The New South Wales State Emergency Service has begun a year-long trial of mountain e-bikes in Kiama and the Blue Mountains to improve search and rescue operations in difficult terrain. The bikes are being tested to see how they can support NSW Police, the lead agency for land searches, particularly in areas inaccessible to traditional emergency vehicles.
Kiama SES member Aapo Skorulis told the ABC the e-bikes had already been used successfully during recent land searches across Greater Sydney. He said the bikes could dramatically improve response times along the Kiama to Gerringong coastal track, where rugged terrain can slow rescuers on foot.
“With a mountain e-bike, you are going to get there much more rapidly than if you are walking,” Mr Skorulis said. “We do have vehicle access at some points along the track but the e-bike potentially could provide a rapid first aid response.”