THE City of Greater Bendigo council has designed and installed a special power point in the foyer of the Bendigo library for people who use electric scooters and wheel chairs.
Mayor David Jones said the new purpose built recharge point was free to use and allowed electric scooter and wheelchair users to recharge or top up their power supply when they were out and about in the CBD.
“The Bendigo library is located in the heart of the CBD and is a handy spot for people to go if they feel they need to top up their batteries,” he said.
“We have installed the recharge point as part of our commitment to make Greater Bendigo accessible through our Rural Access Program and also as part of the statewide Recharge Scheme which encourages local businesses to provide a power point for people to recharge their electric wheelchair or scooter batteries.”
Local electrician Sam Daykin from BRB electrical designed the special power point which features both a 240 volt and 9 volt adaptor.
Cr Jones said the council was working with other private organisations to have more of the power points installed around Bendigo.
“We are living in an ageing society and more and more people with restricted mobility are using electric scooters as a means of transportation and it’s important for these people to have non threatening places where they can go to top up their batteries,” he said.
“We would love to hear from local businesses willing to make a power point available to as part of the initiative.
“It is about giving people the confidence to get to and from their destination knowing they have support if needed.”
“The cost to recharge an electric scooter or wheelchair for up to one hour is under 20 cents.
“So, for a very small cost, businesses in the community can make a very big difference in the lives of people who use a mobility device.”
