Understanding Electric Bike Adoption in Pakistan: The Role of Economic Benefits, Environmental Concern, and Technology Acceptance

Abstract

With the ongoing deterioration of the environment and the soaring fuel prices in Pakistan, there is a need to look for green means of transportation. This study aims to find out the economic and environmental benefits of electric bike (EB) as an alternative vehicle in Pakistan especially in Lahore and Karachi. The study examines factors including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, environmental concern, social influence, cost benefit perception, perceived value, trust and electricity accessibility and their influence on consumers' behavioral intention to use eBicycles based on the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The process of collecting quantitative data was done using a structured questionnaire with a sample of 1000 participants in both cities who were targeted for a cross sectional survey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data with maximum likelihood estimation. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, environmental concern, cost benefit perception, perceived value, and trust are significant and positively influences electric bike adoption intention. On the other hand, the finding of negative but insignificant relationship between the electricity accessibility and perceived usefulness was an indicator of infrastructure issues in Pakistan. Overall, the study indicates that the encouragement of e-bike promotion can be achieved by preparing charging stations, financial support by the government, and asserting the environment. The results yield some valuable implications for policy makers, manufacturers and environmental agencies providing incentives for sustainable mobility in developing countries.