Are Ebikes Beneficial for those with Knee, Hip or Heart Issues?

Are Ebikes Beneficial for those with Knee, Hip or Heart Issues?
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The health information in this article is for informational purposes.  It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a doctor or nurse. GrownUps assumes no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation or application of any information supplied in this article.

NZ-based MeloYelo ebikes decided to pose these questions to an artificial intelligence “bot” to see what it would come up with. The verbatim answers from the chatbot are below.

What are the benefits of electric bikes to people who suffer from knee or hip pain?

Electric bikes can be beneficial to people with knee pain or hip pain as they provide a low-impact form of exercise that can help reduce pain and increase fitness. According to the Arthritis Foundation, low-intensity stationary biking is just as effective as high-intensity cycling workouts in easing pain and increasing fitness for people with knee osteoarthritis [1]. Additionally, cycling on a stationary bike for 20 to 30 minutes, three to five times a week can help reduce knee pain according to the Mayo Clinic [2]. Moreover, cycling on a recumbent bike can improve range of motion in the knees and hips, as well as strengthen the glutes, hamstrings, and knee muscles, which can support and protect the joints [3]. Finally, electric bikes can make cycling easier for those who may find traditional cycling too strenuous, allowing them to continue to exercise in a low-impact manner [4].

Sources:

  1. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/benefits-of-stationary-biking
  2. https://www.brandonorthopedics.com/knee-pain-and-stationary-bikes-is-it-right-for-you/
  3. https://www.brandonorthopedics.com/the-benefits-of-a-recumbent-bike-for-people-with-knee-pain/
  4. https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/can-an-electric-bike-help-you-ride-your-way-to-fitness-with-arthritis/

What are the benefits of electric bikes to people with heart issues?

Electric bikes can be beneficial for people with heart issues as they provide low-impact aerobic exercise that can improve cardiovascular health. According to a systematic literature review of studies examining physical activity, cardiorespiratory, metabolic and psychological benefits associated with e-cycling, electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting.[1] Additionally, research has found that regular exercise can help reverse heart damage, and riding an electric bicycle could help reduce the risk of heart attack by 40%. It is advised for patients to do this before the age of 65, as there is less chance of heart plasticity after that age.[2][3]

Sources:

  1. https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-018-0751-8
  2. https://easyebiking.com/can-i-ride-e-bike-with-cardiac-issues-does-it-help-recover/
  3. https://www.news18.com/buzz/cycling-even-with-an-electric-bike-reduces-the-risk-of-heart-problems-7544017.html

MeloYelo also asked the chatbot to summarise the benefits of electric bikes to people over the age of 60.

Electric bikes offer many benefits for people who are over 60 years old. According to an article from Sixthreezero, people with electric bicycles tend to ride further and longer than riders with traditional bikes. Additionally, the benefits of battery-powered cycles appeal to many older adults who want to stay healthy, enjoy cycling, preserve the environment, and save money on vehicle maintenance and gasoline.[1] Furthermore, an article from Swagtron suggests that e-biking can help strengthen the heart and muscles, and because cycling is gentler on the knees, feet, and hips than running, riding an electric bike offers a practical solution for seniors who may have physical concerns such as bad knees, joint pains, and aging-related fatigue.[2]

Sources:

  1. https://www.sixthreezero.com/blogs/bike-advice/most-comfortable-electric-bikes-for-adults-over-60
  2. https://swagtron.com/faq/ebike/are-electric-bikes-good-for-older-riders-seniors/

For more information on MeloYelo ebikes, visit their website