Exploring the factors influencing the use of electrically assisted bikes (e-bikes) by stroke survivors: a mixed methods multiple case study

Abstract

Methods: A mixed methods multiple case studies design, using semi-structured interviews and GPS data. Subject to GP approval, participants loaned an e-bike or e-trike for up to three months. Interviews were undertaken pre and post intervention. The COM-B behaviour change model acted as a framework for analysis. GPS data relating to journey duration and distance travelled was collected fortnightly.Results: Six participants were recruited; only three loaned an e-bike/e-trike (with adaptations as required). Storage, being unable to get GP approval, and safety were withdrawal reasons. Level of impairment was a factor influencing the type of e-bike used, level of support required and the motivation of the participants. Conclusion:Stroke survivors can use e-bikes although barriers exist. Electrical assistance was a positive factor in enabling some of the participants to cycle outdoors.Due to the small sample size and the number of participants who were able to loan an ebike, further research is required to determine whether e-bikes are a feasible and effective intervention to increase physical activity for stroke survivors.

E-micromobility, Cycling, and ‘Good’ Active Travel

“…As note Cherry and Fishman (2021, p165), "e-bikes truly are physical activity levellers, and one of their main appeals is that they reduce terrain barriers and allow riders to arrive at their destinations without too much exertion." Removing some systemic barriers to cycling, EUCs and e-bikes invite people who previously did not, or cannot, cycle, like Travers (Boland et al, 2020;Haustein & Møller, 2016). Our go-along data show, for instance, reveal how a person who cannot cycle because of injury, rides on one wheel elegantly with two feet recently broken by a sideswiping van in traffic.…”

“…And while scholars have yet to apply pragmatic sociology to active travel as a mobility space including e-micromobilities, EMM research reveals growing attention to particular common goods. For example, key debates in e-bike scholarship, echoing cycling research, include whether e-cycling expands social inclusion and equity in active travel or bolsters kinetic elitism and consumption (Cherry and Fishman, 2021;Boland et al, 2020;Haustein & Møller, 2016), and whether EMMs can help bring about environmental sustainability (Abduljabbar et al, 2021;de Bortoli, 2021;McQueen et al, 2021;Weiss et al, 2015). The relevance of pragmatic sociology for elucidating active travel as it evolves with emerging e-micromobilities rests on its capacity to consider at once the full range of common goods active travel promotes--shedding light on which common goods dominate its production, which are marginalized and how we might reconfigure public justifications of active travel towards moral worths associated with mobility justice.…”

Life and Leisure Activities following Stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): An Observational, Multi-Centre, 6-Month Follow-Up Study

“…As such, greater understanding of the psychological implications of travel, by any means, following stroke/TIA is required, particularly for leisure purposes. This has been further highlighted in recent studies that have explored the use of new technology, such as electrically assisted biked (e-bikes), which might be able to positively support and enable active travel, return to valued activities, and support rehabilitation [ 38 ].…”

Returning to Leisure Activity Post-Stroke: Barriers and Facilitators to Engagement

“…It is also important to consider that service user preferences for support after stroke have indicated a desire for additional social and leisure activities that can be attended on their own and are provided by the hospital or community stroke team [ 34 ]. Approaches to acknowledge these preferences could even involve the use of an e-bike or e-trike, which despite barriers related to impairment have been reported as an opportunity to resume previously valued activity and facilitate social interaction post-stroke [ 35 ]. Alternatively, the use of tablet technology to support stroke recovery in older adults has been reported to be beneficial and easy to use, increasing participation in therapeutic and leisure activities and reducing boredom [ 36 ].…”