Abstract
Rural areas across the United Kingdom face persistent challenges in providing affordable and reliable transport. Declining public transport networks, ageing populations, and geographical isolation often combine to limit the mobility of older residents. This article explores the potential of new micro-mobility solutions, particularly electric quadricycles such as the Citroën Ami, to address mobility gaps in rural communities. Drawing upon recent literature on rural mobility and transport equity, we introduce an ongoing research project and survey designed to assess whether micro-cars could improve independence and social connectivity for older people.
Introduction
Mobility is a cornerstone of social inclusion, access to services, and wellbeing. For older people in rural areas, mobility often determines the ability to attend medical appointments, maintain social networks, and carry out everyday tasks (Shergold & Parkhurst, 2012). Yet rural transport provision in the UK has declined markedly over the past two decades. According to the Campaign for Better Transport (2023), more than 5,000 local bus routes have been reduced or withdrawn since 2010, disproportionately affecting rural communities.
At the same time, rural populations are ageing more rapidly than urban ones (Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2021). This convergence of trends has prompted renewed interest in alternative forms of rural mobility. One such innovation is the rise of micro-mobility solutions, ranging from e-bikes to lightweight electric vehicles. This paper focuses on the potential of micro-cars/quadricycles to meet the mobility needs of older people in rural contexts.
Rural mobility and transport equity
Research has long highlighted the structural disadvantages rural residents face in terms of accessibility. Lucas (2012) frames this as a question of transport poverty, where limited access to mobility reinforces social exclusion. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to such exclusion when driving becomes difficult or unsafe, yet public alternatives are scarce.
Policy efforts such as the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Future of Transport: Rural Strategy (2022) acknowledge these challenges but remain in early stages of piloting solutions. Community transport schemes provide some relief, but coverage is patchy and often reliant on volunteers (Nutley, 2003). As such, there is growing space for innovation in low-cost, flexible transport technologies.
Micro-cars as a potential solution
Micro-cars, or electric quadricycles, represent a relatively new category of vehicle in the UK. The Citroën Ami, for example, is fully electric, has a top speed of 28 mph, and a maximum range of 46 miles on a single charge. It can be charged via a domestic socket in three hours, with running costs estimated as low as 4p per mile. With seating for two and a modest luggage capacity, these vehicles are designed for short local trips rather than long-distance travel.
Internationally, micro-cars have gained traction in urban contexts, particularly in France and Italy (Raimondi, 2021). However, their potential role in rural mobility is under-researched. Their affordability — purchase prices starting under £5,000 — and ease of use suggest they could fill a gap for older drivers who no longer feel confident using larger vehicles. At the same time, questions remain about safety, comfort, and cultural acceptance within rural settings.
Research project and survey
To address these gaps, Keele University and the Future Economic Rural Network (FERN) are undertaking a collaborative research project funded through Keele’s Quality Research Fund. The project aims to explore whether micro-cars could realistically contribute to meeting the mobility needs of older people in rural communities.
The study employs a mixed-methods approach:
- Desk review of existing literature on rural transport and micro-mobility.
- Survey of older people and rural residents, gathering views on awareness, acceptability, and potential barriers.
- Qualitative interviews to provide depth on lived experiences of mobility challenges.
The survey invites participants to reflect on whether they have seen or used micro-cars, their first impressions, potential uses (shopping, social visits, leisure), perceived barriers (cost, speed, safety), and desirable enhancements. Ethical approval has been secured through Keele University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences Research Ethics Committee. All responses are anonymised, with participants free to withdraw at any stage prior to submission.
Potential benefits
Preliminary analysis suggests several possible benefits of micro-cars for rural older people:
- Affordability: Running costs are significantly lower than conventional cars, offering financial savings for those on fixed incomes.
- Accessibility: Simplicity of charging from a household socket may overcome infrastructure gaps in areas lacking public charging points.
- Independence: Vehicles could enable older people to continue driving safely for short, essential trips, reducing reliance on family or community transport.
- Sustainability: Electric power aligns with broader goals of reducing rural carbon emissions.
Challenges and barriers
At the same time, important challenges remain:
- Safety perceptions: Quadricycles are not subject to the same crash-safety standards as conventional cars, potentially deterring adoption (DfT, 2022).
- Cultural acceptance: Some rural residents may view micro-cars as “urban” solutions unsuited to rural lifestyles.
- Practical limitations: Range, size, and comfort may restrict use for longer trips or transporting goods.
- Cost paradox: While running costs are low, second-hand prices in the UK currently exceed new prices in continental Europe, raising affordability concerns.
Implications for rural policy
This research contributes to wider debates on rural equity and sustainable mobility. Micro-cars are unlikely to replace conventional vehicles or community transport, but they could form part of a diverse rural mobility ecosystem. Policymakers should consider pilot schemes, subsidies, or targeted support to make such vehicles accessible to older residents.
By grounding the research in lived experiences, the survey aims to provide evidence that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. The findings will be of interest to rural community groups, transport planners, and policymakers seeking innovative ways to support mobility in later life.
Conclusion
Rural mobility is a pressing issue in the UK, with older people particularly at risk of social exclusion due to transport barriers. Micro-cars represent a potentially valuable tool in addressing this challenge, offering affordability, independence, and sustainability. However, further evidence is needed to assess their practicality, safety, and cultural acceptance in rural contexts.
This study, undertaken by Keele University and FERN, seeks to generate such evidence through a combination of survey and qualitative research. The results will inform future debates on rural mobility and the design of inclusive, sustainable transport systems.
📝 The survey is open here: https://forms.gle/TKyK7dARbk4h67uo8
Links to Keele University Life Sciences and Human Geography here.
Daniel Rad, Future Economic Rural Network (FERN)
Professor Simon Pemberton, Keele University
References
Lucas, K. (2012). Transport and social exclusion: Where are we now? Transport Policy, 20, 105–113.
Nutley, S. D. (2003). Indicators of transport and accessibility problems in rural Australia. Journal of Transport Geography, 11(1), 55–71.
Office for National Statistics. (2021). Population estimates for the UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: mid-2020. London: ONS.
Shergold, I., & Parkhurst, G. (2012). Transport-related social exclusion amongst older people in rural Southwest England and Wales. Journal of Rural Studies, 28(4), 412–421.
