UBCO 2x2 Adventure Bike
I've owned an UBCO 2x2 Adventure bike for a little over 2 years now. These bikes have been constantly improved since they first were available on the market. Mine is a 5th generation model which is the once currently offered. When I first saw the previous generation model I wasn't impressed but when the 5th generation model came out it looked more intriguing with a larger battery, heaver more durable spoke wheels, improved motors, improved electronics, and most important, a larger 3.1kWh battery.
The name UBCO is an acronym for Utility BIke COmpany. The UBCO 2x2 is available in two different configurations, the street legal Adventure model with DOT approved headlight, turn signals, brake light, reflectors, and horn. The other model is the work bike without the DOT lights and reflectors but it does have an off road headlight. The UBCO bike was originally designed as an electric replacement for small displacement ICE motorcycles used by farmers in New Zealand thus the work bike was the initial target market.
Design
Frame
The UBCO bikes use an alumimum step through trellis frame that is very stiff. The step through design makes it easy to get on and off and mimics the design of the Honda Trail 90. For additional utility the frame includes 19 mounting lugs for various OEM, 3rd party, or custom user built accessories.
Motors
One of the key features of the UBCO making it unique is the use of dual 1kW geared hub motors. Together they equal approximately 2.6 HP. The 2 wheel drive design makes the bike more stable on gravel or sand. I've found that in sand just as you think the front wheel is going to wash out it grabs hold and pulls you through. Most hub motors are direct drive where the rotor of the motor directly drives the wheel with a 1:1 ratio. The UBCO hub motors employ an internal planetary gear set providing higher torque.
Electronics
One reason the UBCO is more expensive than typical e-bikes is that it has sophisticated electronic systems more like a motorcycle than an e-bike. It contains a CAN bus which us used by the automotive and motorcycle industry for communications between various electronic systems such as the motor controllers, battery management system (BMS), charging system, display, etc.
The UBCO bikes also include regenerative braking on both wheels. There is a spot in the brake level where the regenerative braking is applied but before the friction brakes start to work. I generally try to hit this spot when stopping on the street with both brakes and only apply the friction brakes and the very end after slowing down. Braking on each wheel is independently controlled by the levers on the handle bars. There is no motorcycle style foot brake so the rear brake is controlled by the left lever where the clutch would normally be on an ICE motorcycle. The regenerative braking effect is quite strong when braking with both wheels and is adjustable through the electronic controls.
Battery / Range
UBCO offers 2 battery sizes, a 2.1 kWh and a 3.1 kWh. They are nominally 48V. The battery sits low in the frame and is removable. A key lock is provided to lock the battery in to the frame. The battery may be recharged in or out of the bike.
The battery is constructed from commonly available 18650 INR (LiNiMnCoO2) cells like those used in a Tesla Model S or X. The pack is designed to be easily taken apart and recycled at the end of it's lifetime. This also means that it would be possible to rebuild the pack in the future should UBCO go out of business and you want to keep the bike on the road.
The range for the 3.1 KWh battery pack is rated at 43 miles on road at full throttle and 75 miles off road at reduced speed. I find that the 43 miles of range on road to be accurate. I can't say about the off road mileage since I've never ridden it that far all off road. I typically find that there is plenty of range for running weekend errands around town without recharging.
A 120V 10 Watt charger is provided with the bike and a full charge takes about 6 hours.
Laws (in California)
Note: Moped laws vary from area to area and are often confusing, conflicting and subject to interpretation. What is listed below is my personal understanding of moped laws in California and may not be correct. Do not take the text the below as legal advice or definition.
The laws governing the use of e-bikes and mopeds vary around the U.S. In California the UBCO 2x2 Adventure bike is classified as a moped or motorized bicycle even through it does not have pedals. In California if a bike is fully electric and has less than 4 gross brake horse power and is limited to a maximum speed of 30 mph it's still classified the same as a moped.
From the California DMV website
- You must have a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive a moped.
- You must be at least 16 years old or older to drive a moped, and you must wear a (DOT motorcycle) helmet while you ride.
- You do not need insurance to register a moped
- You do need special license plates and an identification card
- A one-time $23 registration fee
- You do not have to renew your moped registration in the same way as you register other vehicles. (No Yearly Registration to Pay
)
In addition, in California mopeds are legal to ride in bicycle lanes but are not allowed on bicycle paths or trails. A bicycle lane is a painted lane on a paved road that typically does not have a physical barrier separating the car lane and the bicycle lane. A bicycle path is a standalone route physically separated from automobile traffic exclusively used by bicyclists and pedestrians.
For my own financial protection I do carry full liability and comprehensive insurance on my UBCO as a motorcycle.
As far as physical protection, I'm one of those annoying All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT) motorcycle riders. I do compromise some on the UBCO because the bike is limited to 30 mph and I mostly ride in bicycle lanes. Still I ware a SNELL/DOT approved full face helmet, safety green long sleeve T-shirt, light safety green jacket, heavy long pants, and "urban fashion" motorcycle specific boots.
Advantages
- 2 Wheel drive provides better off road traction
- Geared hub motors provide plenty of torque
- No chain maintenance
- Quiet compared to an ICE moped or small motorcycle
- Frame is much stronger than typical e-bikes
- Many mounting points for attaching carriers for things like fishing poles, gun scabbards, surfboard carriers, etc.
- Better suspension than typical e-bikes
- 40 mile minimum useful range
- Easily removable battery
- Very low center of gravity
- Dual hydraulic disk brakes
- Strong adjustable regenerative braking
- Uses same size tires as Honda Trail 90/120/125 so there is a variety of motorcycle tires available
- Moped classification (no annual registration fee)
- Street Legal (No "off road" mode disabling 30 mph limitation)
- Off Road 'stealth" hunting mode disables lights
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Limited to moped 30 mph maximum speed
- Heavy compared to an e-bike but lighter than a Honda CT-90
- Suspension easily overwhelmed by rough terrain especially at speed
- Can't be pedaled like an e-bike
(I hope to make it to at least half the places this bike has been)
