E-scooters’ Impact on Accessibility for People with Visual Impairment or Impaired Mobility in Urban Areas in Norway

Abstract

How do e-scooters impact accessibility in urban areas for people with visual impairment or impaired mobility? We conducted two surveys among members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted and the Norwegian Association of Disabled. Results show that many are hindered by parked e-scooters, particularly on sidewalks, and most feel unsafe when interacting with e-scooter riders. More than half use more time on trips in urban areas due to e-scooters, while some avoid specific areas or even whole trips. Feeling unsafe and experiencing e-scooters as obstacles is associated with needing more time on trips or avoiding areas/trips.