Gretchen Reynolds, The New York Times Published: 24 May 2021 11:49 AM BdST Updated: 24 May 2021 11:49 AM BdST FILE — An electric battery powered bicycle, or e-bike, in Key Biscayne, Fla, Jan 9, 2021. A study that involved riders new to e-cycling found that most could complete their commutes faster and with less effort on e-bikes than standard bicycles, while elevating their breathing and heart rates enough to get a meaningful workout. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times) Does riding an electric bike to work count as exercise and not just a mode of transportation? "); } It can, if you ride right, according to a pragmatic new study comparing the physiological effects of e-bikes and standard road bicycles during a simulated commute. The study, which involved riders new to e-cycling, found that most could complete their commutes faster and with less effort on e-bikes than standard bicycles, while elevating their breathing and heart rates enough to get a meaningful workout.