New police e-bikes will reach a speedy 15mph

Four neighbourhood policing teams across Northern Ireland have taken delivery of 12 new battery-powered cycles as part of a trial to help deliver enhanced patrolling in areas that are not easily accessed by vehicles.

The liveried machines, which feature a maximum power output of 250 watts and warning light systems, will be evaluated by officers in East Belfast, Newtownabbey, Bangor and Londonderry.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “During the initial phase of this project, officers will test the capabilities of these new electric bikes as they conduct their daily patrolling 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.

“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.” Assistant Chief Constable Todd concluded.

“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.”

The new Merida Espresso 400 & 700 bikes being used are similar in appearance to police specification mountain bikes.