Are eBikes Only for the Old and Out of Shape? (Spoiler: Absolutely Not)

The Transition Relay is one of our all-time favorite eMTBs

If you’ve spent any time in a trailhead parking lot, local bike forum, or — God help you — the comments section of a YouTube gear review, you’ve likely heard it:

“eBikes are for lazy people.”

“I'm not old enough for that yet.”

“It’s cheating!”

Not all ebikers wear sneakers, and don't own a helmet

Ah, yes — the uninformed peanut gallery strikes again. For some reason, a portion of the mountain bike world treats eBikes like they're the Crocs of cycling: functional, misunderstood, and way more fun than anyone wants to admit.

Let’s cut through the bro-science and bad takes. Are eBikes just for the elderly, the out-of-shape, or the “casuals” who can’t hack it on a regular ride?

Nope. And here’s why.

The Numbers Don't Lie: eBike Riders Ride More, Not Less

According to a 2018 study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, eBike riders actually get out more often and cover more ground than traditional cyclists.

• eBike riders cycle 55% more often than conventional cyclists.

• When they do ride, they go on average 1.6 times further.

• They also spend more time per week in the saddle than regular bike riders.

So, if the idea is that eBike riders are somehow lazy or less active… well, the data says otherwise. They’re out there more often, riding longer, and enjoying it enough to keep coming back for more. Sounds kind of ideal, doesn’t it?

eBikes take the 'suck' out of the climb

Wait — So Is Riding an eBike Actually Harder?

Let’s get nerdy for a moment. Multiple studies (including one from the University of Colorado Boulder) show that pedal-assist eBikes help riders stay in the aerobic zone longer, which is exactly where you want to be for building endurance and cardiovascular fitness. That means your heart rate stays elevated — just like it would on a regular bike — but you're able to sustain it longer without redlining after the first brutal climb.

Think about it: when you ride a regular mountain bike, how many climbs do you skip? How often do you turn around early? With an eBike, you don’t avoid the tough terrain — you embrace it. You climb more, you explore deeper, and you don’t limp home gassed after 40 minutes.

The motor doesn’t make the workout disappear — it just keeps your legs from exploding so you can go harder, longer. It’s like having a spotter at the gym: you’re still lifting the weight, but you’ve got backup when you hit your limit.

Who’s Actually Riding eBikes? (Hint: Not Just Boomers)

Send it further with less effort

Yes, eBikes are popular with older riders — and that’s a good thing. They allow folks to keep shredding into their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. That’s not a joke — that’s a goal. But the stereotype that only seniors or out-of-shape folks ride eBikes? That’s just outdated.

More and more fit, younger riders are turning to eBikes for their versatility and the ability to maximize ride time. Whether it’s a dad sneaking in a full ride before work, an enduro racer using it for downhill laps without the shuttle van, or a weekend warrior recovering from an injury — eBikes make it easier to ride more often with fewer barriers.

You know who really loves eBikes? Riders with limited free time. In the time it takes to do one loop on a regular bike, you can crush two or three laps on an eMTB. That means more progression, more trail variety, and — let’s be honest — more smiles per mile.

Cheating? Only If You’re Keeping Score

Let’s put this “cheating” idea to rest once and for all. Mountain biking isn’t a competition unless you’re at a start line with a number plate. No one’s handing out medals for how much you suffered on the climb. Riding an eBike doesn’t “cheat” anyone but your own ego, and frankly, your ego probably needed it.

What it does do is level the playing field. Suddenly, the fast friend doesn’t have to wait at the top of every hill. The newer rider doesn’t have to feel like dead weight on a group ride. Everyone gets to have fun at their own pace, and nobody gets left behind.

That’s not cheating — that’s community.

Bottom Line: Ride What Makes You Happy (and Ride It More)

Here’s the real truth about eBikes: they’re just bikes. They have pedals, handlebars, suspension, dirt under the tires, and stories written in sweat. They take you to the same mountaintops, over the same roots and rocks, and back down grinning ear to ear.

And sure, they come with a little extra help. But that help gets more people riding, more often, for longer — and that’s something every cyclist should celebrate.

So next time someone scoffs at your eBike, ask them how many rides they got in this week. Then smile, shift into turbo, and ride off into the distance — because you’ve got time for one more lap. And if you're thinking about making the switch, or just curious about what the eBike buzz is all about, stop by The Shad Co. We've got the bikes, the gear, and the real-world advice you won’t get in a flame war on Facebook. Plus, we promise not to judge your battery life or your KOM count.

eBikes bring people together. It's a fact.

See you on the trails — pedal assist or not.