@article{ref1,
title="It's electric! Measuring energy expenditure and perceptual differences between bicycles and electric-assist bicycles",
journal="Journal of transport and health",
year="2022",
author="Hughey, S. Morgan and Sella, Jennifer and Adams, J. D. and Porto, Sarah C. and Bornstein, Daniel and Brown, Kweku and Amahrir, Safae and Michalaka, Dimitra and Watkins, Kari and Davis, William Jeff",
volume="27",
number="",
pages="e101523-e101523",
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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2214-1405",
doi="10.1016/j.jth.2022.101523",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101523"
}