Electric bike -lupus friendly exercise

[PrincessPearl]

4 months ago my husband purchased an electric bike through the Govt Cycle To Work scheme, which I have been using for my own exercise and it has been just brilliant and I really wanted to encourage other fellow lupies to consider using one. I am a keen walker with lots of dogs but my ankles and toes become quite sore after a while - and I couldn’t do much more.

I was desperate to do more outdoor exercise during lockdown in order to keep myself as healthy as possible.

My seat is padded and my handle bars raised so all those hip/wrist type of aches are not felt. The bike is more of a mountain bike with thicker grippy wheels with good suspension (so easier on all my joints). Above all - it has assisted riding mechanisms which allow me to get out and about even if I’m having a tired (fewer spoons) type of day. It has a turbo button which helps me get up hilly bits or to simply just to keep going in a strong headwind and.... more importantly, it gives me the confidence to know that I can get myself home if I suddenly run out of steam.

I’d always held back from cycling, fearful that I would just end up absolutely exhausted and unable to get where I wanted to go. Now I ride 3 or 4 times a week, 20 miles or so each time and it is just fantastic. I’m covered top to toe in UV protective clothing so safe from the sun. Even in this heat, it is really lovely to ride in the wind which cools you down nicely.

The bikes are expensive but up to 40% is off on this scheme and there are other green based schemes also available.

Every ride I know I’m getting stronger, my heart and my lungs are being exercised - and protected by my hydroxychloroquine medication. I also feel more positive and in control of my lupus and am hoping that I can keep it at a low level for as long as possible.

I really cannot recommend it highly enough

[Cowsaresweet]

I was interested in your post as recently diagnosed with Lupus and trying to work out how to exercise. Recently while in the Lake District we hired bikes to cycle around Derwent water and they had electric bikes. I used one and found it fantastic for letting me cycle, keep up with my husband (on normal bike) and get out. I think I will get one for my birthday. My knees are a problem and cycling controls the movement so less painful.

[PrincessPearl in reply to Cowsaresweet]

Do it! You will not regret it. Just being able to do and enjoy the same activity that other people seem to do so easily is just brilliant. A few ‘normal’ cyclists have shouted out cheat .... the next one who does this I’ve decided I’m going to go after and have a little ‘chat’. 😬

[svfarmer]

How wonderful - I especially like the sound of the turbo button - I used to cycle in the days before lupus and so enjoyed it thanks so much for posting xx

[PrincessPearl]

The bike can be kept on turbo constantly on mine, if needs be - so really if you were feeling pretty weak you can still cycle ..... 🙂

[Willow1414]

Dear PrincessPearl

Wondering if you have to be in work to be considered for the discount ?

🦋❤️

[PrincessPearl in reply to Willow1414]

Cyclingforall website has a page that lists funding - that might help if you are not in work 🤞

[strawberrylips]

Good evening Princess Pearl,My husband has been telling me about these bikes for a while now and said they were ideal for me. I have been interested in getting a bike and he thought it wouldn't be good for me because of hills, therefore these are a great idea.

We will look into it.

Many thanks jx

[PrincessPearl in reply to strawberrylips]

I have a Wisper Adventure bike and this is great for the hilly bits. Just whack up the turbo and drop down the gears (less resistance on your legs) and just take your time getting up. If you want to work a bit harder you up the gears or drop the power level down. Most places will let you try one out before you buy - you are spending a lot of money after all ...