PSNI roll out new ebikes
Twelve new electric police bikes will be trialled across some areas of Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched its new ebike initiative.
As part of a pilot scheme 12 electric powered bikes will be trialled by four Neighbourhood Policing Teams based in: East Belfast, Newtownabbey, Bangor and Londonderry.
The scheme's goal is to to help deliver enhanced patrolling in areas that are not easily accessed by vehicles.
The new Merida Espresso 400 and 700 enhanced bikes are fitted with police warning systems, can reach up to 15.5 mph and have motors that output 250 watts.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said the initial phase of the project involves Officers testing the capabilities of the new equipment while they conduct their daily patrolling duties in urban and rural areas.
“We are keen to see how this equipment can help deliver more accessible and responsive policing within communities, reduce our corporate carbon footprint and improve the health and wellbeing of our officers” he said.
“Some members of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams in East Belfast have already used ebikes on a trial basis and initial feedback has been hugely positive.
“They have found using the ebikes has created more opportunities to engage with the public, detect crime and address anti-social behaviour.
“In addition, the officers have been able to cover a much greater distance; nearly doubling the area patrolled using the ebikes, responding faster, when compared to standard Police bicycles.
“If the pilot project is successful, we will certainly look at other areas which we believe could benefit from the roll-out of this new technology.” ACC Todd concluded.