Absolutely, there are! In fact, park benches with built-in USB charging ports are becoming a common feature in many forward-thinking cities around the world. They’re part of a growing trend called “smart furniture” or “smart city infrastructure,” designed to meet the needs of modern, device-dependent citizens.
What exactly are these benches? They are standard-looking park benches—often made from recycled materials, wood, or metal—that come equipped with integrated USB ports (and sometimes wireless charging pads). The power usually comes from a built-in solar panel mounted on the top or side of the bench, which charges a hidden battery during the day. This battery then provides power for users to charge their phones, tablets, or other small electronics, even after sunset.
Where can you find them? You might already have walked past one without noticing. Major projects include Soofa benches (popular in U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, and Atlanta), Strawberry Energy benches (common in Europe, especially Serbia and the UK), and custom installations by companies like Urban Solar Group or eSight. They’re typically placed in high-traffic areas: busy parks, transit stops, university campuses, and tourist spots.
Are there any downsides? A few things to keep in mind. First, these benches are often used as “smart” data collection points (they can monitor foot traffic, air quality, and noise levels). While this helps city planners, privacy advocates sometimes raise concerns. Second, during long periods of cloudy weather or heavy foot traffic, the solar battery might run low, so the USB ports could be temporarily inactive. Lastly, they tend to be more expensive than regular benches, so cities usually pilot a few before committing to a large rollout.
If you’re a city planner or a community advocate interested in adding these benches to your local park, I’d recommend contacting manufacturers like Soofa, Strawberry Energy, or Smart Parks. Prices typically start around $1,500 to $3,000 per bench, depending on features.
So yes—public spaces are evolving. The next time you’re out for a walk and your phone is dying, keep an eye out. That humble bench might just save your battery without you having to carry an extra power bank.