The Vélez-Málaga City Council has taken another step in modernizing its public services with the addition of an electric cleaning bicycle. This new vehicle will bolster maintenance and waste collection efforts along the Paseo Marítimo of Torre del Mar, an area frequented by many residents and visitors year-round.
Mayor Jesús Lupiáñez (PP), along with the first deputy mayor and mayor of Torre del Mar, Jesús Pérez Atencia (Gipmtm), and representatives from the concessionary company Althenia, unveiled the vehicle on the promenade itself. This initiative aligns with the Council's commitment to equipping the cleaning service with more modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly tools, while also improving working conditions for the operators.
Lupiáñez emphasized that the measure fulfills the commitment to continuously improve public services, noting that cleanliness is a significant demand from residents. He highlighted that the bicycle perfectly embodies the desired city model: more modern, sustainable, and efficient, prioritizing zero-emission vehicles adapted for pedestrian zones.
In turn, Jesús Pérez Atencia underscored the need for an agile and permanent cleaning service on the Paseo Marítimo of Torre del Mar, particularly during the summer, to maintain the municipality's tourist image. He also mentioned the special summer deployment, which includes increased sweeping, washing, night cleaning, and door-to-door collection for hospitality establishments.
The vehicle, a heavy-duty electric cargo tricycle model BKL Cube, features electric pedal assistance with a 250-watt motor, operating with zero emissions and minimal noise pollution. It offers an autonomy of up to 60 kilometers and a cargo capacity compatible with 90 and 120-liter bins, along with suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a protective canopy.
This bicycle will primarily be used for emptying and replacing bins along the promenade during morning and afternoon shifts, as well as transporting waste bags and cleaning materials. It allows for quick and efficient routes without the need for larger vehicles. It also offers ergonomic benefits for workers and reduces maintenance and energy consumption costs.
The addition of this bicycle complements the Special Summer Cleaning Plan 2026, which will be operational until September 15th and includes significant human and material reinforcements to manage the increased summer population. This plan also features new services such as washing, high-pressure cleaning, manual and mechanical sweeping, specific actions in urbanizations, and weekend reinforcements in coastal areas.
