Brookhaven Georgia’s Police Department now has a new tool in its crime-fighting arsenal—a customized ElectroBike donated to the force by ElectroBike Georgia, which recently opened its first retail store in the state in Brookhaven.  ElectroBike Georgia President Eric Hunger collaborated with Brookhaven’s Chief of Police, Gary Yandura, to outfit the Cross model bike with specific features needed to help the police officers, including increased power capabilities, a blue light, siren, front and back lights, police signage and a police bag.  The bicycle’s tires have also been adapted with special inner tubes making the tires impervious to punctures.

“I think this is a win-win,” said Hunger.  “ElectroBikes are state-of-the art, motorized bicycles powered by a rechargeable Lithium ion battery.  They can be ridden as traditional bicycles, but with the flip of a switch, the rider can turn on the pedal assist feature, as well as a throttle for additional power.  It occurred to me that the bikes might be a great help to officers who patrol via bike, so I ran the idea past Alan Goodman, president of the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce.  Alan put me in touch with Chief Yandura, and he and I brainstormed how we might customize bicycles to best suit the needs of the force.  The Chief offered to have his officers beta-test the bike for us, give us feedback and make any additional recommendations.  Based on their assessment, I hope to create a special ElectroBike model specifically for law enforcement.”

Members of the Brookhaven Chamber, along with Councilman Joe Gebbia, were on hand recently as Hunger and his team presented the first customized bicycle to Chief Yandura and several of his officers.  Sergeant Justin Young was the first officer to take a spin on the bicycle, followed by Officer Carlos Nino.  Both were very pleased with the bicycle’s ease of use and special features.

“This is fantastic,” said Sergeant Young.  “I’m surprised at how easy it is to operate.  You don’t have to pedal if you don’t want to, giving you one less thing to think about on the job.  We routinely use bikes to patrol parks and festivals, and the ElectroBike will keep us from getting fatigued.”