The UBCO FRX1 is an electric two-wheeler with
functional pedals and a pedal assist system. Technically speaking, that makes
it an electric bicycle. But only technically. Truly, this is an electric trail
bike with all the capabilities of a lightweight dirt bike. Tipping the scales
at just 52 kg, the UBCO FRX1 features a 20 hp peak,
liquid-cooled, mid-drive electric motor. The motor can be controlled either by
the twist throttle or via pedal assist. Yes, pedal assist — like a cute little
European e-bike. Except that this e-bike can hit speeds of up to 80
km/h.
UBCO claims that it comes with a 9-speed gear box
for pedaling, which should make it more pedal-able than one might initially
imagine. The UBCO FRX1 features a 2.2 kWh Li-ion battery pack that the company
rates with a maximum range of 100 km. At 35 Wh/mi (22 Wh/km),
though, that’s likely at a reduced speed of closer to 32 km/h. The
UBCO FRX1 features the ability to regain up to 10% of its expended energy via
regenerative braking. And charging up the pack the old-fashioned way (i.e. from
the wall) takes just 2.5 hours.
The aluminum-frame design offers 203 mm of travel in the front and 200 mm)of travel in the rear, both with
adjustable compression and rebound. Stopping power is provided by four-piston
hydraulic disc brakes in the front and dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes in the
rear. There’s also user-adjustable regenerative braking.
We haven’t heard any word yet on pricing, but don’t
expect it to be priced competitively with a US$ 500 250 W electric bike — this is
an entirely different beast. UBCO says that while the FRX1 is the first new EV to follow the
company’s UBCO 2×2 electric farm bike, it won’t be the last. The company is
planning more product announcements over the next year.
