Personality Trait-Based Model to Study the Acceptance of Electric Scooter-Sharing

Electric scooter-sharing services are available in several cities. However, their perception is divisive, and their share in the total modal split is low. To improve the modal share and the acceptance level of shared scooters, understanding the users is necessary. We aimed to explore users' expectations, fears, and doubts. The methodology of the Technology Acceptance Model was applied and expanded with electric scooter-sharing service-specific variables. As a novelty, the so-called Big Five personality traits were added to the model to reveal their influence on the intention to use. To investigate the connections between the model variables, a comprehensive questionnaire survey was carried out as a case study in Budapest, Hungary. The main finding of our research is that the users of electric scooter-sharing services are more extroverted, sociable, assertive, and enthusiastic. Moreover, we found that social influence and travel awareness have a positive impact on perceived usefulness. Our results can be used in service enhancements and user-centered service planning.