Police Motorcycles 1
University Police introduced two new Vectrix electric motorcycles to the University Park campus today (Sept. 16), the first police department in Pennsylvania and the first campus police department in the nation to add them to its lineup of vehicles. They cost about the same as traditional motorcycles of similar size, run nearly silently and are better for the environment.
Police Motorcycles 2
The electric motorcycles -- not much larger than University Police's mountain bikes added to the department 15 years ago, as noted by bicycle officer Frank Ball -- each hold a charge that lasts about 8 to 10 hours, or about the length of an officer's typical shift. The size of the vehicles makes them easy to maneuver in traffic and will be useful during home football games and quiet to operate on campus while classes are in session.
Police Motorcycles 3
Detective Bill Wagner demonstrates one of the electric motorcycles, which will help the University save gasoline as officers complete their patrols. Locations on patrol routes regularly include the University Park Airport and reach as far as Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, 12 miles away from campus. The motorcycle can drive up to about 60 miles on one charge under normal operating conditions.
Police Motorcycles 4
Stephen Shelow, director of University Police, said he has been considering the addition of electric motorcycles for about three years and saw the Vectrix this summer at a law enforcement conference. Other than the addition of police lights, a siren and detailing to identify the vehicle, this model is the same as a standard retail model, which he believes is one of many reasons why they will be cost-efficient to maintain.
Police Motorcycles 5
The electric motorcycles are chargeable via standard 110-volt outlet and can reach speeds of 60 mph. Inclement winter weather may limit their functionality through the year, but otherwise the department expects them to be very helpful additions to its fleet.
