Ubco 2×2

The Ubco 2x2 electric motorcycle is a two-wheel-drive utility e-bike from New Zealand builder UBCO, engineered as a silent, road-legal moped that behaves like a mountain bike off the beaten track. It is the daily rider that follows you from city streets to farm trails without a single drop of fuel.

The Concept

UBCO was born in New Zealand as a tool for farmers, hunters and rangers who needed a quiet, all-terrain vehicle that could carry gear across muddy fields. The 2x2 utility bike takes that DNA and repackages it for urban commuters and adventure riders. Two independent hub motors, one in each wheel, deliver genuine 2WD traction: rare on a two-wheeler and decisive on wet grass, sand or gravel. Homologated as a Class L1e-B moped in Europe, it can be ridden with an entry-level licence in most countries.

The Build

The lightweight SuperX frame keeps curb weight to 65 kg, making the 2x2 easy to lift, stand up or load into a van. There is no clutch and no drivetrain to service: the two brushless DC hub motors are direct-drive, air-cooled and Bluetooth-monitored through the UBCO app. Nineteen accessory lugs run across the chassis for panniers, tool mounts, gun scabbards or delivery boxes, and two USB ports plus a 12V outlet let you charge tools and phones off the main battery. The look is stripped-back and industrial: exposed alloy, matte panels, LED lighting front and rear.

The Ride

Twin 1 kW hub motors produce 90 Nm of torque and a top speed of 50 km/h, with a real-world range of 120 km on a single charge. The swappable lithium-ion battery (52.2 Ah, 50 V) recharges from any 100 to 240 V wall socket in 6 to 8 hours, for under one euro of electricity. Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes with 203 mm rotors handle stopping, while 130 mm of front travel and 120 mm at the rear absorb potholes, roots and ruts. On road it is a silent commuter, off road it is a genuine 2WD off-road bike that keeps traction where a single-drive machine would spin out.

Specifications

• Builder: UBCO (New Zealand)
• Category: 2WD electric utility motorcycle, road-legal moped
• Vehicle class: L1e-B (moped), licence per country
• Motors: Two 1 kW peak brushless DC Flux Drive hub motors, air-cooled
• Torque: 90 Nm
• Top speed: 50 km/h
• Range: 120 km (varies with terrain and load)
• Battery: UBCO lithium-ion 52.2 Ah (48 Ah rated), 50 V, swappable
• Charger: 100 to 240 V, 350 W, wall or bench mount
• Charge time: 6 to 8 hours
• Power: 2.4 kWh
• Transmission: Single-stage planetary gear reduction with integrated radiator
• Front suspension: 37.5 mm custom UBCO fork, rebound adjustment, 130 mm travel
• Rear suspension: 32 mm shock, adjustable preload and rebound, 120 mm travel
• Brakes: Tektro Dorado hydraulic, 203 x 2.3 mm rotors, front and rear
• Wheels: 17 x 1.85 inch aluminium rims
• Tires: Kenda K667, 17 x 2.75 inch
• Headlight: LED, low beam 1330 lm / 27.6 W, high beam 2230 lm / 36 W
• Ports: 2 USB (1 A, 2.5 A) and 1 x 12 V (10 A max)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth with UBCO app (iOS, Android)
• Curb weight: 65 kg
• Payload: 150 kg including rider
• Length x width x height: 1820 x 800 x 1050 mm
• Wheelbase: 1200 mm
• Seat height: 800 mm
• Accessory lugs: 19 mounting points
• Warranty: Frame 3 years, battery and motors 2 years, parts 6 months

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