Recharge options for mobility aid users

Reducing social isolation for community members by giving them the confidence to travel greater distances in their electric scooters and wheelchairs is one of the benefits of a new East Gippsland Shire Council project.

Council has signed on to the RECHARGE Scheme, a national program that lists sites where people can recharge their electric mobility aids.

There is now at least one RECHARGE site in each of East Gippsland’s larger towns.

Battery life depends on the type of battery, type of vehicle and speed of travel, but can be between 20 and 50 kilometres.

Disability Advisory Committee member, Cr Dick Ellis said the RECHARGE Scheme will give peace of mind to people using electric mobility aids.

“Providing RECHARGE points in our main towns means people don’t need to worry about being caught with a flat battery away from home.

Without this back-up, some people might be reluctant to travel into town unless their battery is fully charged. They might also avoid longer trips to venues or events they’d otherwise like to go to,” Cr Ellis said.

“Council has a number of strategies that recognise the importance of providing accessible infrastructure to support our community’s transport needs. I look forward to seeing community members embracing the RECHARGE Scheme.”

Council’s Disability Advisory Committee played a key role in the project and provided guidance on the locations of the sites, which will be identified by stickers.

Electric mobility devices can be recharged at all council Customer Service Centres and recreation centres.

The next phase of the project will look at further sites in partnership with government agencies and community support organisations.

List of RECHARGE Scheme sites

East Gippsland Shire Council and its Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) recently marked the launch of a RECHARGE Scheme in the region. Pictured are council’s Anthony Basford, Lynda Arnold and Cr Dick Ellis, DAC member Bianca Bassett, Bairnsdale Mobility & Hire’s Jared Micallef, DAC member Brenda Murray, council’s Rebecca Pantry and Rhonda James, and DAC member Ben Gritt.