Police adopt electric motorcycle

A Californian police department has made  headlines as the first law enforcement agencies to use the Zero DS electric motorcycle for official police patrol duties. We wonder if any Australian police forces will adopt a similar policy?

The Bikesales Network road tested the Zero DS late in 2010, Australia's first road legal and registerable electric bike, and warmed to the idea of electric propulsion on a motorcycle.

The Scotts Valley Police Department is confident of the bike's ability it plans to chase down crims and perps with the motorcycle, and expects the Zero DS to deliver improved results in urban areas where it is able to approach situations almost silently, ensuring the officer's presence wouldn't be instantly given away.

With a range of around 80km (50 miles) and a top speed of around 115km/h (70mph), the Zero DS never need be filled up at a petrol station, and takes around four hours to charge via a standard 10 amp wall socket.

"We are excited to be the first police department in California to receive an electric Zero motorcycle because it will allow our officers to patrol more places, more often," said Lt. John Hohmann, part of the Scotts Valley Police Department.

"Riding a police motorcycle requires a very special skill set because the officer needs to be alert and keep the public safe, while simultaneously scanning the area for criminal activity. We anticipate that the upright seating position, dual sport configuration and silent operation of the Zero DS is the perfect combination for local patrols and we can't wait to put it to the test."

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