I’m what you’d call a causal motorcycle rider. I’ve owned and ridden plenty of bikes in the past, but I don’t currently have one in my garage (I know, I need to remedy that atrocity as soon as humanly possible.)
One of the first bikes I ever owned was a Honda CT90, a small bore step-though motorcycle that was tailored to the needs of the casual offroad rider. I loved that bike and rode it everywhere. I even fashioned a surfboard rack for it so I could get to my favorite break after school. The CT90 was marketed to hunters, fishermen, commuters, and outdoorsmen, but let me tell you that it was perfect for getting to the beach and exploring some back roads in my home town of Santa Cruz, CA.
Photo: Honda
I sold that bike to buy a Honda XL250, but I often think about my old CT90 and wish that I hadn’t sold it. I’m pretty sure I’d still be riding it today.
Last year at Overland Expo EAST in Arrington, VA, I had the opportunity to test ride an UBCO 2×2, a hub drive electric bike that ticks all of the same boxes the CT90 did. It was small, step-though, lightweight, and most importantly – fun. It is designed to get you and your gear where you want to go easily.
Photo: UBCO
The UBCO 2×2 weighs in at 116 pounds (without power supply) and up to 155.6 with the largest battery pack. The 2×2 has a payload of 330 pounds, including the rider. The wheels are hub driven using two 1kw Flux motors.
Operating the UBCO 2×2 is dead simple too. With hydraulic and regenerative braking, fully electronic throttle control , handlebar operated lighting and an intuitive heads up display the UBCO 2×2 is both functional and fun. Top speed on the UBCO 2×2 is 31 miles per hour.
The hot-swappable battery packs (6-8 hours charge time) give explorers a range of about 75 miles, which is perfect for getting deeper into the backcountry than your overland rig can go. The battery packs sit low on the frame, which gives the 2×2 a lower center of gravity and a responsiveness that I wasn’t expecting.
Tucker Neary from Electric Cycle Rider summed it up best when he said, “if you’re like me and share a love for the multi-faceted identity of the CT90, but also embrace the new offerings of EV technology, then do yourself a favor and give the UBCO 2×2 a look, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.” Check out Tucker’s video below for some fun offroad shots of the UBCO 2×2 in action.
Pricing for the UBCO 2×2 starts at $6,999.00 and financing options are available. The UBCO 2×2 just might be the perfect EV to carry with you on your overland adventures. Learn more below.
Header Photo: UBCO
