This thread is full of people who haven’t used a leaf blower before. An electric leaf blower might be enough to clean off a sidewalk, but you’re not going to do any serious amount of work with an electric blower, especially in the US where most power outlets only supply 120V. That’s why people use gas blowers. It’s not about the noise and not about cost. It’s about having a product that actually meets the functional requirements of the job.
I will say, though, that requiring 4 stroke engines would be a huge improvement until there is a viable alternative.
Who decided that sidewalks must not have a few blades of grass, leaves, or a bit of dust?
And who decided that it doesn't matter how much destruction to the environment, the worker, resident, or passerby occurs to accomplish that? Better get those goddamn sidewalks spotless! No matter the cost!
I certainly never asked for this highly-destructive standard, but have to pay for it indirectly though rental/hoa fees. Even though, it is illegal in our city.
Several folks have brought up that new equipment is costly, but know what's cheaper? Stop doing it! Use a rake on the big pile and then quit! We had clean-enough sidewalks in the 80s. Just stop this bullshit.
120V just affects the charging time of a battery, not the output of an electric motor. Presumably you would not be tethered to an outlet while operating a blower.
that actually meets the functional requirements of the job
That would be a rake.
The reason people use leaf blowers is the same as the reason they use motorcycles. They are loud and obnoxious and people enjoy being loud and obnoxious, no matter the availability of superior tools. I have seen my neighbors spend upwards of an hour pissing around with their noise blowers on yards that could be raked in 15 minutes flat.
There is some asshole in my neighborhood with a jet-pack style double-barreled leaf blower that can be heard from four blocks away. I'm sure if you asked this scumbag he would tell you how very necessary it is for him to be the world's loudest sociopath. I don't buy it.
I will say, though, that requiring 4 stroke engines would be a huge improvement until there is a viable alternative.