Seattle Introduces Electric Bike Lane Sweeper

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is introducing a new all-electric device designed for sweeping bike lanes for a six-month pilot program, reports Ron Johnson in Momentum. “This endeavor represents the first time SDOT is renting and testing an electric protected bike lane (PBL) sweeper, a move intended to inform future purchasing decisions and further align with the city’s climate goals.”

As Johnson explains, the pilot program will help SDOT assess demand, maintenance needs, charging time and charge hold, and durability of the device during adverse weather conditions. “Additionally, the electric sweeper offers a quieter option for cleaning the city’s PBLs compared to traditional street sweepers.” 

The program will help keep Seattle’s bike lanes clean and safe year-round. “As climate emissions from transportation remain a significant concern in Seattle, especially from short one to three-mile vehicle trips, ensuring debris-free and leaf-free PBLs plays a crucial role in reducing the city’s climate impact.”