The new fully automatic bicycle washing system Velobrush, developed by Radkompetenz member Wintersteiger Sports, has been available for testing at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien since this summer. The first version of the system was tested there at the end of last year in order to gain experience in collaboration with students. The new version can be used from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 20:00. The cost of a bike wash is € 3.90 or € 5.90, depending on the duration, and payment is made conveniently via an EC card terminal.

How the automatic bike wash works

The bike is gently and effectively cleaned by rotating brushes while being sprayed with water from above. This low-pressure technology prevents water from penetrating sensitive components such as bearings or gear groups and at the same time ensures thorough cleaning. The washing process is designed to be simple and user-friendly, so the system is self-service. It also functions as a closed water circuit: the used water is filtered and reused. This reduces water consumption and makes the system an environmentally friendly solution.

The Velobrush is suitable for all single-track bicycles with a wheel size of 20 inches or more. This also includes e-bikes, which can be safely washed using the gentle washing process. However, special bicycles such as cargo bikes or tandems cannot be cleaned due to their size.

High potential in urban areas

Wintersteiger Sports has recognized the potential to make bicycle cleaning in urban areas faster and more accessible using the system. The washing system offers a time-saving and convenient solution, especially in urban areas where many people rely on bicycles as a means of transport but do not have a suitable place to clean their bikes. With the further development of the Velobrush, the company wants to make an important contribution to improving bicycle infrastructure and is relying on intuitive handling. The last test phase in December 2023 showed that cyclists are curious and want to use the washing system, but the washing process must be quick and self-explanatory.

Students at the FH Technikum will continue to examine the washing system as part of projects in order to collect suggestions for optimization and compare them with feedback from the last test phase.

WINTERSTEIGER Sports as a solution provider in niche markets

Wintersteiger Sports is a leading international mechanical engineering company that offers innovative solutions in various areas. The company, with headquarters in Ried im Innkreis, supplies 130 countries and employs around 1,200 people. In addition to offering ski services and grinding machines, the company has also focused on bike services. These include manual and automatic cleaning systems, software for assembling and renting bicycles, and drying solutions for sports equipment. The company sees great future potential for the Velobrush, especially in urban areas, and plans to further expand its range. Wintersteiger also sells the Veloclean Pro, a manual washing system with warm water that cleans the bike in just one to two minutes.

Photos: Wintersteiger | Information at the FH Technikum