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PURPOSE: To compare metabolic, cardiovascular, and ratings of perceived effort (RPE) when riding an e-bike for 3 miles at two different assist levels (boosts that vary in intensity), in comparison with a regular bicycle.

METHODS: Male (n= 16) and female (n= 14) subjects, aged 19-61 yr, completed a YMCA submaximal test and three outdoor 3-mile bike rides, simulating a typical commute, at their own pace on a standard bicycle and on an e-bike at both E-2 assist, and E-3 assist levels. Participants wore a heart rate (HR) monitor and COSMED that recorded HR and oxygen consumption (VO2). RPE on a 6-20 Borg scale was reported at the end of each 3-mile ride. A linear mixed effects model estimated the differences within subjects and between bicycle types on variables of interest at the 95% confidence level.

RESULTS: In every model, for every variable, a significant difference (p< 0.05) existed between riding a …