FAQ

No matter whether you use a wheelchair, bike, car, or bus: All perspectives are important! However, the study places a special focus on people who experience disadvantages in their everyday mobility.

The study in Berlin has already begun and registration is closed. Anyone who would still like to take part is also welcome to write to us (preferably with a brief explanation). [email protected] 

In Frankfurt (Oder), the study will start on April 1, 2026. If you are interested, you can pre-register by e-mail.

In this project, you can share your experiences with around 250 people. Everyone has their own mobility needs, and we will discover the diversity of Berlin's mobility.

On this basis, we will discuss how mobility could become healthier and more just for everyone. At the end, we will present recommendations for policy-makers. 

At the same time, you can learn and try something new. You will experience your daily routes from a different perspective and get ideas on healthy mobility.

You don't need any previous knowledge or scientific training. You will receive all required information at the kick-off meeting.  

A smartphone is advantageous. We recommend participating via our study app. Alternatively, you can also answer the questionnaires on paper, by phone or via an accessible online version. Also, the questions can be answered by telephone.

If I cannot see or can barely see: Please let us know when you register for events so we can make participation as accessible as possible. Please also let us know if the digital questionnaires are not easy to use.  

If I cannot walk or climb stairs: The event venues are barrier-free. Information on a barrier-free WC will follow.

If I cannot hear or have difficulty hearing: Please let us know when registering for events. Subtitling is possible for online meetings. For on-site events, sign language translation can be organized (by arrangement).

Note: Unfortunately, we cannot offer any materials or workshops in plain language or easy language.

For the basic participation, you will receive a compensation of 60 euros. This includes:  

• two events (a kick-off meeting in April 2025 and a final event in spring 2026),  
• five questionnaires (10 to 15 minutes each) 
• a mobility survey during two weeks with short daily questionnaires (3 to 5 minutes each) 
• and a heat survey if there is a heatwave or other extreme weather events (3 to 5 minutes a day for one week) 

In addition, depending on your interests, you can delve deeper, for example:  

• Wearing a fitness watch for two weeks in summer and winter with short daily questionnaires (3 to 5 minutes each). If you take part in this additional option, you will receive an extra 20 euros.  
• Moreover, you can participate in a research group with three joint workshops (four hours each) and guided research activities.  
• participation in online meetings to exchange experiences 

In the AMBER project, we investigate how active mobility can be made more accessible to everyone. Active mobility includes all forms of transportation using muscle power – whether on foot, in a wheelchair, on a bicycle, e-bike, scooter, or skateboard. People who travel by public transport also get moving – when changing trains or on the way to the bus stop. 

Regular active mobility promotes health: It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, among other things. Regular exercise also has a positive effect on mental health. More on the AMBER website. 

Citizen science involves people who do not work in science actively contributing to the acquisition of scientific knowledge. 

Volunteers can be involved at various stages, from developing research questions and collecting data to interpreting and communicating the results. Apps and forums often facilitate collaboration. In our study, participants can get involved in science at different levels. Those who opt for the basic module contribute to data collection. Those who also become active in the research groups can participate in all phases of the project, from selecting the research question to interpreting the study results.

Citizen science projects create socially, politically, and scientifically relevant knowledge. Citizen science combines individual curiosity and expertise to address social problems. At the same time, participants have the opportunity to learn new things, network, and experience the joy of research. 

Discover more projects: www.mitforschen.org

All data will be used for research purposes only. The questionnaires will be treated in strict confidence and analyzed anonymously.

At the end of the study, we will publish the results in scientific journals. The data of all participants will be summarized. Individual questionnaires will not be published.

We are happy to answer questions about data protection. You can also contact the data protection officer at Freie Universität Berlin: Dr. Karsten Kinast ([email protected]).