Autonomous shuttles: An alternative for children’s independent mobility?

Kurzfassung

Mobility of children has changed significantly in recent years. The number of parents taking their children by car has increased significantly to the detriment of active mobility resulting in children travelling less independently. Girls are even longer accompanied by their parents than boys. While a lot of research focusses on children’s mobility to school, little is known about children’s trips to leisure activities. Even though, these trips may require more planning as public transport or bikeable routes are not always available. This leaves parents driving their children as the sole means of transportation. Autonomous shuttles (SAE Level 5) transporting children to their activities might be a solution addressing parents’ needs (e.g. time constraints, safety concerns) and fulfilling children’s mobility requirement. To investigate the acceptance of autonomous shuttles for commutes to the leisure activity from the parents' perspective, an online study will be conducted. Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), parents will assess their acceptance of autonomous shuttles for their children’s mobility needs. The effect of gender on acceptance ratings will be analyzed. Conclusions will be drawn on the potential of autonomous vehicles as a facilitator of the independent mobility of children.