We’ve commissioned TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) to deliver a major new research project to help inform the future of micromobility and powered mobility aid regulation and policy in the UK. The project will focus on improving accessibility and safety for disabled people.
Why are we conducting this research?
The research comes at a critical moment, as the UK Government considers the long-term future of regulation for a range of e-powered devices. This includes the extension of e-scooter trials and the current “Reviewing the law for powered mobility devices” consultation, which is examining whether and how powered mobility devices – such as powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters – should be regulated to reflect modern technology and usage. This work aims to seize the window of opportunity and help shape a future regulatory system, which enables everybody to access appropriate devices to support their mobility.
Rohan Kakad, Transport Solutions Manager at the Motability Foundation said: “Micromobility has developed rapidly in recent years, but regulation has not kept pace, creating gaps in safety and access that disproportionately affect disabled people.
“This project brings together TRL’s technical and regulatory expertise with a wide range of stakeholders, including Disabled People’s Organisations, to build a comprehensive and credible evidence base and develop stakeholder-informed policy recommendations.
“By examining how micromobility interacts with existing mobility aid regulations, the research will help inform policies that work together to expand choice, independence and opportunity for disabled people.”
What the research will focus on
The Integrated Mobility project will deliver evidence-led research and recommendations to inform future policy and regulatory decisions for both personal mobility aids and shared micromobility.
It aims to inform updates to outdated legislation, including the so-called ‘invalid carriage’ regulations, which currently govern what equipment disabled people can legally use.
Disabled peoples lived experience will be central to the project. Technical and safety evidence will also be collected, alongside. Engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), charities, policymakers, regulators, industry and local authorities. This will ensure the evidence-based research and recommendations are grounded in real-world use and practical for adoption.
Building on our previous work
This builds on the Motability Foundation’s previous research on micromobility and powered wheelchairs, which highlighted barriers preventing disabled people from participating in active travel. It also draws on TRL’s previous research for the Department of Transport, which provided recommendations on e-scooter construction standards.
Last year, we funded research to explore the implications of outdated legislation governing powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, resulting in the ‘Not in Class’ report. It highlighted the urgent need for updated guidance.
In 2024, we commissioned the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) and Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) to explore the benefits and challenges of shared micromobility services for disabled people. This resulted in the ‘Raising the Bar’ report, which found that while over half of disabled people believe that shared micromobility services such as e-scooters and e-bikes could improve their lives, more work is needed to improve accessibility.
We subsequently funded a project last year in Salford, Greater Manchester, led by CoMoUK in partnership with Cycling UK, and shared transport providers Lime and Beryl. The initiative offered hands-on try-outs, digital support and app guidance to help disabled people build confidence using shared micromobility. This resulted in recommendations that have been recently published.
Why TRL?
The research will be led by TRL, an independent transport research organisation with a mission to make transport safer, cleaner and more accessible. TRL brings extensive experience advising the UK Government and European Commission on micromobility, mobility aids, and accessibility, providing the expertise needed to deliver practical, evidence-led recommendations designed to inform decision-making.
TRL will be supported by RiDC who will conduct research with their disabled consumer panel, and a Steering Group including representatives from Wheels for Wellbeing, the Wheelchair Alliance, RNIB, the Spinal Injuries Association and Disability Rights UK, to provide expert input throughout the project.
Dr George Beard, Head of New Mobility at TRL said: “The UK has a fantastic window of opportunity to implement a world-leading system of regulation for micromobility and powered mobility aids.
“TRL is delighted to be leading this research project to provide the Department of Transport with evidence and recommendations on how to design the future regulatory framework to optimise safety and accessibility for all.”
The research and recommendations will be shared in the Summer.