Urban Transport

Three-wheeled electric Rapid Responder reports for duty at Eugene's Fire Dept

Three-wheeled electric Rapid Responder reports for duty at Eugene's Fire Dept
Arcimoto's Rapid Responder will start pilot testing shortly
Arcimoto's Rapid Responder will start pilot testing shortly
View 6 Images
The Rapid Responder is based on the same platform as Arcimoto's Evergreen Edition consumer flagship
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The Rapid Responder is based on the same platform as Arcimoto's Evergreen Edition consumer flagship
The Rapid Responder has a top speed of 75 mph and an all-electric range of 100 miles per charge
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The Rapid Responder has a top speed of 75 mph and an all-electric range of 100 miles per charge
The lockable storage on the consumer-focused Evergreen Edition electric three-wheeler has been sacrificed in the Repaid Responder version, to make room for first responder equipment
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The lockable storage on the consumer-focused Evergreen Edition electric three-wheeler has been sacrificed in the Repaid Responder version, to make room for first responder equipment
"In addition to our current fleet of engines, we see the advantage of a highly-efficient, small-footprint vehicle to help with low acuity calls, and the potential to reduce operational costs, while being better for the environment," Fire Chief Joe Zaludek of Eugene Springfield Fire said of the Arcimoto pilot
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"In addition to our current fleet of engines, we see the advantage of a highly-efficient, small-footprint vehicle to help with low acuity calls, and the potential to reduce operational costs, while being better for the environment," Fire Chief Joe Zaludek of Eugene Springfield Fire said of the Arcimoto pilot
Pilot testing of the Arcimoto Rapid Reponder is expected to take place in Eugene, Oregon, and Eastvale, California
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Pilot testing of the Arcimoto Rapid Reponder is expected to take place in Eugene, Oregon, and Eastvale, California
Arcimoto's Rapid Responder will start pilot testing shortly
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Arcimoto's Rapid Responder will start pilot testing shortly
View gallery - 6 images

Oregon's Arcimoto has unveiled a new variant of its battery electric three-wheeler that's aimed squarely at emergency, security and law enforcement services. The Rapid Responder is due to be tested at two locations in the US, ahead of production next year.

Arcimoto reports that it's secured an agreement (in principle) to test some Rapid Responders as part of pilots running in Arcimoto's home town of Eugene – with the help of the Eugene Springfield Fire Department – and the city of Eastvale in California.

The Rapid Responder is based on the same platform as Arcimoto's Evergreen Edition consumer flagship
The Rapid Responder is based on the same platform as Arcimoto's Evergreen Edition consumer flagship

The company believes that the small footprint, maneuverability and instant torque of its two-person zero emissions vehicle will give first responders a clean and clear advantage when zipping through congested urban centers during an emergency.

There are potential savings in whole fleet operation costs too, as well as helping cities meet long term emissions targets.

"In addition to our current fleet of engines, we see the advantage of a highly-efficient, small-footprint vehicle to help with low acuity calls, and the potential to reduce operational costs, while being better for the environment," Fire Chief Joe Zaludek of Eugene Springfield Fire said of the pilot. "We also think the Rapid Responder will have the added benefit of being a real hit at the annual Christmas Light Firetruck Parade."

Eastvale City Manager Bryan Jones echoed Eugene's enthusiasm for the project: "The City of Eastvale is excited to test this vehicle for a number of reasons. They are electric, quiet, and air-quality friendly, which is important for the greater Inland Empire Basin. They can be run on solar power from Southern California's plentiful sunshine, and they don't require us to fill up on gas, so it will reduce operating costs. I could see these would be great for first responders during special events or medical calls when a fire engine may not be required."

The Rapid Responder is based on the same platform as the upcoming Evergreen Fun Utility Vehicle detailed earlier in the month. That means a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a per charge range of 100 miles (160 km).

The lockable storage on the consumer-focused Evergreen Edition electric three-wheeler has been sacrificed in the Repaid Responder version, to make room for first responder equipment
The lockable storage on the consumer-focused Evergreen Edition electric three-wheeler has been sacrificed in the Repaid Responder version, to make room for first responder equipment

This tuned-to-purpose model appears to roll without the removable "West Coast" doors of the company's flagship consumer model and the lockable storage has given way to emergency equipment. And of course, sirens and flashing lights have been installed.

Arcimoto expects the first production Rapid Responders to be available in 2020.

Project page: Arcimoto Rapid Responder

View gallery - 6 images
8 comments
8 comments
eugah
Where do you put the stretcher?
paul314
What kinds of emergencies is that little pack on the back set up to deal with? Can they move injured people?
Josh!
I think it makes more sense to deploy this for a car-crash than trying to get a fire engine there. I bet something like this could show up minutes beforehand.
Smokey_Bear
That company will be belly up in under 2 years. Once they fulfill their pre-orders, they will realize that was the entire market. lol
Gordien
Add an inverter to this vehicle and then you could run electric power tools - Jaws-of-life, medical equipment, and more. Lots of possibilities.
Leonard Foster Jr
You can Stabilize people before other Emt's get there no need for a stretcher etc (Think People)
Riaanh
Why, oh why aren't our roads full of these vehicles!?!
I would buy one tomorrow for travelling to the office every day, and to go and buy a bread or milk. Why do we need to take 2 tons of metal and plastic with us everywhere we go?
Jeff7
First Response vehicles commonly carry nothing more than a back pack - that’s why motorcycles are also used. Most common call out? Chest pains / breathing where a paramedic and a back pack can save their life. Ditto accidents where stopping the bleeding is the key thing and this can be done by someone armed with nothing more than a backpack. The stretcher is still stuck in traffic.