Tag Archive for: pedelec

Pedelec: The Bottom Line

I want everyone to exercise. Period. It doesn’t matter how. You can work within your physical limitations, but everyone needs to exercise. That’s why the pedelec story and research study attracted my attention. Combining what you have to do anyway—get to work—with physical activity could be just the ticket. Let’s see if this is your ticket to ride.


The Benefits

Even in a study as short as four weeks, there were some health benefits, especially for blood sugar control. For someone at risk for type 2 diabetes, which is just about everyone, it . . .

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Results of the Pedelec Study

Researchers wanted to find out if there were health benefits from the regular use of the pedelec, an electric-assist bicycle, by previously sedentary commuters. They recruited 20 volunteers to participate in a four-week study on the regular use of the pedelec to replace their drive to work. The researchers tested fitness levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and measures of blood sugar control before and then again after four weeks.

The subjects averaged close to 200 miles per week. If they used the pedelec three days per week, that’s an average commute of 32 miles each way. Using . . .

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Enter the Pedelec

Of all the reasons people give for not exercising, the lack of time would be number one. But what if you could combine exercise with something you’re going to do anyway?

A long-time reader sent me a link to the Tree Hugger online blog article that talked about a press release that demonstrated the benefits of using pedelecs to commute to and from work (1,2).

What’s a pedelec? It’s an electric-assist bicycle. The rider has to pedal, but the electric motor kicks in when the terrain gets hilly and the rider needs an assist . . .

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