First electric minibuses for disabled people arrive in Gdańsk

8 adapted electric vehicles will transport persons with disabilities in the Polish city

The first eight electric minibuses intended for the transportation of disabled persons arrived in Gdansk and are already in operation, informed the Polish city on its website. This is the first time that Gdansk will use electric vehicles to support people, who are otherwise unable to use other forms of public transport, such as buses and trams.

Zero-emission transport for all users of the public transport in Gdansk

In total, 78 minibuses in Gdansk are intended for limited mobility people for whom buses and trams are not accessible. That community numbers 600 people, of which about 350 children and adolescents. The first eight vehicles are already in operation, while the remaining zero-emission vehicles will start serving passengers from January 2022.

In the last days of August, employees of the transport authority of Gdansk ZTM inspected the condition of the electric vehicles. Each of them is adapted to the safe transport of disabled people, both children and adults.

The new electric form of transportation is save for passengers of reduced mobility.
Image: City of Gdansk

According to the local requirements, an air-conditioned car must be able to carry at least two standard wheelchairs. For the purpose, there are stripes on the vehicle floor to secure the wheelchairs.

Moreover, all seats have headrests and three-point seat belts. At the back of the minibus there is an elevator or ramp that allows for safe transport of people in wheelchairs. There are suitable seats and child restraints inside the vehicles that will be used when needed. The step enabling the entrance to the minibus should be permanently installed at the side door.

In addition, every car must be equipped with a GPS transmitter as well as a video camera inside. Drivers and guardians of disabled people are obliged to assist in getting into and out of the minibus, as well as in folding and transporting a wheelchair. They must also be trained in first aid.

The specially adapted minibuses can be charged from an ordinary electrical outlet. They can travel up to 150 kilometres on a single charge.