An Acceptance Study of Mobility Innovations: The Case of Shared Carsharing Trips in Rural Germany

The study examines the acceptance of mobility innovations using the example of shared carsharing trips in rural areas. The background to this research is the insufficient achievement of greenhouse gas reduction targets in the transport sector. As the third-largest source of emissions, this sector is under considerable pressure to undergo reform. Particularly in rural regions dominated by private car use, new and sustainable mobility solutions are required to advance the transport transition and to meet mobility needs in a sustainable manner. Carsharing and ridesharing are considered promising components in this context, as their combination can create additional synergies and thus contribute to a more sustainable transport system.

To investigate the acceptance of such shared carsharing trips, a quantitative online survey was conducted among carsharing users. Attitudes, patterns of use and factors related to acceptance were analyzed. The results show that environmental awareness, sustainability mindset as well as social, financial and user-friendliness aspects are main motivating factors. In contrast, safety concerns, seemingly difficult coordination between drivers and passengers and limited compatibility with their own personal lives are barriers to potential use. Furthermore, the trip purposes for which carsharing trips and shared carsharing trips are (or could be) used differ substantially in some cases.

A comparison between very rural, moderately rural, and non-rural regions revealed no significant differences in the general willingness to use shared carsharing trips. Overall, a broad level of acceptance can be identified, indicating substantial potential for this mobility innovation in the sustainable transformation of the transport sector. The study provides insights into advancing and inhibiting factors, offers an empirical basis for future research, and presents practical approaches for stakeholders that wish to contribute to an environmentally and socially sustainable transformation of the transport sector.