Outdoor Electric Power Equipment
> Incentives/rebates – Locally, SMPA provides rebates on new Outdoor Electric Power Equipment. Requirements include: New Equipment Only, Battery or corded, Minimum purchase price of $50, and Itemized receipt required. Also, remember claims must be made within 60 days of purchase.
> Why electrify lawn tools?
This 2020 article from Princeton entitled Lawn Maintenance and Climate Change gives a good summary of why we especially need to electrify these power tools. While two-stroke motors are the most polluting, the articles states that "a four-stroke lawnmower operating for one hour equates to a vehicle traveling for 500 miles"! A December 2022 Colorado Sun article provides additional information: For Colorado’s ozone, a leaf blower for 1 hour is same as 1,100 miles in a car. That’s why some urging switch to electric. Because of their outsized impact on our environment, a number of States have proposed or taken steps to ban gas powered lawn equipment.
> How to make the right ethical decisions when recycling and reusing as Colorado pushes for clean energy - from the Colorado Sun, Jan 31, 2023.
> Are electric options up to the job?
Generally yes, for homeowner use. They are quieter, start easily, have no smell, and are much easier to maintain. However, for commercial use, battery life can still remain an issue.
- Lawn Mower - 36 Volt minimum (or corded) | 50% of cost up to $500
- Electric Riding Mower - 48 Volt minimum (or corded) | 25% of cost up to $1000
- Snow Blower: 36 Volt minimum (or corded) | 50% of cost up to $150
- Chainsaw: 18 Volt Minimum (or corded) | 50% of cost up to $100
- Trimmer / Pruner / Leaf Blower / Power Washer: 18 Volt Minimum (or corded) | 50% of cost up to $100
- Additional Batteries with Equipment: 50% of cost up to $25
> Why electrify lawn tools?
This 2020 article from Princeton entitled Lawn Maintenance and Climate Change gives a good summary of why we especially need to electrify these power tools. While two-stroke motors are the most polluting, the articles states that "a four-stroke lawnmower operating for one hour equates to a vehicle traveling for 500 miles"! A December 2022 Colorado Sun article provides additional information: For Colorado’s ozone, a leaf blower for 1 hour is same as 1,100 miles in a car. That’s why some urging switch to electric. Because of their outsized impact on our environment, a number of States have proposed or taken steps to ban gas powered lawn equipment.
> How to make the right ethical decisions when recycling and reusing as Colorado pushes for clean energy - from the Colorado Sun, Jan 31, 2023.
> Are electric options up to the job?
Generally yes, for homeowner use. They are quieter, start easily, have no smell, and are much easier to maintain. However, for commercial use, battery life can still remain an issue.