On average between 60 and 120 km, depending on battery capacity, level of assistance, terrain and weather conditions.
Is an electric bike better than a conventional bike? 5 reasons.
Written by: Hanna Stevens | October 15, 2025 | Reading time: 4 minutes
Electric bikes offer more comfort and speed than conventional bicycles. Both are healthy and environmentally friendly. Discover the main benefits below, backed up by recent studies and figures.
More about the author: Hanna Stevens
Hanna is an avid cyclist who loves exploring new routes and sharing her experiences to inspire others to get on their bikes more often.
1. Less effort with an electric bike
Electric bikes are powered up to 25 km/h by an electric motor, the legal limit according to European standards. This means pedaling with less effort, especially in windy conditions or uphill. A Fietsberaad study shows that pedaling an electric bike generally requires less physical effort per kilometer than a conventional bike, thanks in particular to the motor's assistance on hills and against the wind.
This means:
- Less sweating on the way to work
- A pleasant ride over longer distances
- Greater comfort, even in windy or hilly conditions
2. Get to your destination faster
The average speed of an e-bike is between 20 and 25 km/h, compared with 15 km/h for a conventional bicycle. According to the Kennisinstituut voor Mobiliteitsbeleid (KiM, 2023), this represents a saving of 3 to 5 minutes per 5 km covered.
For commuters, this means :
- Get to work faster without a car
- Reliable journey times, even in windy conditions and heavy traffic
- More regular commuting
3. Cover longer distances without extra effort
Thanks to electric assistance, e-bike users cover 43% more distance than conventional cyclists (TU Delft, 2024). A journey of 15 to 20 km is thus perfectly feasible.
The electric bike is therefore ideal for :
- Commuting without traffic jams
- Sightseeing tours or bike trips
- Replace short car journeys (average saving: 150 kg of CO₂ per year according to MilieuCentraal, 2024).
4. Are electric bikes good for your health?
Riding an e-bike remains a healthy and accessible activity. According to a study published in PLoS ONE (2023), e-bike users still burn 20% to 30% more calories than non-cyclists.
The reduced load on the joints makes the electric bike ideal for :
- Senior citizens
- People with limited physical fitness
- Rehabilitation after injury
In this way, the electric bike contributes to an active lifestyle without overexertion.
5. Are electric bikes more comfortable?
Recent electric bikes are more comfortable and easier to use than ever. Pedaling assistance is smooth and natural, thanks to Bosch, Shimano or Bafang central motors. Find out more about central, rear and front motors in our dedicated article.
In addition :
- Safe driving with heavy loads or children in the rear seat
- Transport bikes and electric freighters for families
- Stability, silence and reliability in all weathers
Potential disadvantages put into perspective
E-bikes are more expensive to buy (on average €1,500 to €3,500 according to the Consumentenbond, 2025) and a little heavier. They also require battery and motor maintenance.
However, the ease of use, speed and savings on fuel and transport costs more than compensate for these drawbacks.
Conclusion
The electric bike is a smart, forward-looking choice for anyone who wants to get around efficiently, ecologically and comfortably. With less effort, more speed and lower running costs, it combines technology, health and sustainability.
Key findings
1. Less effort, more comfort: thanks to assistance, you can pedal without difficulty, even against the wind or when climbing.
2. Faster and farther: e-bikes are on average 30-40% faster, allowing you to cover longer distances without extra effort.
3. Healthy and sustainable: they promote physical activity, reduce CO₂ emissions and are suitable for all ages.
Frequently asked questions
How far can an electric bike travel on a single charge?
Is an electric bike good for your health?
Yes, it promotes physical activity, reduces the load on joints and supports an active lifestyle.
What are the main disadvantages of an e-bike?
The higher purchase price, heavier weight and maintenance of the battery and motor. But these disadvantages are often offset by the time and transport savings.