It's electric! Measuring energy expenditure and perceptual differences between bicycles and electric-assist bicycles

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.