How will older adults use automated vehicles? Assessing the role of AVs in overcoming perceived mobility barriers

Faber, Koen; van Lierop, Dea · 2020 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2020.01.022

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This study investigates how older adults perceive and envision the use of automated vehicles (AVs) to overcome existing mobility barriers. While AVs are expected to improve road safety and accessibility, limited research exists regarding their adoption by seniors, a population often facing transport disadvantage and social exclusion due to physical or cognitive decline. The authors aim to explore the mobility needs of older adults in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands, and assess their attitudes toward four distinct AV scenarios: automated public transport with fixed schedules, automated on-demand public transport, fleet-based shared AVs, and privately owned AVs. The researchers employed a qualitative methodology consisting of four focus groups conducted between April and May 2019. Participants were recruited from retirement homes, care centers, and community centers across urban neighborhoods (Overvecht, Transwijk, Randenbroek) and a peripheral municipality (Breukelen). The sample included 24 older adults, predominantly female, many of whom used mobility aids such as walkers, scooters, or wheelchairs. The focus groups followed a structured discussion format: first assessing current travel behavior and perceived barriers, then presenting the four AV scenarios, and finally discussing how these technologies might address unmet mobility needs. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis to identify emerging themes without preconceived categories. The findings reveal that participants face significant mobility barriers, including difficulties with boarding and alighting public transport due to mobility devices, long access distances to transit stops, poor sidewalk quality, and inadequate service hours. Many participants expressed a strong desire for independence, noting a reluctance to rely on family for non-essential trips. Regarding AV adoption, 19 of the 24 participants showed a preference for at least one AV scenario. On-demand AV services were the most favored option, particularly among those in peripheral areas with lower public transport frequency. Participants valued the flexibility of on-demand booking, the ability to use AVs for first- and last-mile connections, and the spaciousness of certain shuttles that could accommodate mobility devices. Additionally, the option to travel with friends and the perceived safety and comfort of AVs were cited as important factors for positive adoption attitudes. The study concludes that older adults have a strong interest in using AVs to mitigate current accessibility challenges and regain independence. The results highlight that flexibility, ease of access, and accommodation of physical needs are critical for AV acceptance among seniors. These insights provide transport agencies, policymakers, and vehicle manufacturers with specific user requirements to consider in the design and deployment of future automated mobility services, ensuring they effectively serve older populations and promote social equity.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-26; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• acceptance adoption