Is an E-Bike Cheating?

Not if you ask my sore legs — or my glutes.

Two 60-somethings, two e-bikes, and a whole lot of cautious optimism. Yep, that’s me and my husband — first of many rides. (Couples who wobble together, laugh together.)

Rediscovering the Ride

It’s been over 40 years since I last rode a bike. Back then, I was zipping around my college campus on the old 10-speed without a helmet, without a care, and definitely without sore quads the next day. It was the era of Prince, Madonna, Foreigner, Bruce, Whitney — when mixtapes were a love language and bikes were just… transportation.

Fast forward to now: I’m 60-something, cautiously swinging a leg over an e-bike, wearing a Bluetooth helmet (so my husband and I can chat mid-ride), and white-knuckle gripping the handlebars. And you know what? I love it. Wobbly? Yes. Terrified of sudden stops or tight turns? Also yes. But it turns out you can rediscover something you thought was behind you — and feel just a little more alive doing it.

First Ride Jitters

Let’s just say confidence was not my co-pilot. I hadn’t ridden a bike in four decades — and my body made that very clear. I was wobbly, tentative, and gripping so tightly I didn’t realize my fingers were numb until halfway through the ride. I felt a little ridiculous… but also oddly proud.

And part of my fear wasn’t just about balance — it was PTSD from a certain electric scooter incident in Nashville. Picture this: I’m cruising along, doing my best, when I spot an open street grate in my path just as a car pulls up beside me, leaving no room to swerve. So, naturally, I panicked and faceplanted into a bush on the side of the road, Oy!

My husband thought I should wrap myself in bubble wrap. He’s not wrong. Hence the death grip on my new bike.

That first bike ride was about six miles. Not exactly Tour de France material, but considering my last ride was sometime around Reagan’s first term, I’ll take it.

Is an E-Bike Just Cheating? (Spoiler: No!)

Let’s talk about the stigma. I’ll admit it — when I first heard about e-bikes, I kind of rolled my eyes.

“Aren’t they a cop out?”

“That’s not real exercise, my thighs need real work!”

“Why not just get regular bikes?”

But then I actually rode one. And… let’s just say my thighs would like to respectfully disagree.

Here’s the thing: an e-bike still requires pedaling. You’re still moving, working, and sweating — especially if you're climbing hills or riding longer distances. But the motor gives you that extra push when your 60-something knees and lungs start questioning your life choices.

It’s not a cop out. It’s a gateway back to movement, to freedom, and to feeling capable again — especially if it’s been decades since you last rode a bike.

And if you’re still not convinced, the science is on our side.

But Are They Actually Good for You?

Turns out, the answer is yes.

Researchers have found that while e-bike riders get a bit of a boost from the motor, they often ride 3 to 5 times farther than they would on a regular bike — which means they actually end up getting more total exercise. Plus, they ride more often. One European study found that people who switched to e-bikes rode twice as frequently and went significantly longer distances than traditional cyclists (source: Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2020).

So yeah, you might be pedaling with assistance… but you’re pedaling longer, more consistently, and with way less dread — which makes it way more likely to become a habit, not just another dusty piece of fitness gadgetry collecting regret in the garage. And let me be clear — my muscles still got the memo.

Honestly, anything that makes movement feel fun again — especially in this season of life — is a win in my book.

Still a Workout (Just a Smarter One)

Despite the pedal assist and occasional throttle boost, I got a workout. My quads were sore, and so was my gluteal region — which, let’s be honest, has not seen this kind of trauma since the 80s.

This wasn’t some lazy Sunday cruise. It was fresh air, movement, and just enough effort to feel accomplished without feeling punished. A win.

Let’s Talk Gear (Biker shorts? Not happening. Ever.)

Here’s what no one tells you: the bike is just the beginning. First, we needed helmets — and of course we went with the Bluetooth kind so we can talk while riding. (Game changer, truly.)

Then came the rearview mirror. The fenders. The bag rack. The water bottle holder. Still on the list? A car rack (so we can transport to some trails), a proper lock, and maybe a seat with actual shock absorbers?

At this point I think I’ve accessorized my e-bike more than my first apartment.

Couples Who Ride Together…One of the best surprises?

This has become a fun, active thing my husband and I can do together. We’re easing into it — no major hills or busy streets just yet — but it’s something we both enjoy.

It gets us outside, it’s healthy, and it’s something new we’re learning side by side. I imagine we’ll venture further as our confidence builds, and I’m already eyeing some trail maps for weekend rides. All part of the adventure finding new places to ride.

Still Wobbly, But Riding Anyway

I’m not riding like I used to. But I’m riding.

And that’s the point. This isn’t about going fast or looking cool. It’s about rediscovering a part of life I thought was over — and realizing I can still surprise myself.

I may be sore, over-accessorized, and terrified of traffic… but I’m also out there. Moving, laughing, and (re)learning.

If that’s not reinvention, I don’t know what is.

Have you tried an e-bike yet? Or are you curious but cautious like I was? Let me know below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Stay curious, friends.

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