Targeted training and confidence-building can significantly improve disabled people’s access to shared e-bikes and e-scooters, researchers found during a pilot project.

Funded by the Motability Foundation, the pilot in Salford, near Manchester, UK, was delivered by Cycling UK (www.cyclinguk.org) and led by shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK, www.como.org.uk). The project examined how disabled people engage with shared micromobility schemes and what practical interventions can help remove barriers to participation.

In total, 41 participants took part in 15 in-person training sessions focused on building confidence and practical skills using standard shared e-bikes and e-scooters already operating on streets across the country.

The pilot also involved shared micromobility operators Lime (www.li.me) and Beryl (beryl.cc), alongside Transport for Greater Manchester and Salford Council.

The year-long project found that more than half of participants went on to ride independently within a month of completing the sessions. Before taking part, many had avoided shared micromobility schemes due to safety concerns, lack of confidence or uncertainty about how to use the required service apps.

Following the sessions, 71% of participants said they were likely to use shared e-bikes independently, while 43% said the same for shared e-scooters. Participants highlighted the value of hands-on practice in building confidence and challenging assumptions about how these vehicles work.

One participant reflected that they were “surprised by all the misconceptions of e-bikes”, while another described them as “easier than I thought they would be”.

While the findings point to clear opportunities, the report also highlights barriers that continue to limit access to shared micromobility for disabled people. It also emphasises the importance of safe, inclusive infrastructure such as segregated routes and accessible parking delivered by local authorities.

This project builds on research commissioned by Motability Foundation that found that only 10% of disabled people have used shared micromobility services, despite over half believing they could improve their lives.

Together, the findings underline the potential for shared micromobility to offer disabled people flexible, sustainable travel options, particularly for shorter journeys and first- and last-kilometre connections.

“The pilot shows that, with the right training and support, shared micromobility services can help more disabled people make everyday journeys,” said Rohan Kakad, transport manager at the Motability Foundation (www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk). “It also highlights barriers that still need to be addressed, from accessible training and safe infrastructure to the lack of a clear regulatory framework to support inclusive use. That’s why we’re continuing our research and leading work to inform the future of micromobility regulation in the UK.”

Read the full report at www.motabilityfoundation.org.uk/media/3nzdmvcl/comouk-increasing-the-use-of-shared-micromobility-by-disabled-people_final.pdf.