Understanding Micromobility Ecosystems Through Design Research: A Student-Led Co-Design Study in Limerick

Micromobility solutions such as e-scooters and shared bicycles are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives for urban transport. However, their rapid introduction often exposes gaps related to safety, accessibility, comfort, and infrastructural readiness, raising concerns about inclusivity and long-term adoption. This paper presents a student-led design research case study that investigates lived experiences of micromobility users in Limerick, Ireland, through a Universal Design and wellbeing-oriented lens. The study was conducted as a five-week classroom and studio-based project involving second-year BSc Product Design Technology (N=55) and Interaction Design (N=13) students at the University of Limerick. Using mixed qualitative methods including surveys, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and co-design workshops, student teams engaged micromobility users, citizens, and relevant stakeholders to understand user needs, challenges, and expectations. The research explored physical, psychological, and infrastructural barriers influencing safe and healthy riding experiences, with particular attention to perceived safety, usability, riding posture, low-light and wet-weather conditions, charging access, parking, theft concerns, and legislative and infrastructural gaps. Findings reveal that while micromobility is perceived as a flexible and sustainable transport option, barriers related to unclear road-sharing norms, inconsistent infrastructure, and limited consideration of diverse user abilities significantly affect user confidence and adoption. The co-design workshops enabled participants and students to collaboratively generate design concepts, service improvements, and policy-oriented strategies aimed at fostering coexistence between micromobility users, pedestrians, and other road users. The paper contributes by demonstrating how embedding Universal Design principles and real-world engagement within design education can generate grounded insights and actionable guidelines for healthier and more inclusive urban mobility ecosystems. It also highlights the value of positioning students as active contributors to public discourse, policy thinking, and future-oriented transport design research.