Special users with special needs in autonomous vehicles: A systematic review.

This article reviews the specific needs, concerns, and challenges faced by special populations—including elderly individuals, people with physical disabilities, and pregnant women—in using autonomous vehicles (AVs). Acceptance of AV technology emerged as a primary issue across all groups, with safety, comfort, and reliability also identified as significant concerns, particularly among those with physical or cognitive impairments. The study highlights that elderly users face cognitive and physical limitations affecting their trust and willingness to adopt AVs, while individuals with physical disabilities emphasize accessibility and safety features such as secure wheelchair accommodation. Limited research exists on pregnant women’s acceptance of fully autonomous vehicles, though age appears to influence their willingness to use such technology. The article suggests that designing user-friendly, tailored interfaces and initially integrating AVs into public transit could improve acceptance and travel experiences for these diverse populations.