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Promoting Sustainable Mobility on Campus: Uncovering the Behavioral Mechanisms Behind Non-Compliant E-Bike Use Among University Students

Author

Listed:
  • Huihua Chen

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Yongqi Guo

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Lei Li

    (School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

Abstract

Electric bikes (e-bikes) offer a low-carbon, space-efficient solution for campus mobility, yet their sustainable potential is increasingly challenged by patterns of non-compliant use, including speeding, informal parking, and unauthorized charging. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine the cognitive and contextual factors that shape such behaviors among university students. Drawing on a survey of 408 e-bike users and structural equation modeling, the results show that non-compliance is primarily driven by perceived usefulness, ease of action, and behavioral feasibility, with affective and normative factors playing indirect, reinforcing roles. Importantly, actual behavior is influenced not only by intention but also by students’ perceived capacity to act within low-enforcement environments. These findings highlight the need to align behavioral perceptions with sustainability goals. The study contributes to sustainable mobility governance by clarifying key psychological pathways and offering targeted insights for designing perception-sensitive interventions in campus transport systems. Furthermore, by promoting compliance-oriented campus mobility, this research highlights a pathway toward enhancing the resilience of transport systems through behavioral adaptation within semi-regulated environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Huihua Chen & Yongqi Guo & Lei Li, 2025. "Promoting Sustainable Mobility on Campus: Uncovering the Behavioral Mechanisms Behind Non-Compliant E-Bike Use Among University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7147-:d:1719277
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Xiaoyu Zhang & Ee Shiang Lim & Maowei Chen, 2024. "Promoting Sustainable Urban Mobility: Factors Influencing E-Bike Adoption in Henan Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Shanmugavel, Nagarajan & Balakrishnan, Janarthanan, 2023. "Influence of pro-environmental behaviour towards behavioural intention of electric vehicles," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    3. Nenad Djokic & Nikola Milicevic & Branimir Kalas & Ines Djokic & Vera Mirovic, 2023. "E-Bicycle as a Green and Physically Active Mode of Transport from the Aspect of Students: TPB and Financial Incentives," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-11, January.
    4. Chou, Chun-Chen & Iamtrakul, Pawinee & Yoh, Kento & Miyata, Masato & Doi, Kenji, 2024. "Determining the role of self-efficacy in sustained behavior change: An empirical study on intention to use community-based electric ride-sharing," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    5. Wong, Gai-Zhe & Wong, Kok-Hoe & Lau, Teck-Chai & Lee, Jun-Han & Kok, Yin-Hui, 2024. "Study of intention to use renewable energy technology in Malaysia using TAM and TPB," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).
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