Special electric bikes tested by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputies
In stealth mode, two quiet electric bikes were used for patrols during the California Avocado Festival over the weekend in Carpinteria.
They were on loan from TREK bikes.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office was testing them out and could be making a purchase in the future.
The special edition bike from TREK is specifically crafted for law enforcement.
The Los Angeles Police Department currently has an array of electric bikes and other vehicles in its fleet. Few other departments have made the investment, but it’s expected to be factored in to future budgets due to the value and versatility.
Each bike would cost about $3500.
They have a top speed of 28 mph and weigh about 50 pounds.
The bike is powered by a Bosch motor and the battery is locked to the frame or it can be removed for recharging.
The alloy frame has high quality Rock Shock suspension forks and the tires are Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance, folding bead, 29×2.25″.
Law enforcement officers say they are an effective alternative to sedans, SUVs and motorcycles, especially with enforcement in parks and beaches.
In Carpinteria there are many uses in the coastal neighborhoods and at community events.
The bike patrols were used a night after the California Avocado Festival. Each bike has a high-powered light and a loud siren mounted on the front of the frame.
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KEYT 2019
