Impact of electrically assisted bicycles on physical activity and traffic accident risk: a prospective observational study

Abstract

BackgroundElectrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular and may facilitate active commuting and recreational cycling.ObjectiveTo evaluate the physical activity levels and usage characteristics of e-bikers and conventional cyclists under real-world conditions.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study in Germany to examine the effects of e-biking compared with conventional cycling on reaching the World Health Organization (WHO) target for physical activity—at least 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. Study participants (1250 e-bikers and 629 conventional bike users) were equipped with activity trackers to assess the time, distance and heart rate during cycling over four consecutive weeks. Questionnaires were used to assess any traffic accidents incurred over 12 months.ResultsThe proportion of participants reaching 150 min of MVPA per week was higher for conventional bike users than for e-bike users (35.0% vs 22.4%, p<0.001). In a multiple regression model, the odds of reaching the physical activity target were lower for e-biking than for conventional biking (OR=0.56; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.72) with age, sex, comorbidities and bike usage patterns as confounding factors. No significant differences were observed between bike groups for traffic accidents, yet when controlled for cycling time and frequency of cycling e-bikers had a higher risk of a traffic accident (OR=1.63; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.58).ConclusionE-bikes are associated with a lower probability of reaching WHO targets for MVPA due to reduced duration and a reduced cardiovascular effort during riding. However, e-bikes might facilitate active transportation, particularly in older individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.

Health and Environmental Benefits of Riding an Electric Bicycle

“…There is general agreement from bicycle safety experts that the following steps be taken to reduce injury risks associated with E-bike use: 1) Wear a well-fitted bicycle helmet, 2) Become familiar with an E-bike before riding because they are heavier than traditional bicycles, 3) Start riding the bike with zero assistance and then slowly increase assistance level, and 4. Ride the bike in a safe area before taking it on busier roads (18).…”

“…These pathways may be considered safer and more comfortable because they are removed from motorized vehicles, but their level of comfort can be decreased if they are not properly shared and E-bike users neglect to provide courtesy to other users (8). Walkers, runners, hikers, and others not on bikes are at a higher injury risk compared with cyclists as a result of these conflicts (18) and may feel less comfortable on narrow bikeways and trails with E-bikes present unless the E-bike users provide recreational courtesy to the other shared users of the trails. Some suggestions for cyclists to provide courtesy to other shared pathway users are to 1) slow when approaching other users, 2) communicate with the pedestrian to signal passing and in which direction, and 3) ride at lower volume times if possible (18).…”

“…In 2020, the National Park Service announced a policy that E-bikes are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed, and that E-bikes are not allowed where traditional bicycles are prohibited ( 19). An important distinction among the three different classes of E-bikes is that in a national park, an electric motor on an E-bike cannot exceed 750 W (18). This means that only class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed in national parks (See Table ).…”

Development of a Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Bench for Validation of an ABS System on an e-Bike

“…Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular and may facilitate active commuting. But this comes at the price of safety since e-bikers have a higher risk of traffic accidents than conventional cyclists (Haufe et al 2022). However, the availability of electric energy onboard allows the emergence of active safety systems like antilock braking systems (ABS) that could help reduce the accident rate in the same way it was observed in the last decades for cars and motorcycles (Maier, 2018).…”

Development of a Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Bench for Validation of an ABS System on an e-Bike

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Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular and may facilitate active commuting but this comes at the price of safety since e-bikers have a higher risk of traffic accident than conventional cyclists (Haufe et al 2022). However, the availability of electric energy on-board allows the emergence of active safety systems like antilock braking systems (ABS) that could help reducing the accident rate in the same way it was observed in the last decades for cars and motorcycles (Maier, 2018).

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