Are e-mountain bikes actually good for your health… or are they just cheating? A doctors view
The Truth About E-Bikes and Fitness
E-mountain bikes (eMTBs) have exploded in popularity—but so has the controversy.
Some people swear by them. Others say they’re “cheating.”
As doctors and active individuals who have trained in the gym, lifted weights, snowboarded, played pickleball, and ridden traditional mountain bikes—we wanted to find out the truth for ourselves.
So we tested it.
And the results were not what we expected.
What Happened When We Switched to E-Bikes
Once we committed to riding e-bikes regularly, something surprising happened:
We started riding more often
We rode for longer periods of time
We covered more distance
We actually burned more total calories
Most importantly—we had more fun doing it.
Instead of forcing workouts into our schedule, riding became something we looked forward to.
Our Real-World Test: Traditional Bike vs. E-Bike
To keep things objective, we tested both bikes on the same trails, on the same day:
Half the ride on a traditional hardtail mountain bike
Half the ride on an e-mountain bike
We tracked:
Heart rate
Calories burned
Distance
Overall effort
The result?
We consistently went farther and burned more calories on the e-bike.
Not because it was easier—but because we were enjoying it enough to push harder and stay out longer.
Do E-Bikes Burn More Calories?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Traditional biking may burn more calories per minute—but e-biking often leads to higher total calorie burn because:
You ride longer
You ride more frequently
You repeat climbs and efforts
It’s the difference between:
A short, intense workout
A long, sustained, high-output session
And over time, total output matters more.
Heart Rate and Cardio Output
One assumption is that e-bikes don’t provide real cardiovascular training.
That wasn’t our experience.
During rides, heart rates frequently reached 180–190+ bpm, especially during climbs and intervals.
E-bikes don’t eliminate effort—they allow you to:
Maintain intensity longer
Recover just enough to keep going
Repeat challenging sections
Why E-Bikes Can Actually Push You Harder
The key difference is not effort—it’s access to effort.
E-bikes allow you to:
Go faster
Climb more often
Stay on the trail longer
Think of it like having a slight assist pushing you forward. You naturally move faster and often end up working harder overall.
And because it’s more enjoyable, you don’t feel the same level of burnout.
Are E-Bikes “Cheating”?
This is where perspective matters.
If your goal is:
Maximum effort in the shortest time → traditional biking may win
But if your goal is:
Consistency
Longevity
Total activity over time
Then e-bikes can be a powerful tool.
In reality:
The best workout isn’t the hardest one—it’s the one you’ll do consistently.
The Mental Health Benefits of E-Biking
One of the most underrated benefits of e-biking is what it does for your mind.
Riding outdoors provides:
Stress reduction
Mental clarity
Improved mood
A break from screens
When you combine movement, sunlight, and nature, the impact goes far beyond physical fitness.
Why Fun Is a Powerful Fitness Strategy
Most people overlook this:
Enjoyment drives consistency.
E-biking transformed our routine from:
“Let’s fit in a quick workout”
To:
“Let’s go ride and explore for a few hours”
Instead of short dinner dates, we now spend hours riding trails and exploring new areas.
Some of our favorite local rides include:
Claremont Trails
Carbon Canyon
Oak Tree Trails
SkyPark at Santa’s Village
How E-Biking Improved Our Lifestyle
This wasn’t just about exercise—it changed our routine.
We now:
Ride once or twice per week consistently
Spend more time outdoors
Combine fitness with quality time together
It’s become something sustainable—not something we have to force.
Who Should Consider an E-Mountain Bike?
E-bikes may be a great fit if you:
Want to build endurance
Struggle with long climbs
Are short on time but want longer workouts
Are getting back into fitness
Value outdoor activity and mental health
Want a sustainable long-term routine
Who Might Not Need One?
You may not need an e-bike if you:
Prefer short, high-intensity workouts
Already ride frequently without limitations
Want maximum effort per minute
That said, many experienced riders still use e-bikes for:
Recovery rides
Longer trail days
Variety in training
How to Choose the Right E-Bike
If you’re considering buying one, here are key factors:
Proper Fit Matters
Sizing is critical—especially if you’re petite or between sizes. A poor fit can lead to discomfort or injury.
Full Suspension vs. Hardtail
Full suspension: better for trails and comfort
Hardtail: lighter and more affordable
Brand and Quality
We personally ride:
Cannondale
Specialized
Look for Deals
You can often find significant savings on:
Previous-year models
Clearance inventory
Why Variety Matters in Fitness
At this stage, we’re not trying to push our bodies to extremes every day.
We’re focused on:
Strength
Endurance
Recovery
E-mountain biking gives us:
Muscle engagement on climbs
Cardiovascular intervals
Fresh air and sunlight
A break from repetitive gym routines
Final Thoughts: Are E-Mountain Bikes Good for Your Health?
Yes—e-mountain bikes can absolutely support your health.
Not because they’re easier, but because they help you:
Stay consistent
Enjoy movement
Increase total activity
The Bottom Line
Health isn’t about punishment—it’s about sustainability.
If an e-bike helps you:
Get outside more
Move more often
Enjoy your workouts
Then it’s not cheating—it’s one of the smartest fitness tools you can use.
