Lockdown sparked an Electric Bike phenomenon across the UK. A leading electric bike retailer E-Bikes Direct experienced a 400% growth in the first lockdown alone. 12 months later, demand continues to outweigh supply across the globe, signalling that electric bike are set to become a permanent lifestyle shift because of the pandemic.
Here, E-Bikes Direct presents the benefits of swapping the traditional commute for an e-bike.
The end of empty time
The novelty of working from home is wearing thin for most as the UK’s workforce looks forward to socialising in the office and reclaiming their personal living spaces. However, working from home has highlighted just how much time is spent commuting, with studies revealing an average of 1hr 38mins a day.
Google trend data reveals that the search term ‘cycling to work’ has received a 305.56% within the last month alone, reflecting the nation’s desire to educate themselves on the process. A combination of the lockdown fitness boom and a modified approach to time management is attributed to the rise in cycling to work.
The lockdown pays rise
For those fortunate enough to work from home throughout lockdown, the lack of commute meant that they no longer need to budget for travelcards or general journeys. As a result, the average worker within the UK saved an average of £126 a month. Over the course of the working from home period, an average of £1,764 has been saved. It is no surprise that the UKs workforce is keen to continue saving their money on commuting, making cycling a onetime investment appealing option.
Immune system and lung health
Cycling significantly boosts the immune system. The body’s Thymus builds immune cells called T-cells. T cells begin to shrink from the age of 20 however; research shows that the thymuses of mature cyclists produce just as many T-cells as that of the younger generation.
The physical health benefits of cycling also extend to lung health. As the body strives to carry oxygen around the body to deliver energy and remove carbon dioxide, the lungs work in overdrive when cycling. Cycling improves lung capacity, which signals how efficiently the organ can extract oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Cycling can improve lung capacity by 5-15%.
Boosts mental wellbeing
Cycling supresses the stress hormone, cortisol whilst releasing the feel-good hormones Endorphins. As you exercise, oxygen is increased to the brain, working to ease anxiety. Dopamine is released, making cycling somewhat addictive as the brain craves more of the action. What is more, cycling regularly produces neurons that improve memory, cognitive function, and our ability to learn new things.
Solo Rush hour with signal failure
Modern day life sees that we are ‘on call’, 24/7. Whether it’s Whatsapp, text, call, zoom or DM, we rarely get a moment to reflect. Partaking in a solo exercise where you are unable to use a digital device is often the biggest attraction and benefit to cycling. What is more, with no public transport delays, time management is easy. The NHS guidelines state that we should all partake in a physical activity that raises the heartbeat for 30 minutes, five times a week, making the commute the perfect opportunity.
Keep in mind:
- Before setting of, familiarise yourself with the highway code and bus lanes in your area.
- Never ride with headphone on.
- Never use your phone whilst riding.
