Over 50 police departments in the United States are now using all-electric Zero Motorcycles. Electric motorcycles are very quiet, so they are actually helping police officers get close to suspects without their knowledge. (Gas-powered motorcycles are much louder.)
“Because the motorcycles are electric, officers may arrive on scene without disruption and come across a crime in progress without being detected,” explained Amy (Armstrong) Luna of the Fresno State University Department of Public Safety. They have also proven to be better for sneaking up on wildlife, when necessary, for the same reason.
Other advantages would be not having to pay for gas and oil changes, no oil filter to replace, no clutch, no valves to adjust, and no exhaust. Electric motorcycles can be ridden in enclosed spaces without polluting, such as in tunnels, or even in large indoor arenas. Some members of the public have also commented about how they like the electric motorcycles, so there has been something of a PR benefit as well.
Typically, there is much more press about electric and hybrid cars, but electric motorcycles obviously have many of the same benefits. And the benefits go far beyond the environmental.
The fact that many police departments use these for sound, practical reasons blows away the “enviro” perception and leaves one that is more accurate on the whole. Of course, there are some police departments that are concerned with sustainability, but they also need to explore how new technologies can help them perform at the same level or better.
Zero Motorcycles makes fleet versions for police, security, and military applications.
Source: CleanTechnica. Reproduced with permission
