One of the most talked about products in the hunting industry right now is electric bicycles. Until recently, I didn’t realize how many hunters were considering an ebike but after spending nine days at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, the message was loud and clear, the hunting community has embraced electric bikes and they’re seeing the benefits of an ebike can improve their hunting experience.
Electric hunting bikes are becoming more popular with many avid hunters because you can utilize them in areas that ATVs and UTVs aren’t allowed. Electric bikes make much less noise and are easier to haul and from your hunting area. Electric bikes are not designed to replace your ATV or UTV, they’re designed to provide you with another option to get in and out of the woods
Can You Use Any Electric Bike as a Hunting Bike?
Although similar in some ways, a hunting e-bike is very different from an electric mountain bike made by brands like Trek, Santa Cruz, and Specialized. Hunting versions are usually sturdier and capable of carrying more weight. Most offer features specifically for hunters, including camouflage paint and optional racks and trailers to haul your hunting gear.
I used to do a lot of mountain biking, so I’m familiar with the high-end brands mentioned above and they make some of the best mountain bikes on the market, including electric bikes. However, they do not make electric bikes specifically for hunters. Hunters need storage options and additional load capacity when it’s time to haul out the quarters of an elk! The rear rack is a common feature found on hunting ebikes.
Can you utilize any ebike for hunting? Of course, you can but you’ll get better use in a hunting environment by utilizing an ebike from brands like QuietKat, Bakcou, and Rambo. Think of it like vehicles. Can you drive any vehicle to work? Probably so. Can you haul a pallet of deer corn in any type of vehicle? NO! You need a truck (or a vehicle capable of hauling a cargo trailer at least).
Benefits of Using an Electric Bike for Hunting
- Quieter approach in and out of the woods
- Get to your hunting spot faster
- They’re built to handle the terrain
- Lightweight and portable
- Carry/Haul more weight and gear
- Minimize human impact
- Access new hunting areas in remote areas
- You won’t be tired and sweaty when you get to your spot
- Minimal noise allows you to ride to base of your best tree stands or blinds
- No gas fumes to stink up your hunting gear
- Haul more gear with ease
- Can carry your gear and game
- Make getting to your cameras, game trails, and tree stand faster and easier, especially in rough terrain or steep hills
- Are easy to transport without the need for a trailer
- Don’t produce exhaust like gas-powered alternatives
- Provide excellent maneuverability in narrow spaces
- Are more affordable than ATVs or UTVs
- Have easy maintenance requirements
- Make emergency travel faster if someone is injured.
Disadvantages of Electric Bikes for Hunting
- While not as expensive as other motorized hunting vehicles, they are still expensive.
- Most hunting ebikes range from $3,000 to $7,000.
- Batteries need to be charged after use.
- Inner tubes bust easily, at least for me they do.
- Electric bikes do not hold their value well, so don’t expect to be able to resell them at a good price.
- Batteries don’t last very long. The range varies on the model and the rider.
- Charging a battery can take between four and six hours to charge
- Batteries will need to be replaced on average every three years.
- Batteries are expensive!
- Pedaling an ebike with a dead battery is more difficult than a traditional bicycle because they’re so much heavier.
Who Should Buy an Electric Bike for Hunting?
Electric bikes are ideal for nearly all hunters. Deer hunters, turkey hunters, elk hunters, and even waterfowl hunters can get good use of an ebike. Hunters who aren’t physically capable of strenuous walking or hiking can benefit from an electric bike also. For some, buying an electric hunting bike can be the difference between being able to hunt and not hunting at all.
Check the legal requirements. Every state is different, and even the ages at which kids can operate motorized vehicles such as ATVs or UTVs might persuade you to invest in an ebike to help them get to and from the hunting blind. Public land regulations regarding e-bikes vary drastically across the country, so be sure that you fully understand the requirement for using electric bikes on public land before making a purchase or bringing your e-bike on an out-of-state hunt.
Below are some examples of hunting scenarios that could benefit from utilizing an ebike.
- Travel long distances to their hunting areas
- Travel across large fields of wet grass (morning dew)
- Take large amounts of heavy gear, such as camping equipment, treestands, or camping gear.
- Have a hard time walking but are capable of riding a bike.
- Need to transport harvested game
- Deer hunters traveling to and from their treestand or ground blind.
- Duck hunters are transporting decoys to and from a cornfield.
- Shed hunters covering large, open fields.
- Turkey hunters that need to quickly and quietly cover the ground, stopping to call on the way.
- Public land hunters (where legal). Bureau of Land Management
- Private land hunters. Do you have a big hunting trip coming up?
- Bear hunters haul bait in and out of a bait station.
- Hauling a quartered/skinned-out animal after a successful hunt.
Who Should NOT Buy an Electric Bike for Hunting?
Electric bikes aren’t for everyone, nor for every application. Here are a few questions that you should answer before you purchae an ebike?
- Can you afford it?
- Not all of us have the disposable income to invest in a high-dollar electric bike.
- Are electric bikes allowed where you hunt?
- Some public hunting lands prohibit the use of ebikes. Consult with your local natural resource office for more information regarding the use of electric bikes.
- Can you transport the ebike?
- You’ll need a way to haul the electric bike to and from the woods. For example, I drive a full-sized truck with a 5.5′ bed and camper top. To haul the bike in the bed of the truck, I have to wedge it in place, taking up the entire bed of my truck. I solved this issue by purchasing the QuietKat 1Up Bike Rack.
- Are you physically capable of operating an electric bike? It’s not easy and falling off an ebike could be very dangerous.
- Are you prepared to pedal the bike?
- Is there a bike shop nearby that can do maintenance on the bike? If not, am I capable of performing the maintenance myself?
Fat Tires vs Regularly Sized Tires
One of the first things you’ll notice about electric bikes for made hunting is the tire sizes. Hunting ebikes have wider tires, called fat tires. Fat tires are designed to navigate mud, snow, and uneven terrain easier, absorbing bumps and increasing the surface area of the tire for better grip.
These larger tires increase the comfort of the ride and adjusting the tire pressure can further increase the quality of the ride. The larger tires are not as durable as a traditional-sized mountain bike tire, and I’ve had to replace several inner tubes after taking a hard bump or two.
One surprising benefit of fat tire bikes is an increase in stability. Wider tires not only provide better grip in the mud, but they also have the ability to operate with less air pressure. Reducing air pressure (staying above the minimum air pressure recommended by the manufacturer) helps the rider stay balanced and conquer uneven terrain more easily.
What to Look For When Deciding Which Electric Hunting Bike to Buy
Ready to buy an electric bike for your next hunting adventure? If so, here are some things to consider in choosing the best bike for your needs.
Frame Size
- Electric bicycles, just like regular bicycles, come in different sizes. Usually small, medium, large, etc. and each size corresponds to the height of the rider. Choosing a bike that is too small will inhibit your ride, potentially causing you to work harder to handle the bike. This is the principle of ergonomics. Buying an electric bike that is too large (frame size) can create discomfort for the rider as the seat and pedals could be too far away from your butt. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended sizing when purchasing an electric bike.
Weight Limits and Carrying Capacity
- Understanding that each electric bike has a weight limit, some (not all) are as high as 325 lbs. Trailers are a great way to increase the carrying capacity of a bike when you need to haul a heavy load. Most bike trailers on the market have a maximum weight limit of around 100 lbs, depending on the terrain and how experienced a rider is. The actual weight of your electric bike makes a big difference. Keep in mind that ebikes can way as much as 75 pounds and you’ll need to be able to load your ebike into a truck or on a trailer to haul it. Also, you may encounter obstacles that require you to lift it over downed trees/logs.
Motor Size
- Electric bike motors come in two different forms: Hub drives and Mid-drives. A hub-style motor has an electric motor built into the center of each wheel. There are single and dual hub-style motors as well. Having a front wheel and rear wheel drive bicycle is nice when climbing and driving through the mud. Under normal driving conditions, you would only use the rear hub motor to save on battery life. When the trail gets muddy or the terrain steepens, you can then activate the front hub motor at the push of a button. The mid-drive version has a motor in the middle of the bike, at the pedals. From my experience, a mid-drive is a more powerful motor and has more advantages over hub-style motors. Mid-drive motors offer greater torque than hub-style bikes and are the most common motors on high-end electric bikes for a reason! I’ve been really impressed with the mid-drive Bafang motor that Bakcou has on their bikes!
Range – Battery Size
- The single most important factor when determining which ebike to buy is how long the battery will last, meaning how far can you travel on a full charge without the battery going dead. Advertised ranges will vary drastically, but that’s for good reason. Battery life will be determined by how much you pedal vs how much of the electric throttle you utilize. Also, how much you weigh and the difficulty of the terrain (mud and elevation play a key factor.). Keep in mind that battery size could prohibit you from utilizing your ebike on public lands. Be sure you know the local ebike laws in your area when making a purchase. Learn how to extend the life your ebike battery here.
Brakes
- Hydraulic disc brakes are a must on electric. Electric bikes are big and heavy, so do not buy a bike that doesn’t have the best braking system on the market, which is hydraulic disc brakes. Don’t believe me? Try keeping brake pads and rotors on a bike without it. Most bikes with mechanical disc brakes can be upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes but it’s not cheap. You’re better off buying a bike that comes standard with hydraulic brakes.
Suspension
- For me, one of the most important aspects when buying an ebike is a heavy-duty suspension system. For mountain bikers, there are two general rules of thumb. A hardtail (single suspension) is better for climbing because you don’t lose energy from the rear shock when pedaling uphill, while a dual suspension bike creates a smooth ride, especially on those downhill jumps. If money isn’t an option, do yourself a favor and pick up a dual-suspension ebike. A single suspension ebike (front suspension only) will get the job done, but not as smoothly and comfortably as a dual suspension bike.
Speed
- Maximum speed doesn’t make a huge difference on most ebikes, but torque does. Having the ability to power through a mud hole or up a hill makes all the difference in the world. Don’t get caught up in whether or not the top advertised speed of an ebike is a few mph difference either way. What really matters is if the bike can get you to where you need to go and back without breaking down. Higher speeds increase the risk of injury and/or damage to the bike if. you wreck. Every trail has a speed limit and when you break it, you’ll pay the price dearly. Drive safe!
Durability
- Durability and longevity help ensure that you get the greatest value for your dollar, especially when investing thousands of dollars into an ebike. Most hunting bikes are beefed and are capable of taking a beating. You’ll need a bike that’s capable to handling rough conditions if you’re going to use it for hunting.
Maintenance
- It’s inedible, you’re going to break something. Thankfully, there’s probably a local bike shop nearby that can fix most of the popular electric bikes on the market. There may even be a local dealer for the ebike near you that you’re looking to buy. One thing to keep in mind is parts! When looking to buy an ebike, make sure that you’re buying a reputable brand that you can find parts for. A quick Google search should reveal local dealers and bike shops in your area. Regular maintenance will vary between bikes, but you’re going to want to read the owner’s manual to ensure you’re keeping up with your bike’s preventative maintenance plan to prevent future breakdowns. It’s a good idea to keep extra tubes, chain lube, and brake pads on hand just in case.
Do you know someone who has an ebike that you can borrow?
Testimonials from hunters who have used electric hunting bikes can be very helpful. You can even find some gear reviews on a few ebikes on HuntingGearDeals.com. However, the best knowledge is testing one for yourself. If any of your hunting buddies have an ebike, ask them to let you try it. In fact, if there’s anyone local that’s looking for an ebike in my neck of the woods, you’re more than welcome to ride one of mine on our local trails.
The quickest way to test out an ebike that you’re interested in buying is to find a local dealer. Each manufacturer’s website should have a list a local dealers in your area.
Battery Life, Charging Time, and Life Expectancy.
This will be the hardest aspect for you to determine when testing a bike before you buy it because every review you read is going to be a little bit different. I might get more or fewer miles out of a single battery charge than you due to riding styles, terrain, and weight.
I utilize a hunting ebike often and my charging routine is very important. I charge the battery between every hunt at every opportunity that I have to charge it. It’s important for me to have as full of a battery before each hunt because you never know when the next hill over is going to have a gobbling turkey or bugling bull. For those that are backpack hunting in the mountains, they do make solar chargers but I’ve never tested them.
Lithium-ion batteries have their limitations and they won’t forever. Typically, you’ll need to replace them every three years and they’re not cheap. Battery use and storage is the most important aspect of getting the most out of an ebike battery. Read your manufacturer’s recommendations regarding battery charging and storage.
Should you buy an electric bike for hunting?
To buy or not to buy, that is the question. With all of the advantages and disadvantages listed above, it’s hard for me to give you any more advice on whether or not you should invest in an ebike. The facts are laid out in front of you, now here’s my opinion.
I love my Bakcou Storm and QuietKat Ibex ebikes. (Yes, I have a few ebikes). Do I absolutely have to have an ebike to hunt? No, but I’m glad that I have one. There’s no place that I utilize an ebike that I couldn’t use my ATV but there are advantages of using one over the other throughout the year. Quietly and quickly getting to and from the treestand is a huge advantage, but I find myself using it more for turkey hunting and shed hunting honestly.
This year, I switched over to a dual suspension ebike and I’ve gotten way more use out of it during the offseason. I’ve had a blast running the local bike trails in my area, blazing up and down the mountain, over logs, through creeks, and playing in the mud. They’re just fun! I used to ride these same trails with my non-electric mountain bike and I’d be worn out by the end of the day. Now, I’ve had just as much fun but expelled less energy in the process.
As for your decision, I can’t make it for you. I can honestly say that I love my electric bicycle and don’t regret it one bit. The biggest hurdle for me was hauling the bike to and from the hunt. It took up too much room in the bed of the truck and my initial bike rack sucked. However, I recently picked up the QuietKat QK 1Up Bike Rack this year and it made a huge difference. It’s quick and easy to throw the bike on the rack and go for a ride, helping me incorporate the ebike into my hunting arsenal more and more this year.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding eBikes for Hunting
Question: What is an electric hunting bike?
- The electric hunting bike (e-bike) is a beefed-up off-road bicycle that has traditional pedals, as well as a battery power source and motor to assist you when climbing and/or maintaining travel speed with minimum effort. Electric mountain bikes from brands like Specialized and Trek are often lighter and faster than hunting-specific bikes from Quietkat, Bakcou, and Rambo. However, the added weight often comes with storage racks, increased hauling capacities, and other features that hunters can benefit from.
Question: Can you use an electric bike for hunting? Are electric bikes suitable for hunting?
- Yes, electric bikes are a great addition to your hunting arsenal. Personally, I utilize my ebike all year long, from shed hunting open fields, running and gun turkey hunting, exercising the dog, replenishing mineral sites, checking trail cameras, and trips to the treestand.
Question: Are Electric Hunting Bikes Worth the Money?
- Read the article above to decide for yourself.
Question: How fast does a 1000w electric bike go?
- Depends on what bike you get and the terrain. It’s not uncommon for me to exceed 35+ mph on my Bakcou and QuietKat, but it depends on the weight of the rider and the rugged terrain. If you’re hunting, have you no reason to travel that fast in the woods. You can expect speeds of 20-30 mph from a 1000w electric bike.
Question: Is an electric bike actually quiet?
- One of the best benefits of an ebike is slipping through the mountains quickly and quietly. It’s not silent, but it’s much quieter than an ATV or truck. Sometimes your brakes can get squeaky, and most bikes make some noise when you’re not pedaling and you’re just coasting.
Question: How far can you travel on an electric bike? What is the range of an electric bike on a single charge, and will it be enough for a day of hunting?
- It depends (don’t you love that answer). Not all batteries are created equal. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the wattage of the motor (750w vs 1000w) the further you should be able to travel. But a 300-pound person on a 1000-watt bike isn’t likely to travel further than a 150-pound person on a 750-watt ebike. You have to have practical expectations with distances.
Question: Are electric bikes legal to use for hunting in my area?
- Rules and regulations for ebikes change rapidly, so check with your local DNR or state conservation office for more details. Electric bikes have different ratings, so be sure to familiarize yourself with those rules and regulations in your neck of the woods before buying.
Question: Are there any specific accessories or attachments available for electric bikes that cater to hunting needs?
- There are plenty of accessories to help you enhance the hunting experience when using an ebike. Some of my favorites include QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack, Gator Gripp HD Rack, Waterproof Pannier Bags, front fenders, rear fenders, and a trailer.
Question: What are the maintenance requirements for electric bikes used in hunting?
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific bike that you’re riding. Suspension – Set the suspension to your weight (including gear), Chain – Keep the chain lubricated. Tires – Good tread is essential. Inner Tubes – I bust them all of the time, so be prepared to pump up a tire and/or replace an innertube occasionally.
Question: How easy is it to transport electric bikes to hunting locations?
- One of the benefits of an ebike is the ease of transportation. Throw it in the bed of your truck (most hunting ebikes weigh around 70 pounds) or buy a bike rack for the back of your vehicle. I utilize the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack and love how quick and easy it is to load and unload my bike.
Question: What is the weight capacity of electric bikes, and can they carry hunting gear and game?
- Each bike is different so be sure to check with the manufacturer’s recommendations. A cargo trailer should help increase your carrying capacity.
Question: Who makes the best electric hunting bikes? W
Question: How is an electric bike powered?
- An electric bike is equipped with a large battery that powers the bike. Most ebikes feature pedal assist or a throttle assist to help reduce the amount of work you must do to pedal the bike.
Which ebikes would I recommend buying?
Lucky for me, I’ve had the chance to test several ebikes in recent years and here are a few of my favorites:
- Best Mid Drive eBike: Bakcou Storm and QuietKat Ibex
- Best Dual Suspension ebike: Bakcou Storm and QuietKat Ibex
- Best Hub Drive eBike: Rambo Megatron 2.0
- Best Single Suspension eBike: Rambo Megatron 2.0
- Best Budget-Friendly eBike – Runner X – Xplorer 500 Watt eBike
Hunting Gear Deals is funded by affiliate commissions. We may receive a small commission when you buy from our partners using the links provided. There is no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us by using our links when making your purchases.
AUTHOR BIO
Hi, I’m Camron the owner of Hunting Gear Deals. I’m an avid bowhunter with a knack for finding good deals on hunting gear and love to help you save money on hunting gear. I’m also the owner of the popular Bucks, Bulls, & Bears email newsletter that’s built to educate and entertain hunters. If you haven’t subscribed, you’re missing out! Last but not least, I’m proud to say that I work for Whitetail Properties as a Land Specialist in Ohio. If you’re in the market for hunting property, shoot me an email and I’d love to help you find your dream property.
Instagram- @huntinggeardeals
