Riding to health: Investigating the relationship between micromobility use and objective physical activity in Barcelona adults

Background: In recent years there has been an increase in the use of micromobility devices in cities worldwide. Due to their novelty, their effects on population health are still unknown. In this study, we aim to explore the association between conventional and electric micromobility modes and daily physical activity levels in an adult population in the city of Barcelona. Methods: Tracking data for 129 adults were collected in 2020 and 2021 as part of the NEWMOB project. Participants each wore an accelerometer and answered daily travel diaries for a week. Participants reported their daily use of micromobility devices through the travel log. Objective daily reports of physical activity levels were obtained from the accelerometer data. Statistical analysis explored the association between self-reported use of micromobility modes-shared bike, shared e-bike, e -scooter-and objective levels of physical activity. Results: On average, bike users, and users that combined different micromobility modes reported higher daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than other users. The lowest mean daily levels of MVPA were found among electric scooter users and non-micromobility users. In terms of light activity levels, the highest mean daily levels correspond to users of mixed modes and electric scooters. Analysing health guidelines compliance, bike users and mix modes users were the groups that more often met physical activity guidelines. Conclusions: Micromobility modes such as conventional and electric bikes can help to maintain high levels of MVPA, while meeting health guidelines, in contrast to e-scooters.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the association between conventional and electric micromobility modes and daily physical activity levels in an adult population in Barcelona. The results showed that bike users and users of mixed modes reported higher daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to other users. Electric scooter users and non-micromobility users had the lowest mean daily levels of MVPA. In terms of light activity levels, users of mixed modes and electric scooters had the highest mean daily levels.