Exploring university students’ acceptability of autonomous vehicles and urban air mobility

AVs and UAM will provide many benefits. However, lack of user acceptance is the predominant barrier to the adoption of automated transport technologies. Yet, little is known about AV and UAM acceptability in developing countries. To this end, this study investigates the factors affecting the acceptability of AVs and UAM in Türkiye. The sample was drawn from 369 university students. An extended UTAUT model was established with additional hedonic motivation, perceived safety, and personal innovativeness constructs. Findings revealed that perceived safety and performance expectancy were the strongest determinants of behavioral intention to use AVs. On the other hand, social influence and hedonic motivation were the main drivers of UAM acceptability. Furthermore, personal innovativeness was a strong factor when estimating the utilitarian value in both models. The findings could guide the politicians, scholars, and stakeholders of the AV and the UAM market. •Lack of user acceptance is the predominant barrier to the adoption of automated transport technologies.•There is not much evidence of the user acceptance of AVs and UAM in developing countries.•Perceived safety and performance expectancy were the main drivers of AV adoption by young adults in Türkiye.•Social influence and hedonic motivation were the main drivers of UAM adoption by young adults in Türkiye.•When determining the utilitarian value, personal inventiveness had a significant role both in AV and UAM acceptance.