White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) has introduced the WMC300FR First Responder, a revolutionary electric hybrid scooter that uses the same aerodynamic technology as the WMC250EV, which caused a lot of ink to flow with the port that runs through it longitudinally. This longitudinal channel improves air circulation and reduces aerodynamic drag. Thus, energy savings are made. This scooter is specifically designed for use as a fully operational first response vehicle to integrate with emergency services. Production has just started after Northamptonshire Police became the first emergency service in the world to place a pilot fleet order for the innovative new vehicles.
Police and crime commissioners across the UK are under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions within budgets, while meeting their operational requirements. This is something that has become increasingly difficult to do, as it takes millions of pounds to create the charging infrastructure needed to fully equip a 24/7 police force with electric vehicles, particularly with the technology that continues to evolve rapidly. The WMC300FR was designed to bridge the gap with its pioneering and innovative three-wheeled hybrid scooter as an immediately viable solution from an environmental and economic perspective.
British engineering company, WMC, founded by Rob White and based in Northamptonshire, in collaboration with Northamptonshire Police led by Chief Constable and Chief Constable of British Motorcycles Nick Adderley, as well as a select group UK engineering innovation companies including EY3, TotalSim and Productiv have developed the WMC300FR over the past four years. The result is a cost-effective hybrid solution for emergency services, ready for deployment without the need for any infrastructure and capable of operating within the current fleet.
Unveiled in prototype form in June 2021, this hybrid scooter priced at £14 has been optimized and developed to production specifications and is now built to order. The WMC000FR is designed specifically for use as an operational first response and community patrol vehicle. Fully prepared for frontline use, it also meets the increasingly important climate change goals of a modern emergency service, while remaining cost-effective for the taxpayer.
The WMC300FR uses the same patented central Venturi duct technology for WMC's WMC250EV all-electric high-speed demonstrator used in its electric land speed world record program. The three-wheeled scooter is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 platform and uses the same 292 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, but the WMC300FR features a premium recycled carbon fiber duct and top case aerospace, developed by X Works, and hybrid electric assistance which uses two removable 56V 12Ah EGO Power+ Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries. The duct works to force air to pass through the scooter rather than around it, increasing fuel efficiency thanks to its significantly lower drag ratio, reducing carbon emissions by 50%. All this combined allows the WMC300FR to achieve an astonishing urban fuel consumption of 2,26L/100km.
Continued development since the scooter's introduction has also allowed WMC to optimize the electric propulsion so that the hybrid motor delivers the full power of the vehicle when stationary, when it is most efficient. As soon as the scooter exceeds a speed of 30 mph, to prevent the battery from discharging quickly, the conventional power source, the combustion engine, takes over when it is most efficient and can benefit from drag reduction additional at a higher speed.
The use of removable batteries also means the scooter is not subject to charging waits, while the addition of a mobile power supply and inverter to the stock version means the WMC300FR can be transformed into a mobile workstation, complete with sockets and USB ports – a key factor in modern surveillance when it comes to rapid evidence capture and collection of witness statements.
The three-wheeled scooter, developed in conjunction with Northamptonshire Police, and with the co-operation and advice of Chief Constable Nick Adderley, UK Police Chief, is the result of almost three years of pioneering aerodynamic research drag reduction. This, combined with the latest generation of hybrid technology, can reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to comparable conventional motorcycles and scooters.
Funded in part by government grants from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), one of the strengths of the WMC300FR First Responder is that it is a tangible example of the program giving back to the community through job creation, economic growth, tax savings and all while working towards a greener future.
The first WMC300FR, equipped with a Woodway Engineering blue light system, is expected to enter service in October 2022.
“Transportation infrastructure is changing for everyone, and we need to ensure we are future-proof with a sustainable fleet that not only meets the green agenda, but also allows us to provide the policing service our Communities need and want to work with WMC in the development of this innovative and incredibly effective vehicle for emergency services, and I look forward to seeing the new additions to our operating fleet on the streets of Northamptonshire as we continue to fight crime and protect those who live and work in our communities,” said Nick Adderley, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police and Chief Motorcyclist Policing Officer for the UK.
WMC CEO Rob White added: “I am incredibly proud of the final production of the WMC300FR, many major UK companies have put in a lot of effort to get to this point. The scooter underwent a further 12 months of evaluation and development, during which we selected sustainable and repeatable manufacturing techniques, created a comprehensive set of APQP documentation (including the construction plan) and a suitable vehicle. We've refined this model to be more compact, incorporating critical new features and I can't wait to see them on the streets of Northamptonshire. »
Hybrid motorcycle
