Perception, travel satisfaction associated with the use of electric moped scooters: Evidence from Suzhou, China

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-5016508/v1

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Perception, travel satisfaction associated with the use of electric moped scooters: Evidence from Suzhou, China

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5016508/v1

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Electric moped scooters have rapidly emerged as the preferred mode of transportation for short-duration travelers, owing to their compact size, reliability, convenience, and cost-effective. As one of the most popular short-duration transport modes in China, however, only very few studies have explored the relationship between commuting satisfaction, users perception, socio-demographics, and usage of the e-moped scooter. What is more, there is a dearth of research on the usage frequency of e-moped scooter for various travel purposes. In practice, individuals often consider their travel needs and objectives when selecting a mode of transport. Thus, to investigate the factors influencing the usage of e-moped scooter, a survey was conducted in Suzhou, China. Generalized ordered logit models were employed for the analysis. The findings suggest that the satisfaction with reliability and driving speed significantly influences the usage of e-moped scooter for commute among frequent users. However, the perception of time-saving has a negative impact on the usage frequency in frequent electric moped scooter users for commute. Moreover, no significant effect of the satisfaction with reliability and driving speed, and the perception of time-saving are found on the use frequency of e-moped scooters for both shopping and recreational activities. By examining the determining factors that influence the utilization of electric moped scooters for various travel purposes, we can enhance individuals' acceptance of this transport mode and promote the development of e-moped scooters in China, and targeted practical implications were given in this study.

Electric moped scooters

User perception and satisfaction

Urban mobility

China

The heavy reliance on automobiles in urban transportation has long been a persistent challenge for sustainable development. The continuous emergence of severe traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, as well as energy consumption issues significantly impact the quality of life and health conditions of urban residents (Silva et al., 2018). To address these challenges, many cities have implemented measures to reduce car dependency by extensively promoting public transportation systems, constructing bicycle lane networks, advocating for walking and other alternative modes of travel (Schreffler, 2018). These initiatives contribute towards advancing cities towards a more sustainable, low-carbon, and efficient future. Moreover, as the urban structure and spatial layout gradually improve, the majority of residents' daily travel primarily consists of short-distance trips. This is particularly evident in economically developed areas (Mouratidis et al., 2018). In the United States, based on statistical data from the 2022 National Household Travel Survey, trips covering distances less than 5 miles accounted for 51.5% of the total travel that year. Among all trips less than 2 miles, private vehicles such as sedans, pickups, and SUVs constitute 60% (Federal, 2022), thereby exacerbating urban traffic congestion and air pollution to a certain extent. Therefore, in recent years there has been an increasingly prominent contradiction between the high demand for short-distance travel and inadequate alternatives to private vehicles. Against the backdrop of ecological and energy transformation as well as sustainable urban development, many countries have initiated contemplation regarding the sustainability of transportation modes. These countries are now prioritizing the introduction of more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transportation options as primary choices for short-distance travel while also facilitating first/last mile journeys (Nikitas, 2018).

Electric moped scooters have rapidly gained popularity as a preferred transportation mode due to their compact size, agility, and low noise levels (Sun et al., 2022). On one hand, electric moped scooters serve as an environmentally friendly transportation model by utilizing clean energy sources, resulting in zero emissions and effectively reducing noise pollution. The utilization of electric moped scooters empowers individuals to minimize their impact on the urban environment (Altintasi and Yalcinkaya, 2022). On the other hand, in regard to reaching destinations that are farther away or not directly accessible from subway stations or bus stops, electric moped scooters provide a convenient and efficient solution. Compared to private cars, they are characterized by their small size, lightweight nature, ease of maneuverability and parking. Users can choose routes more flexibly and avoid congested areas with greater ease (Sun et al., 2022). Moreover, from an economic standpoint, the cost associated with purchasing and maintaining an electric moped scooter is relatively low (Galatoulas et al., 2018). Although electric moped scooters have become the preferred choice for short-distance urban travel, they have certain limitations. For example, the slower speeds of electric moped scooters, in comparison to private cars, may prove inconvenient when time is limited (Loudon et al., 2023). Moreover, their immediate stopping characteristic can pose safety concerns. Consequently, the public hold divergent perspectives regarding the usage of electric moped scooters.

The growing popularity of electric moped scooters has prompted extensive scholarly research, primarily focusing on the individual characteristics and attitudes of users. Surveys targeted individuals from various age groups, genders, and occupations, aiming to uncover both commonalities and differences among user groups of electric moped scooters (Abduljabbar et al., 2021). Additionally, it seeks to explore users' perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral patterns towards this mode of transportation (Paulssen et al., 2014). However, the adoption and frequency of utilization of electric moped scooters are also influenced by factors such as the performance and satisfaction of driving speed, reliable, and cost of the e-moped scooters (Montes et al., 2023). The increased speed of an electric moped scooter enhances its flexibility and efficiency, thereby maximizing user satisfaction and making it ideal for daily commuting for work. Moreover, the perception of the portable and easy parking capabilities of electric scooters' performance may further incentivize a diverse range of individuals to choose them as the preferred transportation mode for shopping.

What is more, there is a dearth of research on the usage frequency of e-moped scooter for various travel purposes. In practice, individuals often consider their travel needs and objectives when selecting a mode of transport. For instance, many urban dwellers opt for electric moped scooters as their preferred mode of commuting due to the compactness and flexibility they offer compared to cars. This makes electric moped scooters more convenient and agile on city roads, effectively enabling residents to avoid time wastage and stress caused by traffic congestion. For individuals who prioritize efficiency in their daily commute, this feature of electric moped scooters holds immense appeal (Zhai et al., 2023). In regard to shopping, compared to walking for shopping purposes, electric moped scooters are appealing to consumers due to their inclusion of storage baskets, which provide convenience for carrying shopping bags (Pomykala, 2018). Furthermore, the utilization of electric moped scooters has surged in leisure activities such as park visits or suburban tourism where riders can relish outdoor scenery without exerting excessive physical effort while covering longer distances (Hoobroeckx et al., 2023).

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the usage of electric moped scooter among users, taking into account different travel purposes. Additionally, we examine how user characteristics and attitudes contribute to variations in e-moped scooters usage frequency. By elucidating the determinants that impact electric moped scooter usage, we can gain a better understanding of individuals' perception and acceptance towards this innovative mode of transportation and provide valuable insights for policy-making.

Following this introduction, the subsequent section reviews the research pertaining to the advantages and influencing factors of electric moped scooters as a mode of transportation. The study site and data collection are described in Section 3. Additionally, descriptive statistics are reported. Section 4 outlines the research methodology employed in this paper. Section 5 introduces the main findings. The final section summarizes the key findings and implications, discusses limitations of the study, and presents future research trends.

In recent years, as a novel form of micromobility, the emergence of electric moped scooters has witnessed widespread adoption across the globe. Electric moped scooters have gained a wide audience due to their unique advantages. Compared to traditional cars, electric moped scooters are smaller in volume and are more convenient to operate (Altintasi and Yalcinkaya, 2022). Due to their lightweight design, electric moped scooters offer enhanced maneuverability under congested traffic conditions, thereby contributing to the alleviation of urban traffic congestion. With the increasing number of vehicles, urban parking spaces are becoming increasingly scarce. Parking conventional vehicles can pose a slight challenge, given the difficulty in locating parking spaces. Conversely, electric moped scooters, owing to their compact features, often bring about less difficulty in securing suitable parking spots. Compared to public transportation, electric moped scooters provide flexible route selection and efficiently cater to users' demand for point-to-point travel (Chen et al., 2023), thereby enhancing user-friendliness and efficiency. By utilizing an electric moped scooters for commuting, individuals can enjoy a flexible and autonomous mode of transportation, thereby minimizing their reliance on public transportation and reducing waiting time to the greatest extent. Moreover, according to Wortmann et al. (2021), electric moped scooters contribute less pollution to the environment and consume less energy, making electric moped scooters a sustainable mode of transportation. Additionally, the electric moped scooters serve as a cost-effective mode of transportation, offering the ability to overcome the limitations of private cars due to high travel costs and inconvenient parking (Guan et al., 2024). Consequently, they play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable urban transportation development.

Various factors influence on the utilization of electric moped scooters. The perception of the advantages and disadvantages of electric moped scooters significantly affects the willingness and frequency of their usage. Bartkowiak et al. (2021) investigated the motivations and barriers influencing the adoption of electric moped scooters. The findings revealed that perceived convenience can enhance the intention to utilize electric moped scooters, while safety concerns significantly contribute to a decrease of the intention. To alleviate people's concerns about safety, proper solutions to safety problems associated with this emerging technology is imperative for ensuring the effective implementation of electric moped scooters (Abduljabbar et al., 2021). Aguilera et al. (2020) investigated determinants of electric moped scooter usage among diverse groups with varying frequencies of use, aiming to examine the demand for electric moped scooters. Their findings indicated that the perception of parking availability significantly influences the frequency of electric moped scooter usage, with greater recognition of the advantages of parking availability leading to increased usage. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that the belief in the environmental advantages of electric moped scooters serves as a driving force behind their adoption (Paulssen et al., 2014). According to Martin et al. (2014), the acknowledgement of the advantages associated with electric moped scooters, such as environmental friendliness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, is closely linked to the consideration of potential usage.

Apart from the understanding of electric moped scooters, the adoption level of using electric moped scooters may also be influenced by travel circumstances. The usage of electric moped scooters varies according to different travel purposes. It has been found that electric moped scooters are primarily utilized for recreational or social activities, while commuting to work serves as another primary motivation (Gonzalo et al., 2024). In another study, Aguilera et al. (2020) examined the feasibility of substituting car travel with electric moped scooter usage. The findings revealed that a higher probability to use electric moped scooters exists when traveling for shorter distances under favorable weather conditions. The potential utilization rate of electric moped scooters is significantly influenced by factors such as the trip purpose, timing, and travel distance, the finding that has been further corroborated in studies (Parkin et al., 2008; Liu et al., 2015).

The current literature on electric moped scooter usage has focused primarily on a limited range of aspects, such as examining the factors that influence its use as a mode of transportation or exploring its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to other modes of transport. However, despite the limited exploration of electric moped scooter usage patterns for travel purposes, the scope of research remains constrained. In order to bridge this gap, this paper investigates the factors influencing the usage levels of electric moped scooters for different travel purposes, aiming to gain a better understanding of the variations in demand for electric moped scooters among different user segments. Moreover, this research holds significant implications for advancing our comprehension of user experience and travel patterns of electric moped scooters.

3.1 Survey design and data collection

As Suzhou has undergone rapid population growth and development, resulting in traffic congestion, electric moped scooters have emerged as a convenient and efficient mode of transportation. Additionally, due to the city's historic nature and preservation efforts, the ability of e-moped scooters to navigate narrow streets and alleys has seamlessly integrated them into Suzhou's urban fabric, greatly facilitating residents' commuting needs. Thus, as a typical second-tier city in China, Suzhou was chosen for this the case study.

The survey was conducted to identify the explanatory factors influencing the utilization of electric moped scooters for urban travel. The questionnaire contains three parts: (1) Electric moped scooter use behavior, including electric moped scooter use frequency for different trip purposes, satisfaction with the electric moped scooters, and reasons for choosing electric moped scooters; (2) Users' travel attitudes and preferences, with a specific focus on residents' mode choice for urban travel; (3) Users' socio-demographics, such as age, gender, income, education, health status and so on. The survey was distributed from March to July 2023. A total of 395 questionnaires were distributed to users of electric moped scooters, out of which 347 valid questionnaires were returned.

3.2 Variables and sample description

To assess the frequency of electric moped scooter usage for different trip purposes, we employed a single-item inquiry: How frequently do you use electric moped scooters for different trip purposes such as commuting, shopping, and recreational activities per day? The independent variables are classified into three categories including electric moped scooter users' travel behavior, travel attitudes and preferences, and users' demographics.

In terms of travel behavior, the satisfaction of electric moped scooters encompasses four parts: travel time reliability, driving speed, flexibility, and parking convenience. The respondents' satisfaction with the travel characteristics of electric moped scooters was measured on a 5-point ordinal scale ranging from 'Strongly dissatisfied' (1) to 'Strongly satisfied' (5). Travel attitudes and preferences when choosing means of transport were also collected. The importance of three factors (trip reliability, transfer times and walking less) in urban travel are rated on a scale from 1 (less important) to 5 (very important). Because some of the characteristics are highly correlated with the satisfaction of electric moped scooters, which also exists in the choice of transport modes in urban trips, a factor analysis was used to reduce complexity and minimize the existing correlation between these items. The analysis resulted in three factors, namely attitude and perception of time-saving when choosing transportation modes, satisfaction with reliable performance and satisfaction with driving speed of electric moped scooters. Pattern matrix of factor analysis is shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Results of the factor analysis
	Statements	Loadings
Perception of time-saving	Less congestion time should be emphasized when choosing transportation mode.	0.70
	Less transfer times should be emphasized when choosing transportation mode.	0.83
	Less walking should to be emphasized when choosing transportation mode.	0.77
Satisfaction with reliable performance	Electric moped scooters have the characteristics of free adjustment of driving routes.	0.85
	Electric moped scooters have characteristics of delay alleviating due to traffic jams and other reasons.	0.81
	Electric moped scooters have the characteristics of convenient parking.	0.82
Satisfaction with driving speed	Electric moped scooters have the characteristics of fast driving.	0.96

Table 2 presents the descriptive statistics of key variables. Regarding travel behavior, the usage frequency of electric moped scooters among users varies, with 17.6% using the e-moped scooters less than twice a day, while over half of the users have a frequency ranging from two to four times per day. Approximately 30% of users utilize their e-moped scooters more than five times daily. We further examined the duration of e-moped scooter usage, the findings indicated that more than 60% of the users had been utilizing the vehicles for more than two years and among these users, approximately 41.5% of them had been employing e-moped scooters for a duration exceeding five years. This finding suggests that e-moped scooters are widely embraced and extensively utilized.

In terms of the socio-demographics, the majority of electric moped scooter users, approximately 90%, fall within the age bracket below 50 years old. This finding signifies a higher level of popularity and widespread adoption of electric moped scooters among younger demographics. The sample maintains a balanced distribution in terms of gender (52.4% male) and education level (51.8% with college diploma and above). Furthermore, it is worth noting that nearly half (45.8%) of the respondents possess a monthly income below 5000 yuan, suggesting that their preference for electric moped scooters as a mode of transportation may stem from its cost-effectiveness in terms of travel expenses. Approximately 90% of the respondents come from households with more than three members and are in good physical condition. Over 80% of the respondents' households possess one or more cars, while motorcycles are owned by 41.5% of the population and bicycles are owned by over 50%. Additionally, exceeding 80% of respondents reside in urban areas, with approximately 50% of e-moped scooter users being concentrated in densely populated city districts.

Table 2

List of selected variables and summary statistics of the sample (N = 347)
Variable	Level	Count	%
Use frequency	Less than 2 times per day	61	17.6
	From 2 to 4 times per day	184	53.0
	Above 5 times per day	102	29.4
E-moped usage duration	Less than 6 months	60	17.3
	6 months−1 year	29	8.4
	1–2 years	44	12.7
	2–3 years	40	11.5
	3–5 years	30	8.6
	Longer than 5 years	144	41.5
Age	< 25	84	24.2
	25 ≤ age ≤ 34	108	31.2
	35 ≤ age ≤ 49	116	33.4
	≥ 50	39	11.2
Gender	Male	182	52.4
Gender	Female	165	47.6
Income	Less than 5,000 CNY/month	159	45.8
	5,000–10,000 CNY/month	115	33.1
	10,000–20,000 CNY/month	44	12.7
	More than 20,000 CNY/month	29	8.4
Education	Junior Secondary and lower	21	6.1
	High School	77	22.2
	College diploma	69	19.9
	Graduate degree	153	44.1
	Master and above	27	7.7
Household structure	1 people	11	3.2
	2 people	27	7.8
	3 people	139	40.1
	≥ 4 people	170	48.9
Health status	Poor health	5	1.4
	Not bad	32	9.3
	Fairly healthy	151	43.5
	Very healthy	159	45.8
Car ownership	None	39	11.2
	1	204	58.8
	≥ 2	104	30.0
Motor ownership	None	203	58.5
	1	106	30.5
	≥ 2	38	11.0
Bike ownership	None	140	40.4
	1	142	40.9
	≥ 2	65	18.7
Place of residence	Urban (higher population density)	170	49.0
	Urban (lower population density)	135	38.9
	Non-urban	42	12.1

This paper aims to develop a model for examining the usage patterns of electric moped scooters. It should be noted that the dependent variable in this research is the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. Given the ordinal and discrete nature of this variable (1 = frequent use, above 5 times per day; 2 = occasional use, 2–4 times per day; 3 = less than 2 times per day), it is appropriate to analyze the levels of frequency using ordered logit models. However, one key assumption of ordered logit models is the proportional odds assumption which assumes equal relationships between all pairs of outcome categories. This assumption may be violated and result in misleading findings. To address such situations, we employ a generalized ordered logit model (gologit) which allows for relaxing the proportional odds assumption across all variables. Therefore, the model can be formulated as follows:

$$\:{\rm\:P}\left({y}_{a}>k\right)=\frac{exp\left({\beta\:}_{1}{X}_{1a}+{\beta\:}_{2a}{X}_{2b}-{\vartheta\:}_{b}\right)}{1+exp\left({\beta\:}_{1}{X}_{1a}+{\beta\:}_{2a}{X}_{2b}-{\vartheta\:}_{b}\right)},k=\text{1,2}$$

The vector of parameters, denoted as $\:{\beta\:}_{1}$, represents the subset of observed explanatory variables that do not violate the proportional odds assumption. Similarly, the vector of parameters, denoted as $\:{X}_{1a}$, varies according to the cut point of the ordered logit model and is associated with a subset $\:{X}_{2b}$ of observed explanatory variables. To assess whether all calculated coefficients adhere to the parallel odds assumption and determine if a generalized ordered logit form is necessary, we conduct a Brant test.

5.1 Descriptive analysis

As illustrated in Fig. 1, overall satisfaction with electric vehicle use was relatively high, 40.1% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with overall e-moped scooter use, while a significant proportion of 37.2% reported being strongly satisfied. Among the various factors, the convenience of parking electric moped scooters garnered the highest satisfaction, with approximately 85% expressing their contentment, followed by travel time reliability and flexibility. In comparison to other aspects, satisfaction with driving speed was comparatively lower, as less than 30% of individuals reported feeling satisfied. Furthermore, a notable 22.2% expressed strong dissatisfaction with it.

The distribution of the reasons for individuals' selection of an e-moped scooter is illustrated in Fig. 2. As can be seen, a large percentage of people (70.4%) chose electric moped scooters as a transportation mode due to their competitive price in comparison to private cars and taxis. Moreover, 62.3% of users assumed that the utilization of an electric moped scooter facilitates seamless transportation to destinations without transferring between different transportation modes. Regrettably, only approximately 20% of respondents opt for electric moped scooters as their preferred mode of transportation due to their consideration for environmental friendliness. Figure 3 shows the distribution of the disadvantages of choosing electric moped scooters as a mode. As can be observed, the disadvantages most highly appreciated when choosing electric moped scooters are low comfort (70.4%), driving safety hazards (59.7%), and limited travel distance (58.1%). Thus, the popularity of electric moped scooters necessitates addressing the aforementioned challenges to enhance user experience and promote their wider application in urban travel.

The distribution of travel purposes for e-moped scooter trips is shown in Fig. 4. A large proportion (82.4%) of users ride e-moped scooters more than twice a day, highlighting the pivotal role that electric vehicles play in their daily commuting routines. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that a majority of travelers utilize electric moped scooters for recreational activities or for shopping on more than five times per day. However, in regard to work-related travel purposes, the frequency of usage is moderate. The majority of respondents (72.6%) stated that they employ their e-scooters for work-related activities an average of 1–4 times per day.

5.2 Results of the generalized ordered logit model

After conducting a preliminary data analysis, this section employs a generalized ordered logit model to investigate the impact of various factors on the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. Moreover, this study differentiates travel purposes into work, shopping, and recreational activities in order to examine variations in the influence of different factors on the frequency of electric moped scooter usage for different travel purposes. We categorized the dependent variable "frequency of electric moped scooter usage" into three groups: 1 = frequent use (above 5 times per day), 2 = occasional use (2–4 times per day), and 3 = seldom use (less than 2 times per day). The modelling results are shown in Table 3.

In terms of user satisfaction with electric moped scooters, reliable performance and fast speed are considered two key factors that influence the frequency of use. The findings indicate that user satisfaction with the reliability of electric moped scooters significantly impacts frequent work-oriented usage. This indicates that for regular users of electric moped scooters, the paramount concern lies in the ability of the scooter to function steadily, thereby ensuring a controlled and dependable commuting experience. Additionally, user satisfaction with the reliability of electric moped scooters does not significantly impact the use frequency of e-moped scooters for shopping and entertainment purposes. This implies that users prioritize alternative factors when selecting electric moped scooters. It is plausible that due to the time-unconstrained feature of shopping and entertainment activities, users may allocate less attention towards evaluating the reliability of electric scooters. When considering the satisfaction with driving speed, research has indicated that for frequent users, their satisfaction with the speed of scooters positively impacts their frequency of usage for commute. This is because a higher speed of electric scooters can significantly reduce commuting time, which is crucial in mitigating the already tight and compressed schedules associated with commuting. However, in terms of shopping or recreational activities, the high speed of e-moped scooters does not significantly contribute to an increase in their frequency of use. This can be attributed to the fact that when employing electric moped scooters for shopping or recreational purposes, time is often not urgent and the user is in a more comfortable and relaxed state. Users may prioritize other factors such as comfort and flexibility over driving speed as the primary determining factor.

With respect to personal attitudes and perception towards electric moped scooters, the findings reveal that the perception of time-saving has a detrimental impact on the frequency of utilizing electric moped scooters for commute. Despite the significant advantages of electric assisted bicycles in terms of facilitating seamless travel and providing direct routes, which also contribute to congestion reduction compared to private cars, time-sensitive individuals may opt for alternative modes of transportation in order to minimize their commuting time. Compared to shopping and recreational activities, commuting for work entails longer travel distances. Given that electric moped scooters are suitable for medium to short-distance trips but are not ideal for long-distance travel, individuals with lengthier commutes may opt for private cars or public transportation such as the subway in order to save valuable commuting time. However, when it comes to shopping and recreational activities, there is no significant correlation between the usage of electric moped scooters and time savings.

What is more, e-moped usage duration exhibits a positive correlation with the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. The frequency of electric moped scooter usage is higher among individuals with long-term ownership of electric moped scooters. This phenomenon remains consistent across various travel purposes, including work, shopping, and recreational activities. This can be interpreted as individuals increasingly relying on electric moped scooters over time, developing a habitual preference for their use as the primary mode of transportation in daily commuting. Moreover, the study revealed that the duration of e-moped usage influences work-related travel most compared to other purposes.

In terms of demographics, age significantly influences the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. Among individuals under 35 years old, there is a greater inclination to frequently use electric bicycles for commuting purposes due to their good physical condition, coupled with relatively limited finances. During this life stage, they prefer a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation to meet their daily work needs. However, as individuals age, middle-aged individuals increasingly utilize electric moped scooters for shopping purposes. Compared to young singles, middle-aged individuals typically have already established families, thereby increasing their need and frequency for household shopping. Opting for electric moped scooters as a means of transportation for shopping not only caters to daily life necessities but also ensures efficiency and convenience. Consequently, this has led to the growing popularity and widespread utilization of electric moped scooters among the middle-aged demographic in the realm of shopping. It is worth noting that across age groups under 50 years old, electric scooters are widely used and favored for frequent recreational activities. However, as individuals age further, there is a significant decline in the utilization of electric moped scooters among older adults (aged 50 and above) for various travel purposes due to age-related physical limitations. The physical limitations faced by elderly individuals may pose challenges to their safe operation of an electric moped scooter. Consequently, they may opt to reduce or refrain from using electric scooters after carefully considering potential safety risks.

Additionally, occasional male users of electric moped scooters predominantly employ scooters for the purpose of commuting and shopping. Their intermittent usage suggests that they do not rely heavily on electric moped scooters in their daily routines. Income has a significant impact on the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. For individuals from middle and lower income brackets (below 20,000 yuan per month), they are more inclined to utilize electric moped scooters for work and shopping. This can be attributed to the fact that when choosing modes of transportation for commuting purposes, individuals from the middle and low-income groups take into account the potential for reducing travel costs. The use of electric moped scooters, in comparison to cars, eliminates the need for expensive fuel consumption and only requires charging for daily commuting needs. This significantly reduces costs and presents a financially advantageous alternative for individuals from low- and middle-income backgrounds who face economic pressures. In terms of shopping, consumers from the middle and low-income groups exhibit a greater propensity to utilize electric moped scooters in comparison to high-income individuals (exceeding 20,000 yuan per month). Given the thriving development of urban infrastructure, grocery stores are situated within a 10 or 15-minute radius from residential areas, thereby ensuring relatively close proximity between living spaces and shopping destinations. In this context, employing an electric moped scooter as a mode of transportation for nearby shopping endeavors can effectively cater to the daily requirements of middle and low-income consumers. However, high-income individuals may exhibit a comparatively lower frequency of shopping activities in contrast to middle- and low-income individuals. Moreover, their shopping patterns diverge from those of middle- and low-income individuals as they tend to favor weekly visits to large-scale retail centers. Consequently, they may be inclined to opt for private vehicles as a means of transportation for shopping purposes in order to accommodate their higher volume requirements. In terms of education, there exists a significant positive correlation between low-educated individuals and their frequency of utilizing electric scooters for diverse purposes. Furthermore, middle-educated individuals tend to frequently employ electric moped scooters for shopping and recreational activities, while occasionally utilizing them for work-related tasks. Conversely, individuals with a high level of education exhibit less inclination towards using electric mopeds for shopping and recreational purposes. The findings reveal that middle- or high-educated individuals enjoy a broader and more diverse array of choices when it comes to working transportation tools. Electric moped scooters do not constitute the primary preference for this particular demographic.

Residing in densely populated city centers is positively correlated with the frequency of electric moped scooter use. In comparison to private cars, electric moped scooters possess the advantages of compactness and flexibility, rendering them more suitable for utilization on congested urban roads characterized by high population density. Consequently, electric moped scooters effectively mitigate time wastage caused by traffic congestion. The findings indicate that in the context of urban expansion and rapid population density increase, actively promoting and encouraging widespread adoption of electric moped scooters can effectively address the conflicting issues between people's travel needs and sustainable urban development, thereby enhancing its potential to alleviate traffic congestion. In addition, the findings suggest that as the number of cars ownership increases, individuals' inclination towards using electric moped scooters as a means of shopping and leisure activities transportation also grows. This unexpected finding may be due to the fact that with escalating issues such as heavy road traffic and limited parking space, many areas are implementing restrictive measures to alleviate congestion. In this context, electric moped scooters are poised to emerge as one of the ideal travel modes for shopping due to their compact and flexible size, enabling them to swiftly reach destinations through specific routes or dedicated lanes. Simultaneously, electric moped scooters have the potential to circumvent parking difficulties and high fees, thereby offering certain economic benefits. In terms of recreational activities, individuals who frequently utilize electric moped scooters tend to prefer them as transportation modes despite owning private cars. This inclination may stem from the distinct applicability and advantages offered by private cars and electric moped scooters, enabling individuals to flexibly choose their preferred travel modes based on varying travel distances and circumstances. Compared to driving a private car, utilizing an electric moped scooter on urban roads grants greater maneuverability, allowing individuals to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery and natural beauty. Moreover, whether amidst bustling city centers or serene suburban landscapes, an electric moped scooters can effortlessly be parked at optimal locations. Finally, the results demonstrate that no significant effect is found between individual health condition and the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. Despite suggestions positing that electric moped scooters may be more suitable for individuals with compromised health status (Pettersson et al., 2016), this survey does not yield this conclusion.

Table 3

Explanatory model (gologit) for frequency to use electric moped scooters in different purposes.
	Use for work						Use for shopping						Use for recreational activities
Independent variables	Frequent			Occasional			Frequent			Occasional			Frequent			Occasional
Independent variables	Coeff.	Std-E	p	Coeff.	Std-E	p	Coeff.	Std-E	p	Coeff.	Std-E	p	Coeff.	Std-E	p	Coeff.	Std-E	p
Satisfaction with reliable performance	1.80***	0.77	0.02	0.52	0.82	0.53	0.39	0.65	0.55	0.90	1.22	0.46	-0.05	0.63	0.93	0.25	1.16	0.83
Satisfaction with driving speed	0.74***	0.35	0.04	0.09	0.38	0.81	0.25	0.30	0.40	0.15	0.58	0.80	0.17	0.30	0.56	-0.20	0.54	0.71
Perception of time-saving	-1.92***	0.84	0.02	-0.26	0.89	0.77	-0.23	0.71	0.74	-0.37	1.33	0.78	0.23	0.69	0.74	0.52	1.27	0.68
E-moped usage duration	0.49***	0.08	0.00	0.40***	0.10	0.00	0.19***	0.07	0.00	0.47***	0.15	0.00	0.18***	0.07	0.01	0.22**	0.12	0.06
Age (< 35)	0.84**	0.51	0.10	0.22	0.52	0.67	0.49	0.43	0.25	0.22	0.73	0.76	1.46***	0.47	0.00	0.06	0.66	0.93
Age (35–50)	0.43	0.51	0.40	0.27	0.50	0.60	1.06***	0.44	0.02	0.92	0.69	0.18	1.24***	0.47	0.01	0.16	0.63	0.80
Gender (Male)	-0.13	0.28	0.63	0.64***	0.30	0.04	-0.11	0.24	0.65	0.74**	0.43	0.09	-0.01	0.24	0.98	0.40	0.38	0.29
Monthly income (Less than 5,000 CNY)	1.49***	0.52	0.01	1.30***	0.67	0.05	0.99***	0.50	0.05	-1.23**	0.75	0.10	0.92**	0.51	0.07	0.13	0.80	0.88
Monthly income ( 5,000–10,000 CNY)	1.59***	0.51	0.00	0.59	0.67	0.38	0.92**	0.50	0.07	-1.50***	0.75	0.05	0.74	0.50	0.14	0.03	0.80	0.97
Monthly income ( 10,000–20,000 CNY)	1.70***	0.59	0.00	0.74	0.74	0.32	0.95**	0.56	0.09	-1.69**	0.89	0.06	0.75	0.57	0.19	-1.33	0.99	0.18
Education (High school and below)	-0.23	0.37	0.53	0.59**	0.36	0.10	0.44	0.31	0.16	0.95**	0.51	0.07	0.45	0.31	0.15	0.80**	0.47	0.09
Education ( College diploma)	-0.10	0.37	0.78	0.66**	0.37	0.08	0.90***	0.32	0.01	0.28	0.57	0.62	0.61***	0.31	0.05	0.50	0.48	0.30
Household structure	-0.09	0.45	0.84	-0.13	0.53	0.81	-0.25	0.41	0.54	0.85	0.73	0.25	-0.62	0.43	0.15	-0.60	0.82	0.46
Place of residence	-0.08	0.29	0.79	0.62***	0.30	0.04	0.06	0.24	0.81	0.87***	0.40	0.03	0.00	0.24	1.00	0.57	0.38	0.13
Health status ( Poor health and not bad)	0.61	0.48	0.20	0.40	0.49	0.41	0.05	0.42	0.90	0.22	0.69	0.75	0.27	0.42	0.52	-0.28	0.73	0.71
Health status ( Fairly healthy)	0.06	0.30	0.84	-0.06	0.32	0.86	0.15	0.26	0.57	0.61	0.44	0.16	-0.10	0.26	0.71	-0.15	0.40	0.70
Car ownership	-0.31	0.24	0.19	0.17	0.25	0.50	0.49***	0.21	0.02	0.84***	0.38	0.03	0.42***	0.21	0.04	0.46	0.34	0.17
Log-likelihood	-307.72						-290.00						-294.30
R-squared	0.14						0.13						0.11
LR chi2	102.14						84.61						70.01
Note: *, , * represent statistical significance at the 1%, 5%, and 10% level, respectively.

This study examines the determinants of the adoption and usage frequency of electric moped scooters for various travel purposes, including work, shopping, and leisure activities. It investigates how user characteristics and personal attitudes towards transportation modes impact the frequency of electric moped scooter usage. The data were collected from 347 electric moped scooter users in Suzhou, China through an online questionnaire survey. A generalized ordered logit model was employed to analyze the data.

Firstly, individual demographic characteristics are found play a crucial role in elucidating the adoption of electric moped scooters. Specifically, individuals aged under 35 or possessing a college diploma exhibit a greater inclination to utilize this mode of transportation for commuting, while middle-aged individuals and those with low educational backgrounds tend to favor electric moped scooters for shopping and recreational activities. In the middle- and low-income populations, individuals who frequently utilize electric moped scooters tend to perceive them as a viable mode of transportation for work and shopping. Conversely, within the high-income group, this trend is reversed, as their inclination towards choosing electric scooters for work and shopping diminishes with increasing income levels. Moreover, residing in densely populated areas also acts as a significant determinant for people opting for electric moped scooters as their preferred means of travel. This preference stems from the compactness and flexibility advantages offered by electric moped scooters over private cars, rendering them more suitable for navigation on congested urban roads characterized by high population density. The findings also indicate that there is a positive correlation between the increase in car ownership and individuals' preference for using electric moped scooters for shopping and leisure activities. This can be interpreted as individuals making flexible choices between private cars and electric moped scooters for transportation, based on their respective applicability and advantages, taking into account the distance and circumstances of their travel. These findings provide a profound comprehension of the behavioral characteristics exhibited by different user groups of electric moped scooters through an analysis of demographic features. By comprehensively understanding individual needs and preferences, as well as advocating for pertinent policies and measures, actively promoting the utilization of electric moped scooters in densely populated areas or for short-distance travel can augment their popularity and further alleviate urban traffic congestion, thereby fostering sustainable urban development.

Secondly, individuals possess a perception and preference of time-saving transportation options when selecting their daily means of transportation. For time-sensitive travelers, they strive to minimize travel time by minimizing transfers and walking activities in order to avoid physical exertion and save time. However, the findings indicate that the perception of efficiency and time-saving negatively influence individuals making decisions to utilize electric moped scooters as their daily work commute mode. The discovery has prompted us to explore future solutions, such as enhancing battery performance through technological innovation for electric moped scooters and improving the construction and optimization of non-motorized vehicle lanes in urban areas. These measures aim to optimize the efficiency of electric moped scooters in order to meet individuals' time-sensitive travel needs. Additionally, governments can encourage and further promote the substitution of private cars with electric moped scooters for short-distance trips, thereby alleviating urban traffic congestion and improving traffic efficiency during peak hours.

In addition, conducting a study on users' perceived benefits of electric moped scooters and their transportation preferences contributes to more accurate promotion and active advocacy of the electric moped scooters. The findings suggest that users express high satisfaction and expectations regarding the reliable performance and speed of electric moped scooters. Moreover, the high satisfaction of individuals with the speed and reliability of electric moped scooters further promotes their usage for daily commuting purposes. Further optimization of their performance and speed can be achieved through technological advancements and innovative integration, such as introducing advanced lithium-ion battery technology, implementing lightweight designs, and combining intelligent charging systems to continuously drive technological progress while effectively improving maximum speed and range. By advocating for and supporting the increased adoption of electric moped scooters, a convenient, lightweight, and flexible mode of transportation, we are more likely to continuously explore breakthroughs in sustainable energy technology and provide an expanded array of options for urban travel.

The travel patterns of electric moped scooters can still be further explored to enhance the comprehensive understanding, and additional efforts can be made to address the limitations of this study. Firstly, different travel purposes necessitate varying travel distances, so it is necessary to consider the impact of factors such as travel distance and duration on the frequency of electric scooter usage in order to gain a deeper understanding of the potential and prospects of electric scooters in urban transportation. Secondly, considering the disparities in scale and structural composition between Suzhou, a second-tier city in China, and first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, as well as county towns and rural areas, the findings derived from Suzhou may not necessarily be applicable to cities of different scales or structures. There exist variations in the travel behavioral characteristics among individuals residing in cities of different scales, including first-tier cities, county towns, and villages, henceforth necessitating further comparative research on electric moped scooter travel in the future.

Author Contribution

Jiayi Liu: Original Draft, MethodologyJia Guo: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing-Review&Editing;Ruoning LI: Original Draft, Data CollectionJue Xu: Writing

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No competing interests reported.

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Perception, travel satisfaction associated with the use of electric moped scooters: Evidence from Suzhou, China

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1. INTRODUCTION

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

3. THE DATA

3.1 Survey design and data collection

3.2 Variables and sample description

4. METHODOLOGY

5. MODELLING RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Descriptive analysis

5.2 Results of the generalized ordered logit model

6. CONCLUSIONS

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