How to use e-bikes for recovery and rehabilitation

Recovering from injuries or undergoing rehabilitation can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating journey, but incorporating electric bicycles, or e-bikes, into your rehabilitation program can make all the difference. While they have been long touted for their extended range compared to regular bikes, making them an appealing mode of transportation for leisure and daily commuting, their utility extends beyond convenience and enjoyment. E-bikes have become more popular, with a noticeable increase in exploration and use in medical and health-related settings. The point of rehab is to help an injured individual get back to, or as close to, pre-injury condition as possible without putting them at risk of further injury. An e-bike facilitates exercise without putting excessive strain on the muscles and joints while regaining strength and increasing fitness levels.

E-bikes also offer a sense of freedom and mobility that can be incredibly empowering during the rehabilitation process. They enable you to venture outdoors, explore your surroundings, and regain a sense of independence that may have been temporarily lost. The joy of gliding along on an e-bike can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and provide a welcome distraction from the challenges of recovery.

Why are e-bikes being used for rehab purposes?

E-bikes have become increasingly prevalent in rehabilitation, and it's not without good reason: their unique blend of assisted pedaling and adjustable power levels make them the ideal tool for engaging in physical activity during the recovery process. Whether you're recovering from a musculoskeletal injury, dealing with joint mobility issues, or have cardiovascular limitations, when tailored to your specific needs and abilities, e-bikes can offer a safe and effective low-impact exercise option. For some, e-bikes serve as a stepping stone towards non-motorized riding; for others, they act as the missing link to getting back in the saddle and riding alongside their cycling companions.

Assisted pedaling

The electric motor of an e-bike provides valuable assistance while pedaling, making them particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries or undergoing rehabilitation. The support offered during the pedaling motion allows for a safer and more controlled recovery process, reducing the risk of overexertion and minimizing the strain on muscles and joints. E-bikes enable individuals to engage in cycling as a part of their rehabilitation journey with confidence, gradually building strength and endurance at a pace that suits their specific needs and abilities.

Adjustable Assistance Levels

Adjustable assistance levels allow riders to adjust the level of support they receive while riding. This customizable assistance promotes a gentle yet effective exercise while considering an individual’s unique needs and personal rehabilitative goals.

Low-Impact Exercise

E-biking is a low-impact exercise that minimizes stress on the joints and muscles, making it an ideal choice for individuals with joint issues, orthopedic injuries, or conditions such as arthritis. Individuals with chronic knee pain or recovering from knee surgery often find that the gentle cycling motion allows them to engage in physical activity without discomfort. Unlike high-impact activities like running or jumping, riding an e-bike provides cardiovascular benefits without subjecting the body to strain, impact, and potential injury. The assisted pedaling feature allows riders to maintain a comfortable, controlled range of motion, reducing the risk of exacerbating existing injuries and enabling individuals to exercise regularly as part of their rehabilitation program.

Increased Mobility

For individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries that limit their mobility, e-bikes can provide a valuable means of transportation and aid in regaining independence. E-bikes help with uphill climbs or longer distances, allowing individuals to travel further and explore their surroundings while recovering. By extending the range of mobility, e-bikes not only support physical recovery but also offer opportunities for individuals to participate in social activities, commute to work or appointments, and regain a sense of freedom and autonomy.

Psychological Benefits

Engaging in physical activity, including with the assistance of an e-bike, can have positive psychological effects. Countless studies have shown that exercise boosts mood, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. The psychological benefits of riding can play a significant role in one’s recovery journey. The sense of accomplishment, improved self-esteem, and increased social interaction that comes with e-bike riding all contribute to a more positive mindset, motivation, and overall satisfaction with the rehabilitation process.

Specific conditions an e-bike can help heal

E-bikes have emerged as these amazing machines that have the potential to revolutionize how we approach the healing process. The beauty of e-bikes lies in how they ease the physical strain one might expect when exercising. Not only can e-bikes help build and maintain muscle strength and mobility while reducing effort and overexertion, but they can also shorten the time spent “out of commission.” Their unique ability to support and augment our efforts in a myriad of situations without pushing us beyond our limits is often all that’s needed to get riding as soon as possible. Here are just some conditions that can benefit from the addition of e-bike therapy.

Heart constraints

Thanks to the progressive assistance provided by the electric bike motor, the effort required, even when climbing steep hills, is alleviated as the motor offers more support the harder you pedal. The motor's power delivers a gentle and controlled form of exercise and is a feature that can be especially beneficial to those with heart constraints. This extra bit of help extends the distance and duration of a ride. At the same time, it reduces strain on the cardiovascular system while engaging in a physical activity that would be strenuous otherwise. Because support is easily adjustable to suit the cyclist’s needs, e-biking is a sustainable physical activity for people managing heart conditions.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility and leads to the breakdown of bony cartilage lining the joint surfaces. Due to the increased potential for aggravating joint pain and causing further damage to affected joints, individuals with osteoarthritis must be careful to limit joint stress when engaging in physical activities. E-biking is a great exercise option because it’s a low-impact exercise that deters riders from pushing beyond their limits and into the danger zone, where they risk worsening their condition. The assisted pedaling and adjustable assistance levels can also help manage the amount of stress that delicate joints are subjected to and can help achieve the most significant potential for joint mobility and range.

Injury, surgery, and illness recovery

E-bikes can provide valuable support for individuals recovering from an injury, surgery, or illness, aiding their physical and emotional well-being. Many people experience decreased mobility and an overall sense of dependency during the recovery process, which can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Some also experience chronic pain and stiffness. Gentle rehabilitation that offers controlled intensity levels, improved mobility, and independence is essential when healing. An e-bike’s added power boost allows for a gradual progression in exercise intensity levels so individuals can safely regain mobility and freedom.

Make sure you’re doing it “right”

Many people believe that the pedal assist provided by an e-bike means you can’t hurt yourself. Believe it or not, there’s a “right” and “wrong” approach to e-biking. Do it right, and you can reap health benefits that include improved physical and mental health but do it wrong, and you could find yourself back where you started.

Not all bikes are created equally

Just as there are various types of non-electric, standard bikes on the market, from skinny tire road-going machines to electric trikes and recumbent bikes, there’s an electric version of each one. When determining which bike best suits your rehabilitative and recovery needs, it’s essential to consider factors, including your intended riding terrain, special needs, and goals. Below is the list of bike types that are available as “analog” and electric.

• Mountain: Designed to conquer steep and rocky climbs, electric mountain bikes are equipped with tires meant to withstand even the most unforgiving of terrains. However, unless the plan is to continue riding post-recovery, it may be more bike than most require for rehab.
• Road: Road bikes are purpose-built for optimal efficiency and speed on paved roads, prioritizing aerodynamics and efficient power transfer. They are characterized by a lightweight frame and a more aggressive geometry that positions the rider in a forward-leaning posture, placing a significant portion of body weight on the arms and shoulders. This design allows for enhanced aerodynamics and maximized power transfer, making road bikes the ideal choice for riders seeking high-performance and fast-paced riding experiences on smooth surfaces. Unless you’ve ridden a road bike before and are comfortable going fast on skinny tires, this might not be the best bike for recovery
• Gravel: Gravel bikes are versatile machines that can roll on both paved and dirt roads. The geometry of a gravel bike places the rider in a more upright riding position than a road bike but still puts significant pressure on the hands, wrists, shoulders, and lower back.
• Hybrid: Also known as city bikes, hybrids are very popular with bike commuters because they feature a more relaxed frame geometry with a comfortable upright riding position and flat handlebars. They have tires that strike a balance between efficiency on paved surfaces and some off-road capability
• Comfort: Specifically designed for maximum comfort and a relaxed riding position, these bikes usually boast a step-through or low-step frame design that allows for easy mounting and dismounting. The frame geometry prioritizes an upright riding position with a raised handlebar, making it ideal for leisurely rides and casual cruising.
• Tricycle: Tricycles provide excellent stability with the added benefit of a third wheel. The most common tricycle design features one front wheel and two rear wheels. Still, the alternative design of two front wheels and one rear wheel offers even greater stability, particularly when turning corners. Tricycles can be an ideal option for individuals who prioritize stability during their rehab.
• Recumbent bikes: Stationary recumbent bikes are already prevalent for rehabilitation and physical therapy. Their roadgoing brethren provide the same levels of comfort with the bonus of being ridden outside.

Understanding e-bike classes

Most states in the US adopt the Federal government's classification system for e-bikes. This classification system, known as the "3-Class" system, provides a straightforward approach to categorizing e-bikes:

• Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, meaning they provide assistance while pedaling but do not have a throttle. These e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2 e-bikes, like Class 1, have a maximum speed of 20 mph. However, they are throttle-assisted, meaning the motor can be engaged without pedaling
• Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist, and in many states, they may also have a throttle. These e-bikes have a higher maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Always seek the guidance of a professional

While riding an e-bike might not seem particularly strenuous or risky, you must always seek the guidance and support of a medical professional—especially when you’re in the recovery or rehabilitative stage of health. Failure to do so could result in undoing all the work you put into your healing. Consulting with a medical professional ensures that you receive appropriate advice tailored to your specific needs and helps prevent potential setbacks or injuries.

Inadequate warm-ups and cooldowns can increase muscle and joint stiffness and potential injuries, so following proper warm-up and cooldown routines is imperative. An effective warm-up helps prepare the joints and surrounding muscles for exercise, while cooldown stretches promote flexibility and reduce post-workout soreness. Collaborating with a medical specialist will ensure you receive guidance on warming up, cooling down, and developing a customized exercise plan that supports your quickest recovery possible.

Although it’s not the first person who comes to mind when planning your rehabilitative journey, another expert worth consulting is a professional bike fitter. Many people are unaware that bikes must be properly fitted for optimal performance. A professional bike fitting is crucial because an ill-fitting bike can worsen pre existing conditions or lead to new ones, ultimately hindering recovery and rehabilitation progress or even causing setbacks. Ensuring that your bike is correctly adjusted to your body can make a significant difference in your comfort, efficiency, and overall riding experience.

Bicycle insurance

While plenty of decent “affordable” bikes are on the market, the electrification bumps up the price quite a bit, making even the lower-end models pricey. Another common concern for those considering an e-bike is the financial burden of damages or even total loss, as well as personal injury, or reinjury, in the event of an accident. Opting for bicycle insurance coverage for your e-bike is one great way to gain peace of mind.

Velosurance is a bicycle insurance agency founded by cyclists, and it caters to the unique concerns and needs of a cyclist. Velosurance offers insurance policies that cover Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. Policies provide all-risk coverage, meaning the bike's value does not depreciate regardless of the date of purchase. Optional coverages, such as medical payments, personal liability, and uninsured motorist limits, are also available for added protection. Policies are highly customizable, so whether your primary concern is crash and accidental damage, theft, or even personal injury, there’s bound to be a policy that works for you.

By considering an e-bike for rehabilitation purposes, you can take advantage of the assisted pedaling, customizable assistance levels, low-impact exercise, increased mobility, and psychological benefits it offers. E-bikes have the potential to enhance the rehabilitation experience, making your path to recovery more enjoyable and effective.