Now here’s an idea we can get behind of! Introducing New Zealand-based Ubco’s 2×2 electric utility motorcycle. The sprightly little two-wheeler is positioned as the perfect compromise between work and play, on- and off-road.
We say on-road because the firm has gained approval for its products to be registered for road use in countries such as the US, New Zealand (obviously) and Australia. In order to achieve this, Ubco has equipped the motorcycle with several components to make it roadworthy. The list includes LED headlights (both high and low beam), brake lights, indicators, reflectors, an electric motor kill switch and a speedometer.
Powering the motorcycle is a 50V lithium-ion portage power supply with a quoted range of 120 km on a single charge. The top speed is rated at 50 km/h, allowing it to be classified as a moped and therefore not requiring riders to have a motorcycle licence. A good sense of balance is highly recommended, though.
Also, it should be noted that the motorcycle weighs just 63 kg – we can hear the gym bros claiming how they bench twice that from the office. Moving on, notice that we said 2×2? Naturally, without a combustion engine and with twin electric motors in each wheel, the Ubco 2×2 is essentially a two-wheeled drive two-wheeler.
Further establishing its credentials as a proper motorcycle, riders will be able to communicate with their bike via the Ubco Cerebro engine control unit. Said setup allows riders to control lighting and various displays as well as remotely diagnose faults and select between on- and off-road riding modes. It’s as simple as downloading the app for both iOS and Android devices and connecting to the bike via Bluetooth.
The Ubco 2×2 comes with an array of modular luggage options to suit one’s needs. With a total of 17 accessory lugs and standard M8 bolts and nuts, owners can fit and remove pannier backpacks, bags, front and rear cargo decks as well as a towball mount bike rack for owners who intend to transport their 2x2s on the towbar of their cars.