ACT park rangers trial electric tools and e-bikes

Rangers at ACT’s Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are trialling new electric tools and e-bikes to carry out work more easily while reducing carbon emissions. The new electric chainsaws, line trimmers, pole-saws and leaf blowers are quieter and lighter than petrol driven counterparts, while being powered by 100% renewable electricity.

Two new all-terrain mountain e-bikes are also being added to the fleet, with the new e-bikes providing rangers with a zero-emission alternative to diesel vehicles for short- range trips. The e-bikes will be fitted with small cargo trailers to carry operational equipment.

ACT Parks and Conservation Service Director, Daniel Iglesias said the Tidbinbilla rangers have been overwhelmingly supportive of the change and commented “as you can imagine, we’re very passionate about the environment and the work we do and it’s important that we can balance that passion with tools that can do the job.

“What we’ve seen so far are battery powered tools are fit for purpose and are actually better than their petrol-powered alternatives in many cases.”

The change came after the Tidbinbilla rangers swapped over to a range of battery powered tools as part of a four-week trial earlier this year. The trial was a major success with most tools proving they could do the job just as well or even better.

A new 12-month trial is now underway to investigate how these tools could be rolled out across the Parks and Conservation Service. This will include monitoring factors such as battery life over the longer term.

Learn more about the ACT’s commitment to reducing emissions from government operations on the Zero Emissions Government website.