Electric minibus provides accessible transport in Kent

Kent County Council has introduced an electric minibus to provide accessible transport services for disabled and vulnerable people.

The nine-seater wheelchair-accessible Renault Master Z.E. will be operated by Compaid, the leading charity providing services to disabled people in the South East of England. It and has been adapted for up to two wheelchair users by approved Renault Trucks converter, Minibus Options Limited of Whaley Bridge.

Joining Compaid’s 21 vehicle fleet, the electric Master Z.E. is the first pilot vehicle in Kent CC’s sustainable transport approach to assess the longer term financial and environmental benefits of electromobility.

The community transport operation takes disabled and vulnerable people from Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas to the charity’s training centre in Paddock Wood to learn computer skills. Compaid will also use the vehicle to help local people access medical appointments and shopping trips.

Kent CC Cabinet Member for Transport Mike Whiting said: “It’s fantastic that we have been able to secure this partnership with Renault Trucks in trialling a fully accessible Renault Master minibus.”

“The vehicle will be operated by Compaid for local and disabled services in and around Paddock Wood. This trial will help us prove the ability of electric vehicles not only for public transport provision, but also for other commercial operations.”