LAFD Unveils Specialized E-Bike Fleet for Wildfire Response

New high-performance electric motorcycles will expand LAFD's capacity for rescue and emergency access in rugged terrain.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a specialized electric motorcycle used by the Los Angeles Fire Department. The bike is illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, with recognizable high-tech elements like advanced sensors, powerful motors, and rugged off-road tires.The LAFD's new fleet of specialized electric motorcycles will enhance the department's ability to rapidly respond to emergencies in remote wilderness areas.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Fire Department, in partnership with YouTube and support from Google.com and the LAFD Foundation, has unveiled a new fleet of 30 customized electric motorcycles designed for wildfire detection and rapid medical response in hard-to-reach areas. The 'First Responder' bikes are purpose-built to access rugged mountainous terrain where traditional fire apparatus cannot reach.

Why it matters

As wildfires become more frequent and severe in California, the LAFD is investing in innovative technology to improve emergency response capabilities, especially in the city's many parks, trails, and open spaces where traditional vehicles may not be able to access. These electric motorcycles will allow firefighters to reach injured hikers, trail runners, and others in remote areas quickly, potentially saving lives.

The details

The new fleet of 30 high-performance, customized electric motorcycles are designed to navigate rugged terrain that traditional fire trucks cannot access. The 'First Responder' bikes will allow LAFD crews to rapidly respond to emergencies in parks, trails, and other hard-to-reach areas of Los Angeles.

  • The LAFD unveiled the new electric motorcycle fleet on March 31, 2026.
  • The department will begin deploying the 30 motorcycles in the coming weeks.

The players

Jaime E. Moore

Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

YouTube

A technology company that partnered with the LAFD and provided funding for the electric motorcycle program.

Google.com

A technology company that supported the LAFD's electric motorcycle initiative.

LAFD Foundation

A non-profit organization that provided additional funding and resources for the electric motorcycle fleet.

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What they’re saying

“When a hiker is injured in Griffith Park or a trail runner goes down in the backcountry, we have to get to them. These electric motorbikes are another tool giving our crews access in terrain where every minute determines the outcome.”

— Jaime E. Moore, Fire Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department

“The Electric Motorcycle Response Program reflects that commitment and today we are putting that commitment into action.”

— Jaime E. Moore, Fire Chief, Los Angeles Fire Department

What’s next

The LAFD plans to deploy the new electric motorcycle fleet in the coming weeks to improve emergency response capabilities in the city's parks, trails, and other hard-to-reach areas.

The takeaway

The LAFD's investment in specialized electric motorcycles demonstrates the department's commitment to adapting and innovating to better serve the diverse communities and landscapes of Los Angeles. This partnership with tech companies highlights the potential for public-private collaboration to enhance public safety and emergency response.