Archasol, a national supplier of solar powered products including phone charging stations, bench seating, workstations, exterior sign illumination and pathway lighting, has recently launched a new solar smart bench with a focus on enhancing micromobility in urban streetscapes.
In addition to smart bench features like USB and Qi phone charging outlets, environment sensors, Wi-Fi access and night lighting, the Steora ‘Cyclo’ smart bench comes equipped with an air compressor, a tool kit for repairs, DC charging plugs for e-scooters and e-bikes, an AC outlet for laptop charging, and two bike racks.
“For centuries, benches have only had one purpose,” says Malcolm Kay, CEO of Archasol. “The Steora ‘Cyclo’ bench gives pedestrians a place to stop and relax, catch up with a familiar passerby, rapidly charge a dead battery, park their e-bike and even inflate a flat tire. This is not just about cutting down on carbon emissions, it’s also about offering community members the gift of convenience.”
With the expectation that by 2025, the global micromobility market will reach $150 billion, it is becoming increasingly necessary for urban streetscapes to adapt to the new norm. Besides creating new traffic lanes, organizations like City of West Hollywood, have created an interactive map to help citizens locate designated parking for e-scooters and e-bikes.
“Even in places with a relatively low population, like Bozeman, MT where Archasol is based, you can find an e-scooter or e-bike around every corner” continues Kay. “When companies like Lime and Bird first introduced their rental scooters, they were often left strewn about rather haphazardly, with the hope that they would be found and picked up the next day. Just having a place just to park these vehicles can make a real difference so it’s easy to extrapolate and imagine the benefits of being able to park, charge your scooter and your phone, and relax for a while at a dedicated solar powered bench.”
The Steora ‘Cyclo’ solar benches are available in five standard colors, but other colors can be supplied on request. A backrest option with or without arm rests provides the opportunity for additional power generation, as the solar panels are cleverly integrated into each slat of the bench. Extra sensors can also be configured to measure fine particulate matter and noise decibels in the surrounding area.
“There is nothing on the market that's even remotely as well designed and feature packed as these benches,” Kay explains. “And it’s fortunate we are able to offer them at such a reasonable cost, considering the advanced technology involved.”
Solar benches that offer little more than phone charging capability can easily run as high as $5,000 – 7,000 per unit. In comparison, and depending on the model and configuration options chosen, a solar-equipped bench from the new Archasol Steora range can be comparable in cost to just a basic wooden park bench.
For more information on pricing for the Steora ‘Cyclo’ bench, please contact 406.551.7955