What officers say about patrol mobility, then and now
When police and security agencies first began exploring three-wheel electric patrol vehicles, the question wasn’t just how they would be used — it was whether they would hold up in real-world patrol conditions.
Looking back at Trikke patrol deployments from Norfolk to Birmingham, one thing is clear: what started as an early mobility advantage has matured into a proven, repeatable patrol strategy.
Early validation: Norfolk, Virginia
In 2020, police officers in Norfolk began patrolling on Trikke Positrons — and according to Officer Mitchel Ashton of the Norfolk Police Department, the difference was immediate and measurable.
“The Positron has greatly improved how quickly our officers can respond to calls in our downtown sector,” Ashton said, adding that the vehicles were “typically beating marked units by several minutes.”
He was even more emphatic about the Trikkes’ performance compared with other patrol options: “There’s no comparison to the other options currently on the market; the Trikkes are miles ahead.”
Officers also noted the reaction from coworkers and the public. “All of my coworkers and the public love the Trikkes,” Ashton said, explaining that people “have never seen anything like them for police.”
Asked about ease of use, Ashton reported that Norfolk PD had a 100 % pass rate with officers, with no reportable accidents or falls during training.
These officer statements didn’t come from idle demo rides — they reflected how the vehicles actually performed in daily operations around a busy urban environment.
Program maturity: Birmingham, Alabama
Fast forward five years, and Trikke patrol vehicles are no longer being judged on potential — they’re being integrated into broader public safety strategies.
At the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, security leadership emphasized the real-world impact of using Trikke Defenders. Kenneth Scott, director of public safety at BJCC, said, “Trikkes have a distinctive appearance that captures attention, breaks the ice, and allows security personnel to engage with the public.”
Scott noted that these interactions help to build relationships and contribute to a safer campus environment, especially in a venue with heavy visitor traffic and multiple event spaces.
Echoing that operational view, BJCC Executive Director and CEO Tad Snider said, “Integrating the Trikkes will allow our public safety team to navigate the campus more effectively, increase visibility, and promote a heightened sense of safety.”
These attributions aren’t vague impressions — they’re quoted insights from the leaders directing Trikke patrol deployments in Birmingham.
What’s stayed consistent
Despite the five-year gap and different environments, the core value propositions officers and security leaders emphasize are remarkably similar:
• “There’s no comparison to the other options” — Norfolk PD sees Trikkes as superior to other patrol mobility choices.
• Visibility plus engagement — BJCC leadership highlights how Trikkes help staff connect with visitors while maintaining presence.
• Increased patrol efficiency and movement across complex environments, indoors or out.
These consistent themes show how the vehicles bridge traditional foot patrol limitations and full-size vehicle constraints.
Proof over time
From Norfolk to Birmingham, Trikke patrol vehicles have evolved from early validation to strategic deployment. And much of that progression is captured not in generic praise, but in named voices with real responsibility for patrol outcomes — from officers on the street in Virginia to safety directors overseeing multi-venue operations in Alabama.
That kind of documented, attributable experience doesn’t fade over time — it grows in weight as more agencies share what they’ve learned.
Schedule a demo and see how Trikkes perform in your patrol environment.
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