Outdoor E-trike cycling: A low intensity physical activity

ABSTRACT

For people with disabilities or chronic diseases, an electrically supported tricycle (e-trike) could facilitate independence and participation in physical activity, and improve health conditions. This study investigates the exercise intensity and perceived exertion of e-trike cycling. Twenty healthy participants cycled on an e-trike with different speeds (12 and 18 km/h) and different levels of electric pedal support at an outdoor athletics track. Exercise intensity was measured with oxygen consumption ($\dot{V}{O}_2$) using a Cosmed K4B2 analysis unit, perceived exertion was measured with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, pedaling power, and engine power were measured with a torque sensor. The effect of speed and support was analyzed with a Linear Mixed Effects model. $\dot{V}{O}_2$ was 18.67 ± 3.13 ml/kg/min without support, with electric support the exercise intensity was significantly below moderate intensity (i.e. 10.5 ml/kg/min) at t = 11.37, p < .001, 95% CI: 1.90, 2.77. The Borg score without support was 9.79 ± 1.72 and all other conditions below this, which were significantly below moderate intensity (i.e. 11) at t = −3.07, p = .007, 95% CI: −2.04, −0.38. Speed and support significantly affected $\dot{V}{O}_2$ (F = 185.49, p < .001). E-trike cycling is a low intensity activity, but intensity can be influenced by changing speed and support level.

KEYWORDS:

• active transport
• bicycling
• cardiorespiratory fitness
• exercise intensity
• oxygen consumption

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all participants in the experiment, and Ing. Ronnie Kroekenstoel for his assistance in retrieving the data collected by the e-trike. This research was funded by the European Union and the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRO, project Embipro). The e-trike used in this research was provided by Van Raam, Varsseveld, the Netherlands. The funding sources had no influence in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; nor in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Disclosure statement

The funding sources had no influence in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; nor in the decision to submit the article for publication.

Additional information

Funding

This research was part of the EmbiPro project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The e-trike used in this research was provided by Van Raam, Varsselveld, the Netherlands.