Impact of mountain biking on adolescent well-being: a scoping review

To examine the existing literature on the impact of outdoor, non-electric mountain biking on adolescent well-being, focusing on behavioural, emotional and social outcomes.

Scoping review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (2020 update) and the framework by Arksey and O'Malley, with methodological guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Six databases, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and SCOPUS, were systematically searched in November 2024 and July 2025, supplemented by citation tracking and grey literature review. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/7CVWD).

Included studies focused on adolescents aged 10-18 years, examined outdoor, non-electric mountain biking as the primary intervention, reported at least one well-being outcome and published in the last decade. Both qualitative and quantitative designs were eligible. Excluded were adult populations, e-biking, indoor cycling and studies without relevant well-being outcomes.

Five studies met inclusion criteria. Programmes were associated with improved self-esteem, resilience, emotional regulation and social connection. Mentorship, peer engagement and nature exposure emerged as key facilitators. Quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool indicated moderate to high methodological rigour.

Preliminary evidence suggests mountain biking may contribute to adolescent well-being, particularly in self-confidence, social connection and resilience. Its combination of physical challenge, social support and green exercise makes it a potentially valuable youth mental health strategy. Further research should examine long-term impacts and comparative effectiveness.