Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone in Bristol and the surrounding area who uses a wheeled mobility device — including manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters (Class 2 and Class 3), handcycles, and tricycles. The app is free to download and open to all wheelers in the area. You can still use the app to help us map the wheelable network in the rest of the UK if you do not live in the Bristol area. The only difference is that we will not ask you to complete a survey when you create an account.

The Bristol Pilot runs from June 2026 to April 2027.

The pilot covers Bristol and the surrounding area. You don't need to stick to specific streets — record any journeys you take.

The wheelable network is a map of routes across Bristol that are genuinely passable for people using wheeled mobility devices. It's built from the GPS journey data contributed by Mobility Mapper users and will form the foundation of a future route finder designed specifically for wheelers.

The pilot is led by Mobility Mapper, in partnership with Active Travel England, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and UWE Bristol.

Yes, Mobility Mapper is, and will always be, completely free to download and use.

Mobility Mapper is out now on iPhone and Android. It needs iOS 15.1 or later, or Android 8.0 or later, and a phone with GPS — which all modern smartphones have.

No. Once you've started recording you can lock your screen and put your phone in a pocket or bag — the app keeps recording your route in the background. If you find journeys are cut short, check that your phone's battery saver isn't restricting the app.

Yes. Press and hold the pause button while recording — a quick tap only shows a hint reminding you to hold it. Once paused, tap Resume to carry on, or Finish to end and save the journey.

No — reporting barriers is entirely optional. Just recording your journeys is valuable. But if you do spot a problem, flagging it takes less than a minute and really helps build a more complete picture.

Yes. You can add multiple devices in the app and select which one you're using before each journey. This is useful if you use different devices in different situations.

Your journey data is uploaded securely and stored anonymously. It contributes to the wheelable network map. It is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

The pilot study is an optional research element of the Bristol Pilot, run in partnership with UWE Bristol. It involves answering a short survey when you sign up and again at the end of March 2027. The survey responses help us understand how the app is being used and demonstrate impact to our funding providers.

No. Participation in the pilot study is entirely optional. You can use Mobility Mapper and contribute journey data without taking part in the study.

Your survey responses are important for our funding providers and will help us secure further funding in future to keep Mobility Mapper running and growing. It only takes a few minutes and makes a real difference to the project's long-term future.

Yes, at any time and with no obligation. Select "Withdraw from the pilot study" on the Contact page, or email support@mobilitymapper.co.uk. Your anonymised journey data already contributed will be retained unless you request otherwise.

The app collects GPS location data while you record a journey, along with any barrier reports you submit (including optional photos). We also link the anonymised journey with your mobility device type and dimensions so that we can better understand the accessibility of the route. If you take part in the pilot study, it also collects your survey responses.

Yes. Journey data is anonymised and is never linked to your personal identity when shared or used for research.

Yes. Contact us at support@mobilitymapper.co.uk to request deletion of your account and personal data.