The Cleveland Division of Police is shopping local in expanding and diversifying its traffic unit fleet.
Driving the news: Last week, the agency rolled out a prototype e-motorcycle manufactured by Cleveland company Land Moto.
- It's a three-month pilot of a single vehicle as the division considers buying more of them to use for large-scale events and community policing.
What they're saying: The company touts the bikes as "quiet, compact, and non-intimidating."
- They are "perfect for patrolling parade routes, stadiums, and other areas where Harleys, horses, and traditional bikes fall short," Paul DeNigris, Land's head of marketing, tells Axios.
Zoom in: In a Facebook post, Cleveland police chief Dorothy Todd said the e-motos align with the division's commitment to community policing as well as the city's commitment to sustainability.
- "The appeal of the EV is it is an e-bike, e-moped and e-motorcycle in one."
What's next: The size of final order is not yet known, according to DeNigris. The pilot will help the police determine how many they'd like to buy.
Go deeper: Cleveland EV startup is redefining the motorcycle