Scofflaws in Scotts Valley, California, better keep an eye out: Cops are patrolling the town of 11,680 with the help of a silent, electric motorcycle.

Last week, the Scotts Valley Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in the world to add a Zero DS electric motorcycle to its fleet. The dual-sport machine sports a range of 50 miles and a top speed of 55 mph. It weight 270 pounds and the lithium-ion battery recharges in four hours at 110 volts.

Scotts Valley, the home of Seagate Technology and a Christian college, isn't exactly a high-crime hotspot, but it does have a mix of urban roadways and off-road bike trails where Crown Vics won't fit and foot patrol is impractical. The 4.6 square mile town might be the ideal place for an electric motorcycle to join a police fleet.

"We are excited to be the first police department in California to receive an electric Zero motorcycle because it will allow our officers to patrol more places, more often," said Lt. John Hohmann said.

The Zero seems particularly suited for catching lawbreakers in the act. "We anticipate that the upright seating position, dual sport configuration and silent operation of the Zero DS is the perfect combination for local patrols and we can’t wait to put it to the test," Hohmann said.

Photo: Zero Motorcycles