A pioneering new project aimed at increasing the use of e-scooters and e-bikes by disabled people will take place in Salford.
The initiative, which will run for a year, is being delivered by Cycling UK and led by Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), with grant funding from the Motability Foundation.
Cycling UK’s Simon Ward gives instructions on using Starling hire e-bike
The project’s goal is to help disabled people access greener, more flexible transport options without needing to alter existing vehicles. Following a competitive bidding process earlier this year, CoMoUK confirmed it will partner with Cycling UK, Salford City Council, and micromobility providers Lime and Beryl to make the project a reality.
This initiative builds on previous research by CoMoUK and the Research Institute of Disabled Consumers which revealed that many disabled individuals face considerable barriers to using shared e-scooters and e-bikes. These challenges go beyond the physical design of the vehicles and include a lack of confidence, limited awareness of how to access and use the services, and issues with app compatibility for assistive technology users.
The research found that only 10% of the 780 people surveyed had used shared micromobility services. The most common reasons given for a lack of engagement were the inaccessibility of the vehicles and a lack of information on how to locate and book them.
Those who had tried shared micromobility services were significantly more likely to view them positively, with 70% expressing confidence in their use, compared to just 32% of non-users.
53% believed these services could enhance their daily lives, providing access to outdoor activities, a sustainable travel option, and the freedom to travel spontaneously.
Cycling UK, which already operates a cycling hub at the University of Salford, will lead the activities, making use of nearby green spaces and its experience running inclusive cycling initiatives across Greater Manchester.
Participants will join three cohorts, each engaging in travel training, confidence-building sessions, and guided rides. They will also receive support in using apps and navigation tools. Lime and Beryl will provide free access to their e-scooters and e-bikes during these sessions. Each stage will be reviewed and adapted in response to participant feedback.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: ‘We are excited that this groundbreaking project is now rapidly taking shape, with the location confirmed along with a consortium of key delivery partners.
‘The bid from Cycling UK, Salford City Council, Lime and Beryl was excellent and we are confident that together they will produce a really valuable programme.
‘Through this work, we want to directly address some of the barriers facing disabled people who want to use shared micromobility services in their area.
‘Our research shows that inaccessible vehicle designs are not the only issue, but a lack of awareness and confidence when it comes to using shared e-scooters and e-bikes too.
‘We know that such schemes have the potential to be transformative, improving people’s health, cutting road congestion and air pollution, and freeing up space in cities.
‘It is crucial that nobody is left behind as the UK embraces these sustainable forms of transport, and we hope this project will ultimately help to increase shared micromobility use by disabled people.’
Harry Fisher, innovation manager at the Motability Foundation, said: ‘It’s great to have the delivery partners in place for this innovative project, and we’re now looking forward to activities getting underway.
‘We know from the recent research we commissioned that disabled people think micromobility services have the potential to improve their lives, but very few have tried them for themselves.
‘Through this project, we aim to support disabled people to access these services, including providing the training they need so they can use them with confidence.’
James Scott, director of behaviour change and development at Cycling UK, said: ‘We are proud to be supporting a project which aims to break down barriers to cycling, opening up the benefits of shared micromobility to disabled people in Salford and beyond.
‘We know that cycling, in all its forms, can be a powerful tool for independence, health, and freedom – but too often, disabled people are excluded from the opportunities it provides.
‘Through this initiative, we will build on our longstanding commitment to inclusive cycling by providing training, confidence-building sessions, and easy access to non-standard and electric cycles.
‘Our work in Salford and Greater Manchester has already shown how transformational cycling can be when it’s made accessible.
‘Now, working alongside CoMoUK, Salford City Council, Lime, and Beryl, we’re excited to help shape a more inclusive transport future – one that empowers disabled people to travel flexibly, confidently, and sustainably.’
Photo: Cycling UK
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