Analysis of college students' phone call behavior while riding e-bikes: An application of the extended theory of planned behavior

Objective: Electric bicycles have become increasingly popular in China in recent years. Due to a lack of professional training, collisions involving electric riders are expected. Students tend to talk on the phone while riding their e-bikes, so it is necessary to regulate their behavior. Methods: This study analyzed college students' phone behavior while riding using a hierarchical regression model, which considered demographic factors and psychological factors from the extended theory of planned behavior. Among the additional factors added were moral norms, risk perceptions, and mobile phone addiction. Results: The study found a significant positive effect of past behavior and mobile phone addiction on college students' behavioral intentions. Crash, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and risk perception had a negative effect on behavioral intentions. After controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, the extended theory of planned behavior explains 46.1% more of the intentions. Conclusion: These results have a positive effect on reducing student cycling phone behavior and provide theoretical support for management. Schools need to pay attention to students' past behaviors and raise awareness of the risks of cycling on the phone.