Vegas police “go green” with electric scooters

It might look like a regular motorcycle, but it sounds like a Toyota Prius.

The Metropolitan Police Department unveiled seven electric motorcycles Tuesday at its Convention Center Area Command. The motorcycles were donated by the Consumer Electronics Association to help police "go green."

They are nearly silent and have a top speed of 62 mph. Police said officers have pushed them to 65 mph.

The motorcycles are not intended for high-speed chases but will be used where they're most effective: the Strip, one of the most congested areas in the valley. Officers already use bicycles there.

"They're very crowd-maneuverable; quiet, and small," said officer Michael Loving, a training coordinator for the new fleet. "You can get on the sidewalks before anyone even knows you're there, and you won't be knocking people down."

The motorcycles are completely electric, with zero emissions. They have a range of 35 to 55 miles on a single charge and can be plugged into a standard outlet. The motorcycles, made by Vectrix Electronics, are marketed mainly to law enforcement agencies and sell for about $10,000 each.

Loving said the 500-pound machines recently were introduced into patrol. None of them has died on a shift, mostly because of a regenerative braking function: When an officer hits the brakes, the battery charges.

If plugged in during a lunch break, they are usually back to 100 percent before the hour is over, Loving said.

From zero battery, a motorcycle takes six hours to regain its charge, he said.

There are 10 officers who have taken the two-week training course to use them. They handle differently than traditional motorcycles.

"It takes a completely different riding set and style," he said. "It sits low, and there's a balancing dynamic. You'll get officers who try this out who are really surprised about how they handle."

Gary Shapiro, CEO and president of the Consumer Electronics Association, said the $50,000 donation went to a good cause.

"We want to be green for the Las Vegas community," he said. "We're thrilled to see the results."

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.