Mobility is an important part of the law enforcement profession. Whether an officer is on foot, horseback, bicycle, motorcycle, or car, the job is one that requires movement in many different terrains.

Although a few companies introduced the functionality of electric mobility for police many years ago, others are now introducing options that are taking off.

Personal Mobility

The traditional squad cars are effective for chasing and restraining suspects, storing gear, and providing safety during a patrol; however, using only cars can sometimes cause a disconnect in community trust because the officers spend more time in their vehicles instead of speaking with members of the community. While electric cars are slowly making their entrance into the profession, there have been several alternative electric vehicle options that could enhance community policing efforts rather than hinder them.

Cars can sometimes cause a disconnect…because the officers spend more time in their vehicles.

The Trikke Positron from Trikke Professional Mobility (Trikke) is a “personal mobility device” that is often used by law enforcement for community engagement. The Positron “offers law enforcement an electric mobility vehicle that bridges the gap between traditional squad cars and foot patrol.”¹ Featuring a multi-terrain capability with full suspension and an all-wheel drive system, the vehicle can navigate sidewalks, streets, parking garages, and hallways—and allows for a quicker response time than cars in congested areas.

To operate the three-wheeled device, an officer stands with each foot on one of two decks, takes hold of the handlebars, and begins riding with a twist of the throttle. An officer utilizing a Positron can patrol a large area with an elevated stance, providing a tactical advantage over cars, fences, and crowds. The quickly rechargeable battery allows for 35 miles of patrol per charge.

The lightweight vehicle releases zero emissions, has a small footprint, is completely silent, and can be easily folded and stored for transport.

“For the last 10 years, we’ve been providing solutions for commercial and professional applications, specifically focusing on law enforcement and private security,” said Chief Executive Officer Gildo Beleski. “With recent improvements in battery technology and a growing acceptance of electric vehicles, we can now offer Trikke products with improved performance and long-range capability.”

The Positron offers stability and comfort for the officer, making it easy to use for all skill levels.

Another alternative for non-car conveyance is the electric bike (or e-bike). It requires an extraordinary level of fitness and stamina to ride on a regular bike for an entire patrol every day—and then respond to crimes, as well. But with a motor that can be utilized as much or as little as the user likes, officers using e-bikes don’t need to compromise safety by showing up to a crime scene already fatigued from pedaling. E-bikes changed the face of a bike patrol. “At present, there seems to be a real revival of bike patrols mainly due to the resurgence of community policing and the onset of e-bikes that anyone can ride,” said Jeff Fuze, owner of Recon Power Bikes (Recon).² Recon, from the Greater Fort Wayne, Texas, area, aims to ensure that there is not a negative stigma surrounding police e-bikes.

The flagship Recon model—the Police Interceptor—has a speed of up to 30 mph and can go as far as 50 miles on a single charge. All of Recon’s power bikes offer a farther and faster response time than what was previously available. Recon bikes have five levels of pedal assist and a throttle to power a ride as needed. The four-inch puncture-resistant tires eliminate the potential for pinch flats and make for a more comfortable ride.

In addition to offering power bikes, Recon has a training course that educates law enforcement on electric bike riding, maintenance, and tactics. They are currently building an e-bike law enforcement training center in partnership with a local sheriff’s office.

Fleet Management & Security

One area an agency needs to remember when looking for new vehicles is how to keep track of them. Traka’s intelligent key and equipment management systems could be exactly what an agency needs.

“We’ve met with agencies that have keys misplaced, radios and evidence in various places, and even fleet vehicles have gone missing,” said Collin Sharp, regional sales manager of Traka Americas.³ While some agencies still use antiquated key systems, such as peg boards or valet cabinets, Traka’s electronic key management systems can secure, track, and monitor the activity behind the key and the user. The systems allow agencies to monitor insights of a vehicle through its physical key, including fuel consumption, mechanical maintenance, and location tracking. This is possible through Traka’s patented iFOB technology. The adaptable, modular lockers with RFID charging features can ensure only those who have authorization are granted access to the vehicles.

The new Traka Touch Pro series of intelligent key cabinets are an enhanced version of Traka’s existing line of electronic key and equipment management systems. Among its enhancements are increased storage capacity, recessed door hinges, simplified installation, and the use of sustainable materials. The Traka Touch Pro key cabinets and lockers store keys, assets, and weapons in a secure location that includes an access display monitor. A user can access the assets through a pin code, card reader, and a biometric fingerprint reader.

The cabinets can serve as a standalone solution or be incorporated through Traka’s enterprise software, TrakaWEB.

Mobility is crucial for officers to perform their daily tasks. The expanding array of alternative methods to the typical patrol car can increase response times, aid in fleet management costs, and improve community engagement.d

Notes:

¹Gildo Beleski (chief executive officer, Trikke Professional Mobility) email interview, January 3, 2023.

²Jeff Fuze (owner, Recon Power Bikes) email interview, December 27, 2023.

³Collin Sharp (regional sales manager, Traka Americas) email interview, January 4, 2023.