Research: E-Scooters Positive for People with Mobility Impairment

New research claims to show that 5% of (Neuron) e-scooter riders reported having a disability or mobility impairment.

The research – done by the company itself and including surveys and interviews – highlighted that many riders with disabilities or mobility impairments reported rental e-scooters significantly improved their urban accessibility, helping them make trips they would not otherwise have made (18%), while also allowing them to run errands and connect to public transport more easily.

Many respondents said their disability or mobility impairment made it difficult for them to walk long distances or for extended periods of time. They cited issues ranging from temporary injuries to chronic back, leg or joint pain and conditions like hip dysplasia, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and asthma.

When looking at how riders with a disability or mobility impairment used the company’s e-scooters, the research found that trips were more purposeful and productive than the national average for all e-scooter riders in Australia. Reasons included commuting (39% vs 33%), running errands (37% vs 29.5%), going to appointments (26% vs 21.5%), and connecting to public transport (24.5% vs 22%).

While many also used e-scooters for leisure or recreation (41.5% vs 66%) this reason for use was far lower than the national average. Respondents were also more likely to make a purchase at a local store or business as a result of their e-scooter trip (78% vs 67%).

This research highlights the importance of e-scooters in providing a convenient and reliable transportation option for individuals who may sometimes face barriers to mobility, to enable them to complete important tasks in their day.

Kristian Sowerby-Willams, a consumer insight manager who suffers from a hip abnormality which requires ongoing treatment and can provide a challenge to his mobility, reported that the e-scooters have helped in emergency situations.

“While out walking my hip has given up on me – it’s impossible to predict when this will happen however, when it does I can’t move without significant pain,” he said.

“Having the reassurance of e-scooters in the city has removed a lot of pressures associated with walking long distances while adding a layer of security and safety.”

In response to the findings, the e-scooter company announced that it will launch a focus group consisting of e-scooter riders with a disability or mobility impairment, with the aim of making its service as accessible and convenient as possible for all riders in the community. The new initiative will complement the company’s global efforts including a Disability Advisory Board to advocate for disability groups in the community.

The supplied research data is from the company’s global rider surveys which were conducted between July and November 2022. In Australia they incorporated over 3,500 responses from Australian cities, globally the research was also carried out in the UK and Canada.

In Tasmania e-scooter hire is provided by two companies in the inner urban areas of Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.