Shared autonomous vehicles and older people: reviewing opportunities and challenges of this new mobility paradigm that may redefine equity in later life

Safe-guarding equity, enhancing social inclusion and promoting accessibility may be the centrepiece of transport planning in a rapidly ageing world. Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) are often presented as a major technological shift that may reshape access to travel; however, their consequences for older people remain insufficiently understood. This work reviews studies published since 2015 to assess how SAVs may affect mobility, independence, and transport equity for people aged 60 and over. It draws on a two-stage systematic literature review following the PRISMA methodology. The first stage extracts findings relevant to older people from studies addressing SAVs within the general population, including age-disaggregated results, accessibility considerations, and responses to trust, safety, and usability. In the second stage, these results are compared with studies focusing exclusively on older people. Across quantitative, qualitative and mix-method studies, age consistently influences attitudes towards SAVs. Older people tend to express lower familiarity with autonomous systems, greater hesitation towards ride-sharing, and concerns about safety, digital requirements, and cost. At the same time, simulations suggest that well-designed services could increase trip rates, reduce car dependence, and support access for people with reduced mobility. Research on accessibility underscores the value of low-floor vehicles, ramps, clear interfaces, spacious interiors, and supportive digital tools. These features align with the principles of universal design and can strengthen confidence among users who require physical assistance. SAVs may widen mobility opportunities for older people, but adoption will depend on accessible design, affordable service models, and interventions that build trust and digital competence. Policy measures must recognise the age-specific requirements of older people and address risks created by limited spatial coverage, lack of human support, and uneven technological readiness. We conclude that SAV deployment in ageing societies can be equitable if older people’s needs are acknowledged in the decision-making process governing such a transition.