Do you remember freewheeling it down steep hills as though you were invincible?
If it’s been a few years since you felt the wind through your hair, an e-bike can help you recapture those moments – and get fitter in the process.
Bike Bute has recently secured 16 brand-new Raleigh Motus Grand Tour e-bikes, and we want to encourage Brandanes and visitors of all ages and abilities to try them out!
So, what are the benefits of using an e-bike?
Here are just some of the many reasons why we think you should give it a go!
Affordable green e-Bike hire on the Isle of Bute, Scotland – explore this beautiful isle’s coastal paths and woodlands …at your pace.
E-bikes are an easy way to get fitter
The modern age has seen a dramatic rise in sedentary lifestyles, with a recent Government study reporting that just under half (46%) of adults in Scotland lead largely inactive lives.
It’s well known that a lack of exercise can lead to all sorts of health problems, from obesity and diabetes, to cardiovascular disease and even depression – so, regular exercise needs to be a regular part of our health and wellbeing.
E-bikes are an easy way to get out and explore the beauty of our island, whilst also getting fit …no matter how many birthday candles you’re blowing out this year!
In fact, e-cycling has become extremely popular amongst older people; in a recent report, Halfords stated that it sells 65% of its electric bikes to those aged over 55, suggesting that improving fitness in later years is a key reason for this age group to take up e-cycling.
They can be great for those with mobility issues
Often, those with low fitness levels or mobility issues will assume that cycling is beyond their ability – and it’s true that traditional bikes may be impractical for some.
However, the small motor on an e-bike allows riders to travel further distances and climb hills with far less effort than a mechanical bike. This means that riders can enjoy a longer bike ride while still getting the same health benefits that come with cycling.
Importantly, the e-bikes we provide at Bike Bute have a low step-over frame to enable riders to get on and off their bike with ease, so there’s every reason to try one out for the day!
E-bikes are a great way to rebuild your core strength
If you don’t use ‘em you lose ‘em – muscles, that is!
Regardless of our age, when we don’t exercise regularly, our muscles can weaken, making it easier to sustain injury when we exert ourselves.
Pedalling an e-bike helps to strengthen leg muscles and core muscles, and can improve your overall balance and stability. However, e-bikes also provide manageable resistance when riding up hills, which can help you build overall body strength. And, as cycling is a low-impact exercise, it won’t put too much strain on your joints!
They are great for the environment!
Bike Bute’s e-bikes are an ideal sustainable transport choice, helping to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution; for Brandanes – and for the planet!
But what does that actually mean?
By using Bike Bute’s e-bikes instead of cars, users can help cut down on the amount of harmful gases and particles released into the atmosphere that contributes towards global warming. It may seem like a small change on a big planet, but every little helps!
It’s a great activity to share with others
Cycling is an ideal social activity; and as e-bikes are suitable for any age or fitness level, you can turn any ‘catchup’ with friends, neighbours and family members, into a leisurely cycle and a chat.
Importantly, too, by adopting the cycling habit into our own lives – as parents or grandparents, we can encourage cycling to become part of our younger community’s lives, and to develop a healthy life-long habit of their own!
E-bikes are fun to ride!
Cycling is fun, but riding an e-bike is much easier, and more enjoyable. (it’s official!) – making it more likely that we will stick with it.
In fact, cycling can deliver a boost of happy hormones and stress-relievers as we go, giving us that ‘feel good factor’ to keep us pedalling.
Whether you decide to start cycling to the shops (we have panniers for hire!) or to cycle around the island with a friend every weekend, the fun of being on a bike can make your new habit easier to stick to!
…Why hire an e-bike?
No maintenance – Just turn up at your pre-booked time and cycle off! Your bike will have been prepared and checked in advance of your arrival.
No need for storage – Our bike hire services are perfect for those who don’t have a garage or a shed to store a bike. There’s no need to worry about keeping your bike secure, or safe from the elements.
No need to buy bike accessories – we have all you need for a family day out. From child trolleys to dog trolleys, cargo trailers to helmets and panniers, it’s all here for hire, waiting for you when you arrive. (Pre-booking is required!)
Hire an e-bike from Bike Bute
Why not check out our FAQ for further details, or jump in and book a bike from one of our pick-up points at Rothesay Terminal and Port Bannatyne Marina?
You never know…your first e-bike hire could be the beginning of a long and healthy habit!