The vast majority of people agree that using technology, including electric scooters, encourages laziness and lowers productivity.
However, you might be surprised to learn that electric scooters might actually have exactly the opposite effect and make people less lazy.
Are electric scooters making people lazy?
Surprisingly, electric scooters are not making people lazy! Instead of promoting laziness, scooters foster activity and can eventually enhance your workout routine. Switching from a passive mode of transport like a car or bus to an electric scooter ensures more exercise.
How electric scooters increase activity
While electric scooters may seem like they reduce physical activity, they often increase it for most users.
The argument against labeling electric scooters as contributors to laziness originates from the active engagement required in riding them.
Although operating an electric scooter doesn’t demand intense physical effort due to its motor and battery, riding one involves more activity and focus than commonly acknowledged.
While walking or using a regular bike burns more calories, riding an electric scooter is not entirely passive. It necessitates considerable concentration and exertion, surpassing the engagement required using public transport for example.
Electric scooters enhance transportation efficiency, but they aren’t entirely hands-free experiences. This is particularly true for off-road electric scooters navigating challenging terrain, where responding to various obstacles demands intensive effort and focus.
The impact of electric scooters on physical activity – myth or reality?
Riding an electric scooter for more than a few minutes can leave you feeling a bit tired. Consider it a light form of exercise – it keeps your body active and is less passive than it seems to someone who hasn’t tried it.
If sticking to a regular fitness routine is a challenge, hopping on an electric scooter could be a good start. It’s a low-intensity activity that won’t leave you completely exhausted. You can ease into it and enjoy a little workout without pushing yourself too hard.
Riding works your muscles, though it doesn’t require the same effort as traditional exercise.
Balancing and staying alert do expend energy, making it a better option than lounging on your couch.
New scooter riders might feel some muscle soreness initially.
Once you’re comfortable, you can increase the workout by changing your route, trying new paths, or tackling minor hills.
While this isn’t as intense as a gym session, it’s certainly better than nothing.
Does riding an electric scooter burn calories?
Riding an electric scooter burns calories, about 80-120 an hour at slower speeds, comparable to walking.
Utilizing your e-scooter for a 30-minute roundtrip five days a week could help you burn approximately 200-300 calories in that timeframe. It’s an effective way to maintain or even lose weight.
Is a scooter better than walking?
While the average person walks at 3 to 4 mph (4.8 to 5.4 kmh), an average electric scooter can reach at least 15 mph / 25 kmh.
Walking is excellent exercise, especially for leisurely strolls along the river or beach.
However, if time is crucial for reaching your destination, riding an electric scooter is significantly more efficient, and it burns almost the same amount of calories as walking!
Are there any drawbacks to electric scooters?
As mentioned earlier, electric scooters demand more engagement than many transportation modes, so it’s inaccurate to say they make people lazier.
However, if you’re thinking of buying one, be aware of potential drawbacks like the small but existing risks of back pain, carpal tunnel, finger fatigue, etc.
Check out my full article on electric scooter health risks for more details.
Redefining the electric scooter narrative
Riding an e-scooter is undeniably easier and more convenient than walking, and it often replaces more active transportation modes like biking or walking.
Contrary to making people lazy, it encourages activity and can eventually complement your workout routine. If you switch from a more passive mode of transport like a car or bus to an electric scooter, you’ll get more exercise.
While it may not lead to weight loss after a few rides, it does contribute to core development, balance, and coordination, positively impacting your overall health and fitness.
