Three-wheelers to Patrol Downtown Minneapolis

Outside, inside and all over downtown, police say a new crime fighting tool will help give them the upper hand in Minneapolis.

The T-3 personal mobility vehicles are also turning heads.

"I've seen people with the two wheels, but I've never seen these, they'll get a lot of attention, they'll get a lot of attention," said Alton Brandford who takes a close look at the three-wheeled plug and ride electric machines.

"It's worth checking into and the design is very intriguing because, it reminds you of a chariot," said Ed Foss who's looking for a cheaper way to get around.

The Segway looking three wheeled machines help officers stand tall above crowds, reach speeds of 25 miles an hour and turn on a dime.

"It's an eye catcher, I walked by and immediately they caught my attention," said Brandford.

That's the other and maybe the most significant purpose of the battery powered machines. If police can get people talking and feeling more comfortable around them, it may help with their investigations.

"There's a lot of folks that already want to come up and talk with officers and that way you can see them easier you can communicate with them you can share information," said Minneapolis Police Inspector Janee Harteau.

The first two have been donated with help from Target and four more are on the way at $10,000 a piece.

"Woah, now you're going to knock me out, I'm going to pass out. You can get a car a couple cars for that," said Brandford initially and then added, "Well, if it helps somebody for our safety and in Downtown, I think it's a good thing, I think it's worth ten grand.

"The T-3 able to cover the streets more quickly, rise above a crowd and fight crime in the 21st century.The personal vehicles simply plug in and run.

It has zero-gas emissions and can run on one battery for hours.

Police at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport replaced a couple carts with T-3's several months ago.

The Los Angeles Police Department has also been using the machines with success and now regularly uses dozens of them.

Click here for more information about T-3 Motion.

By Jeffrey DeMars, KARE 11 News