Paved, Powered, and Possible: New Survey Shows E-Assist Devices Are Getting Older and Disabled Americans Outdoors

Outdoor Equity Gap: Most Older and Disabled Americans Still Face Barriers to Nature

Clear Paths, Clear Info, More Adventures: Survey Reveals What Gets Seniors and People with Disabilities Outside

In a new survey we conducted with 1,000 Americans aged 55 and older and/or living with a disability, our findings revealed a clear message: accessibility is key to outdoor participation, but too often, it's an afterthought. 

From our study, 62% said they feel comfortable using electric-assist devices like e-bikes or mobility tools for outdoor activities, and 37% shared that the extra boost might actually motivate them to get outside more frequently. 

However, our research also uncovered persistent barriers from concerns about accessible transportation and unmaintained paths to the lack of clear online accessibility information that continue to limit how older adults and people with disabilities experience and enjoy the outdoors.

Key Findings:

• 62% feel comfortable using e-assist devices for outdoor activities.

• 37% said using an e-bike feels like a helpful boost that might actually get them outside more. 

• 59% often feel that local leaders forget about older adults and people with disabilities when they design or upgrade outdoor spaces. 

• 62% have skipped an outdoor trip in the past year because they were worried about transportation or parking being accessible. 

• 41% said smoother/maintained paths would most increase the safety of their outdoor experiences. 

• 61.5% said access to affordable rental equipment would increase their likelihood of outdoor participation.

• 75% would be more likely to visit a new park or trail if it had clear accessibility details listed online. 

Majority of Americans Embrace E-Assist Devices for Outdoor Adventures, Our Survey Finds

In our recent survey of 1,000 Americans, 62% reported feeling comfortable using electric-assist (e-assist) devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and mobility tools for outdoor recreational activities. This growing comfort reflects a notable cultural shift toward tech-supported mobility and accessibility in nature and urban spaces alike. 

From park trails to city paths, more Americans are leaning into innovation to enhance how they experience the outdoors, signaling a promising trend for the future of active lifestyles powered by smart technology.

E-Bikes as Motivation: Over a Third Say the Boost Encourages More Time Outdoors

Building on the upward trend in e-assist comfort, our research also found that 37% of respondents view e-bikes not just as a tool, but as a motivator. Specifically, they said the assistance an e-bike provides feels like a helpful boost that might actually get them outside more often. 

This insight suggests e-bikes are doing more than making rides easier; they're lowering mental and physical barriers that might otherwise keep people indoors. As accessibility and convenience become stronger incentives, e-bikes are emerging as a bridge between modern convenience and more frequent outdoor engagement.

Accessibility Concerns Persist: 59% Say Outdoor Design Overlooks Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Despite rising enthusiasm for e-assist devices and their potential to encourage outdoor activity, our findings also highlight a critical area for improvement: inclusivity in public space design. According to our assessment, 59% of respondents believe local leaders often forget about the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities when designing or upgrading outdoor environments. 

This sentiment reveals a disconnect between the growing demand for accessible outdoor experiences and the planning processes shaping them. As more Americans turn to assistive technologies to enjoy nature and public spaces, there's a clear call for more intentional, inclusive design from the ground up.

Transportation Barriers Still Limit Access: 62% Skipped Outdoor Trips Over Accessibility Concerns

 

 

In line with broader concerns about inclusivity in outdoor spaces, our analysis uncovered another key obstacle: accessible transportation. Among those surveyed, 62% said they had skipped at least one outdoor trip in the past year due to worries about whether transportation or parking would be accessible. 

This finding underscores a persistent challenge: while enthusiasm for outdoor activity is growing, practical limitations are still keeping many, especially those with mobility needs, from fully participating. As communities aim to encourage more active lifestyles, ensuring reliable, accessible infrastructure remains a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Well-Maintained Paths Key to Safer Outdoor Experiences, Say 41% of Americans

As accessibility and safety continue to shape the outdoor experience, our report revealed that 41% of respondents identified smoother, well-maintained paths as the single most important factor in improving their sense of safety outdoors. 

This feedback highlights the critical role of basic infrastructure in making parks, trails, and public spaces not only more enjoyable, but also more navigable for all users, especially those relying on mobility aids or e-assist devices. 

With interest in outdoor activity on the rise, investing in maintenance may be one of the most immediate ways to create safer, more inclusive environments.

Affordable Rentals Could Drive Participation: 61.5% Say Access Would Get Them Outdoors More Often

Our research also points to a clear opportunity to boost outdoor engagement through affordability. When asked what would make them more likely to spend time outside, 61.5% of respondents said that access to affordable rental equipment such as e-bikes, adaptive gear, or mobility devices would increase their participation. 

This insight suggests that for many Americans, cost remains a key barrier to trying new outdoor activities or simply accessing the right tools to enjoy them safely. Expanding affordable rental options could be a powerful lever in making outdoor spaces more equitable and widely used.

Digital Transparency Matters: 75% More Likely to Visit Parks with Accessibility Info Online

In today’s digital-first world, clear communication can make or break a trip outdoors. Our findings show that 75% of respondents would be more likely to visit a new park or trail if detailed accessibility information such as path conditions, available facilities, and adaptive equipment options were clearly listed online. 

This strong preference for upfront transparency emphasizes the growing expectation for inclusive planning to begin not just on the ground, but online. For parks and recreation departments, publishing accessibility details isn’t just helpful, it's a decisive factor in whether many people choose to engage with outdoor spaces at all.

Summary 

Our analysis highlights both the progress and the possibilities ahead. While challenges remain, the responses from older adults and people with disabilities show a strong desire to connect with the outdoors when given the right tools, access, and information.

From e-assist devices to smoother paths, affordable rentals, and clear online details, the solutions are within reach. As communities and planners continue to evolve outdoor spaces, there's an incredible opportunity to create environments that welcome everyone. 

With thoughtful design and inclusive practices, we can ensure that nature and recreation are not just accessible, but inviting, empowering, and enjoyable for all.

Methodology:
This report is based on a custom survey we conducted with 1,000 Americans who self-identified as either living with a disability and/or being 55 years of age or older. The survey was designed to capture the unique experiences, preferences, and barriers faced by these often underrepresented groups when it comes to outdoor recreation and accessibility. The findings reflect a focused and specific population, offering insights that are not generalizable to the broader public, but instead highlight the distinct needs and perspectives of older adults and individuals with disabilities in outdoor settings.

Fair Use

Users are welcome to utilize the insights and findings from this study for noncommercial purposes, such as academic research, educational presentations, and personal reference. When referencing or citing this article, please ensure proper attribution to maintain the integrity of the research. Direct linking to this article is permissible, and access to the original source of information is encouraged.

For commercial use or publication purposes, including but not limited to media outlets, websites, and promotional materials, please contact the authors for permission and licensing details. We appreciate your respect for intellectual property rights and adherence to ethical citation practices. Thank you for your interest in our research.

 

About retrospec:

The outside is for everyone, but not everyone feels comfortable outside. So we set out to make everyone feel at home in the open air through the use of expertly designed, durably crafted, accessibly priced outdoor gear - electric bikes, pedal bikes, kids bikes, stand up paddle boards and more - our goal at retrospec is simple: make nature second nature for everyone. We believe that all people, regardless of background or experience, should enjoy the life-affirming, eye-opening beauty of the outside world. We encourage a more active lifestyle and make being outdoors fun and inviting for people of any age, ability, or skill level.