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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MODERN MANAGEMENT, APPLIED SCIENCE & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJEMMASSS) [ Vol. 8 | No. 2 (II) | April - June, 2026 ]

From Two Wheels to Four Wheels: An Empirical Analysis of Customer Preference towards Electric Car Purchase among Existing Electric Bike Users

Dr. Himanshu Lad & Dr. Anam S. Natalwala

The global transition towards sustainable mobility is accelerating, with electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this paradigm shift. While much research focuses on the general population's adoption barriers, a critical and growing segment remains under-explored: existing electric bike (e-bike) users. This study assumes a "stepping stone" hypothesis, positing that the positive experience and technological familiarity gained from e-bike ownership significantly influence the preference for adopting electric cars (e-cars). The primary objective of this research was to identify and analyze the key determinants influencing an e-bike owner's intention to purchase an e-car. A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to a targeted sample of 285 current e-bike users. The research model integrated constructs from behavioral spillover theory and technology acceptance models, examining factors such as E-bike Satisfaction, Perceived Environmental Impact, Reduced Technology Anxiety, and Perceived Financial Benefit. Findings from multiple regression analysis reveal that Reduced Technology Anxiety, stemming from prior e-bike usage, is the most significant predictor of e-car purchase intention. Users comfortable with charging routines and battery management on a smaller scale are less intimidated by e-car operations. Furthermore, E-bike Satisfaction and Perceived Environmental Impact showed strong positive correlations with purchase intention. However, Perceived High Upfront Cost remains a significant barrier, even for this environmentally conscious segment, indicating that financial incentives are still crucial. The study concludes that e-bike users represent a "warm lead" segment for e-car manufacturers. The implications for industry suggest targeted marketing strategies that leverage their existing knowledge base—framing the e-car as a natural upgrade. For society and policymakers, promoting e-bike adoption could serve as an effective, lower-barrier entry point into the broader electric mobility ecosystem, eventually fostering higher e-car adoption rates.

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