Impact of Electrical Assistance on Physiological Parameters During Cycling

Abstract We have analysed the impact of electrical pedalling assistance on the physical strain of bicycle riders by monitoring different physiological parameters during test rides with electric bicycles. Within the frame of our study, we carried out two outdoor experiments. In the first experiment, we compared real and subjectively perceived physical strain during two test rides in mountainous terrain – with and without electrical support. The actual physical strain is deduced from the heart rate and lactate, whereas subjectively perceived exertion is estimated using the Borg Scale. In the second experiment we measured the muscle activity of the thighs over crank cycles during rides with different electric bicycles (rear-wheel drive and mid-mounted motor). This resulted in three hypotheses: with higher load the influence of the electrical assistance increases; the positioning of the electrical assistance does not affect the points in time of muscle activity; the positioning of the electrical assistance affects the amount of the muscle activity. Our goal is to get a better understanding of the behaviour of the physical strain during bicycle rides and the influence of electrical assistance on the riders’ physiology. In addition, we aim to use this knowledge to improve the prediction of the required power support and to enhance the existing support strategies for the assistance.