A new assistive device promises to make home charging for electric vehicles far easier for drivers with reduced mobility. The tool removes the need to stoop to plug in a cable, and could widen EV access for thousands of homeowners who struggle with current charging setups.
What the Kerbo Glide does and why it matters for EV drivers
The Kerbo Glide is a handheld cable insertion tool designed to feed a charging cable into a pavement channel without bending. It attaches to the end of the charge lead and guides it into the kerb-mounted gulley used by Kerbo Charge systems.
Designed for one-hand use, the Glide aims to help people with limited mobility, carers and drivers using wheelchairs. The maker says the device reduces physical strain and makes the Kerbo channel easier to operate.
How Kerbo’s cross-pavement charging system works
Kerbo Charge installs a slim channel from the home to a recessed gulley in the pavement. A cable runs through the channel so motorists can charge with a neat, street-safe setup.
- Channel laid by Kerbo and local councils.
- Cable fed from inside the house to the pavement gulley.
- Driver connects the cable from the gulley into the car.
The Glide is simply an accessory to help that final step without needing to crouch down.
Accessibility testing and industry partnerships
Kerbo worked with Motability Operations to test and refine the Glide. The charity and service provider contributed real-world feedback from scheme users.
Motability has previously flagged that lack of convenient on-street charging discourages many disabled drivers from switching to EVs. Tests included people who regularly use mobility aids and those who would otherwise find bending or lifting difficult.
Why independent testing matters
- Confirms the device meets accessibility needs.
- Helps designers remove barriers for wheelchair users.
- Identifies heavy or awkward designs that can fail in practice.
Voices from the project: company and user reactions
Kerbo’s leadership says they developed the Glide after listening to feedback from disability groups. The company frames the product as a small fix with a meaningful impact.
One Motability Scheme user trialled the device and reported it allowed charging without bending. The motorist praised the simplicity and accessibility of the setup.
Barriers the Glide hopes to tackle
Research shows many potential EV buyers worry about home charging. In particular, drivers without private parking face practical and safety issues when trailing cables over pavements.
- Pedestrian obstruction risks from cables across footpaths.
- Existing cross-pavement tools can be heavy or inflexible.
- Wheelchair users may find some devices unusable.
The Glide aims to be lightweight and usable from a seated position.
Costs, availability and notable backers
The Kerbo Glide will be sold for £59 and is due to ship from December. Kerbo Charge has attracted investment and public attention, including backing from business investor Deborah Meaden.
Kerbo says a growing number of councils support installations of its channel system. That local backing could expand access for on-street residents.
Expert comments and next steps in EV accessibility
Motability’s innovation team welcomed the product as a step in the right direction while urging continued design improvements across the sector. Collaboration between manufacturers and disability organisations is seen as essential.
Industry leaders say cross-pavement products must be inclusive by design, lightweight, and simple to operate for a wide range of users.
Practical benefits and what owners should know
- Simple to fit on to most charge cables.
- Allows insertion without bending or kneeling.
- Intended for one-handed operation.
- Ships in time for winter charging needs.
For homeowners without off-street parking, the Glide plus Kerbo’s channel could remove a major barrier to owning an EV.
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