FAQ Smart Benches and Smart City Solutions
All the answers to the most frequently asked questions about solar smart benches, IoT technologies for smart cities, purchasing for public entities, installation, and maintenance. Made in Italy since 1995.
How much does a solar smart bench cost?
The price of a smart bench varies based on the model, features, and chosen configuration. The range starts from compact smart benches with USB charging up to top-of-the-line models with a photovoltaic panel, WiFi hotspot, environmental sensors, and IoT platform.
To get a free personalized quote, contact us specifying the model of interest, the quantity, and the installation context. We respond within 24 business hours.
Our products can also be purchased through MePA (Electronic Market of the Public Administration) and comply with the requirements for PNRR tenders.
How can I purchase smart benches for my municipality?
Public entities can purchase our smart benches through various channels:
- MePA (Consip) — our products are available on the Electronic Market of the Public Administration. Search for "smart bench" or "Eurocomitalia".
- SINTEL (Lombardy Region) — regional platform for PA purchases.
- Direct negotiation — for orders above the threshold, contact us for a dedicated negotiation.
- PNRR Tenders — we provide all the necessary technical documentation for participation in urban regeneration, smart city, and ecological transition tenders.
Our sales office assists municipalities in all phases: from design to fund reporting.
Can smart benches be purchased with PNRR funds?
Yes. Our smart benches fall under several measures of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan:
- M5C2 — Urban regeneration: smart furniture for the redevelopment of public spaces
- M1C1 — PA Digitalization: IoT infrastructure and public WiFi
- M2C4 — Ecological transition: products made from recycled material with renewable energy
We provide technical specifications, product sheets, CAM certifications, and complete documentation to attach to the funding request. Over 70% of our public clients have used PNRR funds or European funds for their purchase.
What are the delivery times?
Delivery times vary based on the model and quantity ordered:
- Standard models (VIVA, SHARK): 4-6 weeks from order confirmation
- Custom configurations (colors, specific accessories): 6-8 weeks
- Large supplies (over 20 units): timelines agreed upon during the quotation phase
All products are manufactured in Italy at our plant in Sezze (Latina), ensuring full control of the production chain.
How does a solar smart bench work?
A solar smart bench is a piece of urban furniture that integrates digital technologies powered by solar energy. Its operation is completely autonomous:
- Photovoltaic panel: high-efficiency monocrystalline panel integrated into the structure, powers the internal battery
- Battery: high-efficiency battery that stores energy to ensure operation even at night and on cloudy days (up to 7 days of autonomy)
- MPPT Controller: intelligent controller that optimizes charging and manages power delivery to devices
- USB-C and USB-A ports for charging smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices
- Qi wireless pad for cable-free charging
- Optional WiFi module for a public internet hotspot
- LED lighting for nighttime safety
- IoT connectivity for remote monitoring via the ViVa Smart platform
No connection to the electrical grid is needed: the bench is energetically self-sufficient.
Do smart benches work in winter and bad weather?
Yes, they work all year round. Eurocomitalia smart benches are designed to operate in all Italian and European climatic conditions:
- Operating temperature: from -20°C to +60°C
- IP68 protected photovoltaic panel. The electronic system is designed with natural ventilation and an internal fan to always maintain optimal operating temperatures
- High-efficiency battery: 7 days of autonomy even without sun. In winter, the panel's output decreases, but the battery compensates
- STRONGPLAST: resistant to frost, salt spray, UV rays, and atmospheric agents
The benches are installed throughout Italy, from Trentino to Sicily, including coastal and mountain areas.
What is the ViVa Smart platform and how does it work?
ViVa Smart is our cloud IoT platform for remote monitoring and management of all installed smart devices. It allows you to:
- Monitor in real-time the status of each bench (battery, consumption, temperature, connections)
- View statistics of usage: number of devices charged, hours of WiFi provided, energy produced
- Receive automatic alerts in case of malfunctions or vandalism
- Update firmware remotely (OTA - Over The Air)
- Manage WiFi: customizable captive portal with the municipality's logo
- Generate reports for accountability to citizens and funding bodies
Access to the platform is included in the price of the bench. There are no additional software costs.
What environmental sensors are available?
Eurocomitalia smart benches can integrate various environmental sensors for monitoring the quality of the urban environment:
- Air quality: PM2.5, PM10, CO2, NO2, O3
- Weather: temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure
- Noise: sound level in dB for urban acoustic mapping
- Brightness: twilight sensor for automatic LED activation
The collected data is accessible via the ViVa Smart platform and can be exported as open data for smart city projects. The sensors are optional and configurable based on the municipality's needs.
What is the difference between the VIVA, SHARK, and ZENA series?
The three main series differ in material, design, and context of use:
- VIVA series (recycled plastic): structure in STRONGPLAST (100% recycled plastic), exclusively solar-powered, low-maintenance. Ideal for parks, green areas, cycle paths, and circular economy projects.
- SHARK series (urban): structure in steel, modern and minimal design, reinforced anti-vandal structure, mains-powered with battery backup. Ideal for city centers, stations, airports, universities.
- ZENA series (traditional): structure in steel and FSC-certified exotic wood, classic elegant design with hidden smart technology. Ideal for historic centers, municipal villas, botanical gardens, and landscaped contexts.
All series offer the same smart features (USB charging, wireless, WiFi, LED, IoT). The choice depends on the aesthetic context and the specific needs of the project.
How is a smart bench installed?
Installation is simple and quick, similar to a traditional bench:
- Photovoltaic models (VIVA): no electrical connection required. It is fixed to the ground with anchors or an anchoring plate. Installation in 2-3 hours.
- Mains-powered models (SHARK): requires a 220V electrical power point. Installation in half a day.
We provide an installation manual, technical drawings, and telephone support. Upon request, our team can perform the installation directly or supervise the work of a local company.
What maintenance do smart benches require?
Eurocomitalia smart benches are designed to require minimal maintenance:
- STRONGPLAST: does not require painting, treatment, or replacement. It does not rot, rust, or splinter.
- Photovoltaic panel: periodic cleaning of the surface (1-2 times a year) to maintain efficiency
- Electronic components: IP65 protected, require no intervention. Remote diagnostics via ViVa Smart.
- Battery: estimated lifespan of 5-8 years, replaceable without dismantling the bench
Remote monitoring via the ViVa Smart platform allows for the identification of any potential issues before they occur, minimizing on-site interventions.
What is the warranty on smart benches?
Eurocomitalia offers a comprehensive warranty on all products:
- STRONGPLAST structure: guaranteed against manufacturing defects and structural degradation
- Electronic and smart components: legal warranty
- Photovoltaic panel: 10-year warranty on power output (minimum 80% of nominal power)
- Technical assistance: telephone and remote support included for the entire warranty period
Extended maintenance contracts are also available for public entities that desire complete coverage for longer periods.
What is STRONGPLAST and why is it important?
STRONGPLAST is the patented material by Eurocomitalia, composed of post-consumer recycled plastic. It is the heart of our circular economy philosophy:
- 85% certified post-consumer recycled plastic
- UV stabilizers for a lifespan of over 25 years outdoors
- Anti-graffiti treatment integrated into the material
STRONGPLAST does not rot, rust, or splinter and is low-maintenance.
At the end of its life, it is recyclable: it can be transformed into new profiles, closing the circular economy loop.
Eurocomitalia is one of the few Italian manufacturers to produce recycled plastic profiles certified UNI EN 1176 for playground safety.
Are Eurocomitalia products compliant with CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria)?
Yes. All STRONGPLAST products meet the Minimum Environmental Criteria required by the Public Procurement Code for Green Public Procurement (GPP).
Specifically:
- Recycled content: 85% post-consumer recycled plastic (CAM requires a minimum of 30%)
- Recyclability at end of life: yes
- Durability: over 25 years (reduces replacement frequency)
- Low maintenance: no use of paints, solvents, or chemical products
- Renewable energy: photovoltaic models do not consume grid energy
We provide the complete CAM documentation to be attached to the purchasing procedures.
How much recycled plastic does a VIVA smart bench contain?
Each 2.2-meter VIVA series smart bench contains about 120 kg of post-consumer recycled plastic, equivalent to about 12,000 plastic bottles diverted from landfills or incinerators.
Considering that the material is recyclable at the end of its life (after over 25 years), it is a responsible investment for the environment. Each installed bench contributes concretely to the circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste.
Besides benches, what other smart city products do you offer?
Eurocomitalia offers a complete range of smart city solutions, all integrable with the ViVa Smart platform:
- Smart bus shelters: with photovoltaic panel, information display, WiFi, and USB charging
- Smart city totems: digital signage for tourist information, wayfinding, and municipal advertising
- Smart bins: with an integrated solar compactor that reduces emptying by 80%
- Solar smart poles: off-grid LED lighting with environmental sensors and camera
- E-bike charging stations: powered by a solar panel, for electric bicycles and scooters
All products can be centrally managed from the same IoT platform, creating an integrated smart city ecosystem.
Can I customize colors and configurations?
Yes, all products are customizable. We offer:
- STRONGPLAST colors: available in various colors (gray, green, brown, black, blue). Custom colors on request for minimum quantities.
- Smart configuration: choice of active modules (USB, wireless, WiFi, LED, sensors, audio)
- Branding: customization with the logo of the municipality or entity on the side panel
- Dimensions: models from 1.5m to 3m, with and without backrest
- WiFi captive portal: customizable access page with the entity's logo, colors, and messages
Contact us to discuss customization options. Our technical office will assist you in creating the ideal configuration.
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Our technical and sales team is available to answer any questions about smart benches, smart city solutions, and products made from recycled plastic.
