The study of 2,000 UK residents, conducted by leading mobility solutions provider Muick Sandy, found over a third (35%) of Edinburgh residents believe their city is inaccessible for wheelchair or mobility scooter users, the highest figured recorded anywhere in the UK.
Elsewhere, one in four (26%) Plymouth residents labelled their town inaccessible, while Aberdeen (23%) ranked as the third least accessible town or city in the UK.
TOP TEN LEAST ACCESSIBLE TOWNS AND CITIES IN THE UK:
-
Edinburgh – 35%
-
Plymouth – 26%
-
Aberdeen – 23%
-
Wrexham – 23%
-
Newport – 20%
-
Exeter – 20%
-
Glasgow – 19%
-
Norwich – 17%
-
Portsmouth – 17%
-
Coventry – 16%
*Based on how residents ranked their own city’s accessibility for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
At the opposite end of the scale, Bath was ranked the most accessible city in the UK, with nine in ten (91%) residents saying their city is accessible for wheelchair users.
Elsewhere, Chelmsford (79%), Liverpool (78%) and Bradford (78%) were also praised for accessibility.
TOP TEN MOST ACCESSIBLE TOWNS AND CITIES IN THE UK:
-
Bath – 91%
-
Chelmsford – 79%
-
Liverpool – 78%
-
Bradford – 78%
-
Southampton – 76%
-
London – 75%
-
Manchester – 74%
-
Bristol – 72%
-
Hull – 72%
-
Leeds – 72%
*Based on how residents ranked their own city’s accessibility for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
Nationally, the research highlights the real-life impact of poor accessibility, with half of UK respondents (50%) saying they would expect to miss social events if they used a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
What’s more, 63% believe the UK is failing people with mobility needs, demonstrating how accessibility barriers can directly impact quality of life and social inclusion.
High street shops (39%), pubs and bars (39%) and restaurants and cafes (35%) were identified as the least accessible public spaces, suggesting that hospitality and retail remain key pressure points.
With UK building regulations (Part M) recommend a clear opening of around 77.5cm for easier accessibility, experts warn that older buildings often fall short, creating barriers in everyday settings.
Under the Equality Act 2010, businesses are required to make reasonable adjustments, such as providing ramps, altering policies or aiding access to ensure mobility scooter and wheelchair users are not substantially disadvantaged.
Ben Kenny, Director at Muick Sandy, said: “It is simply not acceptable that in 2026, people are still being excluded from everyday life because of poor accessibility.
“Our research shows that for many people with mobility issues, something as simple as meeting friends, visiting the high street or going for a meal can become a major obstacle.
“Accessibility should never be an afterthought. Everyone deserves equal access to public spaces and the ability to live independently and with dignity.”
