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An extended theory of planned behavior to explain the intention to use carsharing: a multi-group analysis of different sociodemographic characteristics

Author

Listed:
  • Leiming Li

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

  • Yu Zhang

    (China University of Petroleum (East China))

Abstract

Carsharing represents an alternative to private vehicles and is becoming internationally recognized as a method of sustainable transportation. Compared with the United States and countries in Europe, carsharing services in China started later and were initially underwhelming. With the revival and popularity of the sharing economy, carsharing has been thriving in China in recent years but remains in an initial stage. Understanding the determinants of people’s intentions to carshare is critical for the promotion of carsharing services. The theoretical framework of this research is an expanded version of the theory of planned behavior containing environmental concern. A questionnaire was created to empirically test the model and a total of 1165 valid surveys were collected in four new first-tier cities in China. The intention to use carsharing was found to be directly affected by attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control rather than environmental concern. However, people’s environmental concern was verified as indirectly impacting their intentions to use carsharing through attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. In addition, this study also tested the moderating effect of car ownership, age, gender and income by adopting a multi-group analysis. The results confirm the moderating effect of car ownership and gender on people’s intention to use carsharing, revealing the differences that exist between people with private cars and those without as well as the differences between the male and female gender. The moderating effects of age and income on people’s intention to use carsharing were found to be insignificant. These findings provide practical insights for carsharing organizations and transportation departments. The limitations of this study and suggestions for further research are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Leiming Li & Yu Zhang, 2023. "An extended theory of planned behavior to explain the intention to use carsharing: a multi-group analysis of different sociodemographic characteristics," Transportation, Springer, vol. 50(1), pages 143-181, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:transp:v:50:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11116-021-10240-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11116-021-10240-1
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    2. Teng Yu & Yajun Zhang & Ai Ping Teoh & Anchao Wang & Chengliang Wang, 2023. "Factors Influencing University Students’ Behavioral Intention to Use Electric Car-Sharing Services in Guangzhou, China," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, November.
    3. Zhong Zheng & Chalita Srinuan & Nuttawut Rojniruttikul, 2025. "Exploring the Impact of Digital Platform on Energy-Efficient Consumption Behavior: A Multi-Group Analysis of Air Conditioning Purchase in China Using the Extended TPB Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-25, June.
    4. Eccarius, Timo & Chen, Ching-Fu, 2024. "Examining trust as a critical factor for the adoption of electric vehicle sharing via necessary condition analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    5. Wei Kang & Qun Wang & Long Cheng & Meng Ning, 2024. "Examining Commuters’ Intention to Use App-Based Carpooling: Insights from the Technology Acceptance Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-17, July.
    6. Yingjie Sheng & Anning Ni & Lijie Liu & Linjie Gao & Yi Zhang & Yutong Zhu, 2025. "Identifying Influence Mechanisms of Low-Carbon Travel Intention Through the Integration of Built Environment and Policy Perceptions: A Case Study in Shanghai, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-30, August.
    7. van der Linden, Hidde & Correia, Gonçalo & van Oort, Niels & Koster, Suze & Legêne, Martijn & Kroesen, Maarten, 2025. "Driving factors behind station-based car sharing adoption: Discovering distinct user profiles through a latent class cluster analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 232-241.

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