Latent Opportunities for the Use of Two-Rider Bicycles and Associated Challenges by Welfare Service Providers

For persons with reduced mobility (PRM), the two-rider bicycle might be a potential, practical means of transportation, and the development of bicycles that meet these needs is in progress. While it revealed that there were many limits imposed on their use as a private use in a previous study, the opportunities for business use or associated challenges remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to understand the latent opportunities or use of two-rider bicycles by welfare service providers, as well as the associated challenges. A hearing survey was conducted on various type of welfare service providers that operate transportation services for the elderly and people with disabilities. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was conducted on potential users after providing opportunities to experience two-rider bicycles. The results confirmed that there were different types of latent opportunities for the use of two-rider bicycles by each type of welfare service providers.