Across cities, campuses, and parks, police officers are embracing bicycles as a dynamic way to patrol and connect. But these aren’t necessarily average bikes. Today’s police bikes are high-performance tools equipped with cutting-edge accessories that enhance safety, efficiency, and officer readiness.

As agencies rethink their approach to public safety, the rise of bike patrols—and the gear that makes them effective—is reshaping how officers interact with their communities and navigate their beats.

Essential Accessories

Modern police bicycles are more than just transportation. With specialized accessories, today’s bikes empower officers to operate safely, efficiently, and with full situational awareness.

Mounted securely to the bike or carried in tactical bags, rugged tablets have become indispensable tools for real-time policing. When placed on a bike, these tablets allow officers to operate with the same digital capabilities as a patrol car. Many agencies saw PatrolPC’s fully kitted motorcycle at the IACP Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. These officers thought it would be useful to put a similar system on a patrol bicycle since every time they want to run a license or print a citation, they must call a patrol car for support. “They felt that having their own, onboard capacity to run drivers’ licenses and issue paper copies of e-citations would greatly enhance their productivity and efficiency,” said Stuart Schneider Jr., director of sales and marketing at PatrolPC.¹

To address the needs of bike patrol officers, PatrolPC partnered with Volcanic Bikes to create an UltraRugged Bicycle e-Citation Package that offers a variety of mission enhancements through the RhinoTab suite. The industrial-grade RhinoTab MDT features an embedded modem and two-dimensional barcode scanner, enabling seamless connectivity and rapid acquisition of details for e-citations. With PatrolPC’s waterproof UltraRugged Thumb Keyboard device, officers can type and perform computer commands while standing, allowing them to remain aware and in control of the scene. The exclusive MultiMount for the Brother PocketJet printer facilitates a reliable and durable self-contained printing option.

The equipment is carried in a custom three-bag system that features a quick-connect bracket that enables instant mounting of the tablet should the officer need to take it off the bike. The third bag functions as storage for supplies, accessories, and emergency medical equipment.

While digital tools like the RhinoTab suite are transforming how officers process and issue citations, visibility remains just as critical as connectivity. Whether navigating traffic, responding to nighttime incidents, or managing crowd control, lighting systems on police bicycles serve not only as safety features but as tactical tools.

“Just like lights on a squad car, [a lighting system] turns a bike into a truly identifiable law enforcement tool,” said Michael Espejo, owner and founder of C3Sports.² By equipping C3Sports’ MaxPatrol-600 DLX light system, agencies are fulfilling two main purposes. The first is providing a headlight that features a powerful LED center light with a high beam of 600 lumens and a low beam of 240 lumens. The headlight provides a bright white light that will illuminate the road at great distances, day or night, and can be combined with an optional rear flashing red taillight. The second purpose, safety, is achieved via the side-beam system. The colored side lights flash at a rapid rate and measure 400 lumens.

The light system operates via a handlebar mounted switch. One button controls the regular clear headlight while another controls the pursuit lights. There are two pursuit modes. The first is a wig-wag pattern and the second is a rapid pursuit strobe that will flash six times per second. However, if the bike is needed in an undercover scenario, the lighting system looks like a regular bike light that would not look suspicious to passersby.

The MaxPatrol-600 DLX is operated by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is small enough to attach near the seat on the bike frame. A long run time ensures that the system can make it through several shifts before recharging.³

While lighting systems help officers command visibility on the streets, true preparedness begins before the bike even rolls out. For bike patrol officers, readiness isn’t just about the equipment mounted to the frame—it’s about what they choose to wear. No accessory reflects that personal responsibility more than the helmet.

Kali Protectives began making protective gear in 2008, introducing innovative manufacturing techniques that produced helmets that were softer, lighter, and absorbed energy. Although they began in motorsports, a collaboration with local first responders expanded their products into the policing field. “Every department and every rider has unique needs,” said Brad Waldron, head of engineering at Kali Protectives. “Which is why we offer solutions that span the spectrum: from full Department of Transportation-certified motorcycle helmets to standard bicycle helmets and specialized options in between.”⁴

Whether on the beat, the trail, or the road, Kali Protectives has helmets to adapt to any mission at any time. The SAR-606 and BMP-606 are the first helmets of their kind to earn the Consumer Product Safety Commission bicycle certification, which is a standard testing to higher G-forces than typical watersports or mountaineering standards.

These helmets feature integrated night-vision goggle mounts and picatinny rails for lights and equipment, as well as eye shields for additional protection. The Pace helmet is a lightweight, everyday option designed for maximum comfort and confidence. These models feature adjustable rear ratchet systems and interchangeable cheek pads to fine tune the fit for a more personalized and comfortable feel.

“We want to expand the helmet’s ability to take as many types of crashes that we possibly can,” said Waldron.⁵ Hard layers are placed on the outside to take the biggest hits. Inside, Kali Protectives helmets are designed with a hybrid EPS and advanced “nano” foam system. It is paired with an ERT low-density layer to deliver superior performance in both low-G and oblique impact scenarios, helping to mitigate concussions and rotational injuries.

Together, these accessories form the backbone of a well-equipped bike patrol. More importantly, they reflect an officer’s mindset: prepared, proactive, and mission ready.

Powered Mobility

While traditional and electric bicycles remain essential tools for community policing, a new class of motorized patrol vehicle has emerged. Leading this charge is the Trikke Professional Mobility Positron 72V XL, a three-wheeled electric vehicle purpose-built for police operations.

The 72-volt system is designed for rapid response and full-shift patrols—day or night, indoors or out. Its elevated stance, tight turning radius, and ability to operate at crawling or quick speeds, when needed, allow officers to patrol different terrains with ease. With a top speed of up to 40 miles per hour, the Positron 72V XL delivers up to 50 miles per charge.

Modern policing requires tools that balance mobility with public connection. “With personal mobility vehicles, it’s possible to rush directly to the scene without facing the same hurdles and obstacles police cars face,” said Trikke Chief Executive Officer Gildo Beleski.⁶ The Positron 72V XL enables officers to cover more ground, respond quickly, and remain highly visible and approachable. For example, the Fargo, North Dakota, Police Department uses the Positron 72V XL for downtown and riverbed park areas, reporting faster response times and stronger community interaction. The unique design has even sparked conversation between officers and community members.

Agencies now use Trikke Professional Mobility vehicles alongside bikes and cars to create hybrid patrol strategies. This mix increases officer reach, improves response in congested areas, and enhances face-to-face engagement.

Conclusion

The modern bike patrol is no longer just about pedaling through parks; it’s about precision, preparedness, and presence. As police agencies embrace new mobility solutions, officers themselves are stepping up to customize their gear and master new tools.

In the end, it’s not just the bike that makes the difference. It’s the officer behind the handlebars, prepared and equipped for any scenario.d

Notes:

¹W. Stuart Schneider Jr. (director of sales and marketing, PatrolPC), email interview, October 8, 2025.

²Michael Espejo, (owner/founder, C3Sports), email interview, October 3, 2025.

³C3Sports, C3Sports MaxPatrol-600 DLX Police Bike Light, product description.

⁴Brad Waldron (head of engineering, Kali Protectives), email interview, September 29, 2025.

⁵Brad Waldron (head of engineering, Kali Protectives), phone interview, September 29, 2025.

⁶Gildo Beleski (chief executive officer, Trikke Professional Mobility), email interview, September 17, 2025.

Please cite as:

“Beyond the Bike,” Product Feature, Police Chief 92, no. 11 (November 2025): 64–66.