Comment: Mobility in Motion on the upcoming vehicle regulations that could impact 1.3 billion disabled drivers
Matthew Walker and Martin Peaker, Managing Director and Group Engineering Manager at ABC Mobility Group, owner of Mobility in Motion, give an update on the latest conversations taking place on a global level about upcoming vehicle regulations that will impact disabled drivers.
The coming months are critical for the mobility industry, and there’s a need for urgent attention to address potential challenges that may impact 1.3 billion disabled individuals worldwide. Currently, the mobility landscape is complex, with various regulations shaping the future of mobility solutions. The upcoming UNECE Cyber Security and Software Updating regulations, set to be mandatory in July 2024, are part of a broader shift toward autonomous vehicles and electric cars.
But that intersection of technology, regulation, and human needs is creating a delicate balance that needs addressing quickly.
Understanding Global Regulations
Upcoming cybersecurity regulations will mark a significant shift in the automotive industry’s approach to vehicle safety. The new UNECE Cyber Security (UN R 155) and UNECE Software Updating (UN R 156) regulations, which become mandatory in July 2024, are designed to mitigate the risks of cyber-attacks and unauthorised access to vehicles.
Currently, various bodies are shaping the landscape of mobility solutions and these regulations are part of a larger shift toward autonomous and sophisticated vehicles, especially with the inclusion of electric vehicles. The delicate balance between technology, regulations, and human needs requires urgent attention.
Ethical responsibility to find solutions and what’s next
A central challenge is the lack of information exchange between car manufacturers – or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) – and adaptation manufacturers.
The adaptation industry often only discovers new technology or barriers for adaptation integration when receiving a vehicle, leading to reactive measures needing to be taken.
The move to electric and hybrid vehicles further complicates matters, requiring access to technical data from OEMs. The lack of communication causes delays, unnecessary costs, and potential discrimination against disabled drivers.
There are many vehicle adaptations that could be affected. Two driving adaptation examples to highlight include the push/pull hand controls and electronic accelerators – safety upgrades that are designed for individuals unable to use traditional pedals. However, lane-keeping assistance and driver drowsiness awareness systems, while improving vehicle safety for fully able-bodied drivers, may require turning off for a disabled driver thus denying them the safety benefit.
Efforts to navigate challenges are underway through industry representation in Brussels, primarily through the European Mobility Group (EMG) and the Association of Vehicle Adaptation Manufacturers (AVAM). However, the complexity of the matter and the number of bodies involved dilute the industry’s voice, hindering mobility and freedom for those who need it most.
Working together with different groups in the industry is important to make guidelines for designing electric cars that anyone can use easily. The Motability Scheme, supported by the UK Government, has been saying this for a long time. They help disabled people lease new cars at a good price. It’s crucial that car designers listen to everyone’s needs, especially disabled people’s when making electric cars. They want advice and designs that make it easier for disabled people to get and use electric cars.
Collaboration, understanding, and a shared commitment to ethical responsibility can pave the way for a future where mobility is truly inclusive and accessible. The time for proactive engagement is now, and together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure nobody is left behind.
You can read the full analysis of the upcoming UNECE Cyber Security (UN R 155) and UNECE Software Updating (UN R 156) regulations here.
