Micromobility Can Transform Lives for Disabled Individuals

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

As we navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable transport, it’s essential to ensure that all members of society can fully participate in and benefit from innovations in mobility. Recent research has illuminated an important aspect of this conversation, revealing that more than half of disabled individuals believe that shared micromobility services, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, could significantly enhance their quality of life. However, the findings also highlight the pressing need for improvements in accessibility and safety within these services.

The insightful study titled Raising the Bar – Boosting the Accessibility of Shared Micromobility Services was commissioned by The Motability Foundation. Its purpose was to delve into the benefits and challenges faced by disabled individuals when using shared micromobility services, with a focus on identifying pathways to create a more inclusive environment. This crucial research was conducted by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) in collaboration with Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK).

Through this comprehensive report, three priority areas for improvement have been identified:

  • Accessible Vehicle Design: Developing vehicles that not only meet the safety needs of disabled users but also consider pedestrian requirements.
  • Accessible Digital Platforms: Ensuring that booking apps and service platforms are user-friendly and inclusive for all users.
  • Awareness and Education: Empowering disabled individuals with the knowledge and confidence to understand and access shared micromobility services.

Despite the potential benefits, only a mere 10% of disabled participants in the research reported having used shared micromobility services. The predominant barriers cited were the inaccessibility of the vehicles and a lack of understanding on how to access these services.

On a positive note, those who had experienced using a shared micromobility service were significantly more likely to express positive sentiments towards them. A remarkable 70% of users felt confident in their ability to use these services, in stark contrast to only 32% of non-users. Furthermore, 53% of respondents recognised the potential of these services to improve their lives, indicating a strong demand for more inclusive solutions.

The research has brought to light several significant barriers that hinder access for disabled individuals. These include:

  • Inaccessible vehicle designs
  • Low confidence in using the services
  • Limited awareness regarding how to access such services

A particularly striking finding was the absence of clear legislation governing shared micromobility services. This lack of regulatory framework is seen as a significant impediment to innovation and the development of more accessible service options. The report advocates for the government to establish comprehensive legislation to regulate shared micromobility services effectively.

Harry Fisher, Innovation Manager at the Motability Foundation, emphasised the importance of this exploratory research, stating, “This exploratory research has given us valuable insight into disabled people’s views on shared micromobility. We can see there is great potential for these services to provide a sustainable way of travelling for disabled people, but more work is needed to make them truly accessible and safe.”

The commitment of The Motability Foundation to support accessibility, inclusivity, and safety in the micromobility sector is commendable, as they aim to work alongside disabled individuals, transport providers, government entities, and local authorities to foster a more inclusive transport landscape.

Richard Dilks, Chief Executive of CoMoUK, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We know from our previous work that micromobility schemes such as e-scooters and bike sharing have the potential to be transformative, improving people’s health at the same time as cutting road congestion and air pollution and freeing up space in cities. It is crucial that nobody is left behind as we embrace these sustainable forms of transport, which must be made as accessible as possible at the design stage.”

Gordon McCullough, CEO of RiDC, added to the conversation by stressing the necessity of designing transport services that are accessible to all. He remarked, “The work now needs to be done to ensure that these potentially life-changing transport services are accessible and available to all. Listening to disabled people from the outset and building their feedback and suggestions into the final design are crucial. When you design inclusively, it benefits the whole population.”

As we move forward in our pursuit of net-zero goals, it is imperative that we foster a transport ecosystem that embraces sustainability while ensuring inclusivity for all members of society. The insights derived from this research serve as a clarion call for action, urging stakeholders at all levels to collaborate in creating a more accessible and equitable shared micromobility landscape.

The journey towards inclusivity in shared micromobility services is just beginning, and your voice matters. By advocating for change and supporting initiatives aimed at making these services accessible, we can ensure that no one is left behind in our collective move towards a sustainable future. Together, let’s champion the cause of accessibility and safety, ensuring that shared micromobility truly serves everyone.

Image of the report courtesy of The Motability Foundation.

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