Yes, e-bikes are good exercise. Research consistently shows e-bike riders reach moderate-intensity activity—around 60–75% of the effort of a regular bike—and, because pedal assist makes riding easier and more enjoyable, they ride more often and further. The result is often more total exercise, not less. At Cyberbikes in Leichhardt, we see plenty of Sydney riders get genuinely fitter on an e-bike.
Do you actually work out on an e-bike?
You do. In NSW, e-bikes are pedal-assist (pedalec) machines capped at 500W (dropping to 250W with EN 15194 certification from 1 March 2029) with the motor cutting out at 25 km/h, so the bike only helps while you pedal—you’re always contributing effort. Studies from the University of Colorado and BYU found that people new to e-bikes improved their cardiovascular fitness after just a month of commuting, despite the assistance. E-biking typically clocks in at 4–6 METs, squarely in the “moderate exercise” zone that health guidelines recommend.
Why e-bike riders often get fitter than they expect
The secret isn’t intensity—it’s consistency. A standard bike might give a harder workout per kilometre, but if Sydney’s hills and headwinds leave it gathering dust in the garage, you get zero exercise. An e-bike flattens the barriers: the climb up Parramatta Road or a hot commute home stops being a dealbreaker. Riders swap car trips for bike trips, ride three or four times as often, and cover longer distances. More minutes in the saddle beats a punishing ride you skip.
- Lower joint impact than running—great if you’re returning to fitness or carrying an injury.
- Adjustable effort: dial the assist down for a harder workout, up when you’re tired.
- Built-in motivation: the fun factor keeps you riding all year, not just in January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you burn calories on an e-bike?
Yes. Because NSW e-bikes only assist while you pedal, you still burn a meaningful number of calories—often 300–400 per hour at a relaxed pace, and more on longer rides or lower assist settings.
Is an e-bike good for weight loss?
It can be. The biggest driver of weight loss is sustained, regular activity. Because riders tend to use e-bikes far more often than regular bikes, the consistent moderate exercise adds up over weeks and months.
Is riding an e-bike cheating?
No. The motor assists your pedalling rather than replacing it. You still steer, balance, brake and pedal the whole way—you simply choose how hard you want to work.
Want to feel the difference for yourself? Come in for a test ride at Cyberbikes, 281 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt, and try the Centauro e-bike on Sydney’s streets. Tuesday–Saturday, or call us on 0491 794 668.
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