Police to patrol on three wheels

The machine - known as the T3 personal mobility vehicle - is designed to allow officers to cover a greater amount of ground during patrols so more members of the public feel reassured by a police presence.

Unveiled in Britain for the first time at the Association of Chief Police Officers' annual conference in Manchester, the T3 has a top speed of 25mph and a range of more than 20 miles.

T3 Motion managing director Noel Cherowbrier said several forces had already said they want to test the vehicle on British streets.

He said: "It's very much in-your-face and certainly has the 'wow' factor, so people do remember it." And he added: "More people will get to see a police officer on his or her patrol because the vehicle has a range of 25 to 30 miles on one charge."

The T3 is equipped with a police siren and red and blue flashing lights, reminiscent of the futuristic robot car in cult TV show Knight Rider.

The European version will carry a £4,500 price tag but running costs will be about 20 pence a day.

Pc Colin Chamberlain of Greater Manchester Police, who became the first British officer to be photographed on a T3, said: "It's great. I have a vintage Vespa scooter at home and the controls are very similar and easy to use. It would be excellent to use in the city centre. It's nice and smooth and pretty nippy."

Mr Cherowbrier said more than 600 are already in use by United States police forces including Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, where it is typically used to patrol shopping centres and airports.

The vehicle can turn on the spot and can easily mount kerbs and other obstacles, although it is not designed for use off road, he added.