Is riding an e-bike bad for your knees?

An electric bike for broken knees is an ideal choice for people suffering from arthritis or knee pain. The movement won't make your joints feel 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 worsen your joints, especially your knees. Cycling is a great way to lose weight.

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

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

Appropriate seating 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're unfamiliar with this type of movement, it's wise to talk to and consult with your doctor. Many people don't know how to protect their knees when riding an electric bike. Protecting the knees is especially important for people with arthritis. Here are some tips to keep in mind before setting off 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. Begin with a 10-minute warm-up before cycling by gently moving and stretching your joints.

Adjust your bike properly. Adequate 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 will have a bad effect on your knees.

Ride how it suits you. First of all, find out about the correct posture when cycling. Poor driving postures, such as Bending of the knees and improper placement of the hands and arms are harmful to the knees. Then start with a short distance, five or ten minutes in pedal-assist mode. Take it slow at first, then gradually increase the time and switch modes as you progress. Finally, stop if you feel uncomfortable. For example, take a break immediately if your joints hurt, or switch up gradually. Sharp changes in intensity can promote inflammation in the knees.