The Scotts Valley Police Department (of Santa Cruz County, California) recently accepted delivery of an electric motorcycle: the Zero DS. According to the Wall Street Journal, Scotts Valley PD is the first law enforcement agency in California to do so. The PD is using the bike to evaluate the performace of the Zero DS in law enforcement situations, such as responding through traffic and on local bike trails. Citing the motorcycle’s quiet all-electric drivetrain, they believe the Zero DS may be the perfect motorcycle for patrolling in urban areas where noise may be a factor.
The Zero motorcycle “will allow our officers to patrol more places, more often,” says Lt. John Hohmann of the Scotts Valley PD. He says, “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.”
According to Zero Motorcycle’s website, the bike accelerates from 0-30 in under 2 seconds, delivers over 50 ft-lbs of torque, and performs similar to a 250cc gas-powered off-road motorcycle. The bike has a range of up to 50 miles, and is highway legal.
In the humble opinion of the motorcycle accident lawyers here at Riderz Law, these bikes don’t look too bad. But maybe, just maybe, the old Scotts Valley PD should have outsourced the publicity pic modeling job. Or at least had this guy shave off the 70’s ‘stache! (Relax officer, we’re just joking.)
