Amherst Police Department gets electric bike for patrol

The Amherst Police Department will have a new kind of patrol vehicle out on the road: an electric bicycle.

The bike, made by Biria, is a Series 2 Electric Folding Bike capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 mph and up to 40 mph with pedal assist.

"We were able to acquire the bike thanks to a generous donation from the American Legion Post 118 in Amherst," said Amherst Police Department Lt. Jacob Perez. "I know Vermilion PD has one, and I thought it would be a good addition to the department here, so I began looking more into it."

The bike, complete with lights, sirens, a go bag and more came at the price of $2,295, a price that the Police Department said it is pleased about.

"And so when we heard that the Amherst PD was looking into getting a new e-bike, we decided to pitch in."

The bike, which will be mostly used by Officer Jeff Zemanek, already has been on the road, but will make its formal debut May 28 during the Amherst Memorial Day Parade.

"Right now, we do not have any plans to get more bikes, but rather, we are planning on testing this one out and seeing how we like it," Perez said. "If it becomes a hit, then we will look into getting more."

With the addition of the e-bike, Amherst now has four bicycle patrol units led by Sgt. Jacob Waryu.

The e-bike also is expected to make an appearance June 3 during the Amherst Police Department's Bike Rodeo.

"We always love to give back to the community and help in any way we can," Bogardy said. "We have a special place in our hearts for our veterans and first responders, especially those at the Police Department, and are happy to help."

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