Test ride an electric UBCO 2X2 without moving

Mount Maunganui-based electric utility vehicles provider UBCO has launched an immersive ‘virtual test ride’ experience. 

The virtual test ride, which can be viewed as a 360 video or through a VR headset, allows people to experience what it’s like to ride an electric utility vehicle from, well, virtually anywhere.

The virtual test ride offers a great way to interact with UBCO and electric motorbikes in general, UBCO chief marketing officer Neil Tierney says.

“It’s a fantastic way to see what the bike can do,” he says.

“How quiet is it? Can it handle the hills? What’s it like in the mud? How fast does it go?

“We’re hoping this first taste will encourage people to want to find out more or share the experience with friends. It’s about raising awareness and opening eyes to the possibility of what an UBCO 2X2 can do.”

The virtual test ride isn’t just a one-hit-wonder either. The modular design of the video means UBCO can switch in ride segments from around the world with the ability to show any number of applications and locations.

One minute you could be riding in the backcountry of New Zealand, and the next through a bustling New York street.

The company has also designed an UBCO VR cardboard headset so customers can enjoy the full VR experience.

“We want everyone who is curious to be able to experience the magic of an UBCO 2X2,” says Tierney.

“Given how immersive the virtual test ride experience is we’re confident that once someone tries the virtual test ride for themselves, it’ll be hard not to tell friends and family about it – so word of mouth is also key here.”

Tierney says EVs like UBCO’s are inherently more sustainable than petrol equivalents during their in-use life, which is great for New Zealand and the rest of the world.

“Our 2X2s are reducing emissions daily, and the more widespread the adoption, the more savings that can be made,” he says.

“And while it’s awesome that our bikes don’t use petrol or produce emissions, we’ve also made a commitment to do more. As a largely electronic product with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, we’ve defined end of life and product stewardship as the big sustainability issues we need to tackle head on.”

The virtual test ride launch follows a huge first half to the year for UBCO which has just closed $14 million in funding for international growth.

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