Cycling is considered one of the most efficient and sustainable modes of transportation. This is due to the ingenious mechanics of the bicycle: while walking requires energy to lift one's body weight against gravity, cycling involves the saddle and pedals supporting a large portion of the weight. The power from the legs is converted into forward motion via the chain and gears with virtually no loss, while the low rolling resistance of the tires makes long distances effortless.
"Wheels transform humans into highly efficient land vehicles because they make moving on land similar to gliding on water,"
explains Tyson Hedrick, a comparative physiologist at the University of North Carolina. The bicycle makes optimal use of natural muscle power, so that with each pedal stroke you cover more distance without wasting unnecessary energy.
Cycling beats everything else
Scientific American 's analysis shows that humans on bicycles are more efficient than many animals or mechanical means of transport. Even salmon, gliding streamlined through the water, or seagulls, covering long distances in the air, don't achieve the same energy efficiency as a cyclist on two wheels. In other words, no other form of land-based transportation utilizes the human body as cleverly as the bicycle.
For cyclists, this is clear proof: pedaling is the most efficient way to travel. E-bikes, in particular, increase this efficiency : the motor provides assistance on steep climbs or longer distances, allowing you to go further without overexerting yourself.
Save energy and protect the environment
Cycling is not only efficient but also sustainable. Those who use bicycles for short everyday trips save energy, reduce CO₂ emissions, and ease the burden on roads and the environment . An e-bike makes this even more attractive: it combines exercise with comfortable assistance, allowing you to cover even longer distances effortlessly.
For ambitious cyclists, MYVELO's fast racing bikes offer the perfect combination of lightness, aerodynamics, and speed. This allows for optimal efficiency not only in everyday life but also during training.
Efficiency meets everyday life
Whether commuting to work , excursions in nature , or athletic training – the bicycle is an unparalleled everyday companion. Studies show that cycling increases fitness and improves cardiovascular health in the long term, while energy consumption remains extremely low compared to car journeys.
Optimal cadence for maximum efficiency
An often underestimated factor in cycling is cadence , i.e., the number of pedal revolutions per minute . Choosing a cadence that is too low or too high wastes energy and makes cycling less efficient. Studies show that a moderate, consistent cadence not only protects the muscles but also provides optimal support for the e-bike motor.
Keeping an eye on your cadence while riding an e-bike allows you to better control the power output and cover longer distances more comfortably. Once you discover your optimal cadence range, you'll even experience how the e-bike motor "thinks like a car," perfectly adjusting the assistance level to your individual cadence.
Conscious control of the cadence not only increases efficiency, but also makes every ride more pleasant and less strenuous – whether in everyday life or on longer tours.
The study's conclusion is clear: cycling remains the smartest way to get around. Those who get on a bike make optimal use of technology and biomechanics – achieving a level of efficiency that no other land animal or vehicle can offer. With a modern e-bike or racing bike from MYVELO, this efficiency can be effortlessly integrated into everyday life.
