NCT07114991

E-Bike Commuting and Health in Overweight College Students

Effects of Pedal-Assist E-Bike Commuting on Cardiometabolic Health, Physical Activity, and Psychological Well-Being in Overweight College Students

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, River Falls · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will evaluate the effects of using a pedal-assist electric bicycle (e-bike) for commuting on physical activity, fitness, and health in overweight or obese college students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 12-week e-bike commuting intervention or a control group. The study will measure changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood biomarkers, physical activity, and psychological well-being over a 24-week period.

Detailed description

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of e-bike commuting as a strategy to improve cardiometabolic health, physical activity levels, and psychological well-being in college students with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher. Eligible participants will be randomized to either a 12-week e-bike intervention group or a control group that continues usual commuting habits. Assessments will occur at baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 12), and follow-up (Week 24). Each assessment will include VO₂peak testing using a graded cycle ergometer protocol, body composition assessment via BodPod, fasting fingerstick blood tests for glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, blood pressure and resting heart rate measurement, and self-report questionnaires evaluating motivation, stress, affect, mental health, and academic engagement. Participants will also complete a 30-minute submaximal cycling test during which affective responses will be recorded, and physical activity will be tracked over 7 days. Those assigned to the intervention group will receive a pedal-assist e-bike, helmet, and safety training and will be asked to ride at least four days per week for 12 weeks. The study aims to determine whether e-bike commuting can promote sustained physical activity and improve cardiometabolic and mental health outcomes in a population at risk for early health decline.

Conditions

• Obesity &Amp; Overweight
• Sedentary Behaviors
• Cardiometabolic Risk
• Physical Inactivity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	E-Bike Commuting	Participants in the intervention group will receive a pedal-assist electric bicycle (e-bike), a helmet, safety training, and a cycling computer. They will be asked to use the e-bike for commuting or personal travel at least four times per week for 12 weeks. E-bike usage will be monitored using a Garmin Edge device. Participants will also complete baseline, 12-week, and 24-week assessments including fitness testing, blood tests, body composition, surveys, and wearable activity monitoring.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2026-06-30
• Completion: 2026-06-30
• First posted: 2025-08-11
• Last updated: 2025-08-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States