There was once a time when the words “Electric Bikes” and “Hunting” had no business being phrased together, but not anymore! Technology has made it far into the hunting world, and if you’re an avid hunter, you better hop on the train!
Finding a quick, easy, and quiet way to go back and forth between hunting locations, check trail cams, as well as carry your gear and (hopefully) prizes, can be pretty tricky to do. However, this is exactly where an electric bike would come in handy!
So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this off-road machine; how it works, what makes it so special, and how can you score the best possible buy.
What are Electric Bikes?
Well, when you read the term electric bike, you might think it’s a bike operated entirely using an electric-powered motor, but that’s not quite the case.
Electric bikes are designed in a way that allows both manual and electric-powered functions, setting them apart from motorcycles and scooters. Just like ordinary bicycles, electric bikes carry old-school pedals, but you’ll notice one major difference; an electric motor attached to it.
The idea here is for you to pedal like you normally would, but when you’re faced with a situation that requires some extra push, the electric motor will provide you with the needed support for a smoother ride. This is particularly helpful if you have to get up long steep hills or some rocky tracks.
Now that you get the jest of it, you’re probably wondering how did e-bikes join the hunting club? Well, manufacturers adapted electric bikes in a way that focuses primarily on the motor, with the rest of the bike built around that power maker.
This makes lots of sense because if you’re using an electric bike for hunting, you want a motor that’s capable of supplying enough power to carry your weight while still towing your gear filled trailer behind. Most quality e-bikes can easily take on a 300-pound rider plus their gear.
Why Electric Bikes are A Game Changer For Hunters?
The thought of using an electric bike for hunting may be starting to tickle your fancy already, but there’s more! We’re going to list out a few of the numerous ways in which an electric bike can seriously crank up your game this hunting season.
Stealth
It’s well known that the key to successful hunting is all about remaining undetected. However, this is also the most challenging aspect of the sport. You want to be able to reach your blind or tree stand as quietly as possible, which is rather crucial to avoid scaring off prey. Not only are animals extremely alert to sounds, but they can also catch the movements and scents around them, making your job that much harder.
You can certainly choose to walk the distance, but going back and forth 10 miles with all your gear doesn’t seem very appealing, not to mention how sweaty and exhausting it would get. Using ATVs or dirt bikes isn’t any better either, as they can get super loud pumping out lots of smelly fumes.
Electric bikes, on the other hand, are very stealthy thanks to their motors that don’t run as loud or vibrate as violently as gas-powered engines normally do. They also give off zero fumes, thus eliminating any odors sourced from you or your ride when you’re out there. This boils down to greater chances of scoring your kill, doing it faster and more efficiently.
Speed
Again, you can choose to walk in and out of your hunting zone, but that usually takes a lot of time considering the weight of your gear and possibly your kill, both strapped to your back or dragged out behind you, slowing you down big time.
However, if you’re using an electric bike, you won’t have to worry about how slow your pace is. E-bikes are pretty fast, so the journey back and forth would take so much less time, allowing you to do more with your day.
Gear
Why carry the burden when you can have your e-bike do it for you? As a hunter, you know you have to stack up on gear and supplies, lots of them. Even more so if you’re heading out to remote areas in which case you would need enough resources to last you a full day or maybe a few days on end, to guarantee your safety while you’re out in the open.
Surely your back won’t fit all of that, but an electric hunting bike with racks, saddlebags, and handlebar bags definitely would. You’ll have plenty of storage space to carry everything you need for a longer stay in the wilderness and better odds of returning with that special prize.
Moreover, the weight of your gear won’t be an issue here as e-bikes have the capacity of carrying up to 300 pounds and above, with enough power to even tow some more.
Trail Access
The hunting sport makes an unspoken promise of pushing you farther from easy trails to areas of difficult terrain as you level up your experience and dive deeper into the wilderness. Many exclusive hunting spots require you to traverse through tricky grounds and treacherous territories just to reach them, which can limit your ability to explore these areas, let alone hunt in them.
Electric bikes, however, have no problems navigating even the hardest territories, granting you access to a wide range of trails you never thought was possible.
Simple Ride
You don’t need to be an engine expert to figure out working an electric bike. In fact, all you need to know is just how to pedal! Chances are you’ve already learned this years ago, and even if it’s not your strongest skill, electric bikes are super easy to ride as they are motor-assisted.
Maintenance is yet another simple task when it comes to electric hunting bikes. It doesn’t require wrapping your head around complicated topics like turning carburetors, compressors, or mixing fuel. The only job you may need to do is replace parts like the battery, but even that is much easier than changing a crank or a cylinder on a gas-powered motor.
Furthermore, there’s no special degree or license needed to work on or ride an electric bike, so nearly anyone can use it! Also, you can ride one almost anywhere as most states allow riding e-bikes of 750w’s or below without a license, whereas dirt bikes, for example, aren’t allowed to be ridden by users under 18 years and/or without a license.
The Return
Once you’ve got your trophy in the bag, you arrive at the moment of transporting it all the way back. You know what I’m talking about, dragging out a dead carcass which can be rather heavy at times. So what’s the best way to get the job done? Well, it’s surely not by hand where not only is it tedious, but also pretty dangerous.
An electric hunting bike can help you with such a task using a cargo trailer so you can easily load your game and get going. This is great because it facilitates moving larger animals that usually require multiple people to carry out of the wilderness, enabling you to do it on your own.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Hunting Electric Bike
Since electric hunting bikes don’t come cheap, you want to make sure you’re investing in the best e-bike your money can buy. So here are a few of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Motor
The whole design and build of an electric bike revolve around its motor, making it undoubtedly the most crucial component. This makes sense because the motor is the source of power, it’s what actually gives electric bikes their name.
Which brings us to the question: which e-bike motor is the best? Well, it depends, what type of terrain are you planning to conquer? Let’s see, shall we?
Rear Hub Motor
If you’re riding through moderate terrain, nothing too steep (maximum 20°), with a few hills here and there, a rear hub motor would suit you quite well without the need for more expensive mid-drive or ultra drive motors.
You can find this motor sitting inside the back wheel. It’s a rather simple design that doesn’t cost much to manufacture, which is why you’ll find it on less expensive electric bikes that aren’t meant for extreme terrains.
Rear hub motors give a similar push as a motorcycle would, generating immense power from the backside of the bike. A bittersweet feature is the drive chain mechanism working the motor. On one side, if the chain was to snap, you’d still be able to get back home as the rear hub spins the wheel. On the other hand, it wouldn’t operate the bike until fixed or replaced. The issue is becoming less and less encountered by rides thanks to manufacturers using hardened steel chain links.
Mid Drive Motor
If you’re kicking things up a notch and moving towards a moderate to rough terrain that required some hill climbing action, the mid-drive motor could be the one for you.
This type of motor sits enclosed inside the frame between the pedals. The produced force is more balanced and evenly distributed to give a natural feel to your riding experience. The performance of the mid-drive motor is characterized by a higher torque, which gives it the extra push to overcome hills.
Mid-drive motors don’t rotate the wheel as rear hub motors do, instead, they drive the crank which actually increases the power output allowing for a fierce ride. However, this design is rather expensive, the reason electric bikes with this motor carry a hefty price tag.
Ultra Mid Drive Motor
For hunters going above and beyond with challenging terrains and rough trails, those who are looking for complete control yet brutal force, no motor will get the job done better than the ultra mid-drive motor.
The ultra mid-drive motors are considered the best among all motors available on the market for electric bikes, rightfully so too. The capabilities of this motor exceed any of those seen on a regular mid-drive motor.
On a mid-drive motor, you can see speed and cadence sensors. But on an ultra mid-drive motor, you’ll find a torque sensor as well. This type of sensor is how you can achieve full control over your bike. As you pedal harder, the assistance provided will increase proportionally.
There are additional sensors added to reduce power when you’re shifting gears to give you a smoother ride.
Range
The range is mainly determined by the battery, it’s the distance covered by a full charge. A shady brand with a low-quality battery will definitely have a poor charge efficiency as well as a short lifetime. However, with well-recognized brands like LG, Panasonic or Samsung, you generally get high-end long-lasting performance.
If you’re interested in calculating the true range of an electric bike after reading its listing, here’s the general rule: multiply the number of volts by the number of Ah, the result is a value known as Watt Hours. On average, an electric bike will spend about 20 Watts per hour, so divide the latter value by 20 and voila, you got the range.
This range is purely throttle, without pedaling included. If you add pedal assistance, the range can double. The rider’s weight, terrain type, and weather conditions will also affect the battery and consequently, the range.
Frame
The frame of an electric hunting bike should be robust enough to survive harsh terrain and rough hits, yet light enough so you can easily transport it.
Suspension
Front suspension is absolutely indispensable if you’re looking for a smooth ride. Without it, you’ll suffer from annoying vibrations all the way through your trips.
Tire Size
An electric bike tuned for hunting will ideally have fat tires ranging between 4 inches to 4.8 inches. This will guarantee your ability to navigate any terrain no matter how stubborn it is.
Our Picks and In-Depth Reviews
Among lots of impressive electric hunting bikes, 4 candidates really stood out to us, delivering the most efficient and reliable performances.
Rambo R1000XP
Top Features
- Powerful 1000-watt Bafang mid-drive motor
- Ruggedized bike frame with premium fat tires
- 20 miles range on pure throttle
- Front air suspension and large hydraulic disc brakes
- 28 mph top speed
Starting off our list, we knew we had to go straight to the Rambo R1000XP. It’s the go-to e-bike when you’re on the hunt (pun totally intended) for power, versatility, and durability.
The mid-drive Bafang BBSHD high-torque motor gives you 1000 Watts of raw power, which means you’ll be prepared to take on any type of terrain. The Rambo 1000XP features five different levels of pedal assist as well as 11 gear settings, giving you complete freedom of controlling the perfect mix of speed and torque to handle any climb.
The frame stands on 26-inch rims with a conventional structure that lets you use whatever electric bike accessories you want. Such accessories offer so many advantages from towing larger prey, extra storage space, and even solar panels for charging your battery while you’re out in the open!
The top speed of the Rambo R1000XP goes all the way up to 28 mph which is pretty fast compared to other e-bikes. The Panasonic high-capacity battery of 48V/14.5Ah offers you a range of 20 miles unassisted per a single charge.
With the R1000XP, the folks at Rambo successfully unleashed the real beast into the woods, a habit that seems to follow with all their electric fat tire hunting bikes.
QuietKat Ranger 750W
Top Features
- Bafang 750-watt Hub-Drive Motor
- Top speed: 19 mph
- 20 miles range
- Battery fully recharges in 6 hours
- 7-inch mechanical brakes
There was no way the QuietKat 750W Ranger wouldn’t make its presence known on our list of the best electric bikes for hunting. Delivering speed, force, and stealth, what’s not to love about it?
The Bafang mid-drive motor provides 750 Watts of power, allowing you to ride through all kinds of trails. Even with its capable motor, you don’t need to worry about sounds alerting the animals as it operates super quietly. The motor is tightly sealed to fend off wearing agents such as rain, snow, and mud.
This e-bike also offers a decent speed of 19 mph unassisted, of course, if you do some pedaling, it’ll be a whole different story. It has 7-speed gearing as well as 7-inch mechanical brakes so you can stop as quickly as you ride. The 26-inch fat tires are perfect for heavy-duty rides. You’ll also find the frame to be made of 6061 aluminum, sturdy yet lightweight. Additionally, you’d be pleased to see such an e-bike offering 20 miles of range thanks to its Panasonic battery of 48V/11.6Ah.
QuietKat is no stranger to high-quality electric bikes, and their 750-watt Ranger is no exception. It combines safety and dependability, deeming it one the best QuietKat fat tire e-bikes, hands down.
BackCountry eBikes 2019 Mule
Top Features
- Bafang Ultra 750W/1000W mid-drive motor with Torque sensor
- Over 30 miles of range
- Top speed: 750W/20mph , 1000W/28 mph
- Walk-off assist mode at 2.5 mph
BackCountry eBikes have graced us with one special powerhouse, the 2019 Mule is considered the best electric bike for hunting by loads of people, and looking at its features and specs, we can surely get on the same boat!
The Mule gives you a choice between either 750-watt or 1000-watt, both generated by the almighty ultra mid-drive Bafang motor, so you know you’re getting a monstrous performance on steep hills and challenging terrain no matter what! Also, even though the Mule packs an ultra mid-drive motor, you’ll find it less expensive than the other 1000 watt e-bikes such as the Rumbo R1000XP.
The 750-watt model and the 1000-watt model reach a top speed of 20 mph and 28 mph respectively, without any peddling. The aluminum alloy 6061 sturdy frame ranges from 5’5″ to 6’4″ in size, so you can choose the most suitable one for you.
Its battery is built with Samsung cells, with 48V and 14.5Ah, offering you an insane range of over 30 miles. This means you get to freely explore hunting areas without worrying about the charge. Larger battery options available to increase range.
Last but not least, a super cool feature on the Mule is the walk-assist mode, which basically lets you and your e-bile to walk along with each other, but of course, it’ll be doing all the heavy lifting!
Rungu Electric Juggernaut
Top Features
- Patented dual-handlebar steering mechanism
- Two front wheels and single rear wheel
- Top speed: 22 mph
- 18 miles unassisted range
- Bafang 1000-watt mid-drive motor
Ending at the epitome of design, the Rungu Electric Juggernaut is literally what a crossover between a bicycle and an ATV would look like.
Taking the terrain versatility to a whole new level, this electric bike boasts not one, but two massive fat tires at the front, each one with its own suspension, and a third wheel at the back. The triple threat allows this e-bike to conquer a multitude of rough and difficult trails like no other bike would.
Pushing in even more power, the Juggernaut also carries a mid-drive motor generating 1000 watts of sheer force and 22 mph top speed. The 52V/15Ah battery offers about 18 miles of range unassisted, reaching over 50 miles with pedaling.
Between the unique design and brutal power, the Rungu Juggernaut proves why it deserves a spot among the best electric hunting bikes.
Top Brands and Manufacturers
Several manufacturers have electric bikes available on the market, however, we’re going to take a closer look at particularly four of the best brands, all known to produce high-quality electric hunting bikes.
QuietKat
First up, we got QuietKat, a manufacturer that has been around long enough to know how to present you top-notch bikes with a large selection of models to choose from according to your specific needs.
QuietKat pride themselves in being manufacturers of “All Terrain, All Electric” heavy-duty bikes oriented towards hunting, granting you quieter and deeper access into the wilderness.
Their electric bikes are sturdy, easy to control, and incredibly portable. They are driven by powerful Lithium-ion batteries that can be completely recharged in only 6 hours, making the QuietKat electric bikes eco-friendly as well as efficient. QuietKat offers a lifetime warranty on the frame against defective workmanship. Any other component has one year of warranty.
Rambo Bikes
Out of true love for the outdoors, Rambo comes in with e-bikes built from high-quality materials, investing lots of time into designing electric bikes geared towards hunting. You’ll find many of their models even sporting a camo paint job.
Their fat tire bikes are made to fit all types of terrain, especially rough trails. Rambo Bikes offers a one-year warranty for the frame and components. When you ride a Rambo, you’re promised a powerful, stealthy performance that allows you to travel whisper-quiet into the woods.
BackCountry eBikes
If you’re looking for an electric bike combining durability as well as affordability, then BackCountry eBikes maybe just the brand for you. They’re relatively new to the market, but their efforts to produce e-bikes of a quality level that competes with both QuietKat and Rambo Bikes yet at a lower cost is highly impressive.
BackCountry eBikes come in four different models, to appeal to a variety of hunters’ demands. All of them are backed up with a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship on its frame, motor, and battery.
Rungu
Introducing a unique construction, this innovative approach to electric bikes comes from none other than Rungu, offering the best of e-bike and ATV worlds. The two “wheels in front” design grants you full control and smooth steering when riding on soft terrain as well as paved roads
However, the serious advantage shines through when you’re dealing with off-road handling, giving you access to the most difficult trails. Rungu stands behind the quality of its products, backing it up with a 1-year warranty and 30-day refund policy.
FAQs
How tall can you be and still ride a Rungu e-bike?
Rungu offers options for riders of up to 6’6″ (198cm) and taller. However, if you’re taller than 6’3″ (190cm), they recommend steering risers and saddle upgrades.
How fast can an electric bike go?
Most electric bikes in the U.S. will reach a top speed of 20 mph before the most widespread accepted ‘street legal’ cap.
How far can electric bikes go?
On average, electric bikes have a range of 20 to 30 miles. It really depends on the riding conditions.
How much power do electric bikes have?
Electric bikes can range from 250 watts al the way up to 750 or even 1000 watts.
Can I charge the battery by pedaling?
Not all electric bikes offer this option. However, the ones that allow this feature will require a substantial pedaling amount.
Wrap Up
Devoted hunters always strive for more. More stealth, more speed, and more power. Electric bikes offer exactly this, and then some more. E-bikes save you time and energy, all the while keeping your presence under the radar. Surely traditional ways worked once, but the bigger challenges this sport involves, the smarter you, as a hunter, need to work. So, as we conclude our discussion, we hope we’ve provided you with enough insight and options to help you optimize your hunting experience using electric hunting bikes.
