UBCO releases 2020 product range

Kiwi electric utility motorcycle maker UBCO has released its new range of products and announced UBCO Journeys, a docked ridesharing business targeting tourism spots globally.

“By providing a range of vehicles, power supplies, accessories and subscription software, we are delivering an integrated product set that leverages the benefit of modern electric drive and battery technology without compromise,” UBCO chief executive officer Timothy Allan says.

“This is the biggest single release of product in the company’s history and represents two years of work from the whole team.”

UBCO launched its 2020 range at UBCON19 in Queenstown, including two variants of the fifth generation 2×2 Utility Bike, three variants of the KXH Portable Power System at 40, 50 and 60Ah; the Freeride trail bike FRX1, a limited edition UBCO 3 Wise Men Urban 2×2 with a range of associated clothing and accessories, and fully integrated telematics for both fourth and fifth generation 2×2 bikes enabling advanced individual and fleet management.

Production is scaling up to meet demand with new appointments in engineering, and supply chain in New Zealand and Asia, the company recently surpassing 100 dealers globally.

The 2020 2×2 Utility Bike has a range of advancements with a common new generation drive train and power system, vehicle management system, telematics, control clusters and more.

“It delivers on so many areas where we have learnt from our customers and users,” chief procurement officer Tom Hayward says.

The 2x2ADV Adventure Bike continues UBCOs dual-purpose tradition with full road compliance in Australasia, United States and Europe. It packs a portable power supply.

The 2x2WK Work Bike is an off-road work horse for the farmer, hunter, property owner and others in the outdoors.

The KXH Portable Power System is a new product range for UBCO, providing external power on the go and comes in an exo-frame (available separately) for ease of carrying and attachment. With 12v and 5v ports it can power a wide range of devices up to 60Ah and can also be removed from its frame and placed into the bike.

The light FRX1 trail bike is aimed at customers who wouldn’t normally ride a heavy motocross bike and provides extra power to reach difficult places.

The UBCO 3 Wise Men limited edition bike features a range of customisations which includes a special rack for the canvas leather satchel that comes with each bike.

Available to buy with the five limited edition bikes due instore from December in New Zealand is an urban range of 3 Wise Men clothing and accessories for sale now online and instore.

An integrated telematic control unit (TCU) has been developed by UBCO that seamlessly works with the proprietary vehicle management system (VMS), providing advanced fleet management and control.

UBCO Journeys uses the TCU in targeting the destination tourism market. The rideshare platform was developed in conjunction with Auckland electric moped company Kwikli.

The first pilot is expected to be operational by January 2020.

Meanwhile, UBCO has also announced the success of negotiations with Series A & B focused venture capital fund GD1 to invest a total of US$2.12 million into UBCO, allowing it to accelerate its rapid growth into the US. An additional US$1.56m was led by Snowball Effect comprising wholesale and retail investors.

Overall, US$3.51m has been raised for expansion, customer acquisition and product development/production.

UBCO was founded in 2014 with a prototype 2×2 electric farm bike and has now sold more than 1000 units globally.