Electric Bike or Muscle-Powered Bike?

It is decided — you are going to get back on your bike seriously! One question then arises: will you stick with a muscle-powered bike or be tempted by an electric bike?

Electric bike or muscle-powered bike? The question has become central in recent years, as electric bikes have gained so much potential.

If price remains a decisive selection criterion, it is worth examining the small advantages and disadvantages of each type of bike, muscle-powered and electric. Probikeshop gives you all the useful food for thought to inform your choice, based on your use/profile.

Electric bike or muscle-powered bike: what are we talking about?

The "electric bike", "Pedelec" or "e-bike" (electrically assisted bicycle) is fitted with a motor, a battery and an assistance control device. The motor has a nominal power of 250W and "boosts" the cyclist's effort up to 25 km/h. Beyond this regulatory speed, it is the legs alone that take over.

Please note: "Speed bikes" or "S-Pedelecs" are electric bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 45 km/h. Unlike 25 km/h e-bikes, they fall into the moped category and are subject to specific regulations (insurance, number plate, approved helmet).

The "muscle-powered bike" refers to nothing more and nothing less than the traditional bicycle we have all known since our earliest childhood. The muscular strength of the legs is its only motor.

Muscle-powered bike vs electric bike: advantages and disadvantages for urban use

In recent years, you have no doubt noticed a significant increase in urban journeys made by electric bike. Having become a genuine alternative to the car for short-to-medium distance trips, this mode of transport continues to attract new users.

Getting back up to speed easily after a stop, reaching cruising speed quickly, arriving at the office in a reasonably fresh state… The arguments in favour of the urban e-bike are plentiful!

The traditional bike holds its own on relatively short and easy routes. It is more agile, lighter and more eco-friendly.

Muscle-powered bike vs electric bike: advantages and disadvantages for touring/travel use

Who has never considered jumping on their bike and heading off on an adventure? Very often, it is a desire for freedom, simplicity and a taste for personal challenge that drives cycle-tourers to take the plunge. At first glance, this search for authenticity seems at odds with the concept of the electric bike which, in order to function, must be regularly recharged. Your route will necessarily be defined with constrained stages, to access a power source. Venturing out into the wilderness, with improvised bivouacs, is very often much more complicated.

One of the main concerns of the cycle-tourer is also the possible mechanical breakdown. Being able to repair your own bike and easily find compatible parts are factors to take into account. On this point, the muscle-powered bike also has the advantage.

That said, the electric bike is not without interest for touring/travel use. It allows longer distances to be covered on more challenging roads. Some people put off by the physical challenge of cycle travel can then be tempted by the adventure, regardless of profile, age or level of cycling ability.

In summary, more than the technical specifications of your machine, it is your personal approach to travel that will allow you to choose between electric and muscle-powered.

Muscle-powered bike vs electric bike: advantages and disadvantages for sporting use on road/MTB

Whether you opt for an electric or a muscle-powered model, know that both solutions are beneficial for your health. Some studies even show perfectly similar effects with assistance, despite an effort intensity 30 to 50% lower. These include a reduced risk of cardiovascular events and musculoskeletal conditions, neurological benefits and a boost to the immune system. But from a strictly sporting perspective, the two types of machine differ through a noticeably different approach.

If you are aiming for the purity of effort, performance and pushing your limits, you will no doubt lean towards a road bike or muscle-powered MTB.

Conversely, if leisure riding takes priority over training, if you want to get back in the saddle gently, take the edge off the terrain or keep up with a more experienced rider, the electric road bike/MTB seems perfectly suited. In any case, you will always need to monitor the battery range and plan your rides accordingly. Once the battery is flat, the weight of the electric road bike/MTB will quickly become a handicap on the way back.