Wheelchair charging stations have been installed in the city of Bellevue which is the latest Washington city to offer the service in key locations. The six charging stations that are strategically placed throughout the community are designed to connect to the charging ports on mobility scooters and power wheelchairs. The connections are also created and designed to serve as a critical power resource during widespread power outages.
Bellevue’s ADA/Title VI Administrator, Blayne Amson, spearheaded the project. Amson is a power wheelchair user and accessibility advocate that believes installing charging stations will help power mobility scooter and wheelchair users daily.
Amson says, “Imagine leaving your house without charging your phone and how much that would affect your day. Now, imagine if that meant you couldn’t move.” The charging stations will provide convenience and freedom to power mobility device users.
According to Amson, power wheelchair and mobility scooter users will be able to change their plans last minute without worrying about running out of battery power. This technology allows mobility device users to attend last-minute meetings or make spur of the moment dinner plans that would have been canceled prior to the installation of the charging stations.
The charging stations are conveniently located at Crossroads Community Center, City Hall, South Bellevue Community Center, North Bellevue Community Center, Highland Community Center and the Northwest Arts Center. The locations were chosen due to their proximity to transit service stations and well-known gathering areas for the community.
The charging stations each include a 24-volt, 5-amp standard charger for scooters and wheelchairs. Power wheelchair users with specialty chairs can use an adapter cable to connect to the service station. The station also includes a separate USB port to charge a tablet or cell phone.
The service stations cost less than $600 to install and were made possible in part by a grant for emergency operations since they will also serve as a critical power source for the public during emergencies and wide-range power outages.
Mayor John Chelminiak said in a press release, “The city of Bellevue celebrates and supports the contributions of all residents, so removing barriers to community engagement is an important part of our mission. Wheelchair charging stations promote community by making it a little easier to spend time out and about in our city and serving as a vital lifeline during power outages.”
The charging stations will continue to be available for residents and visitors to the city. They are accessible daily and during emergencies.