Electric bikes are poised to be the next breakthrough technology for law enforcement. More & more police departments are upgrading their bicycle fleet to take advantage of what e-bikes have to offer.
2. Both bicycles & modern-day policing were invented in
the early 1800s.
Only 60 years later, the invention of pedal bicycles and
bike patrols also coincided.
3. Bicycle use by police continued to rise until 1920 when it all but disappeared.
Rapid response using automobiles & radios replaced patrolling on foot and
by bicycle.
4. This model of rapid response without patrolling proved problematic.
Officers stayed in radio cars & stations. Police lost connection with their
communities.
5. This led to the development of community policing. Patrolling was restored and
officers were encouraged to build relationships with the public.
Bike patrols were particularly effective. In 1972, for example, crime dropped 50% in
only six months where they were implemented by the Baltimore PD.
As bike patrols got results, they were once again widely adopted
by law enforcement.
6. So why do bikes work so well for policing?
And why do electric bikes work even better?
7. The Element of Surprise
It is much easier to approach undetected on a
bicycle than in a patrol car. Bicycles move
quietly and are unexpected.
Some e-bikes are slightly louder than a
regular bicycle but they all move much faster.
If anything, the element of surprise is
enhanced.
8. Increased Deterrent
The heightened element of surprise also
functions as a deterrent. Potential criminals
are more likely to think twice if they know
police can appear without any warning.
Given their similar stealthiness and faster
speeds, electric bikes may further boost this
deterrent.
9. Greater Awareness
Outside the confines of a car and with a
higher seating position, officers are able to
see, hear, and smell more. They’re much
less likely to miss something.
Since e-bikes do not fatigue officers as much
as regular bikes, their powers of observation
remain even sharper.
10. Improved Community Policing
Bicycle patrols provide the greatest amount
of public exposure. Studies have also shown
that citizens are more likely to approach a
bike cop than a patrol car or an officer on
foot.
By being able to cover more ground than a
regular bicycle, e-bikes offer even more
exposure and contact with the public.
11. Wider Area Covered &
Decreased Response Time
Bicycles can travel in areas inaccessible by
patrol cars & motorcycles, such as crowds,
traffic gridlock, alleyways, off-road areas,
bike paths, staircases, parks, malls, airports,
casinos, and other indoor areas.
E-bikes expands on the distance of bicycle
patrols and further reduce response time for
emergencies.
12. Officer Health & Wellness
Bike patrols promote physical fitness,
increasing job performance and decreasing
risk of injury & healthcare costs.
E-bikes make bike patrols more attractive
and possible for a wider range of officers.
Officers still get a workout but the level of
intensity can be adjusted to their fitness level.
13. Cover Distance Fast While
Preserving Energy
E-bikes allow officers to travel very quickly
without expending energy that might be
needed upon arrival. On the highest level of
pedal assist available, the rider gets three
times as much output for what they put in.
It also allows for heavier loads to be carried.
14. Higher Arrest Rates
Bike patrols generally are the most
productive, outperforming other types of
patrols on all measures, including arrest
rates.
E-bikes expand on the advantages of bicycles
and offset their drawbacks. Although studies
have not yet been conducted, it stands to
reason they further increase officer productivity.
15. Keeping Pace With The Criminals
Bicycles were first adopted by police in the
mid-1800s to catch speeding cyclists.
E-bikes are skyrocketing in popularity. It’s
only a matter of time before criminals make
the upgrade themselves.
16. Savings
Since most e-bikes are classified as bicycles
and not motor vehicles, registration and
insurance are not required.
They require very little maintenance and only
pennies a day to charge.
Acquisition costs are also substantially lower
than any other powered vehicle. In addition,
some states offer substantial rebates for
purchasing alternative fuel vehicles.
22. Qualities These Bikes Share
•Interchangeable and/or hi-capacity battery
•Powerful, durable motor
•Good stopping power
•Ability to add lights, ideally connected to
the battery
•Cargo rack, or the ability to add one
•Easy to make identifiable as a police bike
23. Our Police Package
•Significant discounts for bulk purchases
•Free labor if the bikes need to be serviced
•Front & rear police lights
•Siren
•Trunk bag with label
•Cargo rack, if requested
24. 631-306-4542
This is only meant to be an introduction.
Call us if you have any questions, or to discuss options for
law enforcement more fully.
You can also visit our showroom, or we can come to you.
