Mobility Parking Design Guide

Mobility Parking Design Guide – Getting It Right in the Real World

Mobility parking is not just about paint, symbols, and compliance boxes. It is about whether a disabled person can actually use the space safely and independently.

Personally, I see more poorly designed mobility parking spaces than well-designed ones. That is why this guide exists.

What Good Mobility Parking Must Achieve

A properly designed mobility park must allow a user to:

• Exit the vehicle safely
• Deploy equipment (such as a wheelchair ramp or hoist)
• Move around the vehicle
• Enter and exit independently
• Return to the vehicle safely

If any of these fail, the space is not truly accessible.

Key Design Requirements

• Flat, level surface (no cross slope)
• Correct access aisle on the left-hand side (New Zealand requirement)
• Wide enough for ramps and hoists
• Smooth, even surface (no lips, gaps, or grates)
• Direct accessible path to destination

Lived Experience Reality

A mobility park can look perfect on paper but fail completely in real life.

If a person cannot get back into their vehicle without assistance, the design has failed — regardless of compliance.

Why This Matters

Mobility parking is about independence, dignity, and safety — not just ticking boxes.