An Garda Síochána has introduced E-Bikes for Garda patrol in Dublin City Centre as part of a pilot initiative.

As of this weekend, An Garda Síochána has launched a new pilot initiative to evaluate the broader feasibility of the use of e-bikes in Irish policing.

Six electric bicycles by three different manufacturers are now in use by Gardaí from the Store Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations, who have been "trained and qualified" as pedal cyclists.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said the move to electric bikes is a "more environmentally friendly solution" and will "further strengthen the existing high-visibility bicycle patrols" in operation across the city.

Gardaí said the bikes will allow them to "cover larger areas for longer periods of time".

The e-bikes owned by An Garda Síochána are up to 250w, can operate up to 25kmph and have a motor that operates when pedalling in a power-assisted role.

The bikes will "encourage the public to approach and engage with their Gardaí on-duty to keep them and their community safe," the Gardaí have said.

Operation Citizen

Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Angela Willis said the bikes will "enhance visibility, particularly in the city centre, as part of Operation Citizen."

"The new e-bike patrols will help us further increase the existing foot, pedal cycle and mobile patrols within the city centre – an area that has a weekly footfall of almost two million people," she said.

"This initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to keeping people safe in the capital.”

It is anticipated that the pilot will be extended to include Cork City later this year.