Demands of Simulated Commuting Using an Electrically Assisted Bicycle

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends adults engage in regular aerobic activity.
• Electrically assisted bicycles (PAB) offer a potential tool to meet these recommendations and encourage physical activity.
• This study investigated the physiological demands of PAB cycling versus traditional cycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological requirements of riding an electric pedal assist bicycle (PAB) versus a non-assist bicycle (NON).
• To assess if PAB helps individuals achieve ACSM aerobic recommendations.
• To evaluate the impact of PAB on exercise intensity and completion time in healthy young adults.

Main Methods:

• Twelve healthy, active young adults (6 males, 6 females) participated in two randomized cycling trials.
• Trials involved cycling over a 3.54 km course with varying terrain, using PAB and NON.
• Physiological measures included time to completion, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO2), power output, and heart rate.

Main Results:

• Time to completion was significantly faster with PAB (12.5 min) compared to NON (13.8 min).
• Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was significantly lower with PAB (12.0) versus NON (14.8).
• No significant differences were found in mean VO2, power output, or heart rate between PAB and NON trials.

Conclusions:

• Recreationally active young adults self-select similar physiological intensities regardless of electric assistance.
• PAB allows for quicker task completion with reduced perceived exertion while meeting vigorous exercise guidelines.
• Both PAB and non-assist cycling effectively meet ACSM criteria for vigorous physical activity.