For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13th - 19th May), the Mental Health Foundation has chosen the theme of “Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health”. This concept can take many forms: running, hiking, and even taking a leisurely ride on your electric motorcycle. 

Riding a motorcycle is an alternative form of therapy that can benefit a wide array of mental health issues. When riding a bike – especially an electric motorbike like Maeving – one has all of the benefits of the calm and tranquillity that riding offers the mind. 

According to Bikesure, “90% of motorcyclists surveyed said that they believe that motorcycling has a positive effect on their mental health and wellbeing.” Keep reading as we explore how–and why – motorcycles positively impact riders and how you can add to that 90%.

The Science Behind Therepeutic Motorcycling

Motorcycling is not just about getting from point A to point B; it's a journey towards inner peace and mental clarity. As the Mental Health Foundation has noted for this year’s theme, engaging in activities that require intense focus can have significant benefits for mental well-being. When riding a motorcycle, the brain enters a state of heightened awareness, releasing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and endorphins, that elevate mood and reduce stress.

Furthermore, the motion of riding, coupled with the sensory stimulation of the environment, promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, as noted by Biker Report. This unique mental focus creates a state of flow—a period of consciousness where individuals feel fully immersed and energised by the task at hand.

Embracing Electric and the World Around Us

Electric motorcycles, like Maeving, amplify the therapeutic benefits of motorcycling. With their near-silent motors, they invite riders to tune into the subtle sounds of their surroundings. From birds chirping to the buzz of the city around you, getting lost in these heightened sensory experiences fosters a profound connection with nature and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.

As Robert M. Pirsig puts it in his notable work Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (a must read for any motorcycle enthusiast), that sense of being in the present moment can elicit an emotional response for a rider, showing that each of us is part of something greater:

“You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.”

Riding Together for Mental Health

Beyond the blissfulness of a solitary journey lies a vibrant community of like-minded individuals bound by a shared passion for two-wheeled adventures. The motorcycling community, including Maeving owners, is renowned for its camaraderie and support, offering a sense of belonging that is often hard to find in today's fast-paced world. Whether gathering at local hangouts, embarking on group rides, or simply exchanging stories and tips online, riders find solace in the company of their fellow enthusiasts.

In fact, groups such as Mental Health Motorbike and Motorcycle Therapy are testaments to therapeutic benefits and outsized support within the motorbike community. Because of the built-in network of support, it’s a great way to discuss and combat the stigma many face around mental health issues.

Many programmes have ride events that encourage community and open dialogue regarding the often-stigmatised topic of men’s mental health. One such event, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, will take place on 19th May globally. This event doesn’t just bring the community together – its fundraising component has raised over £35 million since 2012 to combat prostate cancer and support the mental health needs of men globally. We can’t wait to see men dressed in their Sunday best, riding for a good cause on the 19th.

Join Us!

As we honour Mental Health Awareness Week, it's essential to find avenues that nourish our mental well-being and grow our inner peace. Therapy can come in many forms and mindfulness can take place where you least expect it. For many, motorcycling, with its therapeutic qualities and sense of community, offers a means of achieving these goals. Whether it's the serenity of silent rides on electric motorcycles or the camaraderie found in the motorcycling community, nurturing your mental health can be found on two wheels.

CHARGE ON.