This project was undertaken by CoMoUK and TRL, with funding provided by the Motability Foundation, with the aim of supporting wider adoption of car clubs by disabled people.
It is believed to be the first detailed study which has delivered an in-depth investigation into car club accessibility, bringing together the needs and preferences of disabled people with the views of car club operators. For the first time this study examines the accessibility gap for disabled people in relation to car sharing, and in particular the well-established car club format.
Evidence was gathered as widely as possible – from disabled people, disability charities and Disabled People’s Organisation (DPOs), public authorities and car club operators.
It was understood from the outset that there would neither be ‘one size fits all’ solutions, nor solutions for all challenges. Regardless, this project’s ambition was to find actionable solutions to take forward. This study dives in depth into all the issues that presented themselves, such as terms and conditions; vehicle availability; affordability of the service; what need there is for a personalised service and the role of vehicle adaptations.
The report concludes with a clear vision for inclusive car clubs and a set of recommendations to underpin real-world deployment of more inclusive car clubs.
