Trailblazer scooter powers police fleets into a new electric era

An electric hybrid scooter designed specifically for use as a fully operational first response vehicle by the emergency services is being developed in Northamptonshire.

The WMC300FR is based on the same patented technology behind the all-electric WMC250EV demonstrator with which its creator White Motorcycle Concepts aims to break the world electric land speed record this year.

The three-wheel scooter is being developed with Northamptonshire Police, whose chief constable Nick Adderley is the motorcycle lead for UK Police. In the case of the WMC300 First Responder, however, its priority is to significantly increase range and viability while reducing CO2 footprint and running costs for emergency service fleets.

It is the result of three years of research into drag reduction aerodynamics. The scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 scooter and uses the same 292cc motor but also features hybrid power assist via two lithium ion batteries fast-charged from a standard three-pin plug.

It is a feature that ensures the First Responder is ready to go into service years ahead of infrastructure being in place to meet targeted legislation that will phase out all petrol and diesel-powered sales by 2030, the company says.

Mr Adderley said: “As the national police chief lead for motorcycling, it is incredible to have been involved in this project from the off, incorporating what we needed in a first responder vehicle. One of the things that I was really clear on in our initial discussions was that the motorcycle should have presence and stand out in our community policing, provide accessibility to officers and be reflective of the professionalism of the police service. The WMC300FR ticks all those boxes.

“I think that introducing the WMC300FR will make a real difference and I know that this will be welcomed by the police service.”

The project is funded in part by government grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Niche Vehicle Network.

Because of the minimum width between the two front wheels, the scooter can also be ridden with anyone holding a regular car driver’s licence in most countries. WMC says this significantly widens the accessibility to first responders, many of whom do not hold a motorcycle licence.

White Motorcycle Concepts, whose registered office is at Brixworth, was founded by chief executive Rob White. “As the recent COP26 summit highlighted, we are still at the beginning of a revolution in aggressive carbon reduction and this global shift in thinking presents a unique opportunity to think radically about motorcycle design, finding the most efficient and cleanest way to power the future of transport,” he said.

Mr Adderley said: “We need to turn this will into action and lead by example. By adopting vehicles like the WMC300FR we are able to show the world what is possible and how innovation can be part of the solution for CO2 reduction without compromising our functional role in society.

“As well as meet the green agenda, we need vehicles that are fit for purpose and what we see in the WMC300FR is one of the first vehicles that can achieve both these aims.”

The WMC300FR’s technology will reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 50pc. Mr White said: “We were encouraged by the great reception the launch of our WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator and the high level of interest that the project has subsequently gained. Its real-world application is all about improving range and reducing downtime - major considerations in the electric vehicle industry at present.”