Behavioural determinants of public intentions to adopt e-mopeds charged by rooftop solar power in Lahore, Pakistan

The climate impact of the global transport sector poses a unique challenge in cities in the Global South, where rapid urbanization, severe air pollution and energy insecurity converge with a transportation landscape dominated by two-wheelers. While recent government initiatives promote rooftop solar panels and electric mopeds (e-mopeds) separately, their integrated adoption for clean, decentralized mobility remains unexplored. This study investigates the behavioural determinants of rooftop solar-charged e-moped adoption by integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with behavioural reasoning theory. Using questionnaire survey data from 590 residents across Lahore, Pakistan, and employing partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), the research tests an extended theoretical framework. The results confirm that attitude (β = 0.141, p = 0.002), subjective norms (β = 0.198, p < 0.001) and perceived behavioural control (β = 0.165, p < 0.001) significantly and positively influence public intentions to adopt e-mopeds. Motivators for adoption (e.g., environmental concerns, energy independence) significantly and positively influence attitude, norms and control beliefs. Conversely, barriers to adopting e-mopeds negatively influence the TPB core constructs. Perceived risk (e.g., battery safety) also negatively affects intention, while perceived support (e.g., government policies) positively influences intention. Findings underscore that while positive attitudes, social influence, control beliefs, personal motivations and supported policies promote the adoption of rooftop solar-charged e-mopeds, significant barriers related to cost, safety and infrastructure, as well as perceived risk, inhibit it. The findings offer guidance for policymakers, technology providers and urban planners aiming to design more effective strategies for advancing clean and solar-integrated mobility transitions.