  We investigate the low-energy $^9$Be elastic scattering on two different
targets (heavy, light) within a four-body framework using the
Continuum-Discretized Coupled-Channels (CDCC) method. The $^9$Be projectile is
described in a $\alpha + \alpha + n$ three-body model using the analytical
transformed harmonic oscillator (THO) basis in hyperspherical coordinates. We
show that continuum couplings are important to describe the elastic cross
section, especially at low energies and on heavy targets. The dipolar
contribution to the elastic cross section at energies around the Coulomb
barrier is important but small compared to the case of halo nuclei. The effect
of the projectile low-energy resonances is also relevant. The agreement with
the available experimental data supports the reliability of the method to
describe reactions induced by three-body projectiles including more than one
charged particle.
