Four plug-in Vectrix scooters will be road tested starting early next month as the New York Police Department tries to become more environmentally friendly and reduce gasoline use in its massive motor fleet.
The Vectrix has a top speed of more than 60 mph and is recharged by plugging it in a standard outlet for two hours. Its higher purchase price compared to other scooters would be quickly offset by the fuel savings, the department said.
Detective Derek Siconolfi, who will train riders, suggested the quiet engines also offer a side benefit: the element of surprise.
“You could easily sneak up on somebody if they don’t expect it,” he said.
If you’ve ever stepped out in front of a hybrid – running in electric mode – you have an idea how quiet these critters can be. Should freak out the average crack dealer!
Look at that seat! I hope he’s wearing the “Nutty Buddy” when he hits his first pedestrian.
quiet + motorcycle is not a good thing for the rider!
Totally GAY!
#5,
Not as gay as those lame-ass wheeled boxes they drive. I don’t get why they have “Interceptor” inscribed on them, though.
I don’t think that’s got enough kick to haul Dennis Franz around.
Didn’t they just buy a bunch of Piaggio BV200’s a few years back? I think it’s a good idea scooters esp. in the city where they don’t have to shift the transmission ( The BV200’s were also automatic ), but someone has to push forward with environmental thinking. I do worry about the Kinetic brand though.
P.S. I actually ride a motorcycle. The “loudness” saves your behind is a myth to make people feel better about themselves when they spend 30k.
I hope they start using these instead of horses on the bike path on the west side. Personally though, I really liked it when they patrolled the parks on mountain bikes.
#4 – RockOn,
I’m sure they have horns and sirens.
#8 – the answer,
I thought the loudness and vibrations on the $30K models were specifically designed to cause HarleyRoids.
I know that these pages consider the quietness of electric and/or hybrids to be a Big Deal, so why not take a clue from the eight year olds who solved this problem years ago.
Rig some playing cards to slap the spokes in the wheels of quiet vehicles as they turn.
Funny that the silence of bicycles is never mentioned here, though…
Well its a step up from rollerblades or the Segway.