Enhancing mobility for the visually impaired with piezoelectric pedestrian signals

Urban transportation systems increasingly emphasise inclusivity and sustainable micro-mobility solutions. However, visually impaired pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users due to limited access to energy-efficient, reliable crossing aids. This study investigates a self-powered accessible pedestrian signal concept that harnesses piezoelectric energy from human footsteps, offering an environmentally sustainable and maintenance-free alternative to conventional power sources. An in-ground accessible platform equipped with four piezoelectric ceramic discs was designed to test three damping materials – plywood (high stiffness), rubber-polyester composite (medium stiffness) and polyurethane foam (low stiffness) – under static loads of 30, 60 and 90 kg applied at various footstep locations. Multifactorial analysis of variance revealed significant main effects of load, stiffness and location (p < 0.05), with a highly significant stiffness–location interaction (p = 0.0001). The medium-stiffness composite achieved the highest voltage output (1102 mV) when force was applied at the corner. These findings highlight the strong spatial and material dependence of energy generation, emphasising that corner zones – where pedestrians often step – yield the highest efficiency. The proposed system supports the next generation of accessible, self-powered micro-mobility infrastructure, advancing urban resilience and inclusive transportation for visually impaired individuals.