Automated Vehicles (AVs) have the potential to revolutionize road transport by enhancing safety, reducing congestion and environmental impact, and improving accessibility for people with disabilities and older adults. However, their actual effectiveness in addressing mobility challenges for these groups remains uncertain. Ensuring that no one is left behind is crucial, especially since one in four adults in the European Union has a disability, with half of them aged 65 or older. While the European Commission’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy recognizes the potential of Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility to support accessibility, significant progress is still needed, as highlighted in the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This report examines the key requirements for developing accessible AV services, including vehicle design (such as access, exit, and internal and external interactions), the smartphone application that supports their use (covering technical and informational features), training programs to facilitate adoption, and the need for assistance. Finally, it provides recommendations for technology developers, service providers, and policymakers to help ensure that AVs contribute to a more inclusive transport system.
DUBOZ Louison;
ALČIAUSKAITĖ Laura;
MATE Emöke;
MOURTZOUCHOU Andromachi;
GARUS Ada;
NAHMIAS BIRAN Bat Hen;
CIUFFO Biagio;
2025-05-13
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC142261
978-92-68-27201-5 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 40311,
OP KJ-01-25-272-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142261,
10.2760/7655690 (online),
