This research is being carried out by the following researchers from the Centre for Technology Infusion, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Science at La Trobe University: 
Mr Erik van Vulpen (Deputy Director)
Dr Aseel Bedari (Researcher)                  
 
Research funder: 
This research is funded by iMOVE Australia Limited, Austroads, ITS Australia and La Trobe University.

What is the study about?
You are invited to participate in a study of the Accessibility of Low and Zero Emission Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. We hope to learn more about the challenges and opportunities that LZEVs charging stations represent for people with disability as well as a response to initial proposals to regulate the industry.
 
Austroads has developed guidelines to cover the installation of charging infrastructure for Low and Zero Emission Vehicles (LZEVs), including requirements, location, usability, and design.The guidelines are designed to aid road managers and to prompt consideration of issues relating to planning and design. The document draws on work and guidance from across the member states and New Zealand, as well as international insights. As this is a relatively fast-moving area of interest, Austroads will continue to monitor and research developments, with a view to updating these guidelines on a regular basis.
 
The Electric Vehicle (EV) charging experience should be a positive one for all users, including people with disabilities and older people. Austroads would like to understand what opportunities and challenges LZEV charging infrastructure represents for people with disability (PWD). Based on that understanding the current Austroads’ LZEV charging infrastructure guidelines can be updated or refined if required so that the guidelines also facilitate accessibility and inclusiveness.
 
The project objective is to support industry and governments in the transition to LZEV by developing guidelines for LZEV charging infrastructure to ensure inclusiveness and educate the industry. In order to achieve the main objective, the sub-objectives are:to collate known issues and challenges of LZEV charging infrastructure review current best practices internationally, collate feedback and input from People with Disability and their Peak Body representatives to understand the compliance challenges from industry point of view summarise and integrate in Austroads current guidelines and raise awareness (e.g., webinar)
 
Do I have to participate?
Being part of this study is voluntary. If you want to be part of the study we ask that you read the information below carefully and ask us any questions.You can read the information below and decide at the end if you do not want to participate. If you decide not to participate this won’t affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other listed organization.
 
Who is being asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because you are an expert in the development, manufacturing or operation of public LZEVs charging infrastructure. .Availability in March 2024 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
 
What will I be asked to do?
In this stage of the study, we want to share our suggested guidelines and solicit your feedback. You can either provide feedback in a meeting with us where we talk you through the guidelines and ask you to complete an open feedback form at the end, or, you provide feedback by reading the guidelines independently and providing us with feedback through an open-ended feedback form (which you can make it as detailed as you want).
 
What are the benefits?
The benefit of you taking part in this study is that you can influence the Government’s understanding and actions with regards to the regulation of public LZEVs charging infrastructure.

What are the risks?
We do not foresee any risks associated with this study.

What will happen to information about me?
We will collect information about you in ways that initially will capture who you are as we will record the online meetings. Immediately after that, in the notes and reports, information and your comments will be de-identified, which means that we will not report and publicize any information that can be tracked to you.
 
 We will securely store the videos in a way that reveals who you are, all other materials will be de-identified.  We will publish information about you in ways that will not be identified in any type of publication from this study.  We will keep your information for 5 years after the project is completed. After this time we will destroy all of your data. The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=106/.
 
The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Subject to any exceptions in relevant laws, you have the right to access and correct your personal information by contacting the research team.
 
Will I hear about the results of the study?
We will let you know about the results of the study by the end of the study in  April  2024.
 
What if I change my mind?
You can choose to no longer be part of the study at any time until [four weeks] following the collection of your data. You can let us know by:
Completing the ‘Withdrawal of Consent Form’ (provided at the end of this document); Calling us; or Emailing us. Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organization listed.  When you withdraw we will stop asking you for information. Any identifiable information about you will be withdrawn from the research study. However, once the results have been analysed we can only withdraw information, such as your name and contact details. If results haven’t been analyzed you can choose if we use those results or not.
 
Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact details below:
Erik van Vulpen
Deputy Director – Centre for Technology Infusion
0420 244 488
What if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact:
Ethics Reference Number
Senior Research Ethics Officer
+61 3 9479 1443