Kinda dumb. The ordinance is against “gas-powered” leaf blowers.
There are some decently powered electric options, though. You’ll just need a long extension cord.
Good electric battery options too. I have a greenworks one that hits 170mph+ and can run flat out for longer than it takes me to clear the drive.
Batteries aren’t good options for full yards, imo. Specifically, the people against the ordinance, in the article, are landscapers. They wouldn’t have the time to charge all the batteries they’d need to do multiple properties per day.
They would probably work fine as a pack instead of a single battery that most models use now.
The companies putting these out likely haven’t seen enough demand for it. These bans may generate that demand.
EDIT: looks like this is already a thing. 1hr runtime with 2 extended batteries, so based on the 2hr “standard” leaf blower use per job in the article, you need 4 batteries total. Similar power, weighs 30lbs, much quieter, although not quiet. No toxic fumes, no real maintenance.
Seems pretty doable right now.
The problem with a bigger pack would be weight. The current packs are usually 4-8lbs each and only run for 30-60 minutes. A scaled up backpack that would fit a landscapers needs would be 50-60lbs.
Demand means nothing if battery tech isn’t there yet. We need lighter cells with higher capacities first.
Makita actually makes a backpack that you slot six 6 Amp batteries into that has a cable and adapter for running all their battery powered yard tools.
The more environmentally-friendly option is called a rake anyway. It being a bit harder to use is actually a feature, since it limits the biodiversity damage that comes from removing every last leaf. We just need to fix our expectations on the level of management that nature actually needs.
What happens if you just let the leaves be? I would think that letting organic matter decompose on your lawn would be good because it provides nutrients for the plants underneath.
I wish people were just okay with yards filled with leaves
