Pedelecs as a physically active transportation mode

Abstract

Introduction

Pedelecs are bicycles that provide electric assistance only when a rider is pedaling and have become increasingly popular.

Purpose

Our purpose was to quantify usage patterns over 4 weeks of real-world commuting with a pedelec and to determine if pedelec use would improve cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

Twenty sedentary commuters visited the laboratory for baseline physiological measurements [body composition, maximum oxygen consumption ($\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{ 2} { \hbox{max} }$), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), blood lipid profile, and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)]. The following 4 weeks, participants were instructed to commute using a pedelec at least 3 days week⁻¹ for 40 min day⁻¹ while wearing a heart rate monitor and a GPS device. Metabolic equivalents (METS) were estimated from heart rate data. Following the intervention, we repeated the physiological measurements.

Results

Average total distance and time were 317.9 ± 113.8 km and 15.9 ± 3.4 h, respectively. Participants averaged 4.9 ± 1.2 METS when riding. Four weeks of pedelec commuting significantly improved 2-h post-OGTT glucose (5.53 ± 1.18–5.03 ± 0.91 mmol L⁻¹, p < 0.05), $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{ 2} { \hbox{max} }$ (2.21 ± 0.48–2.39 ± 0.52 L min⁻¹, p < 0.05), and end of $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{ 2} { \hbox{max} }$ test power output (165.1 ± 37.1–189.3 ± 38.2 W, p < 0.05). There were trends for improvements in MAP (84.6 ± 10.5–83.2 ± 9.4 mmHg, p = 0.15) and fat mass (28.6 ± 11.3–28.2 ± 11.4 kg, p = 0.07).

Conclusion

Participants rode a pedelec in the real world at a self-selected moderate intensity, which helped them meet physical activity recommendations. Pedelec commuting also resulted in significant improvements in 2-h post-OGTT glucose, $\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{ 2} { \hbox{max} }$, and power output. Pedelecs are an effective form of active transportation that can improve some cardiometabolic risk factors within only 4 weeks.