Glen Ellyn police now have a Segway as part of their fleet.

The Glen Ellyn Jaycees donated the two-wheeled scooter — a special model intended specifically for police.

“They have lettering and lights,” said Jaycees President Lisa Demos. “It doesn’t mean it goes any faster or anything, just the looks — extra bells and whistles.”

The $6,000 machine will be officially presented by the Jaycees at Monday’s, July 28 Village Board meeting, along with two $500 donations to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and a police scholarship fund.

Police have been using the scooter for almost a month. The Jaycees donated it in time for its debut in the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Parade.

It will be used for patrolling public events, and day to day, it will be used mostly downtown, said Glen Ellyn Police Chief Phil Norton.

The advantage of the Segway is akin to that of a horse-mounted police officer — greater visibility, Norton said. The officer is six inches higher off the ground, not only making it easier for the officer to see, but also making him or her stand out.

“It presents a very visible platform for the officer,” Norton said.

Plus, it’s a conversation starter.

“It makes the officer more approachable,” he said. “Any time you can have that, it’s a good thing.”

The Segway has been popular among the officers who’ve gotten a chance to ride it.

Norton was able to “test it” himself just before the July 4 parade.

“This is the coolest thing in the world,” he laughed.