Australia Post was on a mission to revolutionize their postal fleet. Enter UBCO. Together, we embarked on a journey to replace their traditional gas-powered Honda 110 motorcycles with a sustainable, electric alternative. Driven by a commitment to reducing emissions, costs, and enhancing safety for their team members, we designed a bike that would redefine postal delivery. Learn more about this innovative solution that recently won Gold at the 2024 Australian Good Design Awards.
A Collaborative Triumph
The brief required a rear-wheel-drive motorcycle capable of traversing diverse terrains at speeds up to 53mph/85kph while maintaining a range of approximately 62mi/100km. We needed to match or exceed the performance of their existing fleet while adhering to the stringent safety and usability standards for high-volume delivery operations.
Selected from a pool of competitive OEMs, UBCO's expertise and strong working relationship with Australia Post propelled us to the forefront of this project. Within a tight 18-month timeline, we successfully developed, engineered, and manufactured the initial order of 175 bikes.
A User-Centred Approach
Our design process was deeply rooted in understanding the needs of Australia Post's posties. Recognising their daily reliance on their vehicles, and the entrenched familiarity of users with the incumbent product, we meticulously addressed their underlying needs while introducing significant enhancements. Through iterative design, testing, and feedback, we refined the user experience and ensured a seamless transition.
Concurrent Development and Innovation
Beyond user experience, we focused on achieving manufacturing and cost targets, safety, and regulatory compliance. Our concurrent development approach allowed us to efficiently manage the tight timeline. By partitioning the project into manageable subtasks, identifying knowledge gaps, and fostering a culture of experimentation, we accelerated progress while maintaining quality.
Key Elements of Our Design Process:
- Test-and-Learn Iterations: Rapid prototyping and user trials ensured continuous improvement.
- User-Centred Focus: Understanding end-user needs was paramount.
- Concurrent Development: Simultaneous work on multiple aspects streamlined the process.
- Prioritising Essentials: We focused on the most critical tasks to drive efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges
The project presented several challenges, including the tight timeline, diverse terrain requirements, higher performance demands, and the need to meet the specific requirements of a large-scale delivery fleet. Through innovative design, rigorous testing, and close collaboration with Australia Post, we successfully addressed these obstacles.
The Result: DUTY. Next generation electric performance
DUTY showcases UBCO's ability to rapidly innovate and develop products that meet the unique needs of our customers.
With a top speed of 59mph/95kph, the rear-wheel drive DUTY is all-road capable – for city streets, arterial roads, and unpaved tracks. Designed for both rider and cargo, it comfortably carries up to 353lbs/160kg and boasts an approximate 62mi/100km range, while also offering operational efficiency, low emissions, low noise, and exceptional performance.
A Milestone for Electric Vehicles
The collaboration between UBCO and Australia Post marks a significant milestone for the electric motorcycle industry. It demonstrates the potential for electric vehicles to replace traditional ICE vehicles in demanding applications, reducing emissions and improving sustainability in transportation, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Read more about how the DUTY bike was developed in partnership with Australia Post in our case study. You can also learn more about how the DUTY bike can help your fleet operations here.
