Posted at 11:00 • 4 Apr • Sam from Rockbros

The popularity of e-bikes has skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many to wonder if these electric-assisted bicycles offer any real health benefits. In 2022 however a paper was published which provided some genuine merit that these electronic bikes may just be helping Aussies stay fit and healthy.

Before we dive into the research, let's first cover some basics of e-bikes:

Definition and Features:

e-bikes, or electric bicycles, are equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling. This pedal-assist function ensures that riders still engage in physical activity while enjoying an easier and often faster ride. That being said, some e-bikes will have a full assist mode or equivelant which does not even require pedalling (outside of Australia). It is to know however that this will drain the life of you battery and will leave you with one short ride.

Laws and Limitations of E-bikes:

As we are focused in Australia there are a few laws in our country that impact how e-bikes perform. Generally the assistance of the motors in e-bikes will only work up to a certain speed limit. In Australia you will find this to be around 25km/hr, meaning around that speed the motor will stop assisting. Additionally, all e-bikes in Australia must be pedal assisted, meaning they cannot be operated solely without pedalling.

Important Note:

When discussing the potential health benefits of e-bikes it is important to note that depending on the usage, level of assistance, make and model of the e-bike the actual outcome will differ significantly. The following information should be used as a guideline and not as professional advice.

Don't Have Time To Read... Here's A Summary Of The FindingS:

• Study Details
  • Research by Carina C. Anderson et al.
  • 20 inactive, overweight adults from Noosa, Queensland.
  • 12-week trial with Giant e-bikes.
• Quantitative Findings
  • Average distance travelled per participant: 320 km.
  • Highest user: 1282 km (106 km per week).
  • Lowest user: 5 km over the trial period.
  • 3 participants purchased an e-bike during or after the trial.
  • 16 participants considered purchasing an e-bike in the future (cost was the main barrier).
• Qualitative Findings
  • Mental Well-Being: Participants reported feeling happier, more positive, and less stressed.
  • Physical Well-Being:
    • Increased fitness and muscle strength.
    • Weight loss observed in several participants.
    • Improved energy levels and stamina.
    • Participants felt healthier and more active.

Case Study: E-Bike Trial in Regional Australia

Study Overview

Recent research in 2022 by Carina C. Anderson and colleagues explored the health benefits of e-bikes for inactive, overweight individuals in regional Australia. This study, published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia, provided valuable insights into how e-bikes can improve both mental and physical health for this specific group of people.

A Note On Participant Criteria and Applicability

The study involved 20 participants who were inactive, overweight adults living in Noosa, a regional area in Queensland, Australia. Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 40 and minimal engagement in physical activity (less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise on two days per week). They were regular car commuters who did not often cycle.

Study Design

Participants were given Giant pedal-assisted e-bikes to use for a 12-week period. Before the trial, participants underwent health checks to ensure they were medically fit to participate. They also attended a bicycle safety workshop to learn how to use the e-bikes safely. Throughout the study, participants were encouraged to use the e-bikes for commuting and leisure.

The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with participants at the end of the trial to gather data on their experiences and the health benefits they observed. These interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and insights.

Results and Findings

Mental Well-Being

The study found significant improvements in mental well-being among participants. Many reported feeling happier and more positive after riding the e-bikes. Participants highlighted that e-biking lifted their mood and served as a good distraction from daily stress. One participant mentioned, "When I go on the bike it is a good distraction if I’m not feeling happy... it lifts me up." This sentiment was echoed by several others who felt that e-biking made them feel more energetic and confident.

Participants also noted that e-biking helped clear their minds and provided a sense of freedom and exhilaration. Being outdoors and noticing nature added to their overall mental well-being. As one participant described, "Just being outside in the sunshine... I loved going on that coastal track, being able to see the ocean and going through the trees."

Physical Well-Being

Participants experienced notable physical health benefits, including increased fitness, muscle strength, weight loss, and higher energy levels. Many participants found that e-biking provided a much-needed form of exercise that was both enjoyable and manageable. One participant explained, "My fitness has like gone up massively. Just my breath, my stamina at work... just stronger."

The study revealed that even though e-biking may not be as intense as conventional cycling, it still offered substantial physical activity that contributed to better health. Participants reported feeling healthier, losing weight, and gaining more energy for daily activities. One participant noted, "I feel healthier. I lost weight noticeably... I just felt more active and more energized."

Discussion

Comparison with Conventional Biking

While e-bikes offer less intense exercise compared to conventional bikes, they still provide moderate physical activity, which is beneficial for health. The motor assistance makes cycling more accessible for those who might find regular biking too strenuous, making it easier for inactive individuals to start exercising. Additionally, the multi levels of assist on the bikes allows you to mediate between well assisted to almost no assistance giving you control about how strenuous your ride will be.

Long-Term Implications

Regular use of e-bikes can lead to sustained health benefits. As people continue to incorporate e-biking into their routines, they can maintain improved fitness levels and overall well-being. The study suggests that e-bikes can serve as a gateway to a more active lifestyle for those who are currently inactive.

Conclusion

Although the paper is focused around overweight and inactive participants. It is to note that these effects are still quite palpable for a healthy and active audience. From my own personal testiomony I can vouch for the actual physical strain e-bikes still have while riding. It is apparent that you will experience a more leisurely ride, however that does not mean exercise-free.

Citations:

For access to the original scientific paper visit the following page:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35263497/