ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BOTH TYPES. LET OUR EXPERT GUIDE YOU.

by Dora Marraffa

Between the electric bike and the traditional bike? All my life, the traditional one." Alessandro Galimberti, Bicycle Project Manager of the Bicycle Business Unit at the Mandelli Group since 2004, has no doubts. His heart beats strongly for the traditional bike.

And how could it be otherwise? Our expert fondly recalls his competitive past and proudly identifies with a family 'of endurance sports': from trekking to mountaineering, climbing, road cycling, and finally mountain biking. But, putting aside the soul and grit of a man of endurance, when asked 'Why buy an electric bike?', Alessandro doesn’t hold back. In fact, he objectively lists the many advantages that the e-bike offers.

First of all, let’s clarify an important concept: assistance is dependent on pedaling. In other words, if you don’t pedal, the motor doesn’t work. An electric bike— as Alessandro explains— is considered as such if it meets these two parameters:

1. The motor assistance is limited to a speed of 25 km/h; above this threshold, the motor stops, and you have to continue with your own legs.
2. The motor’s power is 250 watts.

With these preliminary clarifications out of the way, let's get to the point: what are the advantages of an electric bike in the city? Yes, because it’s the city where we want to use it, as an alternative to the traditional bike.

7 GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC BIKE IN THE CITY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL BIKE.

1. It allows you to avoid physical exertion, especially when starting uphill: imagine having to start again after being stopped at a traffic light on an uphill overpass. With pedal assistance, it’s a breeze; with leg power alone, the effort is undoubtedly greater. Not to mention the downside: 'It’s nice to pedal, but you’re going to sweat…'.
2. It prevents sweating. That’s why it’s perfect for those who choose the bike as a means to commute to work: you can be sure you’ll arrive at the office looking perfectly put together.
3. It’s the ideal choice for distances that are too long for a walk but too short for public transportation: in the same time you’d spend waiting for a tram, you’ll have already arrived at work or your appointment.
4. If you use it regularly in your daily life, it’s good for your health: commuting back and forth to work can give you those 30 minutes of physical activity that doctors always recommend for staying healthy.
5. It’s more comfortable than a traditional bike. For this reason, it motivates and encourages you more, naturally leading to more consistent use. The comfort really eliminates any excuses: no hill, laziness, or bad mood can sabotage its use. 'The rule – explains Alessandro – is that if you have an electric bike, you’ll use it more than the traditional one. In fact, during our demo tests, it’s always literally considered super cool!'.
6. It’s suitable for everyone, whether you're fit or not, because it allows you to control the effort, the strain, and the speed, as you wish. So much so that it can be easily used in case of injury or limitations in the use of the lower limbs. And it’s no surprise that e-bike tourism is increasingly gaining popularity, especially in the villages of Tuscany or the Dolomites.
7. It’s safer in urban traffic compared to traditional bikes, for the simple reason that when you're stopped at a traffic light, the start-up time of an e-bike is significantly shorter than that of a traditional bike, with the added advantage of reducing risks. At this point, though, it remains to be seen why not to choose the e-bike.

At this point, however, it remains to be seen why not to choose the e-bike .

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE ELECTRIC BIKE.

Almost none, except for the fact that riding an e-bike—Alessandro explains—requires more responsibility, especially in urban environments where the risks are higher and greater reflexes are needed. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet

With the electric bike earning full marks, our bicycle project manager quickly reviews all the benefits— those we've all likely experienced—of the traditional bike.

7 GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE THE MUSCULAR BIKE.

1. It has almost zero environmental impact.
2. It’s much more 'rewarding' in terms of physical activity: it burns far more calories.
3. It offers incomparable satisfaction and emotions compared to the e-bike.
4. It’s easier to transport.
5. It costs less (obviously, if we’re talking about urban bikes—sports bikes are a whole different story).
6. It sets you free from the need to charge it.
7. It carries a romantic and nostalgic charm that the electric bike (at least for now) lacks.

Now the choice is yours: electric or traditional bike? The important thing is to choose to ride a bike.