Exploring motivating factors and constraints of using and adoption of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs)

Self-driving vehicles are expected to reduce mobility barriers; however, it is still unclear how individuals will use them and how they will benefit the urban transportation system overall. This research aims to evaluate self-driving technology diffusion by applying and testing a conceptual model that was designed to unpack the possible determinants of the adoption of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs). The study framework was devel-oped based on the principles of socio-psychological theories of human behavior and investigates the adoption of SAVs by two groups of people: users and non-users. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the effects of motivational and restriction-related factors on SAV use and adoption, and the results indicated that perceived usefulness and restriction-related factors can positively motivate individuals to use SAVs more frequently. Ultimately, however, their adoption will depend on the public' attitudes towards technology and as their perceptions of the inherent risks. This study provides new insights into the identification of potential SAV users and non-users and shows how their behavioral intentions differ.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the diffusion of self-driving technology and finds that perceived usefulness and restriction-related factors positively motivate individuals to use shared autonomous vehicles more frequently. However, the adoption of these vehicles ultimately depends on the public's attitudes towards technology and their perceptions of risks.