The Fairport Police Department is adding to its hybrid patrol fleet, but this time it’s an all-electric ride.
Fairport is one of the first police departments in the state to purchase an all-electric motorcycle for patrol both on and off-road.
What You Need To Know
- The Fairport Police Department has about 10 full-time police officers who provide around the clock police coverage for the village of Fairport
- The department responds to approximately 15,000 requests for police services a year
- The electric motorcycle will be used on patrol throughout the village, at festivals and on the canal path
Fairport traded in its police golf cart for an electric motorcycle. Fairport Police Chief Matthew Barnes showed off it’s mobility. It's zippy, quiet and has quite the pick-up.
“It's a Zero motorcycle made in California," said Chief Barnes. "Everyone thinks we got it to sneak up on people. That is not it, although that is an added benefit."
The electric motorcycle provides quick patrol in hard to reach places. In Fairport, that’s the canal path. The chief says it increases maneuverability during festivals and it’s also a cool way to engage with the community. It’s kind of like like the mounted patrol, people are curious.
“The electric power initially, from 0 to 80, is probably faster than an internal combustion engine just because there’s no lag time,” said Barnes.
It gets about 40 to 50 miles per charge. The Fairport Police Department covers about 2 1/2 square miles. The seasonal vehicle cost $14,000.