Sustainable Active Transportation: The Psychophysiological Benefits of Motor-Assisted Cycling

Introduction: Electric motor-assisted cycling (e-biking) has become a popular mode of sustainable active transportation, providing physical and environmental benefits. Despite increasing interest, few studies have examined the physiological and psychological impact of different motor assistance levels in cycling. This study aims to evaluate the effects of high, light, and no motor assistance on cardiovascular and metabolic demands, perceived exertion, and affective responses in physically active individuals. Methods: Seven physically active male participants (mean age: 28.4 ± 3.2 years) completed three 40-minute cycling sessions on an electric mountain bike under controlled conditions with high, light, and no support. The measures included heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V̇O2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and affective valence (Feeling Scale). Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess differences across conditions. Results: No statistically significant differences across the three conditions for the physiological and psychological variables measured has been observed. Specifically, mean heart rate values varied as follows: 112.9 ± 16.5 bpm for high support, 118.9 ± 17.5 bpm for light support, and 114.3 ± 16.7 bpm for no support (p >0.05). For oxygen uptake, mean VO2 values were 1522.3 ± 312.9 ml/min in high support, 1689.9 ± 352.3 ml/min in light support, and 1519.1 ± 293.2 ml/min in no support (p >0.05). Ratings of perceived exertion increased across conditions, averaging 8.4 ± 1.5 in high support, 9.0 ± 1.8 in light support, and 9.3 ± 2.1 in no support (p >0.05). Affective responses measured on the Feeling Scale were generally positive and comparable across conditions, with score of 2.0 ± 1.1 for high support, 1.7 ± 1.3 for light support, and 2.0 ± 0.7 for no support (p >0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that different levels of motor support in e-bikes do not significantly alter physiological demands or perceived exertion and the affective responses were consistently positive, different levels of assistance did not result in significantly better affective outcomes.The potential of e-bikes to promote active transport could support public health and urban sustainability initiatives, encouraging physical activity with lower exertion barriers. Future research should investigate the long-term health outcomes and ecological integration of e-bikes in everyday setting.