A Central Queensland Australia Post contractor is electrifying his two-wheel fleet with the Duo electric moped from Brisbane-based electric micro-mobility provider Benzina Zero.
Benzina Zero, which was founded in 2019, bills itself as an electric moped and scooter distributor providing built for purpose transport solutions for individuals and businesses.
With a number of electric road scooters, mopeds, and electric bicycles, the company has already made headlines in mid-2023 when it partnered with pizza chain Domino’s after successful trials with the Duo electric moped.
The Benzina Zero Duo is again making headlines after Australia Post Contractor, David Freeman, who runs the Licensed Post Office (LPO) in Longreach in Central Queensland, decided to make the switch to electrify his two-wheel fleet of mail delivery vehicles.
With a top speed of 50km/h and a range of 105 kilometres, the Duo retails at only $4,650 and can be equipped with a range of storage and carry options.
The moped’s build quality and twin tubular frame design also stand out as unique features of the Duo, features which caught the eye of Freeman.
“It was the practicality of the Duo design that grabbed my attention first,” said Freeman.
“There is no other scooter [on] the market that has this level of carrying capacity, far more than any of our pervious two-wheelers, and as we are carrying more parcels today this will streamline our delivery capacity. The Duo is super rugged with no plastic body panels to damage and when we get to end of life there is less to recycle.”
Benzina Zero have also developed a fitting system for the Duo that will allow Australia Post to utilise its panniers and top box that are currently used on the existing Honda “Postie” – a bike that is no longer available in Australia.
Additionally, the “Postie” delivery kit for the Duo also includes upgraded folding comfort footrests, a large 53L front basket, a phone holder, and USB charger. The rack adapter mount for the panniers and top box will also fit both the Duo as well as its more powerful sibling, the Duo+, which offers a top speed of 65km/h but a reduced range of 90 kilometres.
“We have purchased extra batteries so we can charge them from our solar system at our post office,” Freeman says.
“The benefits of the low running costs and reduced servicing requirements compared to my old bikes. The Duo’s become very cost effective, plus they look amazing”.
“I have already been speaking with other mail contractors who are looking to make the switch and the Duo is the perfect replacement for their petrol two-wheelers.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.