This interview was conducted with Dr Stavros Tsantzalis, Mechanical & Aeronautics Engineer and R&D Director at TOBEA Mechanical Applications, who leads the development of the iKiosk accessibility system.

Introduction to the technology 

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

The tourist destination of the Acropolis, which is one of the most important attractions in Greece, is a place of immense historical and cultural interest. The site, which covers an area of about 10 square kilometres, has a network of roads that are mostly either dirt paths or covered with stone. This layout makes touring the archaeological site quite a demanding process for visitors, and for individuals with mobility difficulties, the situation becomes even more challenging, especially during the hot summer months, when conditions hinder access and safe navigation. 

Recognising these challenges, TOBEA proposes an innovative solution to enhance accessibility at the site. By creating a dedicated hosting area (mobility station/hub) for electric mobility scooters entitled Accessibility Kiosk, individuals with mobility limitations are allowed to leave behind their traditional wheelchairs and use, free of charge, one of the available electric scooters. This initiative allows users to explore the historic site with complete safety and comfort, significantly improving their experience and facilitating their movement within a particularly demanding environment. 

Pilot site testing 

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

In Hamburg, the installation site has been carefully selected in an area that is highly accessible and welcoming for people with disabilities. The location is surrounded by facilities and services designed to support individuals with mobility challenges, including several hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This creates an environment where users can easily access the installation as part of their daily routines, medical visits, or recreational activities. The aim is to integrate the new infrastructure into an already supportive community, ensuring that people with disabilities can benefit from it comfortably and safely. 

In Larnaka, the installation will take place in a parking area conveniently situated close to the beach, where Tobea will install an iSEATRAC system. This setup is designed to create a smooth and independent mobility experience for users. They will be able to park their car in the designated area and then use a mobility scooter to travel directly to the iSEATRAC platform. This seamless transition allows individuals with limited mobility to access the sea with ease, promoting social inclusion, well-being, and the ability to enjoy recreational activities such as swimming without physical barriers. 

In Penteli, the mobility station will be installed in a pedestrian zone near a church located on one of the most commercial and vibrant streets in the Municipality of Penteli. This strategic location ensures high visibility and accessibility for both residents and visitors. The pedestrian setting provides a safe and comfortable environment for individuals using mobility devices, while the proximity to local shops, community spaces, and cultural landmarks enhances the station’s usefulness. By placing the installation in such a central area, the municipality aims to promote inclusive mobility and encourage broader community engagement. 

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

Installation Requirements for the Mobility Station 

The installation of the mobility station is subject to compliance with local regulatory frameworks and technical prerequisites. In accordance with municipal regulations, Tobea must obtain all necessary licenses and permits from the relevant local authorities before any installation activities can commence. These approvals cover both the physical installation of the mobility station and the legal framework governing the operation of mobility scooters within the respective jurisdiction. 

Regulatory and Legal Considerations 

The local authorities typically define several legal aspects that must be addressed, including: 

• Legal status of mobility scooter use: Verification of whether mobility scooters are permitted in the city and under which specific conditions. 

• Operational restrictions: Identification of any limitations that may apply, such as restricted zones, maximum allowed speeds, or designated parking and operating areas. 

• Technical and safety requirements: Compliance with specific requirements for the placement, visibility, and safety features of the mobility station. 

• Insurance obligations: Confirmation of mandatory insurance coverage for both the mobility station and the mobility scooters, including liability protection and potential coverage for public-use equipment. 

Technical and Logistical Requirements 

To facilitate the safe and efficient installation of the mobility station, a few technical and logistical considerations must be addressed: 

• Lifting equipment: A crane or hydraulic lift with a minimum load capacity of 1,000 kg must be arranged to unload the mobility station from the transport vehicle. 

• Site accessibility: The installation site must provide sufficient clearance in both height and surrounding space to enable safe unloading, positioning, and installation activities. 

• Electrical connection: The station requires access to a stable electrical grid connection (AC 220–230 V), which must be prepared in advance by a certified electrician or authorized service provider. 

• Communication network: Adequate mobile network coverage is required to ensure proper operation of the mobility station’s connectivity features, including user registration, monitoring, and remote management. 

Anchoring and Structural Compliance 

For the duration of the demonstration phase, the mobility station will be anchored using bolts. This method of installation may involve drilling into public or private property surfaces, which typically requires an additional permit. Therefore, a specific license or authorization must be secured to carry out this anchoring procedure in compliance with local construction or public-space regulations.

Demonstration phase 

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

The primary objectives of the project focus on enhancing mobility, promoting inclusiveness, and addressing existing gaps in transportation services. These objectives include: 

• Providing accessible mobility for individuals without private transportation 

The iKiosk aims to offer modern and user-friendly mobility solutions for individuals who do not own a private vehicle. By enabling easy access to areas of interest, such as public services, recreational facilities, commercial centers, and educational institutions, the system supports independent travel and contributes to improved quality of life. 

• Strengthening social inclusion and supporting all social groups 

A core goal of the initiative is to promote equal opportunities and ensure universal access to mobility services. Through inclusive design and community-centered implementation, the project reinforces the social responsibility and public value of the implementing authority (e.g., Municipality, Region). This effort contributes to reducing social inequalities and fostering active participation of all citizens in daily social and economic activities. 

• Providing mobility solutions for people with disabilities in underserved areas 

The iKiosk addresses persistent gaps in accessible transportation infrastructure, particularly in regions where mobility options for people with disabilities are limited or insufficient. By deploying fully accessible mobility stations and adaptive mobility scooters, the system ensures safe, reliable, and autonomous movement for users with disabilities. This contributes to greater independence, social integration, and equal access to public spaces and services. 

How will the demonstration phase help you assess the iKiosk’s real-world effectiveness in supporting people with mobility challenges? 

In the development of any new technology, inventors typically identify numerous advantages but may not immediately detect disadvantages or potential weaknesses. For this reason, it is essential to test the iKiosk in three different locations, each characterized by distinct weather conditions and diverse user profiles, including individuals with different mentalities, expectations, and needs. 

By collecting detailed feedback, observations, and practical notes from these users, the R&D department will obtain valuable information and real-world data. This input will play a crucial role in identifying areas for improvement and guiding the design and development of the next generation of the iKiosk, ensuring higher reliability, enhanced functionality, and greater user satisfaction. 

Future outlook 

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

The successful installation of the iKiosk in three different locations, combined with the lessons learned from each site, will create the necessary conditions for comprehensive improvements across all aspects of the system. The insights gained (covering technical performance, user experience, environmental challenges, and operational requirements) will guide the refinement of the next version of the iKiosk. 

Based on these improvements, the new generation of the iKiosk will be designed to provide free, autonomous, and cost-free access to all designated intervention areas, ensuring that users can move independently and reliably. At the same time, the upgraded system will further promote social inclusion by guaranteeing equal accessibility for all individuals, regardless of physical ability, background, or personal circumstances.  

What has been the most rewarding or insightful part of working on the iKiosk for InclusiveSpaces? 

The most important aspect of this project is the creation of a fully functional component developed entirely from scratch, considering all the challenges and obstacles encountered throughout this scientific and engineering journey. By addressing these real-world problems during the development process, the system not only demonstrates technological innovation but also ensures practical applicability. 

Beyond its technical achievements, this system is designed to significantly improve the everyday lives of people with disabilities, providing them with greater independence, accessibility, and mobility. At the same time, its benefits extend to the broader public, offering inclusive solutions that enhance convenience, usability, and quality of life for all users.