News In Brief
Monday, October 27, 2003
Category: News
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Comments (UC Police Add Segway
Transporter to Force
Students breaking campus codes should watch out for the newest vehicle joining UC police's fleet-the Segway Human Transporter.
After testing a version of the Segway-a self-balancing, single-person vehicle-since July, the UC police department brought out its customized versions of the transporter for permanent use Friday.
The police department hopes the Segway will provide their officers added accessibility and mobility that bicycles or walking can not provide.
"In a congested environment where there is a lot of people and a lot of traffic, getting to the center part of campus is difficult," said UC police Lt. Sara Ferrandini.
The Segways allow the officers to zoom along at a top speed of up to 12.5 mph, Ferrandini said. And four to six hours of charge time in any AC outlet will allow the Segway to store enough juice to travel up to 15 miles, depending on the terrain.
The newly purchased Segways, which cost $5,500 each, are specially equipped with two cargo bags which can hold up to 75 pounds of cargo, Ferrandini said.
Some of the more traditional police officers are wary of the Segways, Ferrandini said. Still, most of the officers are anxiously awaiting their turn on the new transporters.
Andrea La Pietra
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