Fieldays International Innovation Award for UBCO electric bike

An electric farm bike has won the International Innovation Award at the 50th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays.

UBCO's two-wheel drive electric utility vehicle was praised for being e-smart, eco-friendly and safer than competing farm bikes and ATVs.

Judges said Kiwi-based company UBCO appeared to have effectively analysed the requirements of its target markets and improved on their previous models to create the vehicle.

Judges said its features are sure to be appealing to farmers right across the sector in New Zealand and overseas, as well as recreational and urban markets due to its suitability on and off road.

The UBCO team with the winning bike. Photo / Stephen Barker / Barker Photography

UBCO chief executive Timothy Allan said: "The first heavy use owner said it was like walking around his farm but quicker, so quietness has turned out to be one of the most important things this bike has brought to the farm.

"As an electric vehicle it has a lot less moving parts with the battery replacing a gas tank and no use for an external drive train means greater durability and a longer life."

"Winning this award against major international agritech companies is a huge honour and a recognition for our team's hard work. With Fieldays being an internationally recognised event, it provides a great endorsement for this product in the global farming community."

There were nine entries in the International Innovations Awards with judges awarding Equilume from Ireland a highly commended. Equilume stood out as featuring exciting new technology which will impact New Zealand considerably.

The device provides a low level of blue light in a single eye that can increase milk yields during winter months and has great potential after finalising the product design and some market research.