Exploring information needs of using battery swapping system for riders

Abstract

In order to improve penetration in Taiwan’s electric two wheeler (E2W) market to decrease emissions of pollutants generated by scooters, a battery swapping model is proposed to overcome battery limitations (e.g., expensive purchase price, short lifetime, limited driving range per charge, long charging time, and inconvenient charging). This study aims to understand individuals’ information needs of using battery swap station (BSS) and, furthermore, providing several suggestions to improve BSS service for enhancing their willingness to accept a battery swapping system. In this study, a sample of 2,100 riders who had experienced a battery swapping service and filled out a post-experience questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited their traffic demands, the system acceptability, and purchase intention. The results showed that approximately 79.9% of riders adopted the battery swapping system, but only 3.9% were willing to purchase an e-scooter. Riders identified a number of problems with the self-service BSSs, including 42.8% usability, 33.1% environment, 18.7% utility, and 5.4% price. Finally, these problems were discussed, and addressed several recommend ways of resolving them.