If you’ve secured funding through the Energy Saving Trust’s Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund, one rule sits above everything else. Your EV charger must be open to the public. The grant is designed to strengthen Scotland’s rural charging network, so public access isn’t optional. It’s part of the deal.

That can feel like a big shift if you’re used to private use. You’ll have more people on site, a bit more wear and tear, and a few practical things to think through. With the right setup, though, it can run smoothly and bring real benefits to your business and local drivers.

This guide walks through what the rules mean in practice, how to prepare your site, and how voltshare can help you manage the setup end to end.

Why public access matters for the grant

The Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund supports rural businesses, community groups, estates, and accommodation providers who want to install EV chargers and upgrade their electrical infrastructure. The aim is simple. Strengthen charging coverage across remote parts of Scotland and make it easier for EV drivers to travel without stress.

To do that, grant-funded chargers must be accessible to the public. Local authorities and charge point operators check that sites meet this requirement, so it’s important to get it right from the start.

What public access actually means

Most sites need to offer access around the clock unless there’s a clear operational reason why 24 hour access isn’t possible. The rules also state that chargers can’t sit behind private restrictions. No membership schemes. No exclusive access. No barriers that put people off.

A compliant public charger will usually need:

• Clear signage that shows the charger is open to the public
• Safe walking access to the charging bay
• Good lighting so drivers feel comfortable using it at night
• Marked parking spaces
• Fair and transparent pricing in line with the local area
• Standard payment options (contactless is ideal)

If you’re using a platform like Zap-Map, you’ll also need the charger visible on public maps so drivers can find you. That’s where being part of a proper charging network really helps.

How to make your charger public ready

Opening your charger to the public isn’t something you can do with one switch. You’ll need the right hardware, a billing setup, a way to monitor usage, and a connection to public driver apps.

Most rural businesses don’t want to juggle all of that themselves, especially if charging isn’t their main operation. At voltshare, we handle everything on one simple system.

We help you:

• Choose compliant hardware
• Connect your charger to payment networks and mapping platforms
• Manage pricing, access times, and reporting
• Stay compliant with grant rules
• Handle customer support so you don’t need to be on-call

Our pay-as-you-go model also works well for rural areas where charger use can be unpredictable. You pay nothing monthly, just a small percentage of each charge.

Why public chargers help rural communities

Opening your charger brings benefits far beyond your own site.

For your business

• You earn revenue every time someone charges
• You attract passing trade who may stay longer or spend more
• You improve site visibility on EV maps
• You increase the long term value of your property

For your community

• More chargers reduce range anxiety for local EV drivers
• Visitors can travel further into rural areas without worrying about access
• Drivers without driveways get a reliable place to charge
• Local air quality improves as more people switch to EVs

This wider impact is exactly why the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund requires public access. Every new charger strengthens the network.

Common challenges and how to avoid them

Public chargers come with a few added responsibilities. The good news is that most issues can be avoided with regular checks and a simple support plan.

Pricing pressures

‍Public charging costs more to run than home charging. The trick is to stay competitive without cutting too far into your revenue. A charging platform helps you adjust pricing when needed.

Maintenance

‍A quick weekly walkaround makes a big difference. Look for loose cables, dirty connectors, or anything that could confuse a driver. A monthly clean and a quarterly safety check will keep your charger reliable.

Software and payments

‍Outdated software is one of the biggest causes of failures. Automatic updates fix this quickly. Payment glitches can frustrate drivers, so it’s worth testing contactless payments often.

Customer support

‍If someone gets stuck at your charger, they need help fast. That’s where 24 hour support becomes essential. Voltshare provides this for every site on our network.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main benefits and drawbacks of offering my charger to the public?

Benefits include new revenue, more visibility, and supporting your local transport network. You also help remove one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in rural areas.

Drawbacks include more wear and slightly higher electricity bills. You’ll also need a system to track usage and make sure your pricing covers your costs.

What are the specific requirements under the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund?

You must keep the charger publicly accessible for the full period outlined in your grant terms. You must also provide clear signage, transparent pricing, and reasonable access hours.

Restrictions that limit use aren’t allowed. The charger has to work for everyone, not just selected groups.

Are there legal or safety considerations?

Yes. As soon as the public uses your charger, you have a duty of care. The charger needs to be safe, checked regularly, and clearly marked. Consumer laws also apply. Pricing must be visible and accurate, and drivers need a way to report issues.

Voltshare handles most of this through our network, including driver support and pricing transparency.

If you want a simple way to stay compliant and make public charging work, we can help

Turning a grant-funded charger into a smooth-running public asset doesn’t need to be complicated. If you're planning an application, voltshare can guide you through hardware, installation, payments, compliance, and ongoing support.