• Almost half of people (49%) say they would ride in a robotaxi – like the Tesla Cybercab – with no manual controls
• However, this percentage would rise to 59% if a steering wheel was added, research shows
• 20% believe because the vehicle is autonomous, it doesn’t need manual controls, according to November’s Startline Used Car Tracker

However, this figure would rise to 59% if a steering wheel was added, according to November’s Startline Used Car Tracker.

Also, 20% believe because the vehicle is autonomous, it’s irrelevant that it doesn’t have manual controls, compared to 23% who want to be able to take the wheel if needed.

The Cybercab is a two seat robotaxi introduced for trials in Texas in September. Around 300 units are thought to be currently in use.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “The Tesla is arguably the first production robotaxi without any manual controls and it feels like quite a big psychological step – there is no way for the rider to take control if something goes wrong.

“However, our research shows many people trust the technology and feel they would be happy to use the Cybercab. It’s interesting, though, that the percentage rises if you add a steering wheel, something that Tesla has been reportedly considering.”

One question surrounding robotaxis is how the emergency services handle them if they are involved in an accident or block access to an incident. This reportedly causes problems in San Francisco, where robotaxis operate. The Startline Used Car Tracker showed only 10% of people thought responders could move a robotaxi if needed.

Paul said: “This is an issue for all robotaxis, but the absence of manual controls will make the Cybercab harder to move by the emergency services if there is a breakdown in communications with Tesla. Clearly, our respondents think this is a potential weakness.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 301 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.