Is riding an e-bike bad for the knees?

An electric bike for bad knees is an ideal choice for people who suffer from arthritis or knee pain. The exercise won't make your joints feel any worse than before. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology 2016* found that swimming and cycling reduced joint pain, stiffness and functional limitations and improved patients' physical performance and functional capacity.

How does an electric bike affect the joints?

Are electric bikes good for people suffering from arthritis? The answer is a resounding yes. Electric bikes can do good in the following ways:

Exercise to lose weight. Being overweight can cause your joints, especially your knees, to deteriorate. Cycling is a good way to lose weight.

Less strain on your joints. Cycling limits the impact of impact on weight-bearing joints such as knees, feet, and so on. It is recommended that people who have arthritis or have suffered from bad knees should better choose an electric bike with multiple speed modes. If you feel too tired to cycle, you can switch to pedal-assist mode, meaning your electric bike gives you the power to pedal easier and faster.

Strengthening muscles. If you choose the right cycling mode and the pedal resistance of the bike is moderate, it promotes the range of motion of the hips and knees. It strengthens your quadriceps muscles (located in the front of your thighs). Pedaling puts less strain on the glutes and hamstrings (located on the back of the thighs). Strong muscles support and protect your joints. If you're feeling a little strained, it's a good idea to switch to pedal-assist cycling.

Suitable sitting position. The seating position is no small matter. A suitable saddle and handlebar height for your electric bike play an important role in the correct riding position. The correct sitting position can prevent your knees or joints from hurting while cycling.

Tips before cycling with bad knees

If you are unfamiliar with this type of exercise, it is wise to speak and consult with your doctor. Many people don't know how to protect their knees when riding an electric bike. Protecting your knees is especially important for people with arthritis. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you head out on your electric bike:

Warm up and move gently. It is recommended to warm up adequately before exercising. Riding an electric bike is also one of the exercises that help your body in several ways. Start with a 10-minute warm-up before cycling by gently moving your joints and stretching.

Adjust your bike correctly. Having an appropriate saddle height that suits you is crucial for a comfortable ride without hurting your knees or making the pain worse. A saddle that is too high or too low has a bad impact on your knees.

Drive the way that suits you. First of all, find out about the correct posture when cycling. Poor driving postures, such as: Some activities, such as bending the knees and inadequate placement of the hands and arms, are harmful to the knees. Then start with a short distance, with five or ten minutes in pedal-assist mode. Take it slowly at first and then gradually increase the time and switch modes as you progress. Last but not least, stop if you feel uncomfortable. For example, take a break immediately if your joints hurt, or switch gradually. Sharp changes in intensity can promote inflammation in the knees.