What result in older persons’ acceptance of electric bikes in developing countries? An empirical evidence in Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract

The elderly are a potential segment of electric bicycles (EBs); however, so far the understanding of the factors contributing to the choice of this mode for older persons in developing countries has been rather limited – particularly compared to that in developed countries. The current study aims at exploring people’s intention to accept EB in later life in Hanoi, Vietnam using the data from 360 older persons (at least 55 years old) to empirically analyse a conceptual framework formulated based on the Model of Goal-Directed Behaviour (MGDB) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Desire is found to be the major contributor to intention, which is found to be significantly higher for younger and employed respondents. Desire is facilitated by subjective norms and attitude but is deterred by perceived crash risk. Perceived behavioural control and descriptive norms are irrelevant predictors. This study is one of the first research on the elderly’s intention to ride an EB in low- and middle-income countries.