Shared or different? Group-specific and overall correlates of low-speed mobility among people with disabilities in Tianjin, China

Introduction Daily walking and other forms of low-speed mobility among people with disabilities are shaped by the interaction of street environments, access to daily destinations, and individual circumstances. This study developed a GPS-based Low-speed Mobility Activity Intensity (LMAI) measure and examined disability-specific and overall associations with environmental, facility, and individual characteristics. Methods We recruited 319 adults aged 50–60 years in central Tianjin, China, including 157 participants with visual impairments and 162 with physical/mobility impairments. Participants carried GPS devices for at least 10 consecutive days. LMAI was defined as the product of mean daily distance and mean daily trip frequency derived from GPS-classified low-speed mobility. Exploratory Pearson correlations were estimated separately by disability group at 500 m and 800 m neighbourhood scales. After complete-case screening, pooled ordinary least-squares (OLS) models were estimated using 29 participants. Results Group-specific correlations showed distinct patterns across disability types and some scale sensitivity. In pooled OLS models, residential building construction year (β = .978, p = 0.005 at 500 m; β = .861, p = 0.025 at 800 m) and employment (β = .612, p = 0.002; β = .723, p = 0.005) were positively associated with LMAI, whereas sky-view factor was negatively associated (β = −.910, p = 0.003; β = −.835, p = 0.031). Distance to the nearest metro station was significant only in the 500 m model, whereas tactile paving density was significant only in the 800 m model. Conclusions Low-speed mobility among people with disabilities reflects both disability-specific patterns and potential overall associations. Accessible planning should therefore combine continuous and useable walking environments with disability-specific support and opportunities for employment and social participation.