Is Riding an Ebike Cheating? Let’s Set the Record Straight

“Ebikes are cheating.”

It’s a phrase almost every ebike rider hears at some point—usually said with a smirk, a raised eyebrow, or some misplaced sense of superiority. But here’s the truth: calling ebikes “cheating” completely misses the point—not just about fitness, but about what it means to take control of your health and life.

Just ask the Reddit user who shared their transformation on r/ebikes:

“I went from over 430 pounds to 260. People still said I was cheating because my bike had a motor.”

They didn’t just lose 150+ pounds—they gained joy, purpose, and a lifestyle that works for them. All thanks, in large part, to an ebike.

Ebikes Aren’t a Shortcut—They’re a Gateway

Critics love to imagine ebikes as an effortless glide, where the rider just sits back while the motor does all the work. But here’s what real riders will tell you:

• You still pedal—the motor only assists.
• You still sweat—especially on long rides or hills.
• You still work—just with more control and less strain.

What ebikes really do is remove barriers. Hills aren’t dealbreakers. Headwinds don’t ruin your day. Fatigue doesn’t end the ride early. And for many, it’s the difference between riding somewhere and riding nowhere at all.

“My choice wasn’t between a bike and an ebike. It was between an ebike and staying on the couch,” said one commenter.

Yes, You Get a Workout on an Ebike

Let’s talk science.

Moderate, consistent cardio is one of the most effective ways to improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and burn calories. Riding an ebike—especially with pedal assist—keeps your heart rate in the ideal training zones (Zone 2 and Zone 3), where the real magic happens.

And because it’s more fun and less punishing, riders go longer, more often, and look forward to it.

“I keep a steady 130 bpm on my ebike. Lost 20 pounds in 3 months and never cramped once,” another user shared.

Others ride 30+ miles in a day, commute daily, or use their ebikes as a tool to rebuild strength after injury or illness. Some even switch off the assist for a more intense workout—because ebikes offer options.

Let’s Talk About Motivation

One thing the “cheating” crowd doesn’t understand is that motivation is fragile, especially for people new to fitness, older adults, those recovering from injuries, or folks dealing with chronic pain.

Ebikes lower the barrier to entry. They change the internal dialogue from “I can’t” to “maybe I can.”

As one rider put it:

“You kind of have to be in good shape already to use a regular bike to get in shape. Ebikes help people get there.”

And as another put it even more clearly:

“It’s not about cheating. It’s about moving—more often, for longer, and with joy.”

Mental Health, Confidence, and Control

What you don’t see in the before-and-after photos is the mental transformation.

For the original Reddit poster, ebiking wasn’t just a physical journey. It was a way to feel alive again, to find pride in movement, to show up to work with energy, to fit on amusement park rides again—and to prove to themselves that they could do something hard.

“I’ve been happier and in a better place in my head than any other time in my life.”

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Cheat Life

So is riding an ebike cheating?

Only if you think making exercise enjoyable, sustainable, and life-changing is “cheating.”

Ebikes don’t take away the effort. They take away the excuses. They help people ride longer, smile more, and show up for themselves in ways that rigid gatekeeping never could.

So the next time someone tells you your ebike is cheating, remember this:

You’re still riding. You’re still moving. You’re still showing up. That’s not cheating—it’s winning.