Cardiovascular, Metabolic, And Perceived Effort In A Simulated Commute On A Regular And Electric Bicycle: 2769 May 31 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) with battery powered assist when pedaling, may incentivize active transport for people who may not be fit enough to ride several miles to school, work, or for leisure. E-bikes may enhance one’s daily physical activity levels, possibly create a cardiovascular and metabolic health benefit and be an environmentally friendly transportation option. PURPOSE: To compare metabolic, cardiovascular, and ratings of perceived effort (RPE) when riding an e-bike for 3 miles at two different assist levels (boosts that vary in intensity), in comparison with a regular bicycle. METHODS: Male (n=16) and female (n=14) subjects, aged 19-61 yr, completed a YMCA submaximal test and three outdoor 3-mile bike rides, simulating a typical commute, at their own pace on a standard bicycle and on an e-bike at both E-2 assist, and E-3 assist levels. Participants wore a heart rate (HR) monitor and COSMED that recorded HR and oxygen consumption (VO2). RPE on a 6-20 Borg scale was reported at the end of each 3-mile ride. A linear mixed effects model estimated the differences within subjects and between bicycle types on variables of interest at the 95% confidence level. RESULTS: In every model, for every variable, a significant difference (p<0.05) existed between riding a regular bicycle compared with an e-bike at both assist levels: HR (Reg=133 vs E-2=124 and E-3=114 beats•min-1), % of VO2 max (Reg=56 vs E-2=48 and E-3=40%, RPE (Reg=12.3 vs E-2=9.8 and E-3=8.4, respiratory quotient (Reg=.89 vs E-2= .85 and E-3=.85), METS (Reg=6.7 vs E-2=5.8 and E-3=4.8), caloric expenditure (Reg=519 vs E-2=436 and E-3=359 kcal•hr-1), time (Reg=13.7 vs E-2=11.8 and E-3=10.3 min) and VO2 (Reg=23.6 vs E-2=20.3 and E-3=16.8 ml•kg•min-1). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with regular bicycles, riding e-bikes at assist levels 2 and 3 resulted in 2.5 - 3.9 min faster 3-mile times and lower perceived efforts from somewhat hard for regular bicycle to very light for either e-bike assist levels. Speed and lower RPE may incentivize people to ride e-bikes which may contribute to environmentally friendly active transport. Compared with regular bicycling, 10-20% lower metabolic and cardiovascular responses associated with e-bikes, if performed regularly, may still benefit fitness and health.