It’s a difficult balancing act on e-scooters for city cops

Nagpur: The e-scooters, known by their brand name Segway, introduced in Mumbai and Nagpur by state home minister Anil Deshmukh a few days ago do not seem to be turning out to be a smooth ride for city police.
Considered complimentary to foot patrolling, the scooters are expected to increase ‘visible policing’. However, its effects are yet to be seen or felt in city after their introduction at limited locations.They have been deployed between Vayusena Nagar and Futala Lake, and Seminary hills (from Gittikhadan police station), Walkers’ Street (from Sadar police station) and Gandhisagar Lake (from Ganeshpeth police station).
Four scooters are with Gittikhadan police station, three with Ganeshpeth cops, and two with Sadar police, while one is being used for training purposes. City police are now focusing on training and getting accustomed to the scooters, said CP Amitesh Kumar.
The scooters require some practice to get the balance right. City cops are trying to get accustomed to manoeuvring with the motion console under the feet, the speed and rhythm of it’s movement. Though some cops seem to be mastering the movement without much hassle, others are taking time to start operating it smoothly.
Senior inspector Sunil Chavan of Gittikhadan police station said he has already mastered the techniques, but some of his staffers are still getting used to it.
Senior inspector Arun Vakal of Sadar police station said the scooters are good for increasing police visibility and marking their presence. “Many offences are prevented just by police visibility. Criminals always think twice before committing any crime if they spot police personnel in the vicinity,” he said. “The e-scooters are a good alternative to foot patrolling,” said the inspector.
Some of the cops have, however, expressed uncertainty about the future of scooter patrolling. “The constables who are yet to get accustomed to balance and movement cannot even drive it out of the police station and reach the place of patrolling. Oncoming bikers and motorists too are not able to gauge it’s speed and movement,” said a cop.
“The scooter is of no use in chasing criminals. On bad or potholed roads, this scooter is a complete no-no,” he said.
Ganeshpeth police are also facing a queer problem, with the road outside their police station having a slope. “While moving up the slope, the scooters need to be tackled smartly. The speed has to be regulated while coming down, or else there could be an accident,” said a police source.