![]() I've been following a conversation about eBikes occurring over at https://theconversation.edu.au/electric-bikes-at-250-watts-the-view-has-opened-up-nicely-10465 and seeing a pretty interesting stream of comments rolling in, with the full spectrum of inspirational stories through to trenchant trolling and cynicism. I was curious to see the cynics observing that there was no way an ebike would provide an observable benefit to fitness, nor make much of a demand upon a rider for effort. Having a background in exercise science meant that it was time to gather some data and bring some evidence into The Conversation. I know just how hard I work riding off-road, so thought it was time to back this up with a little rigour. I've done three tests now under reproduced conditions - standardising clothing (smart business clothes, flat shoes), weight of extras (bike lock, helmet), terrain (5km local off-road loop with a steady sustained climb, noting that 5-10km is an ideal car-replacement ride distance) and varying only the bike with the following changes: Test 1: Unpowered mountain bike (PACE RC200 - my old race bike converted to commuter duties) Test 2: Stealth Fighter @200w limit, with a 40km/h limited hi-torque motor Test 3: Stealth Fighter @3kw, with the same motor For each test, I used Strava (http://www.strava.com) to track my HeartRate, speed, elevation and overall ride length, with a Wahoo Fitness BlueHR heart monitor hooked up (yes, we sell them). For each test, Strava generates a nice plot of elevation, speed and heartrate, which I've included in the result sets. Across all results, I've highlighted the highest values in red. Note: I'm 44, so have a theoretical maximum heart-rate of 176bpm (using the least objectionable formula of HRmax = 205.8 − (0.685 × age) listed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate). For an indication of the intensity of riding effort used based on average and maximum HeartRates, I've included the following guide: Standard MTB 5km Loop ![]() Strava Plot for Test 1, based on unpowered mtb on 5km test circuit. Results Heart Rate: Avg=167 Max=182 AvgHR % of (theoretical)Max: Time: 12m:53s Max Speed: 55.8km/h Avg Speed: 23.1km/h Stealth Fighter @200w 5km loop![]() Strava Plot for Test 2, based on 200w limited Stealth Fighter eBike on 5km test circuit. Results Heart Rate: Avg=158 Max=171 AvgHR % of (theoretical)MaxHR: 90% Time: 11m:40s (1m13s quicker over 5km than Test1) Max Speed: 47.9km/h Avg Speed: 25.2km/h StealthFighter @3kW 5km loop![]() Strava Plot for Test 3, based on Stealth Fighter eBike running at 3kw on 5km test circuit. Results Heart Rate: Avg=157 Max=172 AvgHR % of (theoretical)MaxHR: 89% Time: 8m:24s 4m29s quicker over 5km than Test1 3m16s quicker over 5km than Test2 Max Speed: 49.8km/h Avg Speed: 36.2km/h Conclusions
Yes, I can get a great workout on an eBike - in Tests 2 and 3, I was within 1bpm average sustained at a fairly level output throughout the ride, working at 85%MaxHR or higher, but not as high as I have to when riding unpowered (see Test 1). Test 2 and 3 showed negligible difference in peak speeds on a downhill section of this 5km loop, but a marked difference in average speed. This is a clear demonstration that the average speed is most impacted by the use of power when climbing, which is the sort of terrain where the benefits of an eBike are most noticable and where maximum assistance is provided. To see the magnitude of difference, look at average speeds in the 2-3.5km stage of the ride. Interestingly, I was fastest on the test loop downhill on my old MTB. Also interesting was that I was only marginally faster in terms of average speed on a 200w limited eBike over 5km than I would have been if I'd stayed unpowered on my old bike. However, I'd have taken 4min20s longer to arrive at my destination than if I'd been allowed to use a speed limited eBike of higher output. By the time you extrapolate that out to a longer trip of 5-15km, clearly the gap in elapsed commute time would start to stretch out further. Also consider that these tests were done unladen - in commuting practice, I usually need to also be carrying a backpack with food, laptop - spare shoes/clothing if I'm unpowered, as I'd ride in cleats - to a range of different destinations. As a consultant, my workplaces are a little more diverse and transient than a standard 9-5 role. The role of power-assisted riding when dealing with a load, especially when climbing, should be considered in that.
11 Comments
Markie Linhart
20/11/2012 06:33:22 am
I've been following the conversation on The Conversation and I'd like to congratulate you on the time and trouble you've taken with these tests.
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Thanks Markie, I hope the tests have been useful for you. I've personally found the tests very useful in terms of validating the role for a higher power limit, offset by a maximum speed limit (say 35 or 40km/h) that's in line with current cycleway limits. There's plenty of riders out there who go faster than that on downhills on unpowered bikes - the standards in Australia need to take into account the need for people to get from A->B in effective commute times if they're to be weaned off car options. Relying on pedalling alone is not going to get the conversion rates from Car->bike - that's where eBikes have a valid role to play.
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Markie Linhart
13/8/2015 07:58:17 am
A new response to this thread has prompted me to write and ask what's your thoughts on the recently introduced Copenhagen Wheel. How things can change in two years! 5/1/2013 09:05:46 am
200 W is a lot compared to the 130 W or so you could probably out out on your own. Nothing compared to 3KW though.
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24/1/2013 04:58:01 am
There is another possible interpretation of this data.
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Hi Ken, thanks for the reflective observations. The statement "This led to you finding it psychologically harder to maintain your effort." was interesting - I find that I taper my effort according to perceived level of MaxHR, without resorting to checking actual HR. If I were to repeat the sessions, I might make use of an external monitor to check it, but find that distracting from the task of riding.
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RobH
12/2/2013 06:40:52 am
I used to ride a standard road bike (Giant OCR2).
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13/8/2013 01:18:26 pm
You have given us the opportunity to understand the topic. You have a very clear view over the subjects which make it very simple to comprehend. Thank you so much.
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12/1/2016 01:13:40 pm
wow, a interesting research about workout by ebike, i dont think it useful like that before, thanks for sharing :)
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29/11/2016 05:37:33 pm
how ebike helps in workouts it's really a perfect graphical research thanks for sharing your research on ebike.
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