The Motability Foundation has 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, with a focus on improving accessibility and safety for disabled people.
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 this window of opportunity and help shape a future regulatory system which enables everybody to access appropriate mobility devices.
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 It aims to inform updates to outdated legislation, including the so-called ‘invalid carriage’ regulations, which currently govern what equipment disabled people are legally permitted to use for personal mobility.
This builds on the Motability Foundation’s previous research on micromobility and powered wheelchairs, which highlighted how current policies can act as barriers to disabled people’s ability to participate in active travel, as well as TRL’s previous research for the Department for Transport which provided recommendations on future construction standards for e-scooters. The project seeks to ensure emerging shared micromobility systems – from e-scooters to other lightweight, low-speed devices – are safe, inclusive and accessible to disabled people. This research will centre the needs of disabled people in a rapidly evolving transport landscape by helping to ensure future regulatory change is as inclusive as possible.
The research will be led by TRL, an independent transport research organisation with a mission to make mobility safer, cleaner and more accessible for all. Disabled people’s expertise will be central to the project, alongside engagement with policymakers, regulators, and industry, ensuring that findings are grounded in real-world use. TRL brings extensive experience advising the UK Government and European Commission on micromobility, mobility aids, and accessibility, giving the project the expertise needed to deliver practical, evidence-led recommendations designed to inform decision-making at a pivotal moment for micromobility regulation in the UK.
TRL will be supported by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) who will conduct research with their disabled consumer panel, and a Steering Group consisting of representatives from Wheels for Wellbeing, the Wheelchair Alliance, Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB), the Spinal Injuries Association and Disability Rights UK, who will co-produce the recommendations and provide expert input and guidance throughout the project.
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.”
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 for Transport with evidence and recommendations on how to design the future regulatory frame work to ensure accessibility for all.”