During 2025, we worked on a project funded by Motability Foundation to test a number of outreach and confidence building activities to support disabled people to use the existing models of shared e-bikes and e-scooters. The project, delivered in partnership with Cycling UK in Salford, Salford City Council, Lime and Beryl.
Promotion via networks of local charities and Disabled People’s Organisations provided the most effective way of encouraging people to come along to the training sessions and then go on to ride. 51% of participants heard about the training through word of mouth or emails sent to their local group. The greatest number of engagements came from the targeted social media campaign. The combination of engaging stories and the offer of a free rides caught the attention of disabled people who had not used shared modes before.
The off-road training, run by Cycling UK, was successful in building the skills and confidence of potential users by allowing hands-on practice in a safe environment. Many (43%) of participants wanted help to see feel safer using the bikes and e-scooters, whilst 27% said they didn’t know how to use the app. Following the training, 71% of participants said that they were likely to use the Starling Bank e-bikes independently and 43% stated the same expectation for their ongoing use of Lime e-scooters.
The project showed that offering target promotion and a chance to try the modes in safe and supported environment can lead to more disabled people enjoying the benefits of shared micromobility modes.
During 2025, we worked on a project funded by Motability Foundation to test a number of outreach and confidence building activities to support disabled people to use the existing models of shared e-bikes and e-scooters. The project, delivered in partnership with Cycling UK in Salford, Salford City Council, Lime and Beryl.
Promotion via networks of local charities and Disabled People’s Organisations provided the most effective way of encouraging people to come along to the training sessions and then go on to ride. 51% of participants heard about the training through word of mouth or emails sent to their local group. The greatest number of engagements came from the targeted social media campaign. The combination of engaging stories and the offer of a free rides caught the attention of disabled people who had not used shared modes before.
The off-road training, run by Cycling UK, was successful in building the skills and confidence of potential users by allowing hands-on practice in a safe environment. Many (43%) of participants wanted help to see feel safer using the bikes and e-scooters, whilst 27% said they didn’t know how to use the app. Following the training, 71% of participants said that they were likely to use the Starling Bank e-bikes independently and 43% stated the same expectation for their ongoing use of Lime e-scooters.
The project showed that offering target promotion and a chance to try the modes in safe and supported environment can lead to more disabled people enjoying the benefits of shared micromobility modes.