First barrier-free charging station on Lake Constance: A step into the future!

First barrier-free charging station on Lake Constance: A step into the future!

A significant step forward for accessibility in the Lake Constance district: the first barrier-free charging station for electric vehicles was installed next to the West am See parking garage. This was announced on November 7, 2025, and Mayor Robert Scherer emphasized the great effort involved in applying for the necessary funding. A sign with a wheelchair pictogram already indicates the new charging infrastructure, which was specially designed for people with disabilities. Markings on the asphalt surface will follow shortly so that all users can clearly see where they can park and charge. South Courier reports that the city received a funding commitment of 68%.

But the installation didn't come by chance. The collaboration with the Lake Constance District Representative for the Disabled was crucial. She realized that she had never seen a comparable application before. The search for suitable providers was challenging, but ultimately the most economical offer was found from Stadtwerk am See Mobility Plus, which will invest around 28,000 euros for three charging stations. Interestingly, there are theoretically six accessible connections, but only one parking space is currently designated as such.

The pivotal point of usability

What makes this charging station so special? The parking space is wider than usual and the charging station offers optimal ease of use. The buttons and sockets are placed at a comfortable height so that even people in wheelchairs have easy access. All functions can be operated barrier-free, which removes another hurdle for users with disabilities. Of course, paying by credit card complies with the legal requirements, and Mayor Scherer has already tested various payment options - both with his own provider card and with QR codes for drivers without a customer card, which ensure easy use.

The introduction of barrier-free charging infrastructure is not just a local issue, but will also be important nationwide. In this context, NOW GmbH has published a new guide entitled “Easy charging without obstacles”. This offers practical recommendations for designing barrier-free charging points and is particularly aimed at the needs of people with disabilities. Charging infrastructure operators, planners and municipalities are intended to be made aware of the need to actively implement accessibility. NOW GmbH has made a valuable contribution to sustainably promoting accessibility in electromobility.

Background on accessibility

Accessibility is more than just a buzzword. It allows people to interact with their environment without obstacles. In addition to charging stations, this also affects many other areas of public life. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2006, which was ratified by Germany and Austria, requires, among other things, that public buildings and services must be designed to be barrier-free. In Germany, the Disability Equality Act (BGG) provides clear guidelines. However, the Accessibility Strengthening Act of 2021 is criticized as insufficient. Wikipedia informs that barrier-free construction must also take into account the needs of older people and families with small children.

The developments in the Lake Constance district should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a larger movement towards greater inclusion and accessibility for all citizens. One could say that a lot of forward thinking is being done here, and one can only hope that many other cities will follow this example.