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Electric motorcycle tested as possible San Luis Obispo Police vehicle

SLO PD

An electric motorcycle is being tested on the streets of San Luis Obispo as a possible addition to the police department's fleet of vehicles. 

Sergeant Steven Mickel says it goes 130 miles on a single charge and only costs about one cent per mile in electricity fees.

The electric police motorcycle is rated with a top speed of 95 miles per hour, fast enough for around town, and comes fully equipped with pursuit emergency lighting and sirens, safety components and patrol items.

"Surprisingly, it's very fast," says Mickel. "Our average police motorcycle is around 900 to 1000 pounds. This motorcycle comes in at just over 400 pounds, and with it being electric there's immediate power, so really from zero to 60 it's as fast or faster than our current police motorcycle."

It's quiet too, something the sergeant says could be helpful in certain situations.

Budgetary concerns will play a role in how many, if any, of these electric motorcycles will be purchased for the fleet.