EV Charging Cords & Sidewalk Safety

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Sidewalk Charging: Cities Tackle EV Cord conundrum

By Archyde News Staff | Published: April 29, 2025

Across the U.S., electric vehicle (EV) owners are employing a practical, albeit sometimes legally ambiguous, method to charge their cars: running extension cords from their homes across sidewalks to parked vehicles. These “sidewalk charging cords,” often skirting public right-of-way (PROW) regulations, are prompting cities to reassess their approach to EV infrastructure.

A new policy brief by the Center for Law, Energy & the Habitat (CLEE) at Berkeley Law sheds light on this growing trend and the innovative policies cities are developing to address it.

the Rise of Sidewalk EV Charging

For EV drivers without access to off-street parking, charging at the curb is not just a convenience, but a necessity. As cities explore various EV charging strategies, allowing residents to safely run charging cords across sidewalks is emerging as a cost-effective choice to installing dedicated public charging stations.

However, this solution isn’t without its challenges. Sidewalk charging cords can raise safety concerns, create technical hurdles, and potentially inconvenience pedestrians if not properly managed. Therefore, proactive policies are crucial to authorize their use while ensuring public safety and mitigating conflicts with other parking and curb uses.

Did you know? The average electric vehicle owner saves hundreds of dollars annually on fuel costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Cities Pave the Way with New EV Charging Policies

several U.S. cities,including Washington, D.C., and Seattle, have already begun implementing policies to regulate sidewalk EV charging. While specific policy components may vary, they generally address these core concerns:

• Safety and accessibility, often requiring ADA-compliant cord covers.
• Local parking regulations and potential conflicts with curb usage.
• Technical and electrical specifications to ensure safe operation.
• Liability issues related to cord placement and usage.

Cities are generally pursuing two main policy paths: either creating a temporary exemption from PROW restrictions with published guidelines,or establishing a formal permit program.

Oakland Leads the Charge with Innovative Policy

CLEE’s new policy brief, Low-Cost Innovation in Residential EV Charging: City Policies Enabling Cords in the Public Right-of-Way, examines these policies and compares their implementation in five different cities.The publication follows Oakland’s recent adoption of its own PROW cord policy in March, making it the fifth U.S. city and the first in California to do so.CLEE provided research and guidance to Oakland in developing this policy.

Notably, Oakland’s policy allows both level 1 and Level 2 chargers to be used across sidewalks under specific conditions, which is a unique step, as other cities typically only permit lower-powered Level 1 chargers. This policy supports Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan and stands as a model for low-cost clean mobility initiatives local governments can implement.

Pro Tip: When considering an electric vehicle, research available charging options in your area, including public charging stations and potential sidewalk charging policies.

Access the Full CLEE Policy Brief

For a comprehensive understanding of PROW cord policies and their implementation, access CLEE’s full policy brief: Low-Cost Innovation in Residential EV Charging: City Policies Enabling Cords in the Public Right-of-Way.

FAQ: Sidewalk EV Charging

Is it legal to run an EV charging cord across the sidewalk?

In most cities, it is technically illegal without specific permission or policy in place, as it violates public right-of-way laws. Though, some cities are now creating policies to allow it under certain conditions.

What are the main concerns with sidewalk EV charging?

Safety and accessibility for pedestrians (especially those with disabilities), potential conflicts with parking and curb usage, technical and electrical safety, and liability issues.

What is a PROW cord policy?

A Public Right-of-Way (PROW) cord policy is a set of rules and guidelines established by a city to regulate the use of EV charging cords that cross public sidewalks.

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chargers?

Level 1 chargers use a standard household outlet (120V) and provide a slower charge. Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet and offer a faster charging speed.

© 2025 archyde.com. All rights reserved.

Charging Ahead: Interview with Dr.Anya Sharma on Sidewalk EV Policies

By Archyde News Staff | Published: May 1, 2025

Archyde News is pleased to present an exclusive interview with Dr. Anya Sharma,a policy analyst at the Center for Law,Energy & the Habitat (CLEE) at Berkeley Law. Dr. Sharma has been deeply involved in researching and analyzing the emerging trend of sidewalk EV charging and the innovative policies cities are adopting. We discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of this evolving landscape.

Interview with Dr. Anya Sharma

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Sidewalk EV charging is generating a lot of buzz. Can you briefly explain the core issue and why it’s becoming such a focal point for cities?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. Essentially,we’re seeing EV owners without dedicated off-street parking running charging cords across sidewalks. This raises safety and accessibility concerns, but it’s also a low-cost solution for expanding EV charging access, especially in dense urban environments where installing dedicated public charging stations can be difficult and expensive.

Archyde: Your association, CLEE, recently released a policy brief on this topic. What are the key takeaways from your research regarding city policies?

Dr. Sharma: The key takeaway is that cities are starting to adapt. We’re seeing two main approaches: temporary exemptions from existing public right-of-way (PROW) restrictions with published guidelines,and the creation of formal permit programs. These policies typically address safety,accessibility (like requiring ADA-compliant cord covers),electrical specifications,and liability.

Archyde: Cities like Oakland, which you highlighted in your brief, are taking a leading role. what makes Oakland’s policy particularly noteworthy?

Dr. Sharma: Oakland’s policy is quite progressive. It’s the first in California, and uniquely, it allows both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers under specific conditions. This is notable because Level 2 chargers offer faster charging, increasing the convenience for residents. It all contributes to Oakland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan.

Archyde: Safety is obviously a major concern.what are the key safety considerations cities need to incorporate into these policies?

Dr.Sharma: Safety is paramount. Cities need to mandate things like cord covers to prevent tripping hazards, require adherence to electrical codes, and address the impacts of cord placement on pedestrians, especially those with disabilities. Proper signage and clearly defined usage areas are also crucial.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what are the biggest hurdles and opportunities related to sidewalk charging?

Dr. Sharma: The biggest hurdle is balancing accessibility and safety with the need for more charging options. Overcoming this involves proactive policy, community engagement and ongoing education. The opportunity is the potential for a relatively inexpensive, scalable, and equitable way to expand EV infrastructure, especially for those with limited access to private charging at home.

Archyde: This is a quickly evolving area. What advice would you give to cities just starting to consider sidewalk charging policies?

Dr.Sharma: Start with a thorough assessment of your local context: Identify the needs of your EV-driving residents, consult with disability advocacy groups, and collaborate with your local utility. Learn from the cities that have already implemented policies, and be prepared to adapt and refine your approach as you learn! There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Archyde: what role does community buy-in play in the success of these initiatives?

Dr. Sharma: Community buy-in is absolutely essential. successfully implementing sidewalk charging policies requires ongoing education campaigns, opportunities for public comment on the policy and open channels for addressing community concerns about safety, aesthetics, and equity of access. This is a new frontier and constant interaction will make this a success!

Archyde: Dr. Sharma, thank you for the insightful discussion.

Dr. sharma: Thank you for having me.

© 2025 archyde.com. All rights reserved.