A year-long project exploring how disabled people can better access shared micromobility services will be led by the UK's shared transport charity, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK).

The initiative aims to increase disabled participation in e-scooter and e-bike schemes by identifying and addressing barriers beyond vehicle design. CoMoUK will seek partnerships with shared micromobility operators, local authorities and community groups specialising in active travel engagement.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: "This is a really important project, which will directly address some of the barriers facing disabled people who want to use shared micromobility services in their area."

The Motability Foundation-funded project follows research by CoMoUK and the Research Institute of Disabled Consumers, which revealed significant obstacles including low confidence, lack of awareness about booking processes, and incompatibility of apps with assistive technology.

Richard added: "These are things we can start to tackle right away through practical actions, and we hope that the project will ultimately help to increase shared micromobility use by disabled people."

Research also indicated only 10% of disabled people have used shared micromobility services, despite over half believing they could improve their lives.

Previous Motability Foundation projects found 70% of disabled people who tried such schemes felt confident using them.

Harry Fisher, innovation manager at the Motability Foundation, said: "We're really excited to have awarded grant funding to CoMoUK to deliver this important project."

“The recent research that we commissioned on accessible micromobility found that over half of disabled people think these services have the potential to improve their lives, but very few have used them or are aware of how to access them. 

“We hope that through this project we can support disabled people to access this fast-growing transport mode.”