Are We in Flow? Measuring and Supporting Simultaneous Flow in Duos of Elderly Cyclists

Cyclists can experience psychological flow while cycling. Experiencing flow simultaneously is foundational to reaching shared flow in groups, which has unique and highly desirable characteristics. Notably, in research on affective computing and cycling experience, very little is known about flow in duos of cyclists. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigates if and how simultaneous flow (SF) during cycling experiences can be measured via sensor data and supported by personalizing assistance levels of e-bike motors. We collected heart rate, cadence, and position data, as well as self-reports of individual flow, from 10 duos of elderly cyclists, a demographic with increasing e-bike usage. Our XGBoost and Shapley values analysis shows that SF can be identified in heart rate, cadence, and position data. The personalization of motor assistance seemed to disrupt SF in our sample, possibly because our duos were well-adjusted already. Our findings support the development of real-time, objective identification of SF, which helps expert evaluations and biofeedback systems. Altogether, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to offer a valuable and innovative approach for measuring and supporting SF.