We’re excited to announce that we have commissioned the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) and Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) to carry out research into what future micromobility services could look like for disabled people.
What is micromobility?
Micromobility is a term used to refer to transport using small vehicles such as cycles, scooters and segways. This is a rapidly growing area, and electric micromobility services are appearing in our towns and cities.
Why are we conducting this research?
Here at the Motability Foundation, we have decided to explore micromobility because it is a rapidly growing transport type that is still in its infancy.
Last year we commissioned Thinks Insight & Strategy to carry out an evidence review on accessible transport (PDF 683.6 KB). Their research found that while micromobility presents opportunities in accessible travel, it is critical that the voices of disabled people are included in the design stage of future transport options.
What is this research seeking to achieve?
Through this research we will investigate:
- what micromobility can mean for disabled people
- how services can be more inclusive and,
- how we can ensure the voices of disabled people are heard in future designs and decision making.
This will include understanding the experiences of disabled people when engaging with existing micromobility services, and the challenges they face when accessing them.
Lived experience will be key to this project.
Next steps
Work on this research is getting underway in April 2024. A full report on the findings and recommendations will be published in summer 2024.
If you would be interested in collaborating with us on future innovation research projects please email our Innovation Team.