What factors contribute to the helmet-wearing choice behavior of shared e-bike riders in China

Riding a shared electric bike (shared e-bike) without wearing a helmet is one of the main characteristics of negative riding behavior and has a major negative impact on riders' safety. However, shared e-bike riders persistently resist helmet use despite safety risks, with mechanisms behind this choice unclear. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the wearing of a helmet, such as individual socioeconomic characteristics, trip characteristics and riders' attitudes toward helmet wearing, in different situations. A random parameter logit regression model was estimated to model the factors influencing riders' engagement in negative behaviors. A questionnaire-based study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the helmet-wearing behavior of shared e-bike riders in China. The results showed that age, average ride distance, social norm, helmet cleanliness, fear of COVID-19 and riders' previous experience with injury while riding without a helmet are variables that contribute to whether one wears a helmet. The present study provides theoretical evidence supporting the use of helmets when riding shared e-bikes.