With Tesla’s market capitalization surpassing that of the next nine largest car companies combined, electric vehicles are clearly surging in popularity. Hardly a day goes by when someone on an electric-assist bicycle doesn’t silently whoosh down my street, a smile on the rider’s face because their brisk speed is nearly effortless.
New Zealand-based UBCO’s 2021 line of electric utility bikes includes the 2X2 Work Bike and 2X2 Adventure Bike, both available in the U.S. What makes UBCO’s 2X2 bikes unique is that they are 2WD — power is sent to a 1 kWh motor built into the hub of each wheel, so the front and rear wheels dig in for unrivaled traction. And both wheels also provide regenerative braking to help preserve range.
“We now have the world’s toughest utility bikes,” says UBCO CEO Timothy Allan. “Our bikes are what we like to call all-terrain, all-utility and all-performance.”
Launched in 2015, UBCO has developed a digitally connected Utility Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform that includes on and off-road transport, portable power, accessories and cloud-based software. Now in their fifth generation, the 2021 2X2 e-bikes offer improved torque, power and traction thanks to the UBCO’s proprietary lithium-ion KXH Power Supply.
“Over the past two years plus, our product development and international supply chain team have made huge improvements to the performance, durability, security and intelligence of our bikes. Now the rider experience is next level,” says Allan.
The 2021 UBCO 2X2 Work Bike is a purely off-road workhorse that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or farmers, anyone who needs to roam well off the beaten path. Said to be the lightest, simplest and toughest 2X2 to date, it’s fully blacked-out and features hand guards and aggressive knobby tires.
READ: Yamaha Unveils YDX-MORO Full Suspension e-Bikes
Offering added versatility, the 2021 UBCO 2X2 Adventure Bike can be ridden on- or off-road, making it perfect for commuters, around-towners and weekend wanderers. The 2X2 Adventure Bikes can be fitted with the UBCO telematics platform for full fleet management and connectivity, a valuable option for last-mile delivery or rental businesses.
Along with the two new bike models, UBCO has introduced the stand-alone KXH Power Supply, available in three capacities: 2.1 kWh, 2.6 kWh and 3.1 kWh. Customers have the option to select the model and power supply combo that best meets their needs.
Improvements for 2021 include a 10% increase in motor efficiency and 23% more battery capacity, which results in a 33% increase in range at top speed. UBCO says its e-bikes have a top speed of 30 mph, can travel up to 80 miles on a single charge and weigh as little as 150 pounds.
2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire | First Ride Review
On both bikes, a cradle-type tubular trellis frame carries the power supply down low to reduce the center of gravity for better handling. Built-in front and rear racks and bright LED headlights add to their utility.
Available in black only, the 2021 UBCO 2X2 Work Bike is priced as follows:
- $6,499 for the KX2.1 (2,100W) power supply
- $6,749 for the KX2.6 (2,600W) power supply
- $6,999 for the KX3.1 (3,100W) power supply
Available in white only, the 2021 UBCO 2X2 Adventure Bike is priced as follows:
- $6,999 for the KX2.1 (2,100W) power supply
- $7,249 for the KX2.6 (2,600W) power supply
- $7,999 for the KX3.1 (3,100W) power supply
For more information, visit ubcobikes.com. Check out the story of UBCO in the video below: