Zanib’s thoughts on there being a cycle hire scheme in Sheffield

The following response comes from Zanib, an Independent Advocate at Disability Sheffield.  She is a wheelchair user who is able to transfer independently. It was written in response to questions about the potential introduction of an e-cycle hire scheme in Sheffield. This article includes its benefits and drawbacks, how it could be made more accessible, how disruption to non-users could be minimised, and whether e-scooters should be included. Their perspective draws on both lived experience in Sheffield and time spent using inclusive cycling infrastructure abroad, particularly in Copenhagen. 

‘I love the idea of being able to hire a cycle around Sheffield. 

In order to make this accessible though, we need a safety hub that would ensure the security of our mobility aids. I can say that a wheelchair, like other mobility aids, is basically like having legs that can cost the same as a non-adapted vehicle. It’s designed so specifically to what each individual uses it for, so you can’t leave it unless you’re absolutely sure it’s going to be there when you return.  

This would be fun active travel that doesn’t feel like the workout it is, whether it is an E-Bike/Scooter/trike. 

I don’t have the time or energy before or after work to get to a gym, it costs too much and can be very isolating. I only just make climbing here and there due to fluctuating energy levels, so I’d love to use the scheme as a means to get the workout in my legs if I’m moving around the city, especially since I’m already there for work. It would mean I can go further on my own terms too, without having to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.  

In Copenhagen the cycle lanes were fine for anyone on wheels that wasn’t a car. The traffic light system worked separately for pedestrians, cycle lane and vehicles. There was respect for everyone on paths and roads. Scooters could use this lane too. I used it in my wheelchair because it was wide enough for people to overtake if they wanted to, you could move at your own speed and no one minded, everything still flowed fine.  

I think the attitude to sustainable travel is different there, it is ingrained in their culture, but it can be very liberating for disabled people anywhere. Using that lane meant that, even though I didn’t cycle, I could employ the full range my chair actually has. I am always a pedestrian here, but when there’s a well integrated and consistent inclusive cycling system around, I can be a cyclist even without the E-Bike/scooter.  

There were no secure mobility aid hubs that I could see, plenty of hire and buy shops, but their system meant I didn’t need to get out of my chair or hire anything to take advantage of their cycle lanes. My lane would work on the same timings and route as cars on my side of the road, unless we were at a cross roads where the cars would pass through our lane. This is when the traffic light system accommodated us separately to cars and pedestrians.  I’ve attempted to try ones here in my chair, but you don’t feel as safe and there isn’t much room for over takers on bikes or whatever, so unless can keep moving at their speed it doesn’t work. 

I’ve attached a picture to show you to give a bit of an idea of the layout and width of these lanes.’ 

Cycle Hire schemes need to consider accommodating more needs, especially since there tend to be fewer adapted options available across other modes of transport. [For example, trains do not always provide goods coaches and may not allow some trikes, making these services uncertain and therefore unreliable from of transport for Disabled people and people with long term health conditions]. 

My experience is that there’s too much focus on Motability* for disabled people, so other accessibility is still falling short a bit in other modes of travel. The amount of times everyone has said to me over years, especially when I became amputee –  ‘when are you getting a car? Just apply for Motability!’ It’s not as easy to get as people think and the scheme has just eliminated specific car brands because they feel they are luxury brands. That puts some Disabled people at further disadvantage, those brands may have been the only ones available to provide a particular adaptation.  

If a cycle hire company only provide cycles, trikes, or scooters, but don’t provide accessible hubs/storage for mobility aids they won’t accommodate as many people as they could. Meaning a whole group of people miss out on fun and active travel. Particularly people who have movement and can transfer independently. 

I’ve always felt like I fall into this gap. I question if I’m disabled enough to access something but then too disabled to access something else. 

*Motability is a scheme in the United Kingdom intended to enable Disabled people, their families and their carers to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To qualify you need to be on the Enhanced Rate of PIP, or equivalent benefits in Scotland or from arm forces.  The scheme doesn’t currently include cycles. 

Jan 2026