery times and less stamina are all more likely the older you get.

If you enjoy being active and staying fit, but are being held back from cycling due to an age related ailment, then an electric bike could help you keep going for longer. Similar to the benefits for those new to fitness or those in recovery, use of an electric bike’s pedal assist can be tailored to when help if needed.

Buying an electric bike is an investment, but given the right situation they can be incredibly helpful to improve your fitness or help you keep going.