ZERO EMISSIONS SCOOTER FOR CITY ROUNDS

The Vectrix scooter is a zero emissions vehicle that will cost about $50 a year to run based on electricity costs to charge the batteries.  It can drive 110km on a two-hour charge and has on-board batteries that have a 10-year lifespan. 

Mandurah Chief Executive Officer Mark Newman said the City had decided to gradually replace its existing vehicle fleet with lower emission producing vehicles as part of its commitment to the Cities for Climate Protection Program.

“As well as buying the electric scooter, we have replaced many petrol driven cars with diesel cars, bought two hybrid vehicles, introduced bicycles for staff to use on short trips around the City, and soon we will also be purchasing our first hybrid truck,” Mr Newman said.
 
“The new scooter is also safer for our parking officer to ride because it is more powerful that the 49cc petrol scooter previously used and will allow him to keep up with traffic flows on major roads in Mandurah making it safer for him and for other motorists.”

The City joined the ICLEI Cities for Climate Protection Program in 1999 setting a corporate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2011 then later increasing that target to 30 per cent by 2010 (based on 1998 levels).

The City’s Light Fleet Motor Vehicle Policy requires that environmental considerations, such as fuel type, fuel efficiency and car pooling are considered when procuring vehicles.

Since 2003, the City has created a carbon neutral fleet in partnership with Carbon Neutral and Men of the Trees to plant thousands of trees each year to offset vehicle emissions.

RELEASE ENDS

14 March 2008