"Green" Vehicles Aid Bellevue Police in Downtown Patrols

Downtown Bellevue Police officers have taken to a new and unusual set of wheels, as the department added a new green vehicle to its fleet.

Downtown residents, shoppers and visitors may see officers in the downtown core of Bellevue patrolling in a T3 Motion Law Enforcement vehicle, which is an electric transportation system designed for community policing, the department said in a press release.

The officers drive the three-wheel vehicle similar to an electric scooter, except that the officer stands instead of sits. The vehicle can go on the downtown roads and sidewalks, which means that officers can reach situations in downtown more quickly than a car would be able to, according to the police department. The T3 can turn in place, runs 18 mph maximum speed, and is good for a 10 hour shift or longer before re-charging the battery, according to the city. This T3 Motion is fully loaded with red and blue police lights and siren.

“People see us on it and stop us. They are curious and think it’s cool”, said Downtown Squad Corporal Gary Cook.

Officers can get to emergency situations faster in a dense urban area and not be winded when they get there, according to the police department.

The Bellevue Police Foundation donated the funds to purchase one T3 Motion, which costs $13,166, according to the Bellevue Police Department. () The Bellevue Police Foundation is a nonprofit that raises money to purchase equipement and training for the .

The vehicle has been in service for a week and already has 100 miles logged on it, according to the Bellevue Police Department.

-- Information from the City of Bellevue Police Department