# E-Bike Rescue Teams Central Okanagan Search and Rescue are Using E-Bike Aid to Help Lost People By Justin Lam | Published 2018-10-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/okanagan-search-and-rescue References: [globalnews](https://globalnews.ca/video/4318201/electric-bikes-may-be-life-savers) & [kelownanow](https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kelowna/Canada_s_first_E_bike_SAR_operation_taking_place_in_Kelowna_tonight/) Electric Bicycles are generally used by consumers as a more efficient mode of transportation, but the [Central Okanagan Search and Rescue](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh89) leverage the technology to more efficiently offer e-bike aid and assistance. Armed with Giant [e-mountain bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-giant-yukon-e), volunteers working with the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue will utilize the e-bikes in both urban and backcountry rescue operations. According to Brian Stainsby, COSAR e-bike team coordinator, with e-bike "We can get to an injured subject faster and render aid quicker." The bikes used for the e-bike aid and assistance were paid for in part by the B.C. Search and Rescue Association and through fundraising. The e-bikes used by Central Okanagan Search and Rescue offer a 500-watt pedal assist motor. The decision to use e-bikes came as they are significantly quieter than [quad bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zetmobil-lastenrad-modelle) or motorcycles allowing rescue workers to use sound search techniques. Image Credit: Giant Bikes ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **E-bike Rescue Teams:** Using electric bikes for search and rescue offers more efficient and quieter aid and assistance. - **Pedal Assist Motors:** Incorporating high watt pedal assist motors in rescue operations enables faster response time and aid. - **Fundraising for Community Services:** Fundraising for community services can lead to disruptive innovation opportunities and technology investments such as e-bikes. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Search and Rescue:** Electric bikes are transforming search and rescue operations. - **Outdoor Recreation:** The use of e-bikes in rescue operations is applicable to the outdoor recreation industry. - **Non-profit Organizations:** The success of fundraising initiatives can enable technological investments for non-profit organizations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Expanded E-Bike-Sharing Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bcycle.md) - [First Responder Scooter Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medical-kickscooter.md) - [Anti-Poaching E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/osa-ap.md) - [Rugged Full-Suspension E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fullsuspension-ebike.md) - [E-Bike Rental Pilots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolve-e-bikes.md) - [Dual-Battery Off-Road E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-ebikes.md) - [Comfortable Trekking E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pathlite-on-8-suv.md) - [Ultra-Efficient Ebikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heybike-hero.md) - [Specially-Tuned Electric Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patron-eride-900.md)