The role of psychological and socio-demographical factors for electric bike use in Norway. Issue 5 (28th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simsekoglu, Özlem; Klöckner, Christian A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable transportation. Volume 13:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 323
• Publication Date: 2019-05-28
• Subjects: e-bike use -- Norm Activation Model -- attributes -- innovativeness -- Norway; Transportation -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1080/15568318.2018.1466221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-8318

Abstract

Abstract: The electric bike (e-bike) is emerging as a new sustainable transport mode in Norway and has the potential to lead to increased cycling among the population. However, little is known about psychosocial determinants of e-bike use. The aim of the study was to examine the role of normative and environmental beliefs, the perceived attributes of e-bikes, and innovativeness and demographical factors related to e-bike use in a Norwegian sample. An online survey was used to collect data from 910 respondents, including both e-bike users (252) and non-users (658). The respondents were recruited via a commercial panel (response rate 42.04%) and a Facebook post. A structural equation modeling analysis was used to analyze the data. The structural model had a good fit to the data. The results showed that attitudes towards e-bike use followed by innovativeness were the most important predictors of e-bike use. The normative processes measured within the Norm Activation Model activated positive attitudes towards e-bike use, which in turn predicted e-bike use. There was a negative relationship between e-bike and conventional bike use, while a positive relationship was found between car and e-bike use. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for interventions aiming to promote e-bike use.