Adelaide City Council and city-based organisations are supporting mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs users to make the most of the city by providing free charging points for mobility devices.
The RECHARGE Scheme™ aims to give users of electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs the confidence to plan a trip to the city and North Adelaide without fear their batteries may run flat.
Adelaide City Council was the first South Australian Affiliate Member of the national scheme and works with local businesses and organisations to provide recharge points from their premises and to make users aware they’re available.
More local governments are now joining the scheme, expanding its availability.
Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the number of mobility devices in the community is increasing but users can be reluctant to make journeys for fear their batteries run flat and they become stranded.
“Providing RECHARGE Points™ can help allay these concerns and allow people to actively participate in the city, and that is great news for users and for the city.
“We want potential users of the scheme to be aware that these points exist so they can be confident with planning a trip to the city.”
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) recently
signed on to the scheme, providing a power point at their Hindmarsh Square shopfront.
RAA’s Senior Manager Road Safety, Charles Mountain said, “It’s great that we can offer this service which will give people peace of mind to plan a trip to the city using their mobility scooter or electric wheelchair without worrying about their batteries.
“We also provide roadside assistance for our members with mobility devices, so if they get a punctured tyre or flat battery, we can help with that too.
“The Recharge Point really just adds to that, and it’s such a simple way to ensure people can remain mobile. We hope to see more businesses get on bocenard in the future.”
Isolde King, who uses a scooter, was pleased to see Adelaide City Council be the first council in South Australia to sign up to the scheme and also encouraged more Councils and businesses to sign up.
“I know it’s appreciated by people like me that use mobility scooters as it allows you to go out and do what you need to without having to worry about your battery. I really want more people to be aware of this great service.”
