Study finds that electric cargo bike riders exercise up to 3 times more than non-users

Source: Cycling Electric

A report recently published by the ELEVATE e-micromobility research project revealed a range of positive health-benefit results for participants in an e-cargo bike trial.

ELEVATE is a joint project between the University of Leeds, University of Brighton, University of Oxford, Technical University of Eindhoven, and Technical University of Dortmund; its aim is to understand the potential of existing and new forms of e-micromobility – including cargo bikes – to identify the people, places and circumstances they will be most useful, and deliver the most benefit.

In the trial covered by the report, 49 households in Leeds, Oxford and Brighton were lent an electric cargo bike for one month in the summer-autumn period of 2023. 11 of these participating households also borrowed a cargo bike for a period of 3-6 months during the winter-spring period of 2024. The research also included data from a survey conducted by YouGov in spring 2023.

All participating households and survey respondents were classed as “not fitness enthusiasts” before the trial began, with up to a third cycling less than once per month, and 40% reaching less than NHS-recommended physical activity levels.

Trial results

• Following the trial activity, analysis of the data showed that those who had use of an e-cargo bike had 2.6-3.1 times more exercise than non-users.
• Participants met the nationally recommended physical activity levels, and achieved more active travel minutes than non-users.
• Participants in the e-cargo bike trial trended toward healthier BMI and reduced sedentary behaviour.
• Participants reported improved physical and mental health, as well as commenting on social and environmental advantages.

Cycling Electric points out the links to other studies which have found that electric bike users ride more frequently than they may have done on traditional bikes, and for longer periods of time – therefore covering greater distances, and more easily eliminating the need for car journeys.