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Europe’s population is diverse, yet its mobility infrastructure often fails to reflect this reality. Mobility is a fundamental part of daily life – allowing access to work, school, health and governmental services, as well as leisure activities and social connections – and a lack of access can have profound consequences on individual physical, social and mental health; as well as environmental impact. Despite the importance of inclusive and accessible transport, mobility systems have primarily been designed for the needs of a narrow demographic – typically able-bodied, middle-aged men with traditional office jobs.
More than 100 million people in Europe have caregiving responsibilities, and another 100 million people live with disabilities, yet most public transport services are not designed with these needs in mind. At the same time, there is a steadily growing ageing population, with the number of individuals over the age of 80 doubling in the past decade in Europe, increasing the demand for mobility solutions available for all age groups. Addressing these challenges is essential, not only for social inclusion but also for maximising the efficiency and sustainability of transport networks.
The 2025 Better Mobility Trendreport, researched and authored by EIT Urban Mobility, Impact Hub Vienna, and Point&, highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive, sustainable and accessible mobility landscape that accommodates a wider range of people, including caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. The report asserts that a mobility system designed for all is not only a social imperative but also a powerful driver of economic and environmental progress. The trend report details “five key trends for accessible, affordable, safe, and sustainable mobility in Europe.”
Trend #1: build a holistic mobility system
Creating holistic mobility systems is crucial to reach the Green Deal objectives – as private car trips will require a 16% reduction by 2030. Thus, the future of transport should revolve around comprehensive and interconnected networks that integrate public transit, shared mobility options and digital solutions for a streamlined experience.
Digital ticketing, multimodal transit hubs and improved cross-border cooperation can help make public transport more efficient and accessible for everyone. In Austria, for instance, the KlimaTicket programme has introduced a nationwide public transport pass that simplifies fare structures and provides affordability, serving as a model for other European nations looking to improve transport accessibility. By consolidating public transport ticketing into a single pass and simplifying access, more people will be enabled to utilise the system – making the sustainable option the easy option.
Trend #2: Design liveable cities and regions
Beyond integration, urban spaces must be designed with a people-first perspective – prioritising walkability, the allocation of more green spaces and mixed-use environments where essential services are easily accessible. The change to more liveable spaces for people, not access for vehicles, not only promotes environmental sustainability but also enhances social interaction and overall well-being.
For example, the city of Paris has committed to developing 100 hectares of new green spaces and expanding its cycling network with a €250 million investment. As a result, the city has become known for their strides towards greater liveability, adopting a 15-minute city framework and encouraging urban cycling.
Trend #3: Prioritise health
The effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, air and noise pollution and extreme weather events pose increasing risks to health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions. Investing in infrastructure that encourages active mobility, such as well-maintained pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, urban greenery, and streets with traffic calming measures, can create greater uptake and lead to more active residents.
In Griesheim, Germany, the concept of a “sittable and playable city” was introduced and has been successfully implemented. This concept led to the improvement of pedestrian paths and public spaces to accommodate both children and elderly residents – with the goal of fostering a more inclusive environment in which residents of all ages could be active and present in urban space.
Trend #4: Commit to inclusive design
Inclusive design is another fundamental aspect of mobility planning that requires greater attention in order to create ‘better mobility.’ At their foundation, mobility products and services should ensure access for all while also being intuitive, stylish, and functional. To reach true accessibility for all, innovators should directly involve users with varying mobility needs in the design process. This bottom-up approach ensures that new solutions do not inadvertently exclude certain groups and provides solutions that address real needs.
The EU Accessibility Act, which mandates that accessible ticketing and mobility information be available by 2025, is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. Businesses, policymakers and administrations must go beyond regulatory requirements to proactively design transport systems that cater to diverse needs. In Lisbon, Portugal, city planners found that their iconic mosaic pavements created mobility challenges for residents. After a decade of research, the city has redesigned the pavement in order to enhance accessibility while preserving their aesthetic value, bridging the gap between tradition and inclusivity.
Trend #5: Enhance safety and security
Safety and security are essential prerequisites for inclusive mobility. Creating an environment where all individuals feel safe using public transportation – regardless of age, gender or physical ability – requires both infrastructural improvements and behavioural interventions.
Vision Zero, an initiative aimed at eliminating road fatalities, has already seen success in cities like Helsinki, Finland and Oslo, Norway, where measures such as pedestrian-oriented street design, expanded cycling lanes and a reduction in traffic speeds have contributed to a significant decline in vehicle accidents. Providing access to reliable transport services, well-lit transit hubs and enhanced surveillance can also make users feel safer, particularly when travelling after dark or in more remote, or less-populated areas.
Better mobility is better for all
The five trends outlined by the Better Mobility Trendreport 2025 show that transitioning to a more inclusive mobility system offers tangible benefits across health, well-being, environment and economy. If sustainable transport models are adopted in line with the European Green Deal, traffic-related injuries and fatalities could decrease by 70%, saving lives while significantly reducing healthcare and infrastructure costs. These economic savings could be substantial, reaching up to approximately €11,000 per person by 2050. Health benefits also factor heavily into this shift, as greater investment in active transport modes like walking and cycling could generate between €200 and €1,170 in individual health savings per capita. Additionally, a strategic approach to sustainable mobility could reduce carbon emissions by as much as 96% by 2050, demonstrating that designing for inclusivity can be a key driver in combating climate change.
By embracing a holistic, people-centred approach to mobility planning, Europe has the opportunity to create a system that is not only more efficient and sustainable but also more equitable and inclusive.
