The motorcycle manufactured by the ZERO Motorcycle Company is a dual-sport motorcycle capable of being used on and off-road. This motorcycle is 100% electric, meaning that it uses no fossil fuels, produces no emissions, emits very little heat, and is almost silent when operating.
The motorcycle can go about 150 miles on a charge. That equates to 1.07 cents/mile to operate. Although the motorcycle has a top speed of 102, the unit has been governed to a much lower speed via an app which controls the computer on the unit.
The motorcycle will be used as part of community outreach and community policing efforts. Since the unit is quiet and does not heat up, people can safely and easily approach and see it up-close, while being able to speak to the officer operating it without distraction.
The motorcycle will also be used for patrol activities, but will only be used in good weather, and will mostly be used during daylight hours. According to Kevin Hartman from ZERO Motorcycles, there are currently eight Pennsylvania State Parks that use this same model bike for park patrol and the Swatara Township Police Department has an off-road model, but this is the first ZERO DSRP in Pennsylvania for police patrol use.
The cost of the motorcycle was $25,656, and the entire cost of the motorcycle and some assorted safety equipment was donated by a party requesting to remain anonymous.
There has been no cost for this vehicle or its equipment to taxpayers.
Police officers are required to have their motorcycle license and attend a safety class to operate the unit. "The SBPD is very proud to be among the first to utilize an all-electric vehicle to help protect our citizens and our community," said Chief Brian Newhall in a press release.
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