Navigation preferences and challenges of wheelchair users in Australia: implications for autonomous wheelchair design

The aim of this study was to determine the critical navigational requirements and preferences of Australian wheelchair users to inform the functional design and safe deployment of future autonomous and semi-autonomous wheelchairs.

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to wheelchair users aged 18 years and older across Australia. The questionnaire was shared through Glide Products Australia socials. A total of 97 responses were collected. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests, and cross-tabulation. The qualitative responses were examined using content analysis to extract common themes and user suggestions for autonomous wheelchair design.

The respondents identified low barriers (90%) and pedestrians (68%) as the most frequent obstacles. Limited visibility was rated as the most challenging environment (χ2(5) = 52.92, p < 0.001), while terrain preference differed significantly across categories (p < 0.001). Crucially, speed preference was found to be independent of age, gender, and experience (all chi-squared p > 0.05). Qualitative feedback emphasised high concerns regarding system reliability and the need for clear manual override authority.

The design of autonomous wheelchairs must address the environmental burden by prioritising perceptual augmentation (advanced sensing for low visibility) and implementing user-centric authority such as adaptable controls and deceleration to improve independence and user trust across diverse environments.