Motorised scooters and wheelchairs help you to move around independently if you cannot walk or you have difficulty walking.

But did you know that scooter and wheelchair users are classed as pedestrians under traffic laws, which means you must travel at up to 10 km per hour and stay on the footpath or off-road bicycle paths.

Safety tips for wheelchair and scooter users

For your safety and to avoid accidents we recommend you:

• Ensure your batteries are fully charged and know how long they will last
• Choose a safe route – avoid rough paths and low branches
• Stay on footpaths or off-road bicycle paths
• Make yourself visible – use lights, flags or reflective clothing
• Use your indicators or a hand signal
• Cross the road only if you have a clear view
• Assume drivers and other pedestrians may not have seen you or heard you coming

For more road rules and safety tips, download the Stay Safe! brochure or order a print copy using our online form (below).

Accessibility Maps

The City has developed Accessibility Maps, which provide valuable information that can assist people of all abilities to get around The City of Greater Bendigo. Maps include features such as accessible toilets, scooter/wheelchair charge up points, audible pedestrian crossings and much more. To download a digital copy of the maps, follow this link: Accessibility Maps

Free charging locations for wheelchairs and scooters around Bendigo

Bendigo

• Bendigo Library (located behind the stairwell next to the photocopier) – Hargreaves Street
• Bendigo UFS, Hargreaves Street Pharmacy – 379 Hargreaves Street
• Bendigo UFS, View Street Pharmacy – corner View and Barnard streets
• Bendigo Bank (Fountain Court Arcade near lifts) – corner High and Mitchell streets
• Bendigo Marketplace (between Erindale Butcher and the Bendigo Original Pie Shop) – 37 Garsed Street
• Bendigo Railway Station (inside, opposite the café) – Railway Place
• Bendigo TAFE, City Campus (Building P, Library) – McCrae Street
• Intereach (NDIS) - 384 Hargreaves Street
• MatchWorks – 26 St Andrews Avenue

Eaglehawk

• Bendigo Mobility Services – 3/89 Victoria Street (via the lane)

Golden Square

• OAPL Health and Mobility Centre – 401-405 High Street

Heathcote

• Heathcote Visitor Information Centre – corner High and Barracks streets

Kangaroo Flat

• Kangaroo Flat Library  – High Street
• Sharkey Mobility Aids – 73 Short St

Long gully

• Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre – 52-54 Derwent Drive

North Bendigo

• Bendigo Prince of Wales Showgrounds (in the conference hall under the power board) – Holmes Road

Download the Charge Up Flyer for a printable list of free recharging locations around Bendigo. Recharge locations are also plotted on the Bendigo Access Maps.

Provide a Charge Up location at your business

If you would like to provide a free recharging location for residents and visitors with scooters and electric wheelchairs at your business, contact the Disability Inclusion Team on 03 5434 6000 or email [email protected].

Order a Stay Safe booklet

Stay Safe booklets can be ordered free within the municipalities of Greater Bendigo and Loddon Shire or purchased at a cost of $2 per booklet for orders outside of these municipalities.