Will mobility constrained people embrace automated vehicles?

Abstract

Many people are considered constrained in terms of mobility. This includes children under certain age, bodily or mentally handicapped individuals, and the elderly. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) may be a remedy to the limited mobility of these groups providing them with independence, flexibility, as well as access to essential services. Simultaneously, little is known about the amount of people belonging to these groups who can really benefit from AVs and about the needs and benefits of AVs for these people from user perspective. This contribution gives comprehensive overview of the results of a study that analyzes the potential of AVs for mobility constrained people. It takes a closer look on current mobility patterns of these groups, their mobility-related needs and the evaluation of the technology from user perspective based on qualitative and quantitative methods. What is the real potential of AVs for mobility constrained people and will they embrace AVs?