Electric bike or muscle bike?

You've made up your mind, you're going to (re)start cycling seriously! The question is: are you going to stick with a muscle bike or let yourself be tempted by an electric bike?

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

While price remains a decisive criterion of choice, it's worth examining the small advantages and disadvantages of each type of bike, muscle and electric. Probikeshop provides you with all the information you need to make the right choice, depending on your riding style.

Electric or muscle bike: what are we talking about?

The "electric bike", "Pedelec" or "VAE" ("electrically assisted bike") is equipped with a motor, battery and assistance control system. The motor has a rated power of 250W and "pushes" the cyclist's effort up to 25 km/h. Above this speed, the legs alone take over.

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

The "muscle bike" is nothing more or less than the traditional bicycle we've all known since our earliest childhood. It is powered solely by the muscular strength of the legs.

Muscle bike vs. electric bike: advantages and disadvantages for urban use

In recent years, you've no doubt noticed a significant increase in the number of urban trips by electric bike. Now a genuine alternative to the car for short- to medium-distance journeys, this mode of transport is constantly gaining new enthusiasts.

It's easy to get going again after a stop, to get up to traffic speed quickly, to arrive at the office in an acceptable state of freshness... There's no shortage of arguments in favor of the urban VAE!

The traditional bicycle holds its own on relatively short, easy routes. It's more agile, lighter and more environmentally friendly.

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

Who hasn't thought of getting on a bike and setting off on an adventure? Often, it's a desire for freedom, simplicity and a taste for a personal challenge that drives cyclists to take the plunge. At first glance, this quest for authenticity seems to be at odds with the concept of an electric bike, which requires regular recharging. Your itinerary will necessarily be defined with constrained stages, to access a power source. Venturing out into the wilderness, with improvised bivouacs, is often more complicated.

One of the main fears of the touring cyclist is the possibility of mechanical breakdown. Being able to repair your bike yourself and easily finding compatible parts are parameters to be taken into account. In this respect, muscle bikes also have the advantage.

However, the electric bike is not without interest for touring/traveling. It allows you to cover longer distances on more difficult roads. Some people discouraged by the physical challenge of travel may be tempted by the adventure, whatever their profile, age or level of cycling experience.

In short, more than the technical characteristics of your bike, it's your personal approach to travel that will help you decide whether to go electric or muscular.

Muscle bike vs. electric bike: advantages and disadvantages for sporting use Road/Mountain bike

Whether you opt for an electric or a muscle bike, both solutions are beneficial to your health. Some studies even show perfectly similar effects with assistance, despite a 30-50% lower intensity of effort. These include a reduced risk of cardiovascular accidents and osteoarticular disorders, neurological benefits and enhanced immunity. In strictly sporting terms, however, the 2 types of machine differ significantly in their approach.

If you're aiming for purity of effort, performance and self-improvement, you'll undoubtedly opt for a road or mountain bike.

On the other hand, if you're more interested in cruising than in training, if you'd like to get back in the saddle gently, ease into the terrain or follow an experienced rider, then an electric road bike or mountain bike is just what you're looking for. In all cases, you'll need to keep an eye on your battery life and program your outings accordingly. Once the battery is discharged, the weight of the electric road bike will quickly become a handicap on the way home.