There was moderate evidence that  e-cycling provided physical activity of at least moderate intensity , which was lower than the intensity elicited during conventional cycling , but higher than that during walking .
There was also moderate evidence that  e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in physically inactive individuals .
Evidence of the impact of e-cycling  on metabolic and psychological health outcomes was inconclusive .
Conclusion E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness .
As such , e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling .
Background Electrically assisted bicycles ( e-bikes ) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting .
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the health benefits associated with e-cycling .
Demands of Simulated Commuting Using an Electrically Assisted Bicycle
The American College of Sports Medicine ( ACSM ) recommends adults participate in weekly aerobic activity for a minimum of 30 minutes moderate intensity exercise 5 days per week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity 3 days per week . The electrically assisted bicycle may help individuals achieve the ACSM ’s aerobic recommendations and introduce inactive individuals to physical activity . To compare the physiological requirements of riding a bicycle with electric pedal assist versus non-assist among healthy active young adults . 6 males and 6 females completed two r and omized cycling trials using electric pedal assist ( PAB ) and non-assist ( NON ) . Cycling trials were completed over a 3.54 km course with varying terrain . Time to completion was faster in the PAB ( 12.5 ± 0.3 min ) than the NON ( 13.8 ± 0.3 min , p=0.01 ) . Rating of Perceived Exertion ( RPE ) was lower in the PAB ( 12.0 ± 0.4 ) than the NON ( 14.8 ± 0.5 , p < 0.001 ) . There was no difference in mean VO2 between PAB ( 2.3 ± 0.1 L·min−1 ) and NON ( 2.5 ± 0.1 L·min−1 , p=0.45 ) . There was no difference in mean power output when comparing PAB ( 115 ± 11 Watts ) to NON ( 128 ± 11 Watts , p=0.38 ) . There was no difference in heart rate between PAB ( 147 ± 5 bpm ) and NON ( 149 ± 5 bpm , p=0.77 ) . Recreationally active younger ( college age ) individuals may self-select a similar physiological intensity of physical activity regardless of mechanical assistance , result ing in quicker completion of a commuting task with PAB . Both the PAB and NON exercise bouts met ACSM criteria for vigorous exercise
There was moderate evidence that  e-cycling provided physical activity of at least moderate intensity , which was lower than the intensity elicited during conventional cycling , but higher than that during walking .
There was also moderate evidence that  e-cycling can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in physically inactive individuals .
Evidence of the impact of e-cycling  on metabolic and psychological health outcomes was inconclusive .
Conclusion E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness .
As such , e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling .
Background Electrically assisted bicycles ( e-bikes ) have been highlighted as a method of active travel that could overcome some of the commonly reported barriers to cycle commuting .
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the health benefits associated with e-cycling .