Sensory Perception of Surface Textures in Handheld Operational Products: A Case Study of E-Bike Handgrips

Handheld operational products including bicycles, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices, the grip and tactile perception between users' hands and the product’s handle have a direct impact on safety, comfort, and psychological state. Given the widespread popularity of e-bike in the short-distance travel, it is essential to investigate whether specific surface texture can enhance anti-slip performance, comfort, and emotional stability under different usage contexts. By systematically analyzing e-bike handgrips, this study provides practical design insights that can be extended to a wide variety of handheld operational products, ultimately contributing to improved user experience and safety.A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating both subjective and objective data. Three representative e-bike handgrips textures-smooth, concave, and convex-were selected. Twenty volunteers were recruited for two experimental sessions: i) Participants performed a simulated riding task under normal and slippery conditions. A seven-point Likert scale gathered subjective feedback on comfort, visual impressions, and anti-slip performance. Meanwhile, electromyography (EMG) recorded grip force to quantify the force levels associated with each texture; ii) Participants first watched an e-bike accident video to elicit an emotional response. They then completed a short real-world driving task using each of the three handgrips. During this session, galvanic skin response (GSR) was monitored to capture fluctuations in emotional arousal, and brief interviews before and after provided additional qualitative insights into user experience and perceived safety. User-reported experiences differed markedly among the three handgrip textures. Convex handgrips generally fostered stronger feelings of security and reduced perceived force, particularly in slippery conditions, where users noted enhanced control. Concave handgrips were consistently praised for long-term comfort, as participants felt less fatigue during extended grip scenarios. Smooth handgrips, while sufficient in stable conditions, tended to elicit uncertainty and higher perceived exertion when surfaces were wet. Observational notes and interview transcripts suggest that users’ emotional stability and confidence improved most with the convex texture, indicating a potential link between tactile cues and perceived safety.Overall, each texture delivers distinct advantages: convex surfaces improve anti-slip properties and user confidence, concave grips enhance comfort over longer duration, and smooth surfaces suffice in ideal settings but may underperform when heightened grip stability is required. For handheld products requiring high grip security, convex textures appear preferable, whereas scenarios emphasizing prolonged comfort may favor a concave design. These insights demonstrate the importance of nuanced surface features in shaping user perceptions and experiences. Future research can investigate variations in concavity and convexity depth, as well as diverse user demographics and additional physiological metrics, to refine texture-based design strategies. By integrating these user-centered findings into product development, designers and engineers can more effectively meet the functional and emotional needs of individuals across various handheld operational contexts.