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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County is accepting the donation of an e-bike for use by the sheriff's office during special events and situations.
Commissioners Dave Kessling, Amy Webster and Laura Burke voted Thursday to accept the donation, after Sheriff James Ott addressed plans for the e-bike's usage and liability insurance.
"We're going to utilize it for special events, special purposes," Ott said as he spoke of the e-bike's potential value in searching for a lost hiker or hunter in areas inaccessible to vehicles.
"There are some events we go to where you just can't drive a cruiser through, as easily as you can a bike or on foot," Ott said.
The sheriff also spoke of equipping the e-bike with medical supplies that could be beneficial in deploying a quicker response.
When Webster asked about the potential for using the e-bike in pursuits, Ott expressed doubt.
"I can't imagine a world where we're using an e-bike to chase someone down," Ott told her.
A few law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania are currently using e-bikes for various reasons. Harrisburg police and the state Capitol added them earlier this year with news reports indicating that the officers would find them helpful for patrolling crowds and in areas with limited access.
State park and forest rangers are also using e-bikes on grounds controlled by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The state indicates that the rangers use the low-speed electric bicycles as low-impact tools for navigating sprawling recreational environments.
E-bikes -- described as a pedal cycle with an electric assist -- are classified in Pennsylvania as bicycles because the law requires their motorized assistance to cut off at 20 miles per hour. Because they are bicycles, their use does not require a license, registration or insurance based on current law.
Webster, during Thursday's meeting, took the position that the county should have insurance in case the e-bike runs into someone or in case a rider falls and is injured.
As Ott spoke of potentially adding the e-bike to the county's list of vehicles covered by current insurance, Chief Clerk/County Administrator Alicia Tiracave confirmed that option.
"I don't know what the category will be, but it will be added to our insurance liability policy," Tiracave assured commissioners.
Ott also spoke of looking into opportunities for deputies to be trained in riding the e-bike and the use of technological features.
"They're a little different than a bicycle," the sheriff admitted.
Kessling asked if modifications were needed to sheriff vehicles to be able to transport the e-bike. Ott said no and indicated that a donated bike rack can be used on any of the cruisers with a hitch.
And the rack can be removed, the sheriff added, so it doesn't interfere with everyday usage of the cruiser.
Kessling, in response to Ott's request, called it a great idea.
"It's one of those things that everyone's starting to use, especially in law enforcement," the commissioner said.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.