“ All it took for our department to get these eBikes was some enthusiasm and time . If you want it , there are no limitations , not even budget .”
Volume 20 February 2018 Edition
“ The eBikes with the electrical assist takes exhaustion out of the equation , so officers can be as effective as they would be coming out of a squad car .”
Bosch Performance Speed motor
Although police-grade eBikes have a higher price tag than a standard police mountain bike , Laux believes the benefits of an eBike outweigh the additional cost , and was able to finance his district ’ s eBikes through a combination of community fundraising and grants from organizations like the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation and Community Crime Prevention Grant Program .
“ Most of our budget goes to wages and benefits , and that will be the case with many departments , but it comes down to how badly you want them and what you need to do to get them ,” Laux said .
“ It ’ s a big commitment , but if other departments are serious about having a mountain bike program , there are grants out there , as well as generous community members and stakeholders who want to contribute to a way to enhance a police force .”
Laux ’ s vision is to staff all 14 community police officers with eBikes .
Claudia Wasko , General Manager of Bosch eBikes Systems Americas
“ I don ’ t think there are limitations for this program ,” he said .
“ All it took for our department to get these eBikes was some enthusiasm and time . If you want it , there are no limitations , not even budget .”
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