The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced on 27 July that it is testing electric-powered motorcycles manufactured by Tauranga-based Ubco.
The NZDF has four of these motorbikes, and it will evaluate their suitability for missions such as ‘reconnaissance and surveillance, airfield security and other transport roles’ over a 12-month period. All three services – the army, air force and navy – will have an opportunity to try out the motorbikes.
Ubco makes the 2x2 utility bike for the civilian market for clients such as pizza delivery people, farmers, hunters and emergency services, but such a vehicle has obvious military uses
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