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Mayor, Police Chief Launch Pilot to put Providence, R.I., Officers on Electric Scooters



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Vectrix scooter in three-month pilot with Providence, R.I., police department

May 30, 2008, News Report

Officials in Providence, R.I., are looking at putting neighborhood police on electric scooters in order to reduce the department's carbon footprint. Mayor David N. Cicilline, Police Chief Dean M. Esserman and representatives from Vectrix Corporation today launched a three-month pilot program at the city's police department to road test eco-friendly, electric scooters from the company.

Four police officers have been selected to road test the maxi-scooters as part of the pilot. The two-wheel vehicles will help to enhance foot and bicycle patrols in the neighborhoods by offering police officers more mobility, while enabling them to maintain personal contact with residents. The pilot is part of the city's ongoing effort to adopt policies and practices that promote sustainability.

The Vectrix scooter, which is certified for highway travel, offers the performance of a motorcycle with a minimal impact on the environment. The electric, battery-powered scooters are virtually emissions free compared to larger traditional motorcycles that emit two tons of carbon dioxide each year.

"With the rising cost of gasoline and the threat of global warming, it's critically important that we explore ways to reduce costs while protecting our environment for future generations," said Mayor Cicilline. "These high-performance scooters will offer our police officers more mobility in our neighborhoods while helping to reduce air pollution."

The virtually silent Vectrix has a top speed of 62 miles per hour and accelerates from 0-50 M.P.H. in 6.8 seconds, has an average range of 35-55 miles on a single charge. It takes just over three hours to fully charge and costs approximately one cent per mile to operate,

"We reached out and requested a demonstration of the Vectrix vehicle in February and since then we have researched this product and we are impressed by its design and operation," said Chief Esserman. "We are excited and proud to be one of the first departments in the U.S. to launch this energy-saving initiative. The Providence Police Department would like to thank Vectrix for the three month trial of these vehicles, at no cost to the city."

"Replacing four and two-wheel gas-powered vehicles with Vectrix in urban settings will significantly lower our carbon footprint and save on fuel costs, so we applaud the Providence Police Department for being a leader in the movement to make fleets green," said Mike Boyle, Vectrix CEO and president." From New York City to California to the U.K., more and more police departments and security forces are testing Vectrix as a zero-emissions alternative for their fleets."

 


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