Police in the North Cotswolds have invested in a new weapon in their fight against crime in the form of electric Powabykes, thanks to an initiative from the Safer Cotswolds Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

Following a successful introduction of three electric assisted cycles for use by police in the South Cotswold area, the CDRP under the umbrella of the Local Strategic Partnership, have ordered two Powabykes for use in the North Cotswolds.

Powabykes are electric bikes designed to give all of the benefits of traditional cycling without the effort, and as such can provide clear benefits for Police Officers. Powered by a battery driven 250 w electric motor with a handlebar mounted throttle, cyclists can add as much or as little assistance as required. In situations where officers may need all the energy they can muster, Powabykes will help to give the Police an all important edge over criminals.

S upporting the move towards efficient and greener transport, the batteries from Powabykes can be plugged into any domestic socket, meaning that they are cheap and easy to recharge, resulting in a high performance electric vehicle which doesn’t cost the earth – literally!

Les Haines , Principal Community Safety Officer at Cotswold District Council, believes that the introduction of Powabykes will help local Police to have a greater presence within the local communities, able to cover more ground than on foot, and able to get to locations that are too narrow for cars.

He commented, “The CDRP is a partnership between the Police, District Council, County Council, Primary Care Trust, Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies which has the agenda of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We thought that it would be a good idea to give extra mobility in the form of Powabykes to Police Community Support Officers and Police Officers in general in the North Cotswolds area, including the market towns and villages.

“The Powabykes will help the Police to have a visible presence and have easier access to the communities in which they work. They will be paying particular attention to preventing criminal damage to property and reducing anti-social behaviour. They will also help to increase the area covered on patrol and decrease journey times.”

With a top speed of 15mph and a generous range of about 20 miles per single charge, Powabykes are also a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to a car, helping the local Police to reduce their carbon footprint.

Jon Bartlett Sales Manager from Fraser’s of Gloucester, Powabyke Ltd’s local dealer, said he was delighted to be able to supply a fleet of Powabykes to help the local Police force. He commented, “We previously sold three Powabykes to the Police to see what benefits they could offer to the constabulary. We’re delighted to say that they have obviously proved a valuable resource as two more have now been purchased to be based at the Police Stations in the North Cotswolds. Of course there are also benefits for civilian cyclists too and there are various different styles of Powabyke available to suit anyone.”

Police Sergeant Martin Jones from Gloucestershire Police added, "Officers on the North Cotswold's safer community team are looking forward to using the Powabykes to improve our visibility in the community. Police officers and PCSOs need the ability to patrol their patch and being able to use a powered pedal cycle gives them the opportunity to do this and be accessible to the public which they sometimes find difficult in a vehicle."

Powabykes consume no petrol or diesel, produce no emissions, require no insurance, tax, license, MOT or fare paying.  Many families have replaced a second vehicle with a Powabyke. Go to www.powabyke.com for the entire range or visit Fraser’s of Gloucester at 261 Bristol Road, Gloucester or telephone  01452 306 485.