The Best Electric Bikes for Hunting of 2024
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Using electric bikes for bucks, bulls, and long beards is a great way to leave the crowds behind and slip in tight on game. When I lived in Montana (before electric bikes became a thing for hunting), I bought a mountain bike to help me reach distant spots more efficiently and with less effort. In most situations, it worked well enough. But thanks to the switchbacks and endless inclines, I spent more time pushing my bike uphill than riding it. Fortunately for my quads, those days are over.
Over the past decade, the electric bike market has boomed. Now, there are options that vary in size, power, and budget to accommodate most hunters. If you’re looking for efficient travel to your hunting spots, the best electric bikes for hunting can save you time and energy this season.
- Editor’s Choice: QuietKat Apex Pro
- Best Bike You Don’t Have to Pedal: UBCO 2×2 Hunt Edition
- Best Trail Bike: Bakcou Scout
- Best for Load Hauling: Backcou Mule
- Best Value: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6
- Best Folding: Rogue Ridge RF 750
How We Chose The Best Electric Bikes for Hunting
To compile this list, I relied on my own experience, spoke with manufacturers, and talked to expert hunters who rely on electric bikes to get them in and out of the woods. I also considered budget, battery power, and load hauling capabilities that cover most hunting needs and scenarios.
The Best Electric Bikes for Hunting: Reviews & Recommendations
Editor’s Choice: QuietKat Apex Pro
Key Features
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Load Capacity: 325 lbs
- Sizes: Small, medium, and large
- Motor: 1000W Mid-Drive
- Battery: 17.25AH/48V; 828Wh; Weighs 10 pounds
- Range: 25 to 52 Miles
- Modes: Three Levels of Power Assist, Throttle, Walk Assist Mode
- Gears: SRAM 9-Speed
- Brakes: TEKTRO 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc
- Suspension: KKE 140mm Inverted Suspension Fork
- Tires: 26 x 4.5- inch all-terrain
- Axle: 197mm Thru Axle
Pros
- Fast
- Smooth ride
- Easy to assemble
- Quality components
- Quiet
Cons
- Expensive
The Apex Pro is incredibly smooth for a powerful and fast e-bike. In first gear on unlimited mode, I did 13 mph up a steep hill and hit 25 mph on flat ground. When I hit those 20+mph speeds, I felt no wobbling and remained in control. The brakes were quiet and responsive throughout six months of use. The seat is comfortable for long rides, and overall the ride is luxurious.
The battery lasted an average of 20 miles for me, which is under the stated range. That could be because I was often pulling a trailer up hills. Regardless, I’d suggest an extra battery if you plan to cover more ground than 20 miles, just to be safe.
If you’re looking at an e-bike a QuietKat should be at the top of your list for one reason: Variable Output Technology. Their VPO allows you to adjust the bike’s power output to be in compliance with class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike laws. You can also put the bike on unlimited power for private land use.
In my opinion, the Apex Pro is the best electric bike for hunting available, and it’s priced like a premium bike. If you’re looking for something that has a lot of the power and features of the Apex Pro, but is about $2,000 cheaper, check out the Ranger. It has a 1,000 watt hub-drive motor with VPO technology and offers a lot of value for the dollar. —Scott Einsmann, gear editor
QuietKat’s new Apex HD and XD are worth checking out too. These new bikes have a longer range, a twist throttle, and a modular frame.
Best Bike You Don’t Have to Pedal: UBCO 2×2 Hunt Edition
Key Features
- 2-wheel drive
- Weight: 156 pounds
- Max carrying weight: 330 pounds
- Max range: 75 miles
- Max speed: 40 mph
- Motors: Two 1,000 watt (front and rear)
- Battery: 3.1 kWh
- Variety of racks and mounts available
- 2,400 lumen headlight
- LCD dashboard
Pros
- Faster and more powerful than other ebikes
- Great performance for the price
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- No pedaling required
Cons
- Heavier than other ebikes
- Not rideable on non-motorized trails
The UBCO 2×2 Hunt isn’t really an electric bicycle. It’s more like a mini electric dirt bike. This mean machine has a max speed of 40 mph, it weighs 156 pounds, and there are no pedals. If you’re hunting private lands or public lands where motorized vehicles are allowed, this just might be the best all-around best electric bike for hunting. With its max range of 75 miles, it will have you covered for almost any hunt imaginable. The 330-pound max carrying capacity is enough to get most hunters and their meat out in one pull. It has a variety of rack options and Molle side panels for strapping on gear and guns (though while field testing my bike I left all the racks and attachments off to keep it as streamlined as possible). And at $6,500, it’s not much more expensive than other top-end electric bikes in this review. With its 2-wheel drive (1000 watt hub motors on the rear and front) and 3.1 kWh battery, it’s a much more powerful machine all-around.
I field tested the UBCO bike during the 2023 hunting season and found it to be an absolute joy to ride. It was super intuitive and I felt confident cruising over a variety of terrains. I used the bike to exercise my bird dog down dirt roads around my house and was impressed by the bike’s get-up-and-go and overall speed. I also used the UBCO bike to access stands and set trail cameras on a private deer hunting property in Wisconsin. It was here that I tested the bike on mud, snow, hills, and rock. The 2-wheel drive was essential. The only place the bike struggled a bit was on frozen or slick ground. However I had no problem riding the bike down trails and through fields at a slow, stealthy pace. Stealth, afterall, is the real benefit of an ebike while hunting. You can slip into setups much more quietly than you can with a four wheeler, or even while walking. Plus, your feet never touch the ground so you leave less of a scent trail. At low speeds I found the bike to be essentially silent. At higher speeds (15 mph or more) there is a high-pitched whine of the electric motor but it is exponentially quieter than any gas-powered vehicle.
There are only two negatives I can see with this bike when compared to pedal-style e-bikes. First, the UBCO is much heavier. All e-bikes are heavy, but this one is too heavy to simply toss onto a bike rack. So, you’ll want to have a plan for transporting the bike. I simply used a ramp to roll it into the bed of my pickup truck. Second, it’s a motorized vehicle, so you can’t legally ride it on non-motorized trails. This might be a deal breaker for some backcountry hunters, but it’s inconsequential for private land hunters or those who don’t need to ride on public non-motorized trails. More and more private land hunters are getting into the electric bike trend for the stealth that the machines offer. And for that crowd, one of the best options is the UBCO hunt. —Alex Robinson
UBCO is offering $250 off for OL readers when they use the code: HUNTINGLIFE250
Best Trail Bike: Bakcou Scout
Key Features
- Weight: 69 pounds without battery
- Load Capacity: 300 pounds
- Sizes: medium, and large
- Motor: Toggle between 750W and 1,000 continuous watts (with a max power output of 1500W); Mid-Drive
- Battery: 17.25AH or 21AH
- Range: Up to 65 miles
- Modes: Power assist, throttle
- Class Mode: 1,2, or 3
- Gears: 11 speed Sram NX, 11-42t rear cassette
- Brakes: Tektro HD E750 Quad Piston Hydraulic, 203mm front & rear
- Suspension: RST Renegade Air Fork (120mm of travel) & Rockshox Monarch Air Rear
- Tires: Maxxis Minion 26 inch x 4.0
Pros
- Fast
- Smooth ride
- Easy to assemble
- Quality components
Cons
- Expensive
- Somewhat noisy
- Throttle stuck twice
The Bakcou Scout is an incredible piece of equipment. It’s powerful, fast, and easy to ride, things that can be hard to find in an e-bike. In first gear on unlimited mode, I went 18 mph uphill and hit 29 mph on flat ground. Downhill was even faster. At no point during the speed test did I feel any wobbling, I always felt in control, and it was like riding a quieter motorcycle. I was stable and never had any fear, even at high speeds. The brakes were responsive and did their job with minimal noise throughout my four months of use. The seat is a bit skinnier than I would typically prefer, but still was comfortable enough, even on longer rides.
The battery lasted an average of 40 miles for me, which based on my weight and the terrain I was running with the bike is right about where the range should have been. There’s a lot that goes into e-bike ranges, and Bakcou even has a resource to explain that further on their site.
My favorite feature of the Bakcou Scout is the ability to toggle the bikes power output to be in compliance with class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike laws, with the ability to go unrestricted on private land. This flexibility allowed me to use this bike throughout the majority of my summer spent scouting for whitetail deer on public land as well as private, without having to worry about breaking the rules.
The only real issue I ran into with the Scout was the throttle stuck wide open on me on two separate occasions. I was able to manually pull the throttle back before anything got out of control, but it was a bit concerning both times. After the first instance, I made sure nothing was catching on the throttle and added some penetrating lubricant. The throttle got stuck again after adding the lube, but never again after that second time.
Aside from that, the Bakcou Scout was an amazing e-bike to have throughout the summer. I put more miles on this e-bike than I did on my sedan. It was easy to ride, charged quickly, and put out an impressive amount of power even after continuous use. With that said, it’s priced as a premium e-bike, which makes sense, but can be a bit of a deterrent for the average e-bike user. But, dollar for dollar, the Bakcou Scout offers a phenomenal experience. — Derek Horner, manager of audience development
Best for Load Hauling: Backcou Mule
Why It Made the Cut: This versatile and powerful electric bike can handle most terrains you throw at it, and the smart torque sensing Bafang motor, which toggles between 750 and 1,000 continuous watts, stays within all three power classifications of e-bike laws.
Key Features
- Motor: 1000W Bafang Ultra Mid-Drive Motor (ability to change to 750W)
- Battery: 48v 17.5ah, 19.2ah, 21ah, or 25ah
- Range: Up to 50+ miles per charge
- Size: 18-inch frame (Mule & Mule Step-Through 26-inch), 16-inch frame (Mule Step-Through 24-inch)
- Load Capacity: 300 pounds
- Gearing: 9-speed
- Weight: 68 pounds
- Tire Size: 26×4.0 (Mule & Mule ST 26-inch), 24×4.0 (Mule ST 24-inch)
- Throttle: Left side thumb throttle
Pros
- Multiple power options
- Walk Assist mode for stability and control at your side
- Rear rack for storage
- Carries heavy loads
Cons
- Hefty price tag
This bike is named the Mule for a reason. It has the power and performance to make things happen, whether you’re in the woods or on the mountain. It all starts with the Bafang ultra mid-drive motor, a standard among powerful e-bikes. It has plenty of power to climb anything you can keep traction on, and with 160NM of torque, there’s no stopping this beast. Features like Walk Assist make a world of difference after a successful hunt when you have a heavy load strapped to your bike.
I learned from the Backcou team that the smart motor allows the bike to react to the rider’s output. This means that the speed, cadence, shift, brake, and torque sensors provide continuous feedback from the rider to the motor, which delivers the right amount of controls and speed when you’re riding. This creates an even, smooth ride from front to back. These features do come with a hefty price tag, but if you want to maximize your time in the woods or on the mountain, the time you save on this electric bike might justify it for you.
Best Value: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6
Why It Made the Cut: When it comes to a quality bike at an incredible price, this one is hard to beat. While it’s not specifically built for the hunting market, its price, performance, and add-on options make it one of the best electric bikes for hunting.
Key Features
- Motor: 750w rear hub
- Battery: 589-672 Wh
- Range: 25-45 miles per charge
- Size: 17 inches
- Load Capacity: 275 pounds
- Gearing: 7-speed
- Weight: 73.4 pounds
- Tire Size: Kenda 26 x 4 inches
- Throttle: Half-twist
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Front suspension makes for smoother ride
- Durable tires
Cons
- Not built for harsh terrain
- Front and rear racks purchased separately
- No camo option
This no-frills electric bike from Rad Power Bikes packs plenty of performance into a budget-friendly option. The RadRover 6 is easily a best kept secret when it comes to an affordable and capable bike for hunting. It has plenty of power to climb hills, and the puncture-resistant tires will keep you on the trail better than a lot of other options. You’ll have to add racks and baskets to haul your gear, but the company has an impressive lineup of accessories that allow you to do just that.
This bike is a quarter of the price you’ll pay for others on the list, but don’t let the price tag fool you. When it comes to performance, this bike holds its own. And with the thousands you’ll save with this bike, you’ll be able to book more hunting trips, which means it can help you get to those sweet hunting spots in more ways than one.
Best Folding: Rogue Ridge RF 750
Why It Made the Cut: With the Rogue Ridge RF 750, less is more. This bike provides an easy ride, whether you’re cruising down a gravel road or riding a tight trail with a heavy load on your back. Best yet, its folding design allows you to pack it in tight when space is at a premium.
Key Features
- Motor: 750w mid-drive
- Battery: Samsung 48V / 14.5AH
- Range: 25 miles per charge
- Load Capacity: 300 pounds
- Gearing: 5 power levels
- Weight: 55 pounds (with battery)
- Tire Size: 20 x 4 inches
- Throttle: Right thumb
Pros
- Light weight
- Packs down great
- Available with Mossy Oak Bottomland finish
- Fat tires
Cons
- Lacks high-end power
- Steeper hills will require pedal assist
The looks, performance, and price of the RF 750 make this bike hard to beat. What it lacks in high-end power, it makes up for in compact handling and maneuvering in tight places along the trail. Its rugged and dependable frame houses plenty of great features, like the lock-out front suspension, which allows you to customize your ride, whether you spend more time cruising the road or trails.
Because of its folding design, you can take this bike just about anywhere. It folds in two places and allows you to easily pack it in the back of your truck, trailer, hitch haul, or roof rack. It breaks down and sets up efficiently with a simple lock-out system. Plus, it only weighs 55 pounds with the battery. If you want an electric bike that can get you to those hidey-holes and save space, the RF 750 should blip your radar.
Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Bike
Even the best impulse buyers might think twice before pulling the trigger on an electric bike. So you’ll definitely want to research them before buying one. If you’re not sure what to look for, here are a few things to consider:
Budget
Electric bikes range in price from just under $1,000 to almost $10,000. Everyone has a different budget, so you’ll want to consider yours, as well as what features you get at each price point and whether it’s worth saving to buy a more expensive option or buying a cheaper one that does everything you need.
Distance and Battery Life
Most electric bikes have more than enough battery life for multiple trips, especially if you’re not traveling that far. However, if you’re hunting out west and consistently covering double digit miles per day, consider a bike like the Rambo Megatron, which has dual batteries and almost double the distance rating than other competitors.
Load Hauling
Does the bike you’re considering include racks or at least the option to add them? If you’re packing in one of the best hang-on tree stands, extra layers, or even camping gear, you’ll want the ability to pack in everything you need in minimal trips. If you use minimal gear and just have a bowhunting backpack, multiple racks might not be a big concern. But even if you take a minimalist approach, you’ll still need something to haul out your game like a cart or rack.
Bike Size
I spoke with avid deer hunter and saddle hunting guru Greg Godfrey, who has owned a number of electric bikes over the last decade. He says that bike size should be a huge consideration when you’re looking to buy one.
“I’m not a very big guy,” he says. “I’m 5 feet 7 inches, so when I upgraded to one of the bigger bikes on the market, I found it to be too big. I ultimately landed on the Backcou Mule with the step-thru frame and 24-inch tires. The step-thru frame is much easier to deal with on tight trails and gnarly terrain.”
Godfrey recommends that riders of all sizes consider the step-thru frames and smaller size tires because they’re easy to maneuver on tight trails or with unexpected hazards.
Reasons to Buy an Electric Bike for Hunting
- Get to your hunting spot faster
- You won’t be tired and sweaty when you get to your spot
- You can go further and access more hunting ground
- No human odor and ground scent left on the trail
- 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
FAQs
You can expect speeds of 20-30 mph from a 1000w electric bike.
The electric hunting bike is a beefed up off-road pedal bike that includes an electric motor, which assists the rider’s pedaling efforts. They can also power the bike’s forward drive without the rider pedaling at all.
Yes, electric bikes are great tools for hunting. They allow the rider access to remote areas more efficiently than walking. Just be sure to check your local regulations to make sure electric bikes are legal in your area, especially on public lands.
Final Thoughts on the Best Electric Bikes for Hunting
Whether you have a handful of days to hunt or an entire season, maximizing your time on the stand is one way help you punch your tag. If you’re looking to beat the crowds or use discreet entry to outsmart a big buck, the best electric bikes for hunting can get you in and out of the woods efficiently.
- Editor’s Choice: QuietKat Apex Pro
- Best Bike You Don’t Have to Pedal: UBCO 2×2 Hunt Edition
- Best for Load Hauling: Backcou Mule
- Best for Long Distances: Rambo Megatron
- Best Value: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6
- Best Folding: Rogue Ridge RF 750
The post The Best Electric Bikes for Hunting of 2024 appeared first on Outdoor Life.
Source: https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-electric-bikes-for-hunting/
