It's electric! Measuring energy expenditure and perceptual differences between bicycles and electric-assist bicycles. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hughey, S. Morgan; Sella, Jennifer; Adams, J.D.; Porto, Sarah C.; Bornstein, Daniel; Brown, Kweku; Amahrir, Safae; Michalaka, Dimitra; Watkins, Kari; Davis, William Jeff
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport & health. Volume 27(2023)
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Bike share -- Physical activity -- Recreation -- Active transportation; Transportation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Noise, Transportation -- Periodicals; Air Pollutants -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2022.101523
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-1405

Abstract

Abstract: Background: One way to promote regular activity in communities is through bike share systems, which are increasingly integrating electric-assist pedal bikes (e-bikes). This study quantified the differences in energy expenditure, perceptions of difficulty, and acceleration between regular bikes and e-bikes in a bike share system. Methods: First, participants (n = 15) completed a bicycle maximal fitness test and had body composition assessed. Then, two, 1 hr long steady-state bicycle rides were completed at a local park, once on a regular bike and once on an e-bike. During each ride, heart rate and speed were continuously measured with a heart rate monitor. Participants reported perceived exertion at four intervals within each ride as well as perceived enjoyment, difficulty, and tiredness at the end of each ride. Paired t-tests were used to assess differences between the e-bike and regular bike share rides. Results: Participants exerted more energy at a greater percentage of maximum heart rate on the regular bike (mean = 69.6%) compared to the e-bike (mean = 61.5%, p = 0.006). Enjoyment was higher on the e-bike (mean = 4.6) than the regular bike (mean = 3.8; p = 0.009; 5-point Likert scale). Perceived exertion and difficulty were lower on the e-bike compared to the regular bike ride. Conclusions: E-bike share rides resulted in lower energy expenditure than regular bike share rides. Both bike rides resulted in moderate-intensity physical activity category, which can contribute to meeting national physical activity guidelines. In bike share systems, e-bikes may be attractive for integrating activity in daily routines since participants reported less difficulty and more enjoyment. Highlights: Individuals expended about 13% less energy on e-bicycles compared to conventional bicycles on a steady-state ride. E-bikes and conventional bicycles provided moderate intensity physical activity. Individuals reported higher enjoyment on the e-bike. Individuals reported less exertion and difficulty on the e-bike. Most participants reported preferring the e-bike for commute travel.