[Purposes] The aims of this work is to explore the factors influencing the helmet-wearing intention of electric two-wheeler riders in small and medium-sized cities in China, so as to improve the helmet-wearing rate. [Methods] From the perspective of cyclists, combined with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the technology acceptance model (TAM), a model of helmet-wearing intention of electric two-wheeled cyclists was constructed. The structural equation model (SEM) is used to explore the influence of cyclists' psychological latent variables on helmet-wearing intention. [Findings] Compared with the model based on the traditional TPB framework, the model based on the integration of TPB and TAM performed better in fitting the appropriate matching degree. Among them, the two latent variables of attitude (0.411) and perceived behavioral control (0.305) have the most significant effect on the cyclist's intention to wear helmets. The age of the cyclist has a moderating effect on the helmet-wearing intention model. [Conclusions] The research results can provide a theoretical basis for local governments to formulate relevant policies, and provide ideas for other scholars to follow-up research on helmet riding behavior.