The anticipation was palpable. Unboxing the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bikes late into the evening felt like an early Christmas morning. Despite the late hour, the allure of these rugged machines was irresistible. Once free from their extensive packaging, there was only one thing to do: ride. Helmet on, I hopped onto the sturdy 2×2, my partner followed suit, and we silently zipped into the night, heading straight for the perfectly paved paths of the adjacent golf course.
The golf course after dark transformed into our private test track. We navigated from hole to hole on the UBCO bikes, effortlessly cruising between 20 and 30 mph. Banking corners, conquering small hills, and gliding along the winding cart paths – the bright LED headlights piercing the darkness. The silence of the electric motors was striking. I even passed a large buck deer, completely undisturbed just yards away in the fairway. Shortly after, a close encounter with a skunk further highlighted the quiet advantage of these UBCO bikes. It’s this stealth capability that has contributed to the popularity of UBCO bikes, particularly among hunters seeking a discreet way to traverse their hunting grounds.
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Riding UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bikes at night, highlighting the bright headlights and silent operation on a golf course.
The bikes boast a substantial 75-mile range on a single charge. After our 18-hole nocturnal adventure, the battery indicator had barely moved, dropping only one bar out of twelve. However, a question lingered: could these Special Editions truly handle a 25-mile trek up a challenging off-road trail to our chosen campsite, and then back again, fully loaded with gear?
That night, both UBCO bikes were plugged into their high-speed chargers, ensuring a 100% charge for the next day’s backcountry expedition.
In essence: Originally designed for farm work, UBCO electric bikes seamlessly transition into off-roading and backcountry camping scenarios. Over a month of testing the Special Edition model across diverse Colorado terrains, from late summer to fall, revealed nimble handling, impressive durability, user-friendly operation, and an undeniable fun factor. For anyone seeking a street-legal electric vehicle capable of daily commutes and thrilling off-road adventures, UBCO bikes deserve serious consideration.
UBCO 2×2 Special Edition: A Deep Dive into Electric Utility Bikes
The Utility Bike Company (UBCO) emerged from the rugged landscapes of rural New Zealand in 2014. Founders Daryl Neal and Anthony Clyde envisioned creating the most efficient and practical off-road electric bikes, capable of tackling the demanding terrains of their homeland.
In the decade since its inception, UBCO bikes have gained traction across diverse sectors, from hunters and everyday commuters to even pizza delivery giants like Domino’s. Expanding its global footprint, UBCO established a second headquarters in Eugene, Oregon, in 2017, broadening its product line from a single model to four distinct UBCO bike variations.
The entry-level UBCO bike, the Work Bike, starts at an accessible $3,999. Progressing up the range, we find the Adventure Bike ($4,999), the Hunt Edition ($6,499), and the top-tier Special Edition ($6,999), the focus of this review.
While robust, these UBCO bikes carry some weight. Without the battery, they range from 111 to 116 pounds. Adding the battery pack increases that by approximately 40 pounds, bringing the total to between 151 and 156 pounds. This weight is comparable to other electric motorcycles in the market. Due to their heft, transporting UBCO bikes requires more than a standard bike rack, regardless of battery status.
Decoding the Special Edition UBCO Bike
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Close-up view of the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike, showcasing its robust frame and off-road tires.
All UBCO bikes share a foundation built upon a heavy-duty welded steel frame. They are equipped with a 3.1kWh battery pack, integrated racks with ample strapping points, front and rear suspension (130mm and 120mm travel, respectively), hydraulic brakes, and a digital instrument panel. The batteries are designed for easy removal, facilitating convenient charging and weight reduction during transportation.
A standout feature of UBCO bikes is their 2WD system. Employing independent motors for each wheel, this dual-wheel drive configuration is unique among electric motorcycles and contributes to the bikes’ energy efficiency and enhanced traction, especially in challenging terrains.
What distinguishes the Special Edition (SE) UBCO bike? It’s specifically engineered for street legality.
The Special Edition incorporates essential street-ready components: a horn, side mirrors, turn signals, and a rear license plate platform. Upon purchase, registering the SE and attaching a license plate transforms it into a fully street-legal electric vehicle, ready for commuting on public roads. The tires on the Special Edition are a versatile blend, optimized for both on-road performance and off-road grip.
The SE package includes a center carry case, positioned between the rider’s legs, and UBCO’s rear carry case, which we discovered is also compatible with the front rack. Further enhancing its utility, UBCO provides a phone mount for secure phone integration for navigation, and two durable rubber pronghorn straps for securing gear to the integrated racks.
First Impressions: Operating the UBCO Bike
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Side profile of a person riding the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike on a dirt trail, demonstrating its off-road capability.
The user-friendliness of these off-road electric bikes is remarkable. Operating a UBCO bike is so intuitive that even a child could likely grasp the basics. The bike utilizes a key fob with purported hot-wiring resistance. With the fob in proximity, simply pressing the red button on the right handlebar illuminates the digital dash. To engage “Drive” mode, hold the left brake lever and press the red button again. The dash display will confirm the mode switch, and you’re ready to ride.
Mirroring traditional motorcycles, acceleration is controlled by twisting the throttle on the right handlebar towards the rider. The left handlebar lever manages the front wheel brake, while the right lever controls the rear brake. Turn signals, horn, and headlight controls are conveniently located on the left handlebar.
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Front view of the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike, highlighting the handlebars, controls, and digital display.
A word of caution: UBCO bikes possess impressive acceleration. When first engaging the throttle, exercise caution and apply it gradually. These bikes are surprisingly quick off the mark, so hold on tight.
The most immediate and noticeable aspect of riding a UBCO bike is the near-silent operation. Unless an UBCO SE is approaching directly, they are practically inaudible until they are passing by. This stealth can be both a benefit and a potential concern.
As a city commuter, the quietness might raise concerns about being heard by other drivers. However, this is a similar consideration for any bicycle or standard e-bike navigating city streets.
Load Capacity and Range Testing of UBCO Bikes
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bikes loaded with camping gear, demonstrating their cargo capacity for outdoor adventures.
For our camping test, we maximized the UBCO bikes‘ load capacity. Utilizing rubber ski straps, we secured firewood, camp stoves, sleep systems, food bags, and various other camping essentials to these off-road electric machines. Backpacking packs were also loaded, further increasing the cargo.
UBCO specifies a 330-pound load capacity for these bikes. While we were confident we remained within this limit, the question of range with such a significant load was paramount. Could we realistically achieve the claimed 75-mile range, or even manage a 50-mile round trip to our campsite and back? It seemed we might be pushing the batteries to their absolute limit.
UBCO SE Handling Performance
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Rider maneuvering the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike on a winding paved road, showcasing its smooth handling.
On paved roads and the golf cart path, the UBCO bike handling was consistently smooth and controlled. Navigating winding paths at speed felt effortless, and the multi-use tires provided ample traction even on loose surfaces like sand and gravel.
Braking is a critical aspect of any vehicle’s performance. UBCO engineered its own hydraulic braking system, prioritizing enhanced stopping power, greater control, and extended brake pad longevity. On paved surfaces, the brakes felt responsive and dependable.
Off-road, these UBCO bikes truly excel. They confidently ascended steep dirt trails, navigated loose rocky paths, and descended hills with controlled ease across varied terrain. The SE’s backcountry prowess was genuinely impressive, particularly on dirt roads and singletrack trails during our testing.
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike climbing a rocky off-road trail, demonstrating its uphill capability in challenging terrain.
The journey to our campsite served as a rigorous test of their off-road capabilities, and the UBCO SE bikes exceeded expectations.
The road transitioned from pavement to dirt, gradually becoming narrower, rockier, and less maintained. Eventually, we were traversing a rugged double track, a route that would be slow and challenging even in a truck or SUV. However, the UBCO bikes handled it with remarkable speed and efficiency.
Our progress was temporarily halted by a herd of cows obstructing the path. The integrated horn proved invaluable in gently encouraging them to move aside.
Throughout the uphill journey, battery life was closely monitored. The steep incline, coupled with the rough terrain and added weight, understandably caused the battery levels to decrease. Upon reaching our lakeside campsite at the end of the trail, my battery was just below the halfway mark, while my lighter partner’s bike was slightly above. We were confident we had enough charge for the return trip, primarily downhill. However, the 75-mile range still seemed ambitious under these demanding conditions.
Little did I know, UBCO bikes are equipped with a regenerative braking system, a feature that would significantly impact our return journey and overall range perception.
Unveiling the UBCO Regenerative Braking System
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Close-up of the brake lever on the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike, subtly highlighting the regenerative braking system.
The following morning involved fishing, exploring the campsite, and a leisurely ride around the lake and into the surrounding woods on the UBCO bikes. After packing up camp and reloading the bikes, we began our downhill descent.
Expecting the battery to continue draining, I kept a close eye on the indicator. Surprisingly, the battery level remained steady. After approximately 20 minutes of downhill riding, the indicator even ticked up a notch. This unexpected battery gain was attributed to UBCO’s regenerative braking system, as I later learned. The brakes function as miniature generators, converting braking energy back into electrical power, slowly replenishing the battery.
By the time we arrived back at our starting point, the battery level on my UBCO bike was holding just above the halfway mark. While not a dramatic increase, the fact that we had more battery power after a 25-mile return trip than at the start of the day was remarkable. This regenerative braking feature truly solidified my positive impression of these e-motos.
While the claimed 75-mile range remains terrain and load-dependent, the regenerative braking system significantly enhances the real-world range and makes the 75-mile claim considerably more believable.
Areas for Potential Improvement in UBCO Bikes
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Rear view of the UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bike, emphasizing the smaller wheel size compared to traditional motocross bikes.
As someone who appreciates speed, I would welcome a higher top speed on the UBCO SE than the current 30 mph limit. Especially on downhill sections, hitting the speed limiter and feeling the bike automatically brake feels somewhat restrictive. These bikes clearly possess the potential for greater speeds, but the 30 mph cap is likely in place for safety and liability reasons. However, a 40 or 50 mph top speed would significantly enhance their appeal.
The wheel size on UBCO bikes is also relatively small. Traditional full-size motocross bikes typically feature a 21-inch front wheel and a 19-inch rear wheel. The UBCO SE utilizes 17-inch wheels. While suitable for pavement, larger diameter wheels would be advantageous for off-road riding, offering improved speed, enhanced grip, better inertia, and increased safety on uneven terrain.
The suspension system, while functional, is not exceptional. Although no major issues arose during testing, most dedicated dirt bikes and motocross bikes boast significantly more suspension travel, often up to 12 inches. UBCO bikes offer 4.7 inches of rear and 5.1 inches of front suspension. These bikes are not designed for aggressive jumping or navigating extremely rocky terrain with large drops, as bottoming out and potential damage are risks in such scenarios.
Final Thoughts: UBCO Bikes for Camping and Beyond
UBCO Special Edition off-road electric vehicle
Image: Two UBCO 2×2 Special Edition electric bikes parked at a lakeside campsite, illustrating their suitability for outdoor adventures.
As an electric commuter vehicle, the UBCO SE delivers comparable capability and efficiency to many gasoline-powered motorcycles in the same price range. They are undeniably effective for urban transportation, eliminating fuel costs entirely. The street-legal SE, coupled with its included carry bags, facilitates easy and eco-friendly cargo transport around town.
UBCO bikes also prove their worth as off-road vehicles. While they may not match the raw power, suspension travel, and range of dedicated gas-powered dirt bikes, they stand near the top of the electric motorcycle category.
Alternatives like Colorado-based Terra Bikes offer higher speeds (60 mph) and similar off-road capabilities, but at a significantly higher price point of $12,000. UBCO’s most affordable option, the Work Bike, is priced at a third of Terra Bike’s offering, and the SE remains just over half the price.
For individuals with a budget and a desire for an off-road capable electric bike to access remote camping, fishing, and hunting locations while minimizing environmental impact, UBCO bikes are a compelling choice.
UBCO’s website provides the opportunity to book a test ride for those near a dealer. At the very least, experiencing the sheer fun of riding a UBCO bike is worthwhile, even without immediate access to a golf course or off-road trail.
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