Sharp rise in e-bike use may reduce fitness among young riders, review finds - Cycling News | Bike Reviews | road.cc
A new review from the Netherlands’ National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has found that the rise of electric bikes in the Netherlands has clear benefits for older people and those with health conditions, but may be reducing overall fitness among young riders.
The report, Advantages and Disadvantages of the Electric Bicycle, shows that e-bike adoption continues to accelerate nationwide. More than 80% of Dutch residents aged 12 and over cycle in some form.
In 2023, 28.6% of Dutch people aged 12 and over cycled exclusively on an e-bike, up from 23.1% in 2021, which is an increase equivalent to 3.7 million people.
Although those aged 50 and over remain the largest group of e-bike users, recent data highlights that the fastest growth has been among younger riders.
.jpg)
Among 12 to 17-year-olds, exclusive e-bike use rose from 7.6% in 2021 to 14.3% in 2023. For 18 to 24-year-olds, it increased from 4.5% to 11.1%. The number of under-24 riders has roughly doubled over the past two years.
Two-thirds of teenagers aged 12 to 17 say they use an e-bike because it allows them to go faster.
The report has found that e-bikes can make a meaningful contribution to public health, but the impact depends on the type of journey they replace.
Riding an e-bike is classified as moderate-intensity physical activity and is generally more demanding than walking, though less intensive than riding a conventional bicycle.
If an e-bike journey replaces a car trip, public transport use, or inactivity, there is a clear health gain. If it replaces a regular bike ride, the lower level of exertion results in a net loss of physical activity.
The report notes that for short journeys under 10km, particularly among young people and commuters, the health impact is limited.
Among Dutch residents who use e-bikes exclusively, 59% say they do so because cycling is easier, 49% because it allows them to travel longer distances, and 30% because it requires less effort.
(Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
For people with chronic illness, disability or obesity, however, the benefits are clearer.
Around one in five respondents said they would not cycle at all without access to an e-bike. Experts cited in the report agree that pedal assistance helps older adults and people with health limitations stay active, remain independent, and keep participating in social life.
In addition to health findings, the review highlights growing safety concerns.
Dutch emergency department data shows that injuries involving e-bikes doubled between 2020 and 2024. Among 12 to 17-year-olds, emergency visits increased by 616% over the same period. Serious injuries rose by 92% overall.
> Older Dutch cyclists warned of electric bike dangers
E-bike riders are 1.7 times more likely to be injured in a crash than pedal cyclists. The risk doubles for riders aged 50 or older. The report attributes this to higher average speeds, heavier bike weights, and greater speed differences in traffic.
The report highlights that e-bikes are “here to stay” and that efforts must be made to minimise potential negative health effects. This includes providing better information and education for children, parents and adults about the benefits of sufficient physical activity and the importance of a safe living environment.
The review recommends discouraging the use of e-bikes for short distances where conventional cycling would provide greater health benefits. It also suggests making regular bicycles more appealing and accessible to support public health.
Help us to bring you the best cycling content
If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.
