This article is part of a dedicated interview series with Pilot Site partners of the InclusiveSpaces project, showcasing innovative tools, technologies, and solutions designed to enhance accessibility and support inclusive mobility in public, cultural, and recreational spaces. Through these interviews, the series explores how practical, user-centred solutions are being deployed to enable more independent and equitable access for all.

You can read Part 1 of this article here.

How real experiences shaped the iKiosk

Could you briefly introduce the iKiosk and explain the need it was designed to address?

User feedback played a crucial role in refining the iKiosk design. During testing sessions conducted at TOBEA’s facilities, users with disabilities highlighted the need for a simple and accessible way to reserve a scooter in advance, ensuring availability upon arrival.

At the same time, participants stressed that reservation periods should not be excessively long, as this could result in scooters being booked but not used, preventing others from accessing them. Concerns were also raised about reliance on a dedicated mobile application, as not all users own or feel comfortable using smartphones. This feedback helped guide a more inclusive and flexible system design.

Learning by doing: challenges, adjustments and improvements

Were there any particular challenges you encountered while setting up the system, and how did you address them?

Several challenges were identified and addressed during development:

• The garage door material was changed from plastic to aluminium to improve durability
• The automatic charging system was redesigned to enhance safety and reliability
• The control box was reduced in size following user feedback

These adjustments improved both performance and user experience.

Taking the iKiosk into real environments across Europe

The iKiosk will be demonstrated in several InclusiveSpaces pilot locations. What criteria were considered when selecting these sites?

The iKiosk will be demonstrated in three InclusiveSpaces pilot locations, each selected based on specific accessibility and social criteria.

In Hamburg, the installation site is located in an area surrounded by hospitals and rehabilitation centres, creating a supportive environment where people with disabilities can easily integrate the system into their daily routines.

In Larnaka, the iKiosk will be installed in a parking area near the beach, in combination with the iSEATRAC system. Users will be able to park their car and use a mobility scooter to reach the iSEATRAC platform, enabling independent access to the sea and recreational activities.

In Penteli, the mobility station will be placed in a pedestrian zone near a church on one of the municipality’s most commercial streets. This high-visibility location ensures safe access, encourages community engagement, and promotes inclusive mobility in a central urban environment.

Preparing the ground: what it takes to make accessibility work

What preliminary steps are required to prepare a site before installing the iKiosk?

Before installation, compliance with local regulatory frameworks is required. This includes obtaining permits related to:

• Legal status and operational rules for mobility scooters
• Technical and safety requirements
• Insurance obligations

Technical preparation includes ensuring:

• Availability of lifting equipment with sufficient load capacity
• Adequate site clearance
• Electrical connections (AC 220–230 V)
• Reliable mobile network coverage

For the demonstration phase, the mobility station is anchored using bolts, which may require additional permits depending on local regulations.

Installing the iKiosk from transport to operation

The mobility stations are transported from Greece to Cyprus and Germany using standard shipping containers. Dimensions were adjusted to comply with container transport requirements.

Once on site, the stations are unloaded using cranes or hydraulic lifts, positioned at the prepared locations, and anchored according to local regulations. Following installation, a full system check is conducted, including testing of:

• The mobile application
• Battery charging system
• Mobility scooters
• Garage door mechanisms
• Electrical and network connectivity

Only after successful verification is the system considered operational.

Demonstration phase and future outlook

What are the key elements you plan to showcase during the iKiosk demonstrations across the pilot locations?

The demonstration phase across three different locations allows the project team to evaluate the iKiosk under varying weather conditions and user profiles. Feedback and observations collected during this phase provide valuable real-world data that will guide future improvements.

How do you envision the iKiosk contributing to the long-term improvement of accessibility in public spaces?

The insights gained will support the development of the next generation of the iKiosk, ensuring enhanced reliability, functionality, and accessibility. Ultimately, the system aims to provide free, autonomous access to public spaces, promote social inclusion, and improve everyday mobility for people with disabilities and the wider public.

Designing the iKiosk for safe and independent mobility

What are the key functions of the iKiosk, and how do they contribute to creating more inclusive environments?

The Accessibility Kiosk is designed to support the secure storage and automatic charging of electric mobility scooters that have been carefully selected to meet the needs of people with limited mobility. These scooters enable safe, autonomous, and user-friendly transportation in public, cultural, and recreational areas.

Key technical features of the iKiosk include:

• One charging bay for electric mobility scooters
• Indicative dimensions:
  • Length: 2.1 m at ground level, 2.7 m at maximum height
  • Width: 2.3 m
  • Height: 2.6 m
• Electric door with individual locking system
• Automatic charging system for mobility scooters
• Construction using wood and metal materials (e.g. aluminium)
• Energy self-sufficiency through photovoltaic panels, with no need for grid connection
• Suitability for installation on any ground type (sidewalk, concrete, asphalt, soil)
• Natural and automatic lighting
• Secure storage space for personal belongings, such as a wheelchair