The silent one
An eco-friendly electric bike is quietly making its way through the NZ countryside.
Most companies like to make a hiss and a roar when they launch a product. New Zealand electric farm bike firm, UBCO, had an intentionally quiet start.
It turned out to be a fitting beginning for the unassuming 2x2 utility bike which has a near-silent motor as a key selling point.
UBCO CEO Timothy Allen says the non-showy, compact design and the 64.5kg frame received a few raised eyebrows when it was showcased at Fieldays in 2016. While its top speed is only 50kmh, it quickly won over hunters and farmers who found the electric motor doesn’t startle deer and cattle.
“There was a bit of an education process at the start, because people are used to the look and weight of a combustion bike, but once people sit on it and try riding it, they get it,” says Timothy.
The UBCO is powered by a 40-amp/hour lithium-ion battery and can travel for 120km on one charge. It has a portable battery; a replacement battery can be fitted while in the field. It takes six hours to charge the bike, costing approximately 88c per charge.
Rural properties are often targeted by thieves when petrol prices rise. There’s no fuel to steal if you own an electric bike.
No UBCOS have been stolen to date, but its digital engine control unit may mean the bikes are trackable, says Tim.
Demand is growing for the bikes. The company had 200% growth last year, with 70% of sales coming from exports to the US and Australia. The bikes are manufactured in China, with the robotic parts developed in Auckland.
Each year has seen minor modifications to the 2016 design. The most significant developments last year made the bike road-legal.
Timothy says at the moment they use a Model T marketing philosophy.
“We only sell the one model, and it’s available in any colour as long as it’s white.” www.ubcobikes.com
The bike can travel for 120km on one 88c charge