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An empirical study of consumers’ intention to use ride-sharing services: using an extended technology acceptance model

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Abstract

Ride-sharing has received great attention recently and is considered to be a sustainable transportation mode. Understanding the determinants of the consumers’ intention to use ride-sharing services is critical to promote such services. In this research, an extended technology acceptance model is used as a theoretical research framework. This extension was implemented by incorporating three new constructs: personal innovativeness, environmental awareness, and perceived risk. The model was empirically tested using questionnaire survey data collected from 426 participants. The results indicate that personal innovativeness, environmental awareness, and perceived usefulness are positively associated with consumers’ intention to use ride-sharing services, while perceived risk is negatively associated with the intention and perceived usefulness. The analysis shows that, contrary to our expectations, the perceived ease of use has no significant effect on intention to use ride-sharing services. In addition, personal innovativeness is positively related to perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use but negatively related to perceived risk. Based on these results, implications for practice and suggestions for further research are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 71601174) and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (WK2040150015). The authors would like to express their gratitude to the usable answers of survey respondents and valuable comments of the anonymous reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Rd., Hefei, 230026, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China

    Yu Wang, Shanyong Wang, Jing Wang, Jiuchang Wei & Chenglin Wang

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  1. Yu Wang
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  4. Jiuchang Wei
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Correspondence to Shanyong Wang.

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Constructs and measurement items.

Construct

Code

Measurement item

Personal innovativeness

PI1

If I heard about a new thing/technology, I would look for ways to experiment with it

PI2

Among my peers, I am usually the first one to try the new thing/technology

PI3

I like to experience a new thing/technology

Perceived ease of use

PEU1

If I wanted to use ride-sharing services, it would be easy to me

PEU2

If I wanted to use ride-sharing services, it would be simple to me

PEU3

If I wanted to use ride-sharing services, I would have no problems

Perceived usefulness

PU1

Using ride-sharing services would enable me to get to my destination more quickly

PU2

Using ride-sharing services would improve my commute performance

PU3

Using ride-sharing services would make my tasks easier

PU4

Using ride-sharing services can mitigate traffic congestion

PU5

Using ride-sharing services can reduce greenhouse gas emission and energy consumption

Perceived risk

PR1

I’m concerned that my personal information will be shared or sold to others when enter the ride-sharing services platform

PR2

I’m concerned that ride-sharing services platform collects too much personal information about me

PR3

I’m concerned that use ride-sharing with strangers through a same ride-sharing platform is not safe

PR4

I’m concerned that share a car with strangers by using ride-sharing services can’t ensure my personal and property safety

Behavioral intention

BI1

I plan to use ride-sharing services

BI2

I intend to use ride-sharing services

BI3

I predict that I will use ride-sharing services as long as I have access to it

Environmental awareness

EA1

I consider the potential environmental impact of my actions when making many of my decisions

EA2

I am concerned about wasting the resources of our planet

EA3

I would like to describe myself as environmentally responsible

EA4

I am willing to be inconvenienced in order to take actions that are more environmentally friendly

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Wang, Y., Wang, S., Wang, J. et al. An empirical study of consumers’ intention to use ride-sharing services: using an extended technology acceptance model. Transportation 47, 397–415 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-018-9893-4

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