Ubco - The Utility Bike
Two wheels, two motors, no gas, no noise; no limits for this start-up that’s getting ready to take on the world. The 2x2 utility bike will transform the way we work and play outdoors.
FIRST ENCOUNTERS
We first met Anthony Clyde and Daryl Neal, e-bike industry pros, at the 2014 Fieldays. We were blown away by their prototype – a lightweight, electric, off-road farm bike, which debuted in the Innovation Centre that year. We saw huge potential in their vision and awarded them the Locus Research Innovation Award, which was the gateway into an exciting and robust product development journey.
THE BRAND STORY
Together we created a new brand for the versatile 2×2: Ubco – The Utility Bike. The name reflects the adaptability of the bike across multiple industries, with a logo derived from the custom frame design. On top of this, we explored how the branding could be used across print and web collateral, as well as on the bike itself. A strong black and white brand, along with an all-white bike, meant the 2×2 started to pick up major attention and demand it’s space in the biking arena.
EXPERTISE
Product Design
Research & Testing
Brand Identity
Print & Packaging
Digital Media
Manufacturing
Commersialisation
Capital Raising
Business Development
TO AN INCH OF ITS LIFE
As the project grew so did the need for more expertise. Anthony and Daryl asked Locus to help them with the further development of the bike and with commercialisation. Ubco embarked on some serious field testing with St Johns’ Ambulance. On-farm tests thrashed each prototype within an inch of its life. Ubco presented their fully branded, refined bike, ready for presale, at 2015 Fieldays, gaining more attention from national media.
AN EVER EVOLVING JOURNEY
With its lightweight frame and powerful, near silent motors, the Ubco 2×2 gives riders complete control of all their off-road adventures.
The 40Ah Lithium-Ion battery not only fuels the bike but it can power your tools and charge your phone at the same time. The dual electric drive is smooth, ultra-quiet and low maintenance. It can go through trenches, up hills, and down bush tracks without a second thought and is a heck of a lot of fun to ride.
The adaptable nature of the bike provides endless opportunities for evolution, including a line of custom accessories, a road legal version of the bike released in 2018, and expansion of its digitally connected platform.
JOINING FORCES
Seeing something special in the Ubco team and product, we decided to put our money where our mouth is and become an investor in the newly formed company.
“It was the ground-breaking category, a high-quality design concept,” Tim said. “This, in conjunction with their unparalleled knowledge of the e-bike supply chain and deep partnerships with key companies in China, that led us to become a part of the company.”
Not only has the Ubco 2×2 made waves on the farm, but we’re also seeing industries from tourism to conservation to hunting take interest and find the 2×2 to be a perfect fit. With the addition of a road-legal model, the potential for the bike is better than ever and we are enjoying every moment of this exciting ride.
“The support through our journey has been amazing and has helped us keep develop the idea into a business.”
– ANTHONY CLYDE, FOUNDER, UBCO LTD
TEAM
Timothy Allan
Anthony Clyde
Daryl Neal
Stuart Munro
Caroline Noordijk
Robin Lyttle
Daniel DeRenzy
Michelle Power
Simon Crane
Michael Peterson
Krissi Mills
Jono Jones
MEDIA & HIGHLIGHTS
Ubco Website
Fieldays 2018 International Innovation Award
National Business Review Radar celebrates 25 leading Kiwi entrepreneurs who are building value-add global businesses.
Good Design Award (AUS)
Wellington Gold Award
Finalist Best Design Awards
Fieldays Innovations 2014 Award
Hypebeast
TVNZ Breakfast
Auto Evolution
DOCUMENTS
Brochure (1MB)
User Manual (9MB)
Application Images (3.5MB)