Making EV Charging Stations Accessible: Design Recommendations for Everyone

Making EV Charging Stations Accessible: Design Recommendations for Everyone

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, the need for accessible charging stations has grown just as quickly. People with disabilities must be able to use charging stations independently, but EV charging is different from regular parking, which means special design considerations are needed. To address this, the U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency, has provided guidance on how EV charging stations can be designed to be accessible for all users.

This article breaks down those recommendations in simple terms, covering the laws that apply, the differences between parking and charging spaces, and what features make chargers accessible.

Accessibility Laws That Apply to EV Charging

EV charging stations must follow several existing federal accessibility requirements:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Covers state and local governments (Title II) and public/commercial facilities (Title III). The Access Board sets minimum accessibility guidelines, while agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Transportation (DOT) enforce them.

Architectural Barriers Act (ABA): Requires that buildings and facilities built, leased, or altered with federal funds be accessible. This includes places like post offices, VA hospitals, courthouses, and even some EV infrastructure funded through federal programs.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Applies to technology, including payment systems or user interfaces on EV chargers. If a federal agency develops, buys, or uses charging stations, their software, screens, and hardware must be accessible.

In short, while the ADA and ABA set requirements for physical accessibility, Section 508 covers digital accessibility for EV chargers that include communication technology.

Why EV Charging Is Different From Parking

At first glance, EV charging spaces look like regular parking spots. But there are important differences that impact accessibility.

When a driver with a disability parks in an accessible spot, they only need enough space on one side to get in or out. EV charging is more complicated. A driver must:

Exit their vehicle.

Move to the charger.

Carry the connector back to their EV.

Since EVs don’t have a standard location for the charging inlet, drivers may need space to move around all sides of the vehicle. Fast chargers also use heavier, shorter cables, which makes maneuverability even more important.

Because of this, EV charging stations need wider spaces, access aisles, and layouts designed specifically for charging, not just parking.

Key Accessibility Features for EV Chargers

The Access Board’s guidance highlights two main types of accessibility: mobility features and communication features.

1. Mobility Features

EV charging stations must be physically usable for drivers who use wheelchairs, scooters, canes, or other mobility devices. This means:

Charging spaces must be large enough.

Access aisles must be provided.

Chargers must be installed at usable heights and locations.

Operable parts (like plugs, connectors, and buttons) must be within reach.

A reasonable number of chargers at each site must include these mobility features so drivers with disabilities can use them without needing assistance.

2. Communication Features

Accessibility isn’t only about physical space. EV chargers also need to be usable for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited dexterity.

This includes:

Clear, easy-to-use user interfaces.

Accessible payment systems.

Technology that complies with Section 508 Standards, ensuring digital information is available to everyone.

If the charger has a display screen or requires input, it must be designed so that people with different disabilities can interact with it independently.

Why Accessibility Matters for EV Charging

Unlike gas stations, which often have attendants to help, EV charging is usually self-service. Drivers need to be able to handle everything on their own—from plugging in cables to paying for a session.

That’s why designing accessible EV chargers is so important. Without it, many people with disabilities would face serious barriers to driving electric vehicles.

Accessible charging stations ensure that EV adoption is truly inclusive, supporting independence for drivers of all abilities.

Recommendations vs. Requirements

It’s important to note that not every detail in the Access Board’s guidance is legally binding.

When the document says “must” or “required”, it refers to ADA, ABA, or Section 508 standards that are enforceable.

When it says “should” or “recommended”, those are best practices—not legal requirements—but they are strongly encouraged to make EV chargers as usable as possible.

The goal is not only legal compliance but also to improve the EV charging experience for all users.

Moving Forward

As the U.S. builds out its EV charging infrastructure, accessibility must be part of the design from the beginning. Whether it’s providing larger charging spaces, ensuring cables can be managed by people with limited dexterity, or making sure payment systems are usable by everyone, accessible design will help make EVs a realistic option for millions of drivers.

The Access Board’s technical assistance document provides a clear roadmap for inclusive charging station design. By following both required standards and additional recommendations, cities, businesses, and charging operators can help build a charging network that works for everyone—not just some drivers.