Exploring factors influencing micromobility adoption in a tourism-centric island city, Phuket

Micromobility has emerged as a sustainable and flexible transport solution for short-distance urban trips, particularly in tourism-dependent cities facing congestion, emissions, and limited public transport integration. This study examines the determinants of micromobility adoption in Phuket, Thailand a tourism-centric island city characterized by fragmented transit networks and seasonal mobility demand. Using data from a structured questionnaire survey (n = 397), the study employs Chi-square tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and Pearson correlation to investigate the sociodemographic, behavioral, and perceptual influences on micromobility use. Five latent constructs were identified: service quality, environmental factors, trip characteristics, economic considerations, and user experience, jointly explaining 53.9 % of total variance. Results reveal significant associations between travel behaviors and factors such as age, income, and occupation, indicating that cost sensitivity, reliability, and environmental awareness strongly shape adoption. The findings highlight micromobility’s dual role as both a functional and experiential transport mode that enhances accessibility, supports low-carbon tourism, and strengthens multimodal integration. For policymakers and operators, the study provides evidence-based guidance for designing inclusive, sustainable, and experience-oriented micromobility systems in tourist cities, contributing to broader urban resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals.