Palatine police receive $239,000 federal grant for motorcycles, e-bikes

Thanks to an infusion of federal funds, Palatine police is adding e-bikes to its law enforcement tools.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joined Palatine police Friday to announce $239,000 in grant funds he helped secure so the department can add both e-bikes and gas-powered motorcycles to the department’s fleet.

The Community Project Funding dollars will pay for four gas-powered motorcycles and seven-to-nine e-bikes. It will also fund training and other equipment.

“This is government working, and this is exactly the type of project that we should be funding as a community,” said the Schaumburg Democrat, who two years ago helped secure $50,000 in funding so the police could buy two electric motorcycles.

Police officials said the vehicles will boost officer visibility in multifamily housing complexes, at community events such as the National Night Out, as well as village parades and festivals, and in parks and trail areas.

Police Chief William Nord said the award helps the village build on its community policing efforts, such as the community engagement and planning division established in 2025.

“Today’s award represents more than new equipment,” Nord said. “It represents an investment in the safety of our community and the future of policing in Palatine.”

Deputy Chief David Brandwein said the e-bikes will add a new element to the force.

“The combination of e-bikes and motorcycles gives us more flexibility to patrol neighborhoods, parks, trails, community events and other locations where traditional patrol vehicles aren’t always the best option,” Brandwein said.

Sgt. Corrina Magnus, who heads the bicycle unit, said e-bikes will also reduce officer fatigue. Officers will be able to get to calls without getting winded.

Sgt. Taylor Black, who is in charge of the motorcycle unit said the four new motorcycles will bring the department’s total to six. He said they are used primarily for traffic enforcement and patrolling areas a traditional patrol car cannot reach.