The demand for protected bike lanes — cycling paths that are physically separated from roadways to keep cars away from more vulnerable micromobility vehicles — is growing in the US. And in one case, a surprising source is finally making them possible: a tiny electric mini-street sweeper.
The Westvac LS125, a pint-sized electric maintenance vehicle, was the last piece of the puzzle missing for Ann Arbor, Michigan’s protected bike lane plan. The city had hoped to install bollards or vertical separators along its roadways to create more protected bike lanes, but the narrow lanes would have been too small for the city’s maintenance vehicles to navigate.
Bike lanes require frequent street sweeping to rid them of dangerous debris and obstacles, and this is even more critical on paths used by two-wheeled vehicles. This week, the City Council voted unanimously to buy an approximately $250,000 electric mini-sweeper that would enable the city to finally install separators along bike lanes while still maintaining the road surface.
The 48″ wide (122 cm) mini-sweeper might not be fast at just 15 mph (25 km/h), but it’s built for work — not for speed. The 62 kWh battery gives it a nine-hour operating time, allowing it to work all day and recharge at night with a standard J1772 connector for Level 2 EV chargers.
The city’s public works manager Molly Maciejewski described how the city’s recently installed bike lanes have suffered from constant encroachment by cars and trucks. Council Member Dharma Akmon explained that the purchase of the mini-sweeper would allow the city to quickly install bollards where there aren’t any.
Electric full-size street sweepers exist, but despite their more environmentally friendly design, they are still too wide to fit in most bike lanes. That’s why miniature versions are critical for being able to carve off sections of roadways for bikes while still leaving access to maintain the quality of the road.
It’s great to see cities finding creative solutions for embracing safer cycling infrastructure. The fact that those solutions themselves are zero-emissions simply makes the whole thing even sweeter. With Ann Arbor’s new mini-sweeper, they can now move forward with their plan to create separated bike lines that will keep cars away from bikes, scooters, and other micromobility vehicles and their operators.
FAQ
Q1. When will electric cars be available in the UK?
A1. Electric cars are already available in the UK and can be purchased from a variety of dealerships.
Q2. Where can I find electric car charging stations near me?
A2. You can find electric car charging stations near you by using online maps or apps such as PlugShare or ChargePoint.
Q3. Which electric car is the best?
A3. The best electric car depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular models include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
