Transitioning to electric motorcycles (EMs) can reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels, mitigate air pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions in countries where motorcycles dominate the transportation landscape. However, the factors influencing fleet electrification in these countries remain largely unknown. Given that this challenge pertains to the prior adoption of new technology, technology acceptance theories can provide valuable insights into the adoption of EMs. Additionally, misinformation about EM risks and self-assessment of knowledge could interact as determinants of adoption. This study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and perceived risk to elucidate the impact of psychosocial factors on consumers' intentions to use EMs. Furthermore, it examines the direct and moderating effect of subjective knowledge about EM technology on the formation of this behavioral intention. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate data collected from 762 respondents through personal interviews using a questionnaire. The results confirm that all original TAM and TPB constructs significantly influence behavioral intention, aligning with theoretical expectations. As hypothesized, perceived risk was found to exert a negative influence on the intention to adopt EMs. Additionally, subjective knowledge was observed to moderate the relationship between perceived usefulness and subjective norms concerning the intention to use EMs. These findings offer a roadmap for developing strategies aimed at encouraging adoption intentions toward EMs, particularly in countries like Vietnam.

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Motorcycle riding is the principal mode of travel in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Motorcycle-based transport is regarded as highly problematic today due to reliance on fossil-based fuels, which contributes to climate change. Additionally, emissions from fuel combustion release air pollutants in urban areas, resulting in public health issues. Unfortunately, in LMICs, functioning and widespread public transport infrastructure will not be feasible in the near future due to economic and social tensions. As such, encouraging a mode shift from conventional motorcycles to electric motorcycles (EMs), a more sustainable transport mode, is a reasonable strategy for many jurisdictions. However, to develop effective programs to increase the adoption of EMs, it is necessary to have a better understanding of motives and barriers that determine the switching intention to EMs. To cover this gap, this investigation aims to develop a conceptual research model based on the Behavioural Reasoning Theory to explore the antecedents of the switching intention. Data from 751 conventional motorcycle users in Vietnam were used to test the model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The moderating roles of trust and knowledge were also examined in this study. The results showed that ‘reasons for’ have no direct effect on the switching intention; however, this variable affects the intention indirectly via global motives. In contrast, ‘reasons against’ show a negative direct impact on the intention, and no indirect effect is found. The findings provide interesting insights for governments and the electric vehicle industry.@en