When using an electric bike, what kind of workout should I use?

I use an electric bike. I want to know which workout I choose to count on my real performance. The bike training setting is not good, probably because it reports the speed of the bike, which distorts the result.

Top Replies

RunR over 3 years ago in reply to jaono +4

For any bike ride it's just an estimation unless you use power meter pedels. Those pedals can also be mounted on e-bikes.
Dave over 3 years ago in reply to 8842305 +3

I don't think there is an algorithm at work here, it's more like a collection of sensors that are on or off, and how to report that data.

For biking, the primary sensors will be the heart rate…
Dave over 3 years ago in reply to Z +3
Z said:
And overall training is actually higher than with a regular MTB
- I find that hard to beleive. But, if an ebike gets someone off the couch I wont argue (vigorously, maybe i could create an arguing…

All Replies

0 RunR over 3 years ago

If you would use a regular cycling activity with an ebike, your performance would be counted in Garmin or Strave Segments. So using ebike or eMTB absolutely makes sense if you don't want to be one of those numerous "cheaters".

0 jaono over 3 years ago

Ebike mode would rationally only pull data from heart rate and maybe body temp. Since Ebikes can assist anywhere from very little to 100% of the motive effort I can't see how any other metric would actually help with the workout assessment.

0 gspinoza over 3 years ago in reply to RunR

Cheaters directly use motorbikes...

0 RunR over 3 years ago in reply to jaono

For any bike ride it's just an estimation unless you use power meter pedels. Those pedals can also be mounted on e-bikes.

0 3056046 over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

maybe the features of the new Garmin 7Z (Generation Z):

• Instagram watching
• Erunning
• Epushups
• Virtual triathlon
• Couch sitting

0 Z over 3 years ago in reply to Dave

Well, I'm doing about 2h per day of mixed activities like biking, running, strength in gym. Previously, I had a regular MTB. eMTB is bringing me to the points where I will walk my old MTB or gave up. Also, some people bringing their MTB with a car to the trail. Some even bringing bike to the top and doing only downhill. If trail is in biking distance, I'm biking there. It's a great option to be able to press a button when you cannot push anymore or going home exhausted. That's my way of using eMTB. Of course, some people just siting there and barely doing any workout with legs :)

0 Cilly78 over 3 years ago

I believe they have added ebike and eMTB in connect, but you can only edit your workout to show this, so I would suggest tracking it as a bike-ride (or mountainbiking) and then changing it.

For all those "complaining" about e-bikes. Be aware that there are regional differences to what an ebike can do for you. Here in Norway an ebike is illegal if it helps you above 25km/h (~15 mph), anything above that is all on you. You also have to keep pedaling for the motor to assist you, you can't just sit still and hit a throttle. In addition the motor is restricted (depending a bit on the bike) to only give a nominal effect of 0,25 kwh.

0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to Cilly78

Cilly78 said:
For all those "complaining" about e-bikes.

Cilly78 said:
what an ebike can do for you.

Cilly78 said:
it helps you

Cilly78 said:
You also have to keep pedaling for the motor to assist you

I believe the "complaining" you refer to are people pointing out that you're being assisted by an ebike and not using your natural ability. Steroids won't turn you into a powerlifter, but they'll assist a powerlifter by allowing them to lift more than they would be able to do so naturally. I personally don't care if one uses an ebike or not, but those that do will always hear comments like these from those who cycle without assistance in any form or level.

0 morey000 over 3 years ago

Sleep mode?

0 Cilly78 over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

I totally agree. But I can also see how my friend went from almost never working out to spending hours and hours on gravel roads in the nature and absolutely enjoying himself. We should allow these people to be a part of the wonderful Garmin community as well, but ofc not be compared in the same way - hence the ebike activity!

My point was also a bit more towards the people that still do believe (and I know some countries allow this) that you just sit down and hit the throttle and off you go...