7 Ways electric assist changes your cycling behavior

Electric bicycles have made huge inroads in the Netherlands in recent years. What once began as an alternative for the elderly has now become a popular means of transportation for people of all ages. Electric support has not only changed the way we ride, but also our entire cycling behavior. From commuting to family outings, the electric bike has opened up new possibilities. In this article, we look at seven ways electric assist can change your cycling behavior and why more and more people are choosing this sustainable form of mobility.

1. The revolution of electric bicycles
2. Longer distances suddenly become achievable
3. Sweating less, cycling more
4. How does electric assistance change your cycling frequency?
5. Change in route planning and time management
6. The impact on family transportation with electric cargo bikes
7. A new relationship with hills and headwinds
8. The psychological impact of effortless cycling
9. The future of urban mobility

The rise of electric bicycles in the Netherlands has led to a real revolution. Especially in urban areas you can see this. Traditional bicycles have always been an important part of Dutch culture. The addition of electrical support has attracted new groups of cyclists. It has also encouraged existing cyclists to bike more often and farther.

Thomas explains, "I really see a difference since we started our UrbanX have. People now dare to go longer distances."

Technological innovations in the bicycle industry have made this revolution possible. In particular, the development of powerful but compact motors has been important. Efficient batteries and smart controls have also made electric bicycles accessible to the general public. We are contributing to this revolution with our innovative belt drive. It not only provides a quieter and smoother riding experience. It also requires less maintenance than traditional chain drives.

The combination of sustainability, health benefits and comfort makes the electric bicycle attractive. It is a good alternative to the car, public transportation and even the traditional bicycle. Let's see how electric support can concretely change your cycling behavior.

Want to learn more about the benefits of electric bikes? Then read our blog "What are the advantages of an electric fatbike?“

One of the most striking changes is the ability to cover much greater distances. You do this without excessive fatigue. Where before you might have hesitated to cycle more than 10 kilometers, rides of 20, 30 or even 40 kilometers suddenly become realistic. This opens up a world of possibilities, especially for commuting.

Thomas says, "With the CityX, I now get from home to the office effortlessly. In the past, I would never have considered that."

An electric bicycle dramatically increases the range of your daily activities. Employees who previously relied on cars or public transportation can now opt for bicycles. This not only means less congestion and parking costs. It also means a daily dose of exercise. The electric assistance covers the distance without you arriving at work sweaty or exhausted.

In addition, the consistent speed you can maintain with electric assistance makes longer rides more predictable. This applies to the length of time. This makes planning easier and more reliable, which is crucial for commutes. You have less to worry about headwinds or fatigue that could delay your trip.

Want to know more about why people choose electric bikes? Then read our blog "10 reasons to buy an electric fatbike“

A common objection to cycling as a means of transportation is the inevitable sweating. This is especially true for business appointments or to work. Electric assistance removes this objection by significantly reducing physical exertion. You can now bike to an important meeting without worrying about your presentation.

This benefit has a direct impact on cycling behavior. People are more likely to take their bikes for daily activities where before they might have chosen the car. Or for public transportation. The threshold for cycling becomes lower. This results in more bicycle use in general. Whether shopping, going to an appointment or visiting friends. The electric bicycle offers a comfortable alternative.

Thomas confirms this, "I see customers who would never bike to important appointments before. Now they just take the UrbanX."

Moreover, the reduced physical effort makes cycling more accessible to people of different fitness levels. It is no longer necessary to be super fit to cycle a significant distance. This democratizes cycling as a means of transportation. More people can enjoy the benefits without worrying about their physical abilities.

Want to know more about the practical benefits? Then read our blog "Top 10 advantages of a fatbike for daily use“

One of the most striking behavioral changes among e-bike users is increased cycling frequency. Research shows that people with electric bikes cycle significantly more often than those with conventional bikes. But why exactly?

First, electric assistance reduces the mental barrier to getting on a bike. When you know you won't have to toil tremendously to reach your destination, the decision becomes much easier. The psychological barrier disappears, making you more likely to take the bike. This applies to short trips where you might otherwise opt for the car.

Thomas notes, "Clients regularly tell me that they now bike daily. Whereas they used to do it maybe once a week."

In addition, cycling with electric assistance becomes a more enjoyable experience. The feeling of the wind in your hair and exploring the surroundings without getting exhausted. This turns every ride into a small moment of relaxation. This positive feeling reinforces the tendency to bike more often. It leads to a self-reinforcing pattern of increasing bicycle use.

Electric support has a surprisingly large impact on how we plan our routes. It also affects how we manage our time. With a conventional bicycle, we have to consider factors such as hilly terrain. Expected wind direction and our own energy levels also play a role. These uncertainties make time estimation difficult. Electric bikes are changing this.

The consistent speed provided by electric assistance makes travel times much more predictable. You know exactly how long a given route will take, regardless of conditions. This predictability fundamentally changes your planning behavior. You can schedule appointments more precisely and choose routes you might have previously avoided because of physical exertion.

Thomas explains: "With our CityX, people can plan their daily routes much better. They just know how long it will take."

In addition, route planning becomes more flexible. With an electric bike, you can take a detour without difficulty if necessary. You can also choose a longer but more scenic route without worrying about fatigue. This provides a sense of freedom and control that positively affects your cycling behavior. You are no longer tied to the most direct route. You can choose the most pleasant or practical route.

Electric cargo bikes have revolutionized the way families get around town. Where before it could be a challenge to transport multiple children plus groceries on a traditional bike. Electric support now makes this effortless. This has led to a fundamental shift in family transportation, especially in urban areas.

Families now use the electric cargo bike for trips previously done by car. Taking children to school or sports clubs, running weekly errands, or taking family trips. The cargo bike is becoming the new family vehicle. Parents can effortlessly transport up to 100 kg of children and belongings, even over longer distances.

Thomas says enthusiastically, "Our CargoX has really changed the family life of many customers. They have become much more active."

This change not only has environmental and traffic benefits. It also promotes a more active lifestyle for the whole family. Children grow up with cycling as a normal and enjoyable part of everyday life. This contributes to a sustainable and healthy cycling culture for future generations. Moreover, it brings families together in a shared experience. Instead of everyone being in their own transportation bubble.

Want to learn more about electric cargo bikes for families? Then read our blog "8 Signs you're ready to switch from car to cargo bike“

Hills and headwinds are traditionally cyclists' greatest enemies. They can turn a pleasant bike ride into an exhausting ordeal. Electric support completely transforms this relationship. These obstacles hardly play a role in your cycling behavior anymore.

With electric assistance, hills suddenly become accessible terrain. You can climb effortlessly without drastically increasing your heart rate or wasting your strength. This opens up new routes and areas that might previously have been out of your reach. Hilly cities like Nijmegen or Maastricht suddenly become much more bike-friendly with electric assistance.

Thomas emphasizes, "I hear from customers from Nijmegen that now they can finally go up hills with their UrbanX without any difficulty."

The same goes for headwinds. The frustration of cycling against a strong wind largely disappears with electric assistance. You no longer have to fear weather forecasts that announce strong winds. You also don't have to adjust your route to avoid wind-battered segments. This provides a tremendous sense of freedom and reduces mental barriers. The result is more consistent cycling regardless of the weather conditions.

In addition to the practical benefits, electric biking has a profound psychological impact. This one is often overlooked. The experience of effortless cycling, with the wind in your hair and the landscape gliding by. This creates a unique sense of freedom and enjoyment that traditional cycling cannot always provide.

This positive association leads to reduced stress while commuting. Instead of arriving at work exhausted and stressed, you start the day refreshed and relaxed. The commute becomes a time of rest rather than a source of stress. These mental benefits can be just as important as the physical ones. Especially in our increasingly tense and busy lives.

Thomas also notes this, "Customers tell me that their daily drive to work has now become their moment of relaxation. That's wonderful to hear."

Moreover, the relationship with cycling itself is changing. For many people, cycling becomes fun again, as it was when they were children. This renewed love of cycling can lead to more recreational cycling, in addition to functional rides. The joy of cycling is rediscovered. This leads to an overall more positive attitude toward mobility and exercise.