Eastern is making history on two wheels. Campus police have added a new electric motorcycle to the force;Â this makes Eastern the first campus in Kentucky to have an electric motorcycle as part of their police department.
The Vectrix motorcycle came to campus in August for a test drive, and police Captain Michael Kasitz said it brought a lot of interest to the police department.
The motorcycle is part of Eastern’s push for the campus to become green to help the environment.Â
“With gas averaging $3 a gallon, the motorcycle will save Eastern about $10,000 in gas annually if it is driven the same amount as a cruiser,” Kasitz said.
Eastern will also save money with the new motorcycle by not adding more miles to the cruisers, Kasitz said. This will result in lower cruiser maintenance costs.
The Vectrix motorcycle is also helping the police department operate more efficiently. Kasitz said the motorcycle allows officers to get to areas that were previously only accessible by the bicycle patrol. Since the motorcycle can reach 62 mph, Kasitz said these areas could be reached quicker now.
Despite the motorcycle’s benefits to the university, Eastern’s financial state might hinder future plans for more electric motorcycles.
| 
|