Pedal power is one of the secrets of living a longer life through daily activity. While necessary, office jobs usually include long hours sitting motionless before a computer screen without benefit of any exercise period to kill the stress. The electric bikes Toronto residents are riding in growing numbers are an excellent way to fight this sedentary trend, and improve overall well-being.

One reason for this welcome development is the passage of time. The post-World War II baby boomer generation can no longer realistically ignore the fact that they are now officially becoming senior citizens. This huge demographic group also matured with a greater emphasis on staying physically fit, and riding a bicycle is an excellent way to encourage aerobic good health throughout life.

These powered two-wheelers are in a transportation class by themselves. They are not the featherweight ten-speeds sometimes favored by slender young men and women wearing ad-covered shorts and shirts. They are a few pounds heavier than the sturdy machines many people enjoyed when younger, and they have more substantial tires than standard designs, making them easier to ride over uneven pavement surfaces.

Most local and city governments apply the same regulations to these voltage-powered machines as they do to pedal-only models. Even though they are capable of achieving speeds as high as twenty or thirty miles per hour, unit capability must not exceed those limits, or risk re-classification as a scooter or motorcycle. There is usually no license requirement, and riders must follow the same rules as other bikers.

Potential buyers may share a common concern regarding the efficacy of a battery pack, and whether it can really tame the hills in their neighborhood. While there are differences in basic power limits, users need not worry about sliding backwards down an incline. The steepest hills may need a little help from the manual crank, but in general riders find the battle against gravity winnable.

Like the ubiquitous mobile phone, battery packs need to be regularly topped off. Standard range is generally twenty to thirty miles before the power is used up, with differences in weather and terrain extending or cutting those estimates. While that may seem unimpressive compared to an auto, it is often totally sufficient for a commute downtown, and the cells can be renewed overnight.

Some riders may be tempted to rely solely on the powered options, but the health advantages are more evident when the pedals are engaged. Forget the dry statistics, because gliding silently through the open air is exhilarating, and can do more to improve overall mental health than most medications. A scooter or motorcycle spewing exhaust may sound more exciting, but most people prefer the strong, silent acceleration.

The environmental savings when zero emissions are produced can be measurable, but the physical benefits consistent riders enjoy are equally important. Costs of an e-bike are comparatively higher, and they can still need locks in public. But for those who want to improve their own aerobic health while making the daily commute a lot more enjoyable, the electrical option may be the best choice.