When you see them gliding down the concourse, fight the urge to think you've been sent back to the future.
Almost two years ago, the Auburn Police Department added T3 scooters to its arsenal of ways to keep Auburn's campus safe.
Contrary to popular belief, these are not two-wheeled Segways; they are three-wheeled, electric-powered scooters.
A company called T3 Motion, which is committed to producing clean energy vehicles, makes the scooters.
T3 scooters have zero gas emissions and operate for fewer than 10 cents per day.
"As the campus becomes more pedestrian friendly and streets that used to be thoroughfares are being shut down (such as Roosevelt and Thach), the police began looking for new and innovative ways to get around campus," said police captain Tom Stofer. "The T3s allow officers to get around quickly and into places that otherwise were only accessible by foot."
T3 scooters are able to go between barricades as well as up and down curbs.
Amy Hood, senior, public relations, said she once saw a police officer go off-road on one of the scooters.
"It was really cool to see," Hood said. "I didn't know they could do that. I'm glad they have the scooters to help patrol campus."
Josh McDonald, one of the T3 riders, has been a police officer in Auburn for nine years.
"The T3s are an effective way to ride around," McDonald said. "We have officers in cars and on bikes. This is just another means to keep campus safe."
McDonald said the police department is doing a great job of providing more ways of staying safe as campus changes.
For example, bikes are good for off-road, while T3s can go inside buildings, up handicapped ramps and even in elevators. They have a zero turn radius.
"It gives us a higher viewing area, more vantage point because we're up above crowds," McDonald said.
All three T3s and all bikes are used for patrol on game days.
"The main advantage is it allows for more one-on-one contact with people," McDonald said.
The maximum speed of T3s is about 12 to 14 miles per hour. T3s have between an eight- and 12-hour battery life.
McDonald said he's never been a part of a scooter chase, but knows other officers have pulled over cars while riding one.
McDonald said all eight bike officers are trained on T3s as well. The scooters are fully equipped with sirens and lights, just like police squad cars.
"I think students take us just as serious as any other time, but it's a different setting," McDonald said. "I feel like we are more approachable on the scooters. We want students to know that they can walk up and talk to us and ask us questions."
Though they are used in the interest of safety, it doesn't mean officers don't enjoy themselves.
"They are fun to ride around," McDonald said. "I like the cool air rushing past when I ride the T3 at night."
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