Potential Benefits of E-Bikes for Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: E-Bikes are increasingly regarded as a promising form of active travel, but their implications for physical activity remain unclear. Although motor assistance reduces the physiological demands of cycling, it may also lower barriers to participation and increase overall activity levels.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the potential benefits of e-bikes for physical activity.

METHODS: Following the PRISMA 2020 statement, we searched EBSCO, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and TRID, with supplementary searches conducted in Google Scholar. Observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental studies examining e-bikes in relation to physiological responses, exercise intensity, or total physical activity were included. Owing to substantial heterogeneity across study designs, populations, comparators, and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS: Thirty-one studies involving 11,890 participants were included. Compared with conventional bicycles, e-bikes generally elicited lower acute physiological demands, but they commonly still reached at least moderate intensity. Compared with no-exercise conditions, e-bike use was generally associated with higher total daily physical activity and lower sedentary time. Evidence also suggested that e-bikes may reduce barriers to cycling and support participation among less active or physically limited populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Although e-biking usually imposes a lower physiological load than conventional cycling, it appears to have meaningful potential for promoting physical activity in daily life. More rigorous long-term studies are needed to clarify its contribution to physical activity and health.