When a small design team in Auckland set out to build a new kind of electric bike, they weren’t aiming for speed or flashy looks. Their goal was something far more ambitious — to go further on a single charge than any other e-bike in its class.
Last week, they proved they had done exactly that.
A ride that just kept going
In a carefully monitored test ride along the Hauraki Rail Trail, the prototype e-bike covered an astonishing 367 kilometres before its battery finally ran flat. That’s more than double the range of most premium e-bikes currently on the market.
To put that in perspective, it’s the equivalent of riding from Auckland to Napier on a single charge — without once plugging in.
“We wanted to see what was possible if we optimised every detail,” says project lead Liam Tan. “We weren’t interested in marketing claims — this was about real-world performance.”
The secret to the range
The record-breaking ride was the result of several key innovations:
- Ultra-efficient motor system developed in-house to reduce energy loss.
- Lightweight carbon-fibre frame designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
- High-density battery pack built with a unique cooling system, keeping performance steady even after hours of riding.
- Regenerative braking, allowing the bike to recover energy on downhill stretches.
Together, these changes allowed the bike to run at optimal efficiency for far longer than standard models.
| Feature | Standard E-Bike | Auckland Prototype |
|---|---|---|
| Average range | 120–150 km | 367 km |
| Frame weight | 23 kg | 17 kg |
| Battery capacity | 750 Wh | 1,200 Wh |
| Charging time | 6 hours | 4 hours |
Designed for New Zealand roads — and beyond
While the record attempt took place on a relatively flat trail, the design team says the bike is built for mixed terrain, from city commutes to rural gravel tracks.
“We tested it in Wellington’s hills, on Otago’s rail trails, and even on the West Coast’s windy roads,” Tan explains. “It performed better than we expected every time.”
One of the key goals was to make long-distance cycling more practical for people who want to ditch the car for certain trips. With a range like this, riders could take multi-day journeys with minimal charging stops.
What it could mean for the e-bike market
Globally, e-bike sales have surged in the past five years, driven by urban commuters and adventure cyclists alike. But range anxiety — the fear of running out of power mid-ride — remains a common concern.
If this Auckland-built design reaches production, it could set a new benchmark for what’s possible in consumer models.
“A range like this changes how people think about e-bikes,” says transport analyst Sarah McKenzie. “Suddenly, they’re not just for short trips — they’re for touring, exploring, and even replacing a second car.”
Still a prototype — for now
The record-breaking bike isn’t available to buy just yet. The team is currently seeking manufacturing partners and expects a limited production run within two years.
They also plan to release different models: a long-range touring bike, a city commuter, and a cargo e-bike capable of hauling groceries or equipment without cutting range dramatically.
A glimpse of the future
For Tan and his team, the achievement is more than just a number. It’s a sign of what’s possible when technology, design, and local ingenuity come together.
“New Zealand isn’t always the first place people think of for high-tech transport innovation,” Tan says. “But we’ve got the talent, and now we’ve shown we can compete with — and even beat — the biggest names.”
Whether you’re a weekend rider dreaming of longer trails or a commuter looking to go further between charges, the Auckland e-bike’s record ride hints at a future where the only limit is how far your legs are willing to pedal.
