UK’s efforts to promote greener, environmentally friendly practices gets a fillip from a local police department. The University of Kentucky Police Department has acquired two new electric motorcycles manufactured by the Polish Vectrix company, which it uses to patrol the university campus.
Besides saving energy, the motorcycles are also expected to save the department $10,000 annually, on fuel. The units cost $10,000 each, and Interim Police Chief Joe Monroe expects that they will have paid for themselves in the first year, by reducing the need to use the department’s patrol cars.
The electric motorcycles have a zero-emission count, as they release no exhaust. With a top speed of 62 miles an hour, the machines accelerate from zero to 55 mph in 6.8 seconds. The motorcycles can be recharged by plugging into a normal household current, and go between 35-55 miles on each charge. A single charge takes about three hours to complete.
The motorcycles will not be used to enforce traffic regulations, says Monroe. They are more suitable for use on campus, where they will enhance foot and bicycle patrols, allowing for quicker response and more mobility when required.
Monroe also hopes that the motorcycles, which only emit a low humming noise, will prove less intimidating to students and the public than the traditional Harley Davidsons used by police; thereby encouraging them to approach police officers for help.
Other departments in the UK already using the Vectrix motorcycles include Eastern Kentucky University, Scotland Airport Police, Penn State University police and Amherst College police.
|
|
