Towards universally designed autonomous people mover: a survey analysis

One in six people worldwide live with a disability. People with disabilities (PwDs) have essential needs, including autonomy, social participation, and inclusion, which accessible autonomous vehicles (AVs) can help to mitigate through better access to transport. The needs and design preferences of PwDs for the introduction of these technologies are crucial in ensuring that AVs are inclusive and meet the specific requirements of all users. This study conducted a comprehensive examination of the challenges associated with current modes of transportation for PwDs, as well as their perceptions and preferences regarding the design features of AVs. An online survey was utilized to gather insights from a sample of 344 individuals with diverse types of disabilities. The survey presented four AV designs and asked individuals several questions about their preferences regarding these designs. Findings revealed several issues with current public transportation, including overcrowding and limited seating capacity, concerns about ramps, accessibility of handholds, securing oneself during transit, needing driver assistance, and facing challenges with boarding and disembarking. In total, 59 % of PwDs reported varying levels of unfamiliarity with AVs, indicating a clear opportunity for educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness and familiarity with AVs. The results further supported the market opportunity for medium-sized and side-entry AV people movers. This study provides design principles that can be developed to promote the universal design of AVs accessible to everyone. The concerns reported by PwDs could contribute to the government establishing tailored legislation towards universal design and enhancing public acceptance of AV technology. • Examines the needs and design preferences for Autonomous Vehicles (Avs) among People with Disabilities (PwDs). • Identifies several challenges for PwDs with current public transportation. • Reveals significant unfamiliarity among PwDs regarding AVs. • Identifies specific design preferences crucial for a Universal Design of AVs.