BOULDER, Colo. — The Boulder Police Department is showing off two new patrol e-bikes they received last month, making it easier to respond to traffic stops or assist with medical help around downtown.
Each e-bike costs about $4,000 and comes outfitted with a special police package including graphics, lights and a loud siren, similar to a patrol car. Officers are able to take the e-bikes in places that can be tough for patrol cars to get through, such as alleys, parking garages, and even hiking trails.
"Recently, we were first on scene for CPR in progress, someone was in cardiac arrest, and we were able to assist. We use the bike as stealth methods and criminals have no idea that we are in the area until we’re actually right behind them," said Officer Richard Steidell.
In the back of the bikes, officers carry traffic-stop supplies and a supply of Narcan to deal with drug overdoses.
"A noticeable difference is our drug offenses have gone up. We’ve been catching a lot of in-progress drug offenses and illegal activity involving drugs. It’s easier because we catch them off guard. Literally the drug is in their hands as we roll up behind them, as opposed to a patrol car, you have to get out, see the patrol car, you’re approaching them and they have time to hide things," said Steidell.
The two e-bikes lasts around 10 hours, which allows officers to use them during their entire shift. The department hopes to add more e-bikes in the future.
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