Duty Utility Motorbike

Responding to the challenge of transitioning a large Australian organisation’s delivery fleet to electric over five years, the brief required a rear-wheel-drive motorcycle capable of safely traveling arterial routes including urban streets and rural dirt roads. The vehicle needed to exceed the performance of the incumbent ICE motorbikes while meeting the stringent safety and usability standards of high-volume delivery operations. UBCO’s product development team collaborated with the organisation’s fleet team, leveraging UBCO 2x2 DNA to inform design. The resulting vehicle, DUTY, through rigorous field trials, demonstrated superior performance and capability, leading to its selection for the fleet transition.

The Problem: The customer had an existing fleet of Honda ICE bikes to replace, with environmental mandates fast-tracking decarbonization across government organizations. The Solution: The UBCO DUTY Bike – custom configuration, higher speed, longer distance, higher cargo capacity. Beating competitor solutions and meeting the needs of the initial customer, whilst being applicable to wider fleet applications – a robust electric motorbike tailored for urban delivery needs. The Process: With a tight-deadline, UBCO’s product development team used a test-and-learn approach with concurrent workstreams. Prototyping solutions, working with supply networks, collaborating with the customer, undertaking user trials, and iterating at speed.

Field trial feedback underscores UBCO DUTY’s potential for delivery work, with riders appreciating the quick take-off and quiet, heat-free ride, preferring it to their existing ICE vehicles. The bikes reliably handle heavy-duty use, operating around six hours a day, five days a week over rugged and variable terrain. UBCO’s fleet solution not only cuts fossil fuel dependency but also supports urban congestion policies. Emphasizing ongoing cost-efficiency and a net-zero mandate by 2050, this collaboration showcases UBCO’s expertise in tailored, scalable electric vehicle solutions. The project sets a precedent for sustainable two-wheeled fleet adoption in urban areas.

Key features:- 95kph top speed 280kg max payload 100km range 5kW hub motor 6.2kWh lithium-ion battery Easy to ride, with a step-through design and no gears or clutch Front and rear adjustable suspension Accessory lugs for attaching gear Left, right, and centre kickstands Keyless ignition Combined braking system, with regenerative assistance Brake lever lock 10kph Walk Mode USB charging ports and 12V outlet Competitive advantages:- Proven for on-road fleet applications with a key customer onboard at launch, following rigorous field trials Based on UBCO utility DNA, but an all-new design with a rear wheel hub motor Designed in New Zealand Robust and stable manufacturing capability Quiet electric ride without the noise, heat, or emissions of ICE motorbikes Significant fuel cost savings, lower servicing costs, less moving parts compared to ICE vehicles, with customer service and support within region.