Health benefits of the HIKO e-bike programme: a qualitative study

This paper aims to explore the relationship between e-biking and health in the context of a novel, marae-led e-biking programme for Māori and Pacific adults in a suburban community.

Focus groups were conducted with participants in an e-biking programme (n=20) prior to receiving e-bikes, and individual interviews were conducted with participants at approximately 6 months (n=23) and 12 months (n=22).

Wanting to improve health was a motivation for trying e-biking. E-biking supported better physical and mental health, including self-reported improvement in a range of long-term conditions. E-biking was often possible and enjoyable for people who experienced barriers to physical activity, although poor health could also act as a barrier to e-biking. Factors that supported ongoing e-biking included having someone to ride with, the enjoyable nature of e-biking, and integrating e-biking for active travel.

This study suggests that e-biking is possible and beneficial for a wide range of people who do not currently cycle. Recommendations from individual health practitioners are likely to be important alongside community and population level interventions to support the uptake of cycling. Practice points to support individual health practitioners to discuss e-biking are provided.