Think e-bikes are cheating? Data says otherwise

The debate over whether an electric mountain bike demands the same physical effort as a conventional one just added new data. A study published in the scientific journal Retos examined, in real-world conditions, how physiological response changes when alternating between a traditional MTB and an e-MTB, focusing on heart rate, power output, and perceived exertion.

The research, led by Professor Juan Carlos Redondo Castán of the University of León alongside experts from the University of Valladolid and the Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, was conducted over 16 weeks on mountain routes outside the lab. A recreational cyclist alternated between both types of bikes, using different assistance modes on the electric model.

The e-bike vs MTB debate

The main conclusion is clear: it’s not just the motor that matters, but how it’s used. In moderate assistance modes, especially “eco” mode — which provides around 60 percent pedal assistance — the rider reached moderate to vigorous exercise intensities, aligning with international physical activity guidelines for adults. In these scenarios, the recorded heart rate and power were comparable to those on a conventional MTB.

“The slope plays a key role, and assistance doesn’t necessarily eliminate effort when the terrain gets tough,” the researchers note. On steep climbs, even with electric help, effort approached functional threshold levels, a common indicator of high cardiovascular work.

On the other hand, higher assistance levels significantly reduced physiological load. With more motor support to maintain speed, both heart rate and power output dropped, lowering the physical stimulus.

The study is exploratory and centered on a single case, so it doesn’t allow broad generalizations, but it offers relevant evidence amid the e-bike boom. The authors emphasize that an electric bike doesn’t automatically replace traditional training, though it can be a useful tool for maintaining healthy activity, especially for people with lower fitness levels or in recovery.

Additional research supports the idea that e-bikes can still deliver significant cardiovascular benefits under certain conditions. A pilot study published in the Journal of Trail Research found that riders on e-bikes maintained average heart rates close to those on conventional MTBs, with most participants spending the majority of time in the vigorous-intensity heart rate zone despite higher average speeds. That suggests pedal-assist mountain biking can provide health-relevant exercise when effort and duration are considered together.

Another broader review of e-bike research indicates that electric bikes give riders control over exertion levels, can help users meet moderate-intensity activity thresholds, and may increase overall active travel distances. These findings position e-bikes as a promising option for those seeking to combine outdoor recreation with meaningful physical activity.

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