Abstract
To identify and quantify the factors that influence the risky riding behaviors of electric bike riders, we designed an e-bike rider behavior questionnaire (ERBQ) and obtained 573 valid samples through tracking surveys and random surveys. An exploratory factor analysis was then conducted to extract four scales: riding confidence, safety attitude, risk perception, and risky riding behavior. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, a structural equation model (SEM) of electric bike riding behaviors was constructed to explore the intrinsic causal relationships among the variables that affect the risky e-bike riding behavior. The results show that the relationship between riding confidence and risky riding behavior is mediated by risk perception and safety attitudes. Safety attitude was found to be significantly associated with risky riding behaviors. Specifically, herd mentality is most closely related to safety attitudes, which means that those engaged in e-bike traffic management and safety education should pay special attention to riders’ psychological management and education. Risk perception has a direct path to risky riding behaviors. Specifically, stochastic evaluation and concern degree are significantly related to e-bike riders’ risk perception. The findings of this study provide an empirical basis for the creation of safety interventions for e-bike riders in China.
Highlights
E-bikes are electric-assist bikes that can travel longer distances and provide higher mobility and faster speeds to users compared to conventional bicycles
To explore the internal formation mechanism of risky e-bike riding behavior, this paper proposes an structural equation model (SEM) using four scales: riding confidence, risk perception, safety attitude, and risky riding behavior
The respondents covered an average distance of 12.2 km per day, and the standard deviation was 10.7 km; the results showed that there was significant variability in the distance measurement, which might be caused by the differences in the main purpose of e-bike usage
Summary
E-bikes are electric-assist bikes that can travel longer distances and provide higher mobility and faster speeds to users compared to conventional bicycles. By the end of 2018, the ownership of e-bikes in China exceeded 250 million, increasing 20%. The rapid increase in e-bike ownerships has created serious safety issues. E-bike-related crashes significantly increase every year, especially fatal crashes. According to an annual report on traffic accidents in China, the total number of road traffic accidents in China between 2013 and 2017 was 56,200. In 2008, approximately 5107 e-bike riders died in traffic crashes, accounting for 5.4% of the total fatal crashes. In 2016, approximately 7201 e-bike riders died in road accidents, accounting for 8.9% of the total fatal crashes [3]. E-bikes have played a major role in the increase in road traffic injuries and deaths [4]. A growing number of studies have focused on the
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