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Embracing a Vintage Electric Cargo Tricycle for Greener Gardening

In a picturesque marriage of vintage charm and cutting-edge sustainability, the AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team has unveiled their latest addition to the gardening fleet: a vintage-style electric cargo tricycle.
By Philip Davis | April 3, 2024
        
                  Image
    Person outside.

Advanced Gardener Philip Davis rides the electric cargo trike to quickly perform daily maintenance tasks, such as morning cleanup and opening the Summerhouse.

This innovative mode of transportation allows the dedicated gardening staff to move throughout the historic grounds of the U.S. Capitol with ease, all while carrying up to an impressive 300 pounds of gardening tools and horticultural materials.Drawing inspiration from the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team made a conscious decision to embrace the environmentally friendly features of electric cargo bicycles. They opted for a three-wheel tricycle design, ensuring enhanced stability and safety in navigating the sprawling grounds. With 20 staff members trained to skillfully operate the tricycle, this new addition is set to transform the way the team tends to their historic grounds and gardens.Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, expressed his enthusiasm for the electric cargo tricycle, "This electric cargo bike symbolizes our commitment to sustainability. It is a testament to our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of these historic grounds while reducing our carbon footprint. We are thrilled with its capabilities."The advantages offered by the electric cargo tricycle are abundant, providing an array of sustainability benefits that extend beyond the immediate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional vehicles, this electric alternative does not require costly fuel, oil changes or extensive routine maintenance. And without a combustion engine, this electric cargo bike glides gracefully through the grounds, reducing the noise pollution that can interrupt the positive experience of visitors, Members of Congress and others working on the Capitol campus.Beyond the environmental benefits, the electric cargo tricycle also saves valuable time. With seamless access to the grounds, logistics become a breeze, allowing the gardening team to focus on their true passion: nurturing the vibrant plants throughout the U.S. Capitol Grounds. The cargo tricycle's ability to haul significant loads of electric gardening tools and horticultural materials empowers the gardening staff to maintain an awe-inspiring landscape while prioritizing their own well-being through a healthier and more sustainable means of transportation.As the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team embraces this innovative approach to sustainable gardening and transportation, they hope to serve as a source of inspiration for their colleagues as well as other public agencies. By exploring and adopting similar innovative solutions, we can collectively cultivate a greener future for our historic buildings and landscapes. The electric cargo tricycle is just one example of how small sustainable changes can have a significant impact on our environment and community.
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