Hardeeville police unveil electric patrol trikes purchased with festival funds to boost visibility

A Hardeeville Police Department presenter told the council the department has partnered with Trike Mobility to introduce electric patrol trikes that the department says will improve officer visibility in pedestrian-heavy areas and help officers engage more with the public.

The presenter said the trikes also assist the school resource officer program by improving mobility across campuses. Council was told the vehicles were purchased using Festival on Main sponsorship revenues — not general tax dollars — and that two trikes were received so far.

Responding to safety questions, the presenter said operators complete a three-day certification course and that officers “wear body armor while we’re riding this” and helmets are required. The department said three officers have already completed training and the program is set up as a train-the-trainer model so more officers can be certified locally.

Council members thanked the department and noted that festival revenue reinvested into public-safety equipment will help manage large crowd events; one council member said the trikes will help with crowd control and emergency movement during events.

The council expressed a safety concern about officer exposure when riding and asked about studies; staff said the training and equipment are intended to reduce risk and that the trikes are in use in large cities.

There was no vote required; the department requested and received council acknowledgement and support.