Local law enforcement officials in communities across the nation use a variety of transportation methods to keep our neighborhoods safe – squad cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to name a few. But what about those highly crowded downtown events or exercise paths and parks that are difficult to access through conventional roads? Something more agile is needed to allow law enforcement to protect us quickly and quietly, yet still have the physical energy left to finish the job when they arrive. Energy Systems Network (ESN) and eCat, a local electric bicycle company, recently convened experts from around the country to consider one alternative that may be just the vehicle to take them there.
While very popular in China, and increasingly so in India and Europe, electric bicycles, or eBikes, haven’t taken off the same way in the United States, much less in our law enforcement fleets – but they definitely provide an interesting option. eBikes don’t just provide more speed and a silent mode of transportation – the cost reduction and health benefits are added attributes that don’t detract from the police forces’ performance needs.
“Since our launch in 2009, ESN has been very interested in the transportation electrification industry,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO of ESN.
“eBikes are a natural extension of this market with the potential both to enhance law enforcement and also radically change urban mobility,” says Mitchell.
Recently, ESN and eCat gathered experts in battery technology, electric motors, bike design, and community policing and law enforcement to validate the benefits of incorporating eBikes into their police fleets. Law enforcement representatives included fleet managers and bike patrol officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Chicago Police Department, and the New York Police Department. eCat, headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., brought their prototype eBikes for the law enforcement and technology experts to test ride and then gathered strategic feedback on a “purpose built” eBike, designed specifically for cops.
According to Patrick Malloy, co-founder of eCat, “This workshop proved to be an invaluable experience in blending advanced technology with the challenging performance and cost requirements of cops. The eBike product will be ‘purpose built’ to meet the demanding needs of law enforcement.”
Held at the Herron School of Art and Design on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus, the law enforcement participants found eCat’s eBike technology could be well incorporated into their police fleets, and also contribute to statistically-proven reduction in crime due to increased presence and visibility. The participants viewed the eBike technology as an opportunity to bridge the gap between foot patrol, standard mountain bike patrol, and squad cars.
“The eCat and ESN team provided a great forum for us to communicate the real needs of cops. We are very excited to use a new product like this to enhance our policing in local communities.” Lt. Mike McClary, Indianapolis Metro Police Department.
According to Alec Proudfoot, formerly with Google’s RechargeIT electric transportation initiative, “eCat has a remarkable opportunity to provide a tailor-made two-wheeled solution that solves multiple issues at once: reduced crime, lower costs, and reduced emissions.”
After the workshop, the three police departments committed to continue working with ESN to explore the feasibility of a pilot project that would demonstrate a number of different eBike solutions to consider integrating in their police fleets later this year.
For more information on Energy Systems Network and eCat, visit www.energysystemsnetwork.com andhttp://e-catbike.com.
Photos courtesy of Square Mouth Studios.
