Electric motorbikes get Defence test

Four electric utility motorbikes from Tauranga-based UBCO are being trialled for a year by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

It will test the specially built 2×2 bikes for their suitability for tasks such as reconnaissance and surveillance, airfield security and other transport roles.

The 65kg bikes are much lighter than normal military motorcycles, have an electric motor in each wheel, and with regenerative braking have up to 120km range.

The trial package includes a camouflage colour scheme, extra battery packs, a trailer and a range of spare parts.

The army, navy and air force will each trial the bikes, which are generally aimed at farmers, hunters, emergency services and others.

“Obviously they are more environmentally friendly, and we will see if they are also more military friendly,” lieutenant colonel Brad Gallop says.

“We will see how good they are for carrying equipment where a soldier on foot might not be able to.

“Electric vehicles offer some advantages over normally fuelled vehicles. They are quiet, don’t give off exhaust or heat, and aren’t powered by highly flammable liquids.

“They are simple to maintain and onboard computers will be able to record a range of information about how the bike is used.”

Gallop says the UBCO bikes will be limited to 50kmh and have lower training requirements to that of a motorcycle.

The trial is part of the Defence Force’s wider goal of becoming a more sustainable operation, which also fits with the government’s goal of having 64,000 EVs on New Zealand roads by the end of next year.

UBCO developed its electric utility vehicle and portable power platform originally for off-road use and has certified it for dual purpose (on road) use globally in a wide range of high duty applications.

“The collaboration with the NZDF allows UBCO to rapidly learn how the 2X2 can operate across army, navy and air force,” UBCO chief executive Timothy Allan says.

“Globally, defence is a very controlled industry, so this collaboration is hugely valuable to learn quickly for UBCO.”