Project Lead
Geography and Environmental Sciences
Email: richard.kotter@northumbria.ac.uk
Project Themes
Electric mobility scooters and powerchairs are becoming increasingly popular as a mode of either primary or secondary transport for people with mobility disabilities. Apart from being a tool which provides accessibility for the bodily disabled (to varying degrees), they also provide a sense of autonomy to their users (unless they still require carers for mobility assistance), helping them afford better social inclusion in multiple ways.
At present, these vehicles are limited by reduced battery storage capacity, which impedes the travel opportunities and experiences of users. In parts of the USA, public electric micro-mobility vehicle charging stations for disabled communities have started to emerge, improving travel / spatial mobility for users of electric mobility scooters and powerchairs. Exploring the potential for a similar approach in the North-East of England could help to improve the lives of people with mobility disabilities in the region.
This project aims to interview service users, and to engage in participatory service design-thinking workshops with potential partners. The project will also produce an online living document and engagement booklet to raise awareness and to build momentum for future pilots.
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