Futuristic Green Police Vehicle Hits DC…or at Least the National Gallery of Art Police Team

Perhaps you’ve seen the unique three-wheeled Segway-like transports being ridden by National Gallery of Art Police around the museum in Washington, DC. 

The vehicle is the all-electric T3 Transporter by T3 Motion. The rider stands up, holding on to a motorcycle-like handlebar for balance and steers similar to a bicycle. The front-wheel drive T3 is powered by an electric motor driven by two rechargeable lithium batteries.

With user selected top speeds of 5, 8, 10 or 12 mph, and an optional special order version delivering 25 mph, (8-40 kph) the T3 can run for about 8 hours on a 3-hour charge.  With two swappable power units and not a gasoline-powered motor, it can run longer and has zero gas emissions.   It’s reported that the T3 can run about 30-40 miles on just 10¢ worth of electricity. 

The vehicle also has flashing LED lights, a siren and lots of storage.  The T3 can also carry 450 lbs.(23 Kgs.) so additional equipment such as medical gear, extra firepower, etc. can be brought along. One video even shows it towing a small sports car.

The California-built T3 start at around $9,000.  But don’t expect to see National Mall tours on T3s similar to the Segway tours as the T3 is currently only for commercial use.

 Image – from personal collection   ©2009, Jon Rochetti 

______________________________________________________