UBCO 2×2

We tried to go up a real steep bank and we found that the bike just ran out of power… when you’re just driving it normally on the kinds of normal things any normal person would ride it on, it was completely fine… Suspension was really nice. It was really comfortable, seat was comfortable.

“They talk about the center of gravity being quite a bit lower on this. Do you notice that?”
“Yeah. It took a minute to get used to but once I did I think it’s just easier to maneuver.”

On the street, the 2X2 jumps away from stops with ease and achieves its governed 30-mph top speed at a rate that would keep you from becoming a speed bump in town… It also had plenty of pep when hitting the trail, achieving speeds and acceleration that were entertaining, though nowhere near motorcycle levels… Time and time again we were asked, “What is that?” And a handful of one-word replies do the best here: cool, useful, versatile, and fun.

I was determined to reach the top speed of 30 miles per hour right away. I did, and it was … pretty sick. I’m not supposed to gush, but man! It’s a sweet ride… I ran it at full speed on the grass, swerving between trees, flying over roots and rocks, doing doughnuts in the field. It was good fun and I felt completely in control of the vehicle… And for the adventurer — the person who just wants to ride something sweet on- and off-road, out of the city and into the wilderness — this is also a great consumer ride that will last you quite a while.

When loaded up with some gear to pack the combined weight up to 350lb, it still performed well… It’s a neat bit of kit for hunting, on the farm, lifestyle block, or popping on the back of a ute to go and explore some nearby bush or beach. Being environmentally friendly with no oil or fuel required is a major drawcard… While it’s priced at the top end of the two-wheeler market, it’s definitely worth considering, thanks to its ongoing cost efficiencies, low maintenance, and useability.

For the uninitiated, ag bikes are traditionally sturdy, noisy, capable, athletic and fun. The UBCO is all those except noisy… It’s 140lb and, including rider, can haul 330lb… Above all, it is the two-wheel-drive that makes it very stable to ride and reluctant to slide when turning in wet or poor-traction conditions. That obviously has significant safety benefits.

The quiet performance comes into its own for evening rounds or when moving around ewes and lambs. Then there’s the fact a small trailer could be hooked up to the UBCO – ideal for a heading dog on the back or for a useful and versatile hunting vehicle in the bush with enough trailer load for taking home the literal bacon.

…the UBCO would make a good little grocery-getter or pizza-delivery vehicle in dense urban settings… although it’s got two-wheel drive going for it, it’s got small wheels, low ground clearance, minimal suspension travel, and low power working against it. But, if all you want to do is ride up a muddy farm track, explore a fire road, or patrol a campground, those are all assignments it can handle with aplomb.

The Work is a bare bones, no frills bike, designed specifically for off-road farming duties… The Adventure is a hybrid version, happy enough off-road, but with the necessary homologation for road use… on tarmac is where the differences between tyre choices became apparent, with the Adventure being composed throughout, while the Work could get a little squirmy if the surface was wet or greasy… Even for novice riders, the bikes are easy to handle.

There is a governor that imposes a 30 mph limit, so no movie-style chase scenes for these camo-clad Kiwis, but speed is not meant to be this bike’s strong suit. Instead, it’s about the tractability afforded by a 2WD motorcycle that lets a rider make very controlled – and silent – maneuvers.

Even with my weight, I found what looks like basic suspension well suited to the bike’s speed potential and the terrain we rode. It’s operation never intruded on my ride and it never bottomed out… the lack of gear changing or fear of stalling really frees the mind to deal with other things, meaning you can ride more smoothly and have more fun doing so.

Ubco’s electric bike is nippy and fun, but it’s difficult to think of a way to justify its juicy price tag… However, if you have a few quid to burn and want to scoot around the farm in a civilized fashion then buy one. It’s great fun.