The biggest myth about e-bikes? That they're for lazybones! Yet professional athletes ride them
Are e-bikes just for seniors and lazybones? This widespread myth amuses even Richard Gasperotti, ambassador for Bosch eBike Systems – a professional who devours mountain climbs on his e-bike that most “classic” riders can only dream of. The truth is exactly the opposite. An e-bike is not a shortcut to the couch, but to bigger experiences and longer routes. Let's “bust” the 5 most common myths about e-biking together. You may find that the only thing holding you back is a prejudice.
1. E-bikes are just for seniors and lazybones
“When someone says an e-bike is just for retirees, I simply reply: ‘by the time I'm a retiree, I may no longer have enough strength to make full use of what it offers.’ The electric motor does help with the ride and gets even seniors or less sporty riders back in the saddle, but for it to work you have to pedal – it doesn't go on its own,” explains Richard Gasperotti, professional e-biker and Bosch eBike Systems ambassador. “How much assistance you get always depends on the cyclist. From my own experience, I ride more kilometers on an e-bike because I don't have to worry about running out of strength somewhere. The electric motor motivates me on climbs too, because with it even riding uphill is fun. On top of that, I've measured that when I want to, I can hold higher heart rates on an e-bike and turn a ride into a very intense workout.”
2. I won't buy an expensive e-bike because I won't have time for it anyway
Time is a scarce commodity these days. Only a few people of working age manage to regularly tear themselves away for long rides alongside work and family. How much time do you realistically have left by the time you've changed and headed out? An hour? Two? This is exactly where an e-bike makes sense.
“You can do more in the same amount of time. Instead of one climb and one descent, you fit in two or three. You stop worrying about exactly where to go and instead discover new routes. Personally, I've never enjoyed cycling as much as I do now on an e-bike,” says the professional e-biker.
3. All e-bikes are the same
Believe me, they're not. The differences between them are huge. Motors have different power outputs, batteries have different capacities – and it is battery capacity that fundamentally affects range. They also differ in safety.
“Batteries from reputable manufacturers have protective mechanisms that minimize the risk of catching fire. With Bosch eBike Systems drive units, you can also use the app to individually adjust the riding modes and the way navigation works. The app is also used for wireless software updates for the motor, battery and other components, so your e-bike always has the best possible features,” explains Richard Gasperotti.
The service network is also very important. If something breaks, an authorized service center will usually get a replacement part within three days, so you don't lose weeks or months of riding.
4. I won't buy an expensive e-bike because it'll get stolen anyway
Modern e-bikes have multi-level protection against theft. A solution from Bosch eBike Systems, for example, lets you lock both the motor and the battery via a mobile app. After the bike is switched off, the motor is blocked and only reactivates once it has been paired with the Bosch eBike Flow app.
“The app also stores all the data about the e-bike, including the serial number, which can be used in case of theft to identify the bike or when dealing with the police or an insurer. If you equip your e-bike with a GPS module, you can track it even if it's stolen. And there's a new option to mark the bike as stolen in the app, which makes it practically unsellable.”
5. An e-bike is too heavy for me
Yes, an e-bike really is heavier, because it has a motor and a battery on top. But thanks to them you can ride up climbs where you wouldn't stand a chance without assistance. A common worry is that a heavier bike can't be pushed uphill or up stairs. Few people know, though, that there's a walk assist button on the handlebars.
“You just press this button while walking, and the motor helps the bike move alongside you under its own power. The same function comes in handy when handling the bike, for example when you need to stand it up on its rear wheel to get it into an elevator. For extra safety when braking, riders can also use ABS, which works similarly to cars or motorcycles, where it prevents the wheels from locking up and therefore crisis situations,” adds Richard Gasperotti, professional e-biker and Bosch eBike Systems ambassador.
