NYC E-Bike Study

What is the goal of this study and who is involved? NYU and NYC DOT are looking to understand how e-cycling and conventional cycling links to cardiovascular health. More specifically, we want to understand how e-bikes and conventional bikes compare on physical activity and cardiovascular outcomes.
Can I get paid for taking the survey? If you complete the survey, you can sign up to win a $100 gift card raffle prize! There will be ten winners. Winners are selected monthly between June and the end of September 2026 and contacted by email and/or phone. Providing your email or phone number for the raffle is optional.
Who is running the study? This study is a joint research effort run by NYU in collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation. NYU is conducting the survey, after which DOT will lead two sub-studies to build on the findings.
Why study e-bikes? E-bikes are an important part of sustainable transportation in NYC, but they also have important health effects that are not yet fully understood. We need objective, evidence-based data that informs policy around cycling infrastructure. We want to continue to promote sustainable modes of transportation by better understanding their positive health effects.
Has this study been approved by an ethics board? Yes. The NYU Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviewed and approved this study before it launched.
Who can take the survey? Anyone who is 18 and older, lives in New York City, and can ride a bike. This includes e-bike riders, standard bike riders, and e-bike delivery workers.
I don’t ride an e-bike or bike, can I still take the survey? Absolutely. We want to hear from residents who can ride a bike but choose not to.
How long is the survey? About 5-15 minutes.
What kind of questions are in the survey? The survey asks about your riding habits, routes, general health, and demographics. No personal information will be stored.
Can I stop partway through? Yes, anytime. Participation is voluntary and you can exit or skip questions without any consequence.
Can I download the consent form? Yes, it's available to download at the start of the survey. We encourage you to keep a copy.
Where can I take the survey? The survey is online only and can be taken by computer or mobile device at your convenience.
Will my personal information or location be shared? No. We don't store your name without your consent to participate in the follow up raffle, or follow-up studies. Any location information is requested at the neighborhood level to better understand the surrounding cycling infrastructure.
Who sees my response and how is my data protected? Only the NYU research team. Data is stored on secure servers and all published findings are aggregated so no individual can be identified from the results.
Following the survey, DOT will conduct two sub-studies to build on the findings:
What are the focus groups and how are participants selected? A subset of survey participants will be invited this fall to join a 90 minute, in-person focus group. Focus group participants will be asked to share about their cycling experiences and choices.
What is the Wearable study, and how are participants selected? A subset of survey participants will be invited this fall to wear a fitness tracker for a period of time. Selection is based on survey responses to get a range of riders represented.
Are participants compensated? Focus group and Wearable study participants receive compensation upon completion of the focus group or the completion of a week of wearing a fitness tracker.
Who do I contact with questions or withdraw? Email us at ebike@nyu.edu. To withdraw, just reach out and we'll remove your data. For questions about your rights as a participant, contact the NYU IRB at (212) 998-4808 or ask.humansubjects@nyu.edu.

Your Ride, Your Health, Your New York City

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Your Ride, Your Health, Your New York City

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