USA Today has announced Dubai cops could soon be skimming over their city on hoverbikes. We have become accustomed to the Emirates metro wanting to be the capital of futuristic bling. However, we suspect there is some solid planning behind this idea. That said, we question how long the lithium-manganese-nickel batteries will last before needing recharging. And what happens if this is in the middle of a high-speed chase.
Will the Hoverbikes Be Purpose-Built for Dubai Cops?
We suspect not. We think these will be standard delivery platforms, perhaps with 300-pound lifting capacity. These are solid, work-horse machines with storage capacity beneath, but we have seen photos of people riding them too.
We have heard these vehicles can fly at 10,000 feet at 60 miles-per-hour. However, USA Today suspects the ones the Dubai cops will use won’t go higher than 16 feet. This makes sense if it is true the batteries only last for 10 to 25 minutes depending on riding style. Moreover, some pundits are questioning how safe the rider would be in practice.
Two Possible Scenarios for the Success of Patrol Hoverbikes
In scenario one, three Dubai cops are routinely patrolling a busy motorway on hoverbikes in daytime. One sees a low-battery alarm light and manages an emergency landing. The other two keep watch while a maintenance drone zips in and replaces the battery.
In scenario two, a lone cop is pursuing kidnappers in their car after dark. The victim is a kid. The lone cop pushes their machinery too far, and has a hard landing when the battery overheats. They will be on their own for a while in the dark, and face an uncertain hour waiting for rescue.
We believe hoverbikes are superb devices when used appropriately for business or pleasure. However, we question whether Dubai cops are wise to rush the new technology into service by 2020. That said, progress does often depend on the ingenious. We salute brave law enforcement officers everywhere as they go about their duties.
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Preview Image: Dubai Police in Exotic Patrol Cars
