An experiment on rider stability while mounting: Comparing middle-aged and elderly cyclists on pedelecs and conventional bicycles

Abstract

Pedelecs, popular among elderly cyclists, are associated with a higher injury risk than conventional bicycles. About 17% of these injuries are due to falls while (dis)mounting. Using instrumented bicycles, this study aimed to identify factors contributing to the stability of self-chosen mounting methods in four user groups: 30-45 versus 65+ years of age and males versus females. Mounting stability on pedelecs was compared with that on conventional bicycles, in controlled experimental setting (task in a fenced off parking lot) but also in real traffic conditions (traffic light turns green). Two mounting phases were differentiated: phase 1 as the transition from 'earth bound' to 'balance' and phase 2 as the acceleration to achieve harmonized cycling. Stability was operationalised in terms of the duration of these phases: the shorter their duration, the higher the stability. Pedelecs were shown to be less stable in phase 1 than conventional bicycles, irrespective of user group. For all user groups, only in phase 2 the advantages of electrical support kicked in. Results obtained in traffic conditions confirmed the patterns obtained in the controlled setting, with as only difference a lower speed in traffic conditions, which held for both mounting phases and bicycle types. Also measures of physical limitations due to low muscle strength were shown only to be compensated for by pedal support in phase 2 and not in phase 1. Further, mounting characteristics affected pedelec stability in phase 1 and not in phase 2. Higher stability was associated with a) starting while seated and b) using the pedal to push off. Although, these mounting characteristics were confounded with age, gender, and muscle strength, the pattern of results still suggest certain mounting techniques to be more beneficial for pedelecs. The results further illustrate the importance of a deeper understanding of the interactions of bicycle types and user groups on critical manoeuvres and their potential contribution to the optimisation of pedelec design and the training of safe mounting techniques.

The Safety of E-Bikes in The Netherlands

“…Recent literature suggests an increased risk while mounting or dismounting amongst EB users (Twisk et al, 2017). Our current study also showed that crashes with EBs are more often crashes while (dis)mounting (see Table 2).…”

“…It has also been suggested that the higher mass of EBs compared to CBs may interfere with (dis)mounting (Kovácsová et al, 2016;Twisk et al, 2017). Table 2 confirms that EB users are more often involved in crashes while mounting or dismounting; 15% of EB crash victims fell while mounting or dismounting.…”

“…Research could also be experimental, for instance related to mounting and dismounting, see e.g. Twisk et al (2017). New buyers of EBs may also benefit from training.…”

“…Active steering is required to stabilize a bicycle at low speeds (Kooijman et al, 2011). Experimental research suggests that EBs are less stable in the initial mounting phase (transition from 'earth bound' to 'balance') but help (older cyclists) to accelerate faster and achieve speed at which a bicycle stabilises itself (Kovácsová et al, 2016;Twisk et al, 2017).…”

Increasing Active Transportation Through E-Bike Use: Pilot Study Comparing the Health Benefits, Attitudes, and Beliefs Surrounding E-Bikes and Conventional Bikes (Preprint)

“…Future studies would benefit from the application of a similar research design to populations who may be less inclined to use active forms of transportation, such as older individuals, obese or overweight individuals, and those who may be impacted by physical injury or impairment. Previous e-bike studies with vulnerable populations have largely focused only safety [36,37]. In addition, this study could also be extended to the use of pedal-assist mountain bikes, or eMTB, on soft-surface and off-road trails.…”