New scooter set for parade patrol

By CARL ORTH | The Suncoast News
Published: March 22, 2012 Updated: March 22, 2012 - 12:00 AM

NEW PORT RICHEY --

Crowds during the Chasco Fiesta street parade this weekend will see a new type of police vehicle the city intends to buy.

New Port Richey police have enlisted a Dade City officer to help with crowd control on a T3 Personal Electric Mobility Vehicle, owned by the Dade City Police Department. The electric-powered stand-up people-mover is similar to a Segway but is equipped with a third wheel, for better stability.

"He will go up and down the route and will be pretty visible" during the Saturday parade, New Port Richey Police Chief James Steffens said in an email. "People will get to see that one [T3] in action."

The city plans to order its own T3 vehicles soon.

"We look forward to having ours in operation in the next two months," Steffens said.

The Rotary Club of New Port Richey is raising funds to help buy two units, City Manager John Schneiger said.

The club has scheduled an April 13 benefit at the Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., to raise money for the purchase.

Rotary member and former New Port Richey mayor Scott McPherson is leading the effort to raise $20,000 for the T3 vehicles.

More than $17,000 already has been raised, McPherson said. He plans to deliver the T3 vehicles in time for the banquet.

"Given the budget problems that are confronting cities across the country, including New Port Richey, [Rotary President] Don Cadle wanted to do this fundraiser to help the downtown, and specifically law enforcement," McPherson said in an email.

The three-wheel scooters can reach speeds of 20 mph, according to manufacturer T3 Motion, based in Costa Mesa, Calif. The vehicle operates on about 10 cents worth of electricity per day. The electric motor delivers the equivalent of more than 500 mpg.

The T3 can be outfitted with police lights and sirens for law enforcement and can carry as much as 450 pounds.

The T3 will give police officers easy access around public gatherings downtown, Rotary officials said.

Dade City bought its T3, along with a specially equipped electric cart, in 2008, as gas prices were surging. The police department has used it for regular patrol duty and also for special events, such as the Dade City Christmas Parade and the Kumquat Festival. Police officers also use the scooter on the city's bike trail.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/tbo/pasco/~3/ienCcnimfhI/

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