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LAPD receives two electric hybrid bicycles for street patrols
LAPD Sargent Matthew Bygum on the department's new electric hybrid bicycle.
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Brian Watt/KPCC
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The IZIP Express police edition electric bicycle made for the LAPD by Currie Technologies at the IZIP store in Venice
(
Brian Watt/KPCC
)
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LAPD receives two electric hybrid bicycles for street patrols
LAPD receives two electric hybrid bicycles for street patrols
The Los Angeles Police Department is now the proud owner of two hybrid electric bicycles that officers can use on bike patrol. Chatsworth-based Currie Technologies has donated two electric hybrid bicycles to the Los Angeles Police Department.
"The biggest thing that these electric bikes do on the street for the officers is afford them the power to stay with conventional road bikes," said Sgt. Matthew Bygum, who runs the LAPD's Bicycle Coordination Unit. "Currently, they’re riding mountain bikes, and they’re at a disadvantage when they’re riding with riders who are riding street bikes. So it allows them that ability. "
Officers pedal the electric bikes as they would a normal bike. As they do, an electric motor kicks in to add more power.
"It blends electric motor power with human power similar to the way a hybrid automobile does it," says Larry Pizzi, president of Currie Technologies. He says LA police officers tested prototype models of the bike. Bicycle cops often carry heavy gear, and the electric motor gives them speed without fatigue.
"They can get up to 35 to 40 miles per hour pretty quickly. It, in an essence, boosts their ability to that of a professional cyclist: a Lance Armstrong type."
Pizzi estimates the cost of each police edition bike at about $5,000. He’s donating two now in hopes that the LAPD can purchase more later.
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