Accessibility of Shared Mobility Services for Disabled People

This academic research investigates the accessibility of shared mobility services for people with disabilities across seven European cities: Bologna, Cagliari, Brussels, Lisbon, Sofia, Stockholm, and Zagreb. Through an online survey conducted from November 2020 to February 2021, the authors gathered user perceptions regarding six different shared‑mobility services: ride‑pooling, micro‑transit, moto‑taxi, robotaxi, e‑scooter sharing, and bike sharing. Participants evaluated each mode in terms of autonomy, travel time, convenience, comfort, safety, and motivation to travel. The study revealed that while many of these services have the potential to enhance mobility for people with disabilities, real‑world inclusivity depends heavily on service design and local implementation. Results highlight significant differences across cities, indicating that infrastructure, cultural factors, and regulatory environments substantially shape user experience. The paper stresses the importance of involving disabled communities in the design of future mobility systems and urges policymakers to adopt targeted measures to ensure equitable access for all citizens.

Supporting evidence

The study collected data from over 350 individuals with various disabilities living in urban areas across Europe. Respondents indicated that ride‑pooling and micro‑transit had the greatest potential to improve autonomy and reduce travel times, provided the vehicles and user interfaces were designed with accessibility in mind.

Conversely, e‑scooter and bike‑sharing services were consistently rated low in accessibility because of physical limitations and interface barriers. Disparities in perceived service quality between cities point to the need for localized policy action. Cities with more inclusive planning—e.g., Stockholm and Brussels—scored higher on perceived accessibility, demonstrating a tangible link between inclusive urban‑mobility policies and user satisfaction among vulnerable populations.

Key findings

• Perception of Shared Mobility Services – Ride‑pooling and micro‑transit were considered most favorable due to flexibility, on‑demand operation, and door‑to‑door capability.
• Accessibility Gaps in Popular Modes – E‑scooters and bike‑sharing were viewed as largely inaccessible because of balance, mounting/dismounting difficulties, and lack of adaptive features in apps and vehicles.
• Variation Across Cities – Users in Stockholm and Brussels reported more positive experiences, reflecting mature accessibility policies and better integration of inclusive design.
• Policy Recommendations – The study calls for an inclusive approach to design and regulation, emphasizing the involvement of disabled individuals in planning/co‑design and recommending regulatory frameworks that ensure all new services meet accessibility standards.