Winter Specials & Innovation from The Electric Motor Vehicle Company

Published: July 2025 | As featured in the Southland Express

For several years now, The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) has been offering its own range of e-bikes under the GeoByke brand — built with large-capacity batteries for long range and powerful motors to conquer Southland and Central Otago’s growing network of trails.

These bikes make it easier for older riders and first-timers to enjoy the outdoors with family or even commute to work without relying on a car. The current lineup includes 12 models — from trikes and folding bikes to cargo models, twin battery cruisers, and full-suspension mountain bikes. More models are being added as demand grows.

✅ Winter Specials Now Available

EMVC is currently running winter promotions to help riders gear up before spring. It’s the perfect time to explore electric transport options for both recreation and daily use.

🛻 HISUN Electric UTVs for Farm & Commercial Use

Another major development is EMVC’s exclusive New Zealand agency for HISUN’s electric 4WD UTV range, ideal for farms, orchards, vineyards, lifestyle blocks, and tourism businesses. These quiet, powerful vehicles run all day on a single charge and can reduce emissions by up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Winter special pricing starts at $19,995 + GST, with custom options available to suit your needs. View specifications at www.electricmv.co.nz.

🔋 In-House Lithium Battery Innovation

EMVC now manufactures its own modular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. These stainless steel-cased units are maintenance-free, outlast the vehicle (10–15 years), and can be scaled to deliver over 160 km of range. They’re also hot-swappable — perfect for reducing downtime in the field.

These batteries are now being adapted for off-grid solar and wind storage too, helping Kiwis become more energy independent.

🚲 Explore the Full GeoByke Range

From folding commuter bikes and trail-ready cruisers to e-trikes and cargo haulers, there’s a GeoByke for every rider and purpose. While EMVC maintains a showroom display at Invercargill Central Mall, all test rides and purchases are handled at the main location:

279 Dee Street (corner of Fox Street), Invercargill

See the full lineup here: https://geobyke.nz/pages/bikes

Original article provided by the Southland Express. Content updated by The Electric Motor Vehicle Company.

Exciting Developments at The Electric Motor Vehicle Company
Great Winter Specials Now On Offer

Six years ago, Alex de Boer was working full-time in Invercargill, offering financial advice. He kept hearing the call for everyone to take ownership and help reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint. With 40% of emissions attributed to the transport sector, a transition to electric vehicles was clearly needed.

As an engineer, Alex understood the scale of the challenge.

“This shift is even bigger than the introduction of the internet — and look how important that has become in our lives,” he says.

Motivated to be part of the solution, Alex founded The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMV). His goal: to help people demystify electric transport and embrace this transition.

Regardless of personal views on climate change, the shift to electric vehicles was inevitable.

“Fossil fuels are neither sustainable nor healthy long-term. All technology is going digital, and electricity is the foundation. Vehicles will eventually become self-driving,” says Alex.

Helping Southland Transition to Electric

EMV began by importing late-model, low-kilometre electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles from Japan.

However, uptake in New Zealand has been slow compared to other countries:

🇳🇴 97% of cars sold in Norway last year were electric
🇨🇳 Over 50% of vehicles in China are now electric — helping combat pollution

“The NZ market will catch up as manufacturers continue their transition,” Alex believes.

Introducing GEOBYKE: E-Bikes for All Adventures

Another exciting initiative from EMV is the development of their own e-bike range — GEOBYKE. These bikes are designed for:

• Long-range riding with large-capacity batteries
• Handling rugged Southland and Central Otago trails
• Older riders and families enjoying the outdoors
• Commuters wanting to leave the car at home

HISUN UTVs: Clean, Quiet, Powerful Farm Vehicles

EMV has also introduced a range of HISUN 4WD UTVs, ideal for:

• Farms
• Orchards
• Vineyards
• Lifestyle blocks

Features include:

✅ Extremely quiet
✅ Full day operation on one charge
✅ Eco-friendly (reduces up to 10 tonnes of CO₂ annually)

Winter Special Price: Starting from $19,995
Customisation options available to suit your needs.

Advanced Lithium Battery Systems — Built In-House

One of EMV’s most innovative developments is their in-house production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries:

🔋 Maintenance-free
🔋 Outlast the vehicle
🔋 Stainless steel, modular casing
🔋 Expandable for ranges over 160km
🔋 Can power remote huts, cabins, or workstations

These batteries are also perfect for:

• Solar storage
• Wind power systems
• Off-grid living

Visit Us to See What’s New

We invite you to visit EMV and experience these exciting developments firsthand.

Whether you’re looking for:

• An electric car
• A GEOBYKE
• A HISUN UTV
• Or a clean energy solution

We’re here to help drive your electric future forward.

Geobyke Extends Range of E-Bikes for Trail, Road & Business

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company’s e-bike division, Geobyke, has expanded its lineup to suit a broader range of riders — from individuals and families to businesses.

Geobyke continues to focus on delivering the longest range, powerful assistance, and outstanding value.

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🚴‍♂️ Dual Battery Model for All-Day Riding

This new model offers a range of over 140 km — perfect for full-day trail rides without needing a recharge. It’s also ideal for rental operators wanting reliable long-distance performance.

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👨‍👩‍👧 20-Inch Low-Step E-Bike for Kids and Smaller Adults

Designed for smaller adults or children aged 8–14, this model features a 20-inch wheel, plus adjustable seat and handlebar heights. It can also suit taller riders, offering maximum flexibility for rentals and family use.

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🚐 Compact Folding E-Bike (Now in Low-Step)

We’ve added a low-step version of our popular folding 20-inch e-bike. It’s perfect for campervans, car boots, or the back seat — great for travel, quick errands, or trail fun.

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🛵 New Cargo E-Bike

Our cargo model is ideal for:

• Carrying up to two children in special safety seats
• Use by businesses to deliver goods, meals, or supplies

These bikes are hugely popular in Europe and California, and now available in Southland.

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👫 Tandem E-Bike

Ride together with our new 2-person tandem e-bike, featuring dual batteries. Great for couples or friends wanting to share the journey and stay closer on the trail. A smart addition for flat-terrain rental fleets.

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🛺 Geobyke E-Trike

Our electric trike is gaining popularity quickly — offering comfort, safety, and ease of use for riders of all ages.

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📍 Visit Our Display Space in Invercargill

You can view all Geobyke models at our new display space in the Invercargill City Mall, located opposite Westpac Bank and Ottos.

While the space is only occasionally manned, the bikes are clearly visible through the windows — beautifully laid out and well-lit inside the showroom. Two large screens continuously display details about our models so you can learn more at any time.

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🚲 Test Rides & Purchases

Come see us at our main showroom:

279 Dee Street (corner of Fox Street), Invercargill

We look forward to seeing you!

A lucky Christmas draw turned up an exceptionally lovely prize for Bluff’s Jennifer Kapene, who won the Geobyke giveaway.

Store owner Alex de Boer said his new electric bike store, Geobyke, based in Invercargill Central, was the sole New Zealand distributor of the specially imported electric bikes.

Geobyke had worked directly with the manufacturer to specifically design the bikes to meet New Zealand road and trail conditions, Mr de Boer said.

Invercargill Central Geobyke store manager Josh Haggerty welcomes all inquiries regarding any of the products it has available.

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company is hoping to make its electric bikes more accessible to Southlanders with a new retail store in Invercargill Central.

Managing director and engineer Alex de Boer has designed the Geobyke as a more affordable ebike option, better suited to Southland conditions.

And while the bikes’ components are manufactured in China, they are assembled in Invercargill.

But the company’s Avenal location was somewhat out of the way, de Boer said, and he wanted to bring the bikes closer to shoppers.

The new location also puts him in close proximity to hotels, making it easy for tourists to pick up rentals.

“We’ve got bikes for every occasion, as long as it’s electric,” de Boer said, “and there’s more variety on the way.”

The storefront – in the space that used to house the Toot Sweets pop-up store – had been done up in mossy green, but de Boer chose bright colours for some of his bikes.

“You want to show off something you’re proud of,” he said.

Along the walls, shoppers could see maps for some of the cycling trails around Southland.

The Geobyke store would be managed by former Torpedo 7 manager and former professional cyclist Joshua Haggerty who would be able to discuss buyers’ requirements to help them choose a bike.

The bikes, De Boer said, had a range of about 80km, depending on the power needed.

“So if you have to go up a hill, you’ve got the grunt to do so.”

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company started off selling already imported ebikes alongside its cars and UTVs, but De Boer said he often couldn’t pinpoint the bikes’ specs or reliability.

“I found that so frustrating.”

So being an engineer, he set about designing a bike himself, with features like using easy to source, common parts to make replacing spares easy and sustainable.

Now he was working on a lithium ion battery specifically for farms with a stainless steel box that can’t be punctured and won’t be susceptible to corrosive substances such as animal urine.

“If a battery fails for some reason, we can take it apart and fix it within 30 minutes,” De Boer said.

He was also working with solar and wind energy installers who could use the batteries during down times.

“In a modern age, companies like ours need to think outside the square,” he said.

His commitment to sustainability even extends to everyday business practice with the store being completely paperless.

“For an old bugger like me, it’s hard to pull me into,” de Boer joked.

REVERSE MODE | VARIABLE TRANSMISSION MODES | 3 LEVELS OF RIDING MODE | VARIABLE TRACTION CONTROL THROTTLE SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENT | VARIABLE REGENERATIVE BRAKING | TILT PROTECTION | USB PORT | CHARGING POWER ADJUSTMENT PARK BRAKE | WON’T MOVE IF BIKE STAND IS DOWN

Introducing the SURRON ULTRA BEE X electric dirk bike. A groundbreaking innovation, and a monumental accomplishment in the world of electric off road motorcycling. Drawing from the knowledge acquired through the development of the existing Bee Series and years of racing experience the Surron Ultra Bee is set to revolutionize the electric off-road adventure.

Weighing only 85 kg with a 6kw motor developing 440N.m of torque and reaching 90km/h the acceleration is instant easy to wheel stand !

The 74V lithium ion battery delivers great power and combined with 4.07KWh of capacity gives a driving range of 104 km at 55km/h.

There is the option of a trail version or a road version.

At only 20% of the price of the SURRON we have the KUGOO WISH electric motorbike to suit younger members of the family so they can join in the off road adventures. This power packed performer features:

•  A rear hub-mounted 3 KW motor
•  A 48V lithium-ion battery with 768-watt capacity
•  A top speed of 55km/h
•  Disc brakes
•  40-50 km range.

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd have the SURRON and KUGOO in stock and spare parts are available ex Christchurch and Auckland delivered via courier as required. The other versions of the bike can be obtained at short notice.

“ The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd specializes in E- Mobility and offers electric and hybrid cars, E-Bikes, E- Scooters, and Hisun off-road UTVs and not having a great electric motor bike has always left a hole in our ability to offer our clients a full range to meet their mobility needs,” says Mr Alex de Boer , Managing Director. “ We did have a Surron for a short time but the model was too small and the availability was not well established. Now there is a strong importer to ensure stock and parts availability we feel more confident to promote it to our clients. “

The Surron combined with the smaller and much cheaper Kugoo Wish is a great buy for the life style block or great off road fun for the family.

The HISUN Elite Story: NZ’s Next-Gen Electric UTV, Built by EMVC

Leading the Shift to Electric Transport in Aotearoa

Approximately five years ago, The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMVC) was formed to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel in New Zealand’s light transport fleet. The initial focus was on electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid cars, supporting early adopters on their journey to zero-emission transport.

From Cars to E-Bikes: The Birth of Geobyke

With the rise in popularity of off-road cycling trails, EMVC quickly expanded into electric bikes (E-Bikes). To meet demand, the company launched its own E-Bike brand: Geobyke — now a trusted name for quality and value across NZ.

Tackling Emissions in the UTV Market

While growing its presence in the E-Bike market, EMVC also set out to address a high-emission segment: utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).

Every litre of petrol burned produces approximately 2.3 kg of CO₂, and a heavily used UTV can generate 8,000 kg or more of CO₂ per year.

Recognising the need for low-emission alternatives, EMVC began developing an electric UTV (E-UTV) solution. Benefits of switching to electric include:

• Zero tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Quiet operation
• Reliable torque and acceleration
• Reduced maintenance requirements

At the heart of these vehicles is a LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) battery, offering over 10 years of usable life with minimal servicing.

Partnering with Hisun Motors

To source the best platform, EMVC partnered with Hisun Motors, a well-established manufacturer of ATVs and UTVs based in China. Founded in 1988 and employing over 1,700 people, Hisun builds the majority of its components in-house and has a significant presence in Europe and the US (Texas).

EMVC secured exclusive distribution rights for electric Hisun UTVs in Southland, aligning with its vision of an all-electric fleet. Petrol models were phased out following the COVID-19 disruptions and shift in global supply strategies.

Local Assembly, Customization & Cost Reduction

EMVC now imports knockdown units of the Hisun E-UTV range directly into Bluff Port, where they’re assembled locally in the company’s Southland facility.

This approach:

• Reduces overall costs
• Allows vehicle customization for NZ conditions
• Enables on-site quality control and testing

The upgraded, NZ-assembled version of the vehicle is now marketed as the HISUN ELITE.

Battery Innovation: NZ-Made, Modular & Swappable

A standout feature of the HISUN ELITE is its custom-designed LiFePO₄ modular battery, assembled in Invercargill. Built using internationally sourced premium cells and battery management systems, this modular pack offers:

• Quick slide-in/out replacement
• Simplified maintenance and fault diagnosis
• Expandable capacity for longer range
• Potential for battery swapping stations
• Cross-application use for solar or wind energy storage
• Leasing options to reduce capital cost for clients

This design also sidesteps the logistical and compliance challenges of shipping batteries internationally.

Nationwide Support Network & Delivery

To support its growing customer base, EMVC is building a nationwide network of service agents. Once a vehicle is assembled and tested, it’s:

• Shipped via curtain-sider truck
• Delivered to the local service agent
• Final-checked and delivered with training and support

This system ensures that every customer gets not just a cutting-edge electric UTV, but also the service and education to use it effectively.

⚡ Why Choose the HISUN Elite by EMVC?

• ✅ Zero-emission electric UTVs
• ✅ Locally assembled for NZ conditions
• ✅ Modular battery system built in Invercargill
• ✅ Customizable design and delivery
• ✅ Strong nationwide service support

Want to learn more about our HISUN Elite E-UTVs or modular battery systems?
📞 Contact us today to discuss your electric transport needs.