unexpected benefit of commuting by e-bike
 

I'm now getting more, and better exercise when commuting.

Really.

I live in a valley, and work in a valley with a rolling plateau in between, meaning I have steep climbs in both directions, the worst being in the pm at a mile long and 15 to 18% grade.

My normal mode of commuting has been taking it easy to save energy for the upcoming climb, mashing up the hill in granny gear, then recovering from the hill. After a hard day at work handling freight that means often getting home totally knackered and sore.
With my new Radwagon e-cargo bike I'm working less on the hills using assist level 3 of 5, but pedaling harder the rest of the time using assist level 0 or 1 of 5 which basically evens out how hard I pedal for the entire commute.
The workout I'm getting is now more cardio. I'm feeling much better when I get home, and my knees are much happier.

The difference is readily apparent when riding my regular bikes on the weekend, which is a good thing as I was concerned it would have a negative effect on my ability when riding without e-assist. It's also returned my interest in pure recreational riding as I'm not feeling burned out from commuting every day.

Another plus is that its actually as fast or faster than my motorcycle as I can still use the bike lanes and MUT to avoid the gridlock through downtown, and I'm going up the mile long hill at 6-7 mph rather than 3-4 mph.

I completely agree with how it changed my exercise (not ruined it) and saved my knees. It has been great.

That would be completely dreadful if I had to do it every day, and that alone might be worth the investment in an e-assist. Glad it's working out for you.

Try one, then come back and comment. Also, I am in my fifties, have very little body fat, and can ride a SS MTB on real trails for hours. So, do not assume these are for people who are overweight. Europe has a much lower rate of obesity, and Ebikes are extremely popular there. Last, while I am on a roll, why do people like you get a sick joy out of pooping on other people's threads. Did your commentary add any value? No!

Sounds familiar, I suppose you yell "get off the bike path" and roll a fart on him?

Its also important to remember in most places bikes are simply vehicles for regular people rather than sporting lifestyle equipment for enthusiasts. The latter often coming with emotional baggage not present in the former.

I am passionate about my MTBs, not so much my road bikes (although I like them). But, I want others to be happy and enjoy their bikes, even when they like stuff that does not make sense to me, even those crazy Dutch bikes....:)

Enthusiasm and passion are great things until it becomes derogatory towards others who don't share them.
I'm passionate about old school roadsters, and I have found that my E-cargo bike to be practical transportation for my needs.

For me, that would be a good cardio workout. WHEW!!!

But, I could imagine doing some coasting and soft pedalling too.

I enjoy my ebike - it is the best tool for my commutes. I love my road bike - it's fast, handles well, and extremely efficient in delivering power to the rear wheel. I don't have a mountain bike... yet. I'm sure I'll like riding it as well. I have a 50cc scooter... it's fun, too - but it doesn't go where bicycles can go (MUP's and bike lanes.) I see bikes, ebikes, strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, roller skis, runners, walkers, and dog walkers on the MUP's. I'm glad they all use the community asset. I don't care how you use it as long as it is considerate, safe, and in accordance with the posted rules.

Even with the E-assist long, steep hills are still a workout if one doesn't want to burn out their motor. I just swapped out the 14-28 freewheel for a 14-34 mega range to help on the worst of them.

I prefer to ride by the rules, and don't feel entitled to make up my own, but I have to fudge on the sidewalk prohibition heading east out of the Kent valley as there's no practical route up the hill at 6 mph during rush hours. Smith street has a bike lane, but it ends at the top of the hill at one of the worst traffic choke points in the area.

be safe, keep others safe... it's all good - there can't be a rule for every situation.

Seems counter-intuitive about the excerise, but at 55 years old I like the knee-saving aspect. It sounds like a good solution for your commute, and perhaps an option for me later on.

I leave it on the lowest setting on the flats, and I am going 15-18 instead of 12-13. With 60+ pounds of bike and gear, the lowest boost setting gives a good workout. I have one hill that is a mile at 12 degrees and another that is 1/2 mile at about 15-16 degrees. I put the bike on the second of the four boost settings. To keep it working well I need to hold 90+ on my cadence. So, my knees are saved by the torque of the motor, but my lungs still get a workout on those hills. It is not as intense, but it is still a workout and my knees can do this every day, whereas they cannot do three consecutive days on my other commuter.

You remind me of the kid in a Subaru buzz box who yelled at me "if it doesn't have a plate, it doesn't belong on the road". You keep good company.

Yes, it is counter intuitive and surprised me too which is why I made this post. I'm 53, 220 lbs, and my knees have issues from lumping furniture as a mover for almost 17 years. I do LTL freight now which is a lot less demanding, but the damage is done, and because my commute is so challenging, I was seriously considering cutting my bike commuting.
I'm not ashamed to admit I need a little extra help, its just a shame some feel the need to rub it in my face, especially since rodies still blow by me.

Well Washington state law disagrees with you, and the kids personal prejudices, but haters gotta hate.

an e-bike is something that has zero appeal to me. But hey, if it gets you out on it, cool! I could see the appeal of a motorized cargo bike, esp if not just going only a mile or so on flat city streets.

I can't say e-bikes "appeal" to me either, my passion is still for regular bikes, its simply a practical answer to my particular everyday transportation needs. My commute is 16 miles RT with a 1200' gain in elevation. I've wanted a long tail cargo bike for a long time, but knew it simply wouldn't work for me without the assist.

No harm in that at all. I would probably say the same if I could figure out a way where including one in my life would make sense (no 18% hills to worry about...)

Arthritis is a perfectly legitimate reason to ride an e-bike. I don't mind them being on the MUP as long as they ride at normal bike speed with courtesy like anybody else.

While my average speed has increased from 12 mph to 16 mph, my top speed down hill has dropped from 38 mph to 30 mph due to resistance in the hub motor. A fit cyclist on a road bike will be faster than a legal e-bike under most conditions, so like with most things it comes down to the individual. My tendency is to be slow and cautious.

Passing judgment on all for the misdeeds of a few is simply a narrow minded prejudice that can come home to your roost.
Maybe you should start your own thread, rather then polluting this one with your OT manure.

You seem to want to put your own spin to it. The law in this jurisdiction does not classify ebikes as motor vehicles. I have asked for clarification. If the vehicle or transportation is not required to be licensed and registered with the DMV and is legal to use on public lands and public roads, it is allowed on MUP's.

This includes motorized wheechairs, segways, ebikes, and motorized skateboards.