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

Autor: Sven Haufe, Hedwig Theda Boeck, Sebastian Häckl, Johanna Boyen, Momme Kück, Clara Catharina van Rhee, Johann-Matthias Graf von der Schulenburg, Jan Zeidler, Torben Schmidt, Heiko Johannsen, Dennis Holzwart, Armin Koch, Uwe Tegtbur
Rok vydání: 2022
Předmět:
Zdroj: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 8:e001275
ISSN: 2055-7647
Popis: 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%, pConclusionE-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.
Databáze: OpenAIRE