Seattle's downtown area is about to shine a little brighter, thanks to a new fleet of mobile trikes that are revolutionizing how the city keeps its streets clean. On September 1, 2022, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) and the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID) showcased their latest innovation in urban cleanliness—a set of 18 new trikes designed to tackle some of the city’s toughest sanitation challenges. The E-trikes in the picture are our DWMEIGI MG1703-ZUES.
Equipped with powerful pressure washers and other cleaning tools, the trikes are part of a $15.5 million investment in Seattle’s downtown cleaning services. With the ability to navigate narrow alleys and busy streets, the trikes allow cleaning ambassadors to respond swiftly to sanitation incidents, from trash and graffiti removal to biohazard cleanups. They’re a clear step forward in maintaining the city’s vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
The Trike Advantage: Efficiency Meets Mobility
The most impressive feature of these new trikes is their ability to clean efficiently and effectively in areas that are often difficult to access with larger vehicles. Whether it’s narrow alleys or bustling sidewalks, the trikes can zip through traffic, ensuring that every corner of the city gets the attention it deserves.
Steve Walls, the DSA/MID director of cleaning services, explained how these trikes will enhance the work of the cleaning team. “Adding to our fleet of trikes—several of which are equipped with pressure washers—helps us address highly visible areas of trash, graffiti, and disorder in addition to biohazard cleanups,” he said. This increased mobility allows ambassadors to stay on top of cleanliness while working around obstacles that might slow down larger equipment.
Cleaning Up Seattle: Impressive Stats and Impact
The introduction of these trikes is just one part of a broader effort to keep Seattle clean. Last year, the city’s cleaning team tackled some massive tasks:
- 60 miles of sidewalks and alleys washed
- 1.4 million gallons of trash collected
- 27,039 graffiti tags and stickers removed
These numbers demonstrate the scale of the effort, and the trikes play a crucial role in helping the team cover more ground in less time. Thanks to the trikes, ambassadors can respond more rapidly to calls and handle high-traffic areas with greater efficiency.
Supporting a Vibrant Downtown
As Seattle’s downtown continues to rebound from the pandemic, maintaining a clean environment is more important than ever. With a growing residential population and a steady return of visitors and workers, ensuring that the city remains welcoming is key to its recovery. Jon Scholes, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, emphasized that keeping the downtown clean and safe is crucial for the area’s continued revitalization.
The trikes are part of a larger strategy to invest in Seattle’s future. The goal isn’t just to keep the streets free of trash, but to create a space that residents, visitors, and workers can enjoy every day. Clean streets are a small but vital part of what makes a city feel inviting, and Seattle is setting the standard for how urban areas can stay beautiful and functional.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Clean Streets
The addition of the trikes is a sign that Seattle is committed to continuous improvement, and as the city evolves, so too will its cleaning methods. With these new tools at their disposal, cleaning ambassadors are better equipped to handle whatever challenges come their way. These trikes are more than just machines—they’re part of a larger vision to keep Seattle a clean, safe, and vibrant place for everyone.
As cities around the world continue to grapple with cleanliness and sustainability, Seattle’s innovative approach is something to be admired. Thanks to these smart investments, downtown Seattle’s streets will remain as inviting and beautiful as ever, and the trikes will play an essential role in keeping the city clean for years to come.
