INVESTIGATING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF E-MOTORCYCLE AND E-SCOOTER SHARING USING SUBJECTIVE EVALUATIONS

Abstract

Subjective evaluation of individuals is crucial for adopting new mobility services. This study aims to understand the acceptability of two newly emerged personal e-mobility services—shared e-motorcycle and e-scooter services―and the subjective evaluations underlying their acceptability. A questionnaire survey was administered across Japan in December 2023 to understand the factors underlying acceptability. The survey included questions about the acceptance of shared e-motorcycles and e-scooters and questions related to measuring subjective factors, trust, perceived usability, positive and negative perceptions, and positive and negative affect. An ordered probit model was used to identify factors influencing acceptability. The results showed that subjective factors, such as experience with similar existing services, trust in the new mobility service, perceived usability, system usability scale, and positive and negative perceptions of the new mobility service, significantly affected an individual’s acceptability. For instance, an individual’s experience with bicycle sharing increases their intention to use e-motorcycles and share scooters. In addition, individuals who trust mobility and sharing services are more likely to use shared personal e-mobility services. The use of shared e-motorcycles and e-scooters was significantly driven by perceived usability—related to easy access to shared mobility. Finally, positive perceptions of personal e-mobility sharing significantly increased acceptability, whereas negative perceptions had the opposite effect.