NEW YORK, New York — The Smart Cars will replace the three-wheel scooters currently utilized by the Department. Under the new pilot program, one Smart Car will be assigned to the Central Park Precinct, the Parking Enforcement and School Safety Divisions with the remaining assigned to each of the five boroughs. They will be used as driver-only vehicles, no passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-test rating and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mercedes-Benz built Smart Cars have good crash test safety ratings, whereas scooters have not been rated.
Smart Cars offer a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), which was not available on the scooters. They also feature a steel tridion safety cell which surrounds occupants. This feature is inspired by racecar roll cages to evenly distribute crash energy. Smart cars have full-size driver and passenger side knee-bolsters, as well as window-curtain airbags, and air conditioning, while scooters had none.
Environmental benefits are achieved by the Smart Car’s 85% recyclability, earning it an Ultra-Low-Emissions-Vehicle rating, as well as a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Certified rating. Additionally Smart Cars bolster a 34 City/38 highway/36 average miles per gallon.
