Abstract:

This paper presents a study aimed at estimating the role of latent variables when choosing between a seated electric scooter (SES) and a conventional one. As a modeling framework, the authors opted for the hybrid mixed choice model since it allows the possibility of jointly evaluating the impact of the economic and technical features of the scooter and latent factors on scooter choice, thus gaining a more realistic representation of the choice process. The authors focused on concern for the environment and scooter knowledge for the latent variables. They developed a questionnaire specifically targeted at gathering data on choices and indicators capturing the latent variables. The authors surveyed 413 respondents living in Trieste, Italy, who were as diversified as possible in terms of age, education, and profession. The main finding was that besides various financial and technical scooter features (e.g., purchase price, fuel economy, the annual cost of circulation tax and insurance premium, driving range, engine power, removable battery, and manufacturer's country), a higher level of concern for the environment particularly at the local level positively influenced the choice of an SES, while SES knowledge did not play a statistically significant role.