London police to patrol streets on electric Zero DS motorcycle

London's boys in blue are to embark on a greener era of patrol with the unveiling of the Metropolitan Police's first electric motorcycle: the 2011 Zero DS.

The police squad confirmed this week that it's to trial a Zero Dual Sport (DS) bike manufactured by Zero Motorcycles. The Met squad will use the electric bike in its Motorcycle Tasking Team and in its BikeSafe and ScooterSafe programs. Mick Cheeseman, sergeant in the Motorcycle Tasking Team, says the electric Zero DS will be tested "under everyday police conditions" to assess whether or not it's suitable for widespread use within the squad.

Zero Motorcycles Europe's managing director, Edwin Belonje, predicts London's police will be impressed with the electric motorcycle:

The Zero DS will provide them with an insight into the huge benefits of electric vehicles, including noise reduction – particularly relevant in pedestrian areas – reduced running costs as there are minimal servicing and maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles, and obviously lower fuel costs.

London's trial follows a similar action taken by the Scotts Valley police force in California, which has seen the department use the Zero DS for stealth patrol.



Source: Autoblog Green