A deeper look at switching intention to electric moped: Magnitude vs Uncertainty

Abstract

While behavioral intention is often considered the immediate predictor of actions, the actual realization of a stated intention is often affected by the intention-behavior gap. This research investigates motorcyclists’ switching intention to an electric moped from a fossil-fuel moped, examining two key components of self-reported intentions: magnitude and uncertainty. Using the judgement uncertainty and magnitude parameters (JUMP) model within the Theory of Planned Behavior framework, we differentiate the two components of stated intention and explore their determinants. Our analysis of data from 293 Taiwanese moped users reveals that while attitude is the major determinant of intention magnitude, intention uncertainty is determined by perceived control, subjective norms and the interaction between attitude and perceived behavioral control. We observed high intention uncertainty across all responses, with negative intentions showing greater uncertainty. Conflicts between attitude and perceived control relate to higher intention uncertainty.