Considering the rising popularity of ebikes, its surprising that no ones really talking about the elephant in the room: do ebikes actually hinder balance and coordination in the long run, or do they genuinely help improve them?
Can we honestly say that relying on a motor to propel us forward is going to make us better, more agile cyclists in the end? Or are we just taking the easy way out and sacrificing our skills on the altar of convenience?
Its one thing to argue that ebikes are great for commuters who need a little extra oomph to get to work, but what about those of us who are actually trying to improve our physical abilities? Does the occasional ebike ride really help with balance and coordination, or does it just create a false sense of security?
Take, for example, an experienced road cyclist who decides to switch to an ebike for their daily commute. Theyre no longer working as hard, so their legs arent getting the same level of exercise. But are they also losing out on the opportunity to hone their balance and coordination skills, which are arguably just as important as cardiovascular fitness?
Then theres the argument that ebikes allow riders to tackle terrain that would be difficult or impossible on a traditional bike. But if youre using a motor to get up a steep hill, are you really improving your balance and coordination, or are you just cheating?
Whats the real effect of ebike riding on balance and coordination? Is it a genuine training tool, or is it just a crutch for those who cant hack it on a regular bike?