Your postie’s ride is getting a silent upgrade—and it’s coming before Christmas!

For decades, the low hum of postie bikes has echoed through Australian suburbs, as familiar as the scent of weekend barbecues or the rustle of the morning paper.

But that nostalgic soundtrack is about to fade into silence.

The beloved Honda CT110s that defined neighbourhood deliveries for generations are being retired for good.

Australia Post has announced it will roll out 500 new three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles across the country, replacing the classic motorbikes that have served since the 1970s.

The modern replacements, known as Rapide 3 electric trikes, will hit the streets before Christmas to help manage the seasonal rush and expand what’s already Australia’s largest electric delivery fleet.

A quieter revolution is coming to your street

The Rapide 3 models feature three-wheel stability, a built-in canopy, and can reach speeds of up to 80km/h with a range of 180km per charge.

For locals, that means the once-familiar putt-putt of the postie bike will be replaced with near silence—marking the end of an era that stretched across generations.

While the nostalgia may sting, there’s solid reasoning behind the switch.

Australia Post’s business has evolved—parcels now far outnumber letters, and the old postie bikes simply can’t keep up with growing package volumes.

The new Kyburz DXPs can carry significantly more, offering efficiency and sustainability rolled into one.

Safety is another key motivator.

According to CEO Paul Graham, the motorbikes were still the most dangerous vehicles in the fleet—a reality that has driven the push for safer alternatives.

The new trikes are built by Swiss company Kyburz and customised for Australia Post, including modern upgrades like reversing cameras, suspended seats, and auto-locking storage bins to prevent mail theft.

They also handle wet roads better and improve visibility for both posties and other road users.

Each vehicle can carry over 100 small parcels and up to 1,200 letters—an upgrade that will help posties manage peak periods like Christmas more efficiently.

The timing of this rollout is no coincidence, as online shopping continues to rise—especially among seniors who’ve embraced digital buying for convenience.

The move is also part of a larger push towards environmental responsibility.

Australia Post now operates more than 5,100 electric vehicles nationwide—the biggest electric delivery fleet in the country.

The company aims to cut carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2025, with electric vehicles forming a central part of that commitment.

For eco-conscious Australians, it’s a promising step toward greener communities and quieter mornings.

Where the new trikes will appear first

New South Wales will lead the rollout, followed by Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT.

The Northern Territory will see its first trike deployed in Darwin.

This staggered introduction allows for different terrains and delivery demands to be properly assessed.

Training programs are already in motion to help postal workers transition smoothly.

While younger posties might miss the nostalgic hum of the old Hondas, mature-aged workers have welcomed the new models for their comfort and practicality.

A global shift toward cleaner deliveries

Globally, this shift aligns with a wider trend.

Australia Post joins companies like FedEx, ANC Delivers, and Linfox in electrifying their fleets, as parcel volumes continue to surge year after year.

Though it signals the end of a uniquely Australian soundscape, this transformation represents progress—safer, quieter, and more efficient deliveries that support both people and the planet.

For seniors who grew up with the cheerful chug of the Honda postie bike, seeing the silent electric trikes glide past may feel bittersweet—but it’s a glimpse into the future of postal delivery.

As Australia Post shifts to electric trikes, it’s clear this isn’t just a one-off upgrade—it’s part of a much bigger transformation across the delivery network.

The move toward sustainability is spreading quickly, and even those iconic red vans are getting a high-tech makeover.

If you’re curious about how this larger transition is reshaping the postal fleet, there’s another story worth checking out.

Read more: Remember the old red Australia Post vans? Electric ones are taking over

Will you miss the iconic putt-putt of the postie bike, or are you ready to welcome the quiet hum of progress on your street?