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Scooter Recharge Scheme provides greater community access
Thursday, 9 July 2009
9:58 AM
Media Releases
The Geelong Recharge Scheme was launched yesterday by Rural Access Geelong and Geelong Regional Libraries.
The Recharge Scheme aims to increase the mobility of people who use battery powered mobility aids by offering ‘recharge points’ throughout the region.
Various local businesses and community groups have joined in the program by providing power points that are specifically designated for recharging mobility scooters and wheel chairs.
Those offering a recharge point will display an easily identifiable sticker on their front window as well as directly above the designated power point.
Residents using battery powered mobility aids are invited to call into any place displaying the Recharge Point sticker and simply ask for a recharge.
Cr Kylie Fisher said the scheme would provide people who use scooters or electric wheelchairs more freedom to get out and about in the community.
“The opportunity for people to be able to recharge the battery of their mobility aid while they are away from home can make a significant difference in whether someone can participate in community life or not,” said Cr Fisher.
“The support from local businesses and organisations has been fantastic; there are recharge points all over the region.”
“It is now possible for people who use electric scooters and wheelchairs to travel from Lara to Queenscliff, around the peninsula, across the length and breadth of Geelong and home again by topping up on battery charge at Recharge Points along the way,” she said.
Businesses wanting to become a partner need to have a wheelchair accessible entrance and an available power point.
The cost to businesses for electricity to recharge a scooter for up to an hour is less than 20 cents.
“So for a very small cost, organisations can potentially increase their business and community inclusiveness,” Cr Fisher said.
Recharge scheme participants in the Geelong area include local libraries, Neighbourhood Houses, City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres, some local pharmacies and many other businesses.
For more information to join as a participating business or to receive a Recharge Scheme brochure and location listing, please contact Chary Carlyon on 57272 4735 or Dianne Thomson on 5272 4120.
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