There is disclosed a self-propelled apparatus for cleaning roads and urban areas, having a longitudinal axis (1a) and comprising: propulsion and control members (2) including wheels and steering means (3) defining an axis of steering (3b) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1a) and passing through the centre of turning (3a) of the wheels; an accumulation system (8) on the ground of the refuse comprising brushes (11) defining a reference line (10a) transverse to the longitudinal axis (1a); and a collection system (12) to suck up the refuse comprising a collection inlet (13) positioned at ground level; the steering means (3), the accumulation system (8) and the collection system (12) being predisposed suitably to dispose said axis of steering (3a) in a position intersecting a segment (15) parallel to the longitudinal axis (1a) and extending between the collection inlet (13) and the reference line (10a).