EUGENE, Ore. - A Eugene electric vehicle maker and the Eugene/Springfield Fire Department are joining forces in an experiment.

It's a pilot program for a new electric vehicle for first responders.

The world's first pilot program with a three-wheeled EV for use by first responders is happening in Eugene.

The cars have the same design Arcimoto has used to produce what they call their fun-utility-vehicles, but they've been modified for first responders.

“See if we can find ways to use a more appropriate mode of transport to get to lower acuity calls or other calls for service that don’t need as much resource,” said Markus Lay, the Deputy Chief for the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department. “They don’t need large fire engines or fire trucks going.”

Arcimoto CEO Mark Frohnmayer tells us the rapid responder can hit 75 miles per hour with an urban traffic range of 100 miles. Among the applications could be that of a first stage/ small ambulance.

“And you could have a portable defibrillator, oxygen, first aid supplies, so you could begin administering aid before a larger vehicle can arrive,” Frohnmayer said.

Frohnmayer says lessons learned during the one year pilot will help the company make changes to the rapid responder before it goes to full production.

The vehicles will include a rear cargo department, mini lightbar and siren equipment.