Electric scooters have taken over the streets in many cities as a popular mode of transportation for short distances. While they offer convenience and fun for many, a recent survey has revealed that they are also playing a crucial role in the lives of disabled riders by helping them combat pain and fatigue. This article will take a deeper dive into how e-scooters are being used by people with disabilities and the benefits they provide.
E-scooters have been recently banned from Paris, prompting concerns about the safety of pedestrians, especially those who have visual impairments or mobility issues. Charities representing the visually impaired like the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Thomas Pocklington Trust have been actively campaigning for tighter legislation on trials of e-scooters in UK cities, focusing on the hazards posed by improperly docked abandoned devices and illegal sidewalk riding at high speeds. However, the latest survey data from Neuron Mobility, a major e-scooter rental company, reveals that 5% of its riders around the world have disclosed that they have a disability themselves. Neuron’s survey data from July to November 2022 collected responses from nearly 7,000 riders worldwide, providing valuable insights into the evolving micro-mobility sector and shedding light on specific disabilities that are not visible on the surface.
The research revealed that disabled e-scooter riders tend to be on the milder end of the mobility-impaired spectrum, having medical conditions that cause pain, fatigue, or discomfort when walking long distances rather than visible gait abnormalities. The survey responses included various conditions such as hip dysplasia, asthma, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and temporary injuries. Interestingly, the results showed that e-scooters provide a viable alternative to public transit even for those with autism spectrum disorder, who reported anxiety and stress when using public transit. Disabled e-scooter riders showed a greater reliance on the device than non-disabled riders for activities of daily living, such as running errands, going to appointments, and connecting to public transport.
E-scooters offer a more independent and comfortable way of traveling for many riders with disabilities. The device’s arrival has been positive for riders like Zoe Laidler, a PhD student at Newcastle University who experiences chronic fatigue due to spinal problems and scoliosis. Without e-scooters, Zoe would either be driving or reducing her outdoor activities. Thalia Salt, an 18-year-old high school graduate from Victoria in Australia, finds e-scooter rentals an accessible tool for managing fibromyalgia and hip replacement surgery.
Connor Quinn, UK General Manager at Neuron Mobility, said in a media statement that e-scooters are playing a valuable role in providing accessible and convenient transportation options for a diverse range of individuals, including those with disabilities or mobility impairments. In response to the new insights, Neuron will hold several focus groups with its disabled customers to better understand their needs and provide feedback to its Disability Advisory Board, whose members include the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and Thomas Pocklington Trust. Although regular free-floating urban e-scooter rentals won’t be an option for everyone with mobility impairments, e-scooters offer a destigmatized approach for those with relatively milder, invisible conditions. As micro-mobility solutions become more popular, a genuine opportunity exists to normalize and destigmatize wheeled mobility aids. E-scooters, whether rented by disabled or non-disabled riders, have the potential to reshape the urban landscape and promote inclusivity.
As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, it’s clear that they’re not just a fun mode of transportation for urbanites. According to a recent survey, e-scooters are often hired by disabled riders to combat pain and fatigue. By providing a faster, less strenuous way to get around, e-scooters are helping many people with disabilities maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see even more innovative solutions that make it easier for people of all abilities to get around.
