Electric Bikes for hunting

Has anybody used one? Which one did you use? And any recommendations about what to look for, or more important to me, what to stay away from. Thanks in advance.....

I am at the age where I know I need a little help to cover the distance for where I hunt "mostly New Mexico" and I will not own an ATV "My Choice". So looking hard at bikes to give me the 4-5 miles I need to cover usually to get back to where I want to hunt. Let me know what you experience with them is.

Thanks, Gary

How would the electric bike hold on the mountains in New Mexico? Better check with the GW.

One of my church friends on the lease with me this past season, brought a Kwiet Kat (sp?) out on some trial basis from a local upscale-for-wannabes feed/ranch store. I think he had two flats in a few minutes, even with goop-filled tires. In his defense, it is a mesquite-choked pasture in west Texas. Even though he's a bit of a spazz, he's one in-shape SOB and jogged the rest of the way to where he told his uncle to wait for him with the truck. It was cool looking, what I saw of it at the cabin.


Right now I use an '86 Bronco that I've spent a stupid amount of money on. But, I am considering a UTV, depending upon the next place I hunt.

Great question, and as long as it is less than 750W I am good to go.

The only recommendation from me is it better have a damn windshield. No reason to rough it anymore

If you are at the age that you need a little help I sure are hell wouldn't ride a bike.

I agree 100% with Don K.

Wisdom

Ok valid point, but a lot of places I hunt have trails that go for 4-5 miles back into wilderness and do not allow motorized vehicles. An electric assist bike can get you there in 20-30 minutes versus a 1.5 hour hike. Will also save some energy to actually hunt.

There are a couple of forums for motorized bicycles, most of the info is for gas engines, but they both include the electric conversions.

https://motoredbikes.com/ https://motorbicycling.com/

This letter from the forest service says electric bikes count as motorized vehicles.

https://peopleforbikes.org/wp-conte...sAndTrailManagement_final-Fed-2016-1.pdf

On NFS land, any trail or road you can ride a motorcycle on you can also ride an E-bike on. Otherwise it’s off limits on NFS land. Also keep in mind that in most places, motorcycle (I.e. motorized I.e. E-bike access) is closed down during hunting season. Granted this is also a policy from 3 years ago. Personally, their ruling shows how narrow minded they are. People sitting behind desks making decisions on outdoor activities. I can’t prove that though, but it sure as heck seems that way. Just my opinion.

That being said, if you need assistance getting further back into the woods, riding a bike is not for you. I am an avid Mtn biker and have raced all through Texas and competed in 7 day stage races in British Columbia. I consider myself to be in good shape but I would never consider riding a bike in the back country unless the trails traveled were low grades, and wide enough for a trailer to follow behind. If not, you have a whole lot of issues to consider.

Too sttep or rocky - you are getting off and walking. How many times do you want to do that? Riding a bike with a loaded down pack and a rifle - better be sure footed and agile enough to mount and dismount easily. Flats - it’s not if but when and how frequently. Bike maintenance - if something fails can you fix it. Battery fails or runs out of charge - you able to pedal it back home? Most e-bikes are 30-40lbs. That’s heavy. You aren’t gonna ride that bike in clod hopper hiking boots are you? If you kill something and don’t have a trailer, you able to put 40-100bs of meat on your back and ride a bike?

Not saying people don’t do this, because they do & it works quite well for them. However, generally these are for agile hunters looking for an edge or to try something new. Someone with a bum knee, back disability etc, it’s more hassle than help in my opinion.

For me, I’ll just hike it in.

If you do feel the issues above aren’t concerns for you and want to give it a whirl, absolute most important things to look for are: full suspension (shock in front and back), battery life, hill assist (I.e. if you get off and hike a bike because it’s too steep or rocky does it have a low gear that you can put it in that essentially has the bike electronically go at or about the same speed as you walk so you don’t actually have to push the bike up hill). Chain versus belt driven. (Chains are dang near indestructible but belts have improved significantly - look at common motorcycle companies using either or) and lastly weight. You will need to pedal at times, maybe more often than not to save battery. The heavier it is the more effort you’ll have to put into pedaling.

For numerous reasons, a very impractical idea

One of the hunters on our lease reps a brand of electric bikes. I have seen no downside to them. He says they have about a twenty mile range using just the electric assist. I rode one around the house and couldn't believe how much power these things have. Its like a light weight dirtbike that doesn't make any noise.

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/electric-bikes/c/B507/

No go in wilderness areas, they are motorized and mechanized by definition of the USFS.

This was the experience from someone I know that used them.

CMC uses a mountain bike to get around while hunting. There are several threads on here about his escapades on his bike.

The flats issue? Not a major problem for someone that knows how to deal with them. Kevlar tires with puncture proof tubes and liners help, but it takes money, time and research to get past that problem.

Ouch - pricey!

The only down side I see to them is will they work underwater. We had a mud hole on our place this year that was mud dang near up to the headlights on my Tahoe and no way around it. Lots of mud on leases this last season.

With that said, I looked at one at one of the Bow shops in Houston, if they weren't so dang expensive I wouldn't mind having one if they get around as good as some say they will.

As much as I love mtn biking and want to try this I think it’s only really geared towards certain hunting situations and locations. I support it a 100% though if you can make it work.

Don’t be fooled by the 20-25 mile battery life. That is highly dependent on rider weight, bike weight (if you add gear to the bike I.e. bags or a trailer) and more importantly terrain/resistance (mud, rocks, wind). Though not specified I would assume it’s based on an average weight man 70kg, with an avg weight bike 45-50 lbs riding on a flat/level smooth surface. Bump the weight of the rider, weight of the bike, add mud, gravel, rocks or wind resistance on an uneven surface or elevation and that’s going to drop significantly.

No doubt they look pretty cool and the potential could really pay off, but there are a lot of negatives. Before you drop cash like that, gear up and take a standard mountain bike for a spin just to get an idea of what it’s like touting a pack and a rifle. Oh.......and you’ll fall off at some point so be prepared to scratch up that rifle.

I think it’s great idea. Market is growing for sure.

wouldn't mind one but how in the heck am I gonna haul the deer on the Handle bars.

My buddy uses them in WA state mountains 9 miles in, kill Elk ride out in the same day.... He said it's the most awesome thing ever invented...

As you can see in the pic, they have a 2 wheel trailer....

D

I can see my tired old arse peddleing one when the battery goes dead!!! But they must work, seems like lots of people are buying them.

A guy had a homemade one at the LRGV-East Lake when my daughter killed her Nilgai 2 miles in. He as a lifesaver and hauled two packs in for us that probably weighed at least 100lbs each and it took him 10 minutes to get there and back.

Thats awesome.

I’d rather see those then a yahama 450 hamming down

They are seriously proud of them but I must say that looks awesome!

Gotta say I have never seen one, never been on one.... but thinking to myself the last thing I want to do when getting on a mountain trail with my gun or bow is getting on a bike... but I guess some are much more at home on 2 wheels than me. I enjoy walking and walk about 3 miles at lunch every day. How does it do on inclines? seems like you would be off and pushing it a lot.

I googled and read a little bit about them, but still not sure I understand, Throttle/pedal assist. I thought you got on them, pushed a button and they took off with feet on the pedals. From what I read, you have to pedal and the rear drive kicks in once it senses you trying to pedal. The faster and harder you pedal the more it kicks in. But I could be out in left field too.

I need to read more about this, this seems pretty dang interesting other than the cost.

The one I rode you did not have to pedal. Just twist the grip like a motorcycle and hold on. It will climb a hill no problem. And if twenty miles isn't enough bring an extra battery or pedal.

Which is exactly I am considering it over an ATV. I know about the wilderness restriction, but if I can get to the boundary without wearing myself out, and have more quality time to hunt, then its worth it.

Thanks for all the comments, both for and against.

BTW if you shop around you can find a folding 750 watt fat tire for ~$1700.

Thanks for that picture. Really shows their potential.

If we all go out and buy an eBike, we can start our own Electric bike hunting club!!!!

You will get a badge of honor for riding the fartherest from camp and running out of Battery!!!!

At least if you run out of battery you can petal back unlike an ATV out of gas.

I'd drop dime on one just to hide it so when my wife says, hey lets go bike ridiing...........I break that bad body ebike out and say ok Honey lets go!!!!

Or 300lb motorcycle up and down 8 miles worth of mountain trails.

There are several nice trailers that can haul a lot behind a bike.

Dad and I used to ride in on regular bikes when we hunted public land in North Texas. Dad even built a small rack for the back of his... They were Quiet, could get you to your area in 1/2 the time, and you wouldn't be dripping sweat once you got there "most of the time". We packed out several deer on them things and it beat the HEL% out of dragging one 1-3 miles! Hog tie them and walk it out. If I had a lease that wasn't all plowed and muddy fields, I would invest, no doubt!

Here is a thread to watch. https://motorbicycling.com/threads/old-guys-simplex-moto-peddle-bike.57770/page-79#post-672264

The guy knows what he is doing, he has built a fat wheel electric version and is now adding a Lifan gasoline engine to the same bike. It will be tri powered, pedal, electric or gasoline.

There are at least 3 vendors at dsc show

I think they are a good option since you can go motor or pedal

I'm crazy enough to buy one. I would like to ride up to my stand and not make a lot of noise. I've been reading about them. If I was going to buy one, would buy one with rear hub drive. Pretty simple and if you burned out the hub drive you could get another and fix it. As far as the bike part, from what I am reading they are just fat tire bicycle. Pedal assist seems to be the most popular. If I were to buy one, I would buy middle of the road, not the cheapest, but not the most expense either.

I wouldn't do it, but a guy could diy one to an existing mountain bike or fat tire. Lots of kits to do it and it doesn't appear to be all that complex. I read on one of the ebike blogs where a guy bought one of those cheap walmart Mongoose fat tire bike and bought a 500 dollar hub and controller and it worked for him. Seems like the Mongoose has a strong steel frame from what the guy wrote. I'm sure it wouldn't be the equiv of dropping 5 grand but it appears to be doable for someone on a budget. Its interesting and something else to get my wife worked up about, she this you don't need that problem!!!

Billy, I am going to get one also. Looking at Addmotor or Rad mainly because of great reviews and tech support, and they are not that much $. The high end seems to be Rambo or Trek. I am going with 750 Watt mainly because the terrain I will be in is steep, and 750 watts or less is not considered motorized, so I am good on the national forest where I do most of my hunting. After I get it and take it hunting "spring turkey" I will post a review.

Thanks again to all who added to the conversation, both for and against.

NMGW,

I own you a beer, Spring Turkey Season. You just gave me a reason to buy one sooner than later. I though if I buy on now, I won't use it much till season. I wasn't smart enough to think about turkey season. 750w is plenty from what I've read. I've seen ads for both you mentioned. I will go back and google those. I am looking at one called a Gravity

My wife is really going to be pissed off.............oh well, she doesn't like me anyway!

If and when you order one, this is my experience and others that have dealt with some of the distributors. Most seem to be related or connected to other company names. They are slow on shipping, the, they do not answer phones, a little lazy answering emails and a few other complaints. So do your research, check the other forums and blogs as to who provide good service. Most of the distributors usually handle, gas and electric versions in kit form and or just buy a handful of parts and buy a local bike.

Mine is for goofing off, not hunting, a second childhood kind of thing and is 2 stroke gas.

Trailers, if you decide on a trailer, some of the regular bicyclists prefer the single wheel that hooks up like a good neck to the seat post. I would look at the 2 wheel trailers and try to figure out the same type of connection for the stability of the 2 wheels, problem there, narrow trails could be a problem. But in my opinion 3 wheels in a row is more of a problem on rough terrain. Center of gravity is important, the lower you have your load, the easier it is too balance and overloaded bike. Trailer tires, there are w types, those with tubes, and those that are like the tires on little kids tricycles, Some of the latter are not repairable, they are remove and replace at about $35 a pop and they don't go flat on you.

Here is a history lesson, this is the story of George Wyman, the first person to ride a motorized bicycle across America. http://www.ridetwisties.com/Across%20America%20on%20a%20Motor%20Bicycle.html

All I can think of when reading this is the Pat McManus story of him shooting his first deer and having it strapped to him on his bike on the way out and it came back alive.

-TJ

I'm seriously considering one. With both knees needing surgical intervention and not quite ready to do that a few miles saved on my knees is worth it. Even in Missouri where I stay is a one mile mud road ride or a 5 mile drive around to get to my land. The Kwiet Kat type device would make it easy and quiet getting into my small property and not require me to drag a trailer there with my electric hunting cart on it. I'd save the money in gas in just three years.

Nothing wrong with using one of those fat tire electric bikes. If going solo, let people know where you are going and when you are to be expected back. Take along an extra battery and know how to repair a flat and carry a cell phone if service is available.
An electric will have a lower seat position so being able to put both feet on the ground helps with balance at slow speeds.
Practice on uneven surfaces before you attempt using in a hunting situation and know your capabilities.
Cost isn't near what an ATV cost.
Common sense, and planning for any emergency ahead of time is always a smart thing to do.
Been a while, but I used to use my mountain bike to get back to my hunting area and even used the bike to tie my kill to it and walk it out.....Rolling was way better than dragging.

Is anyone making a gun rack for bikes?

Yes:

https://rambobikes.com/product/r170-rambo-gunbow-holder/

https://www.suregripracks.com/uncategorized/who-said-you-cant-have-a-gun-rack-on-your-bike/

Electric motor is a motor.

The price of these things is no different than the UTV vs used Jeep comparison. UTV’s are very nice. Used Jeeps are half the price.

Update on a previous discussion. I purchased a RadRover late spring "to late for turkey hunting", but rode it a lot this summer. I installed an Ibera PakRak and have been riding a lot to get used to a 40 pound pack. Absolutely love this thing, Battery goes at least 40 miles, I am 225 and ride in hilly country, this thing has plenty of power. I took it scouting just to make sure there were no surprises on the roads I hunt on, and it worked great even on rough roads. I did add some Stan's tire sealant just in case. Going to use it this weekend on a mule deer hunt.

Ease of storage, and you can't fit a jeep on a bike rack, not to mention the money saved on maintaining them.
Used Jeeps are a money pit, just speaking from my experience.

going up long steep trails with a load is one thing, you may be coming down with more load. will regular bike brakes be enough. or will the motor hold it back some?

Jake brake!

"Dual Disc Brakes" I have already gone down some steep trails and no problems.

My place is mesquite and cactus choked. I'll stick with the Mule. At least if I have a flat I have beer in the cooler.

Huge advantage is how little room it takes to take it along. I used the front fork mount it shipped with to carry it in the back of the truck still had room for all my other gear, and I could leave my shell on.

It did great on some really rough roads, I put a tube of Stan's leak stop in both tires and zero flats. For me this is a great solution to cover more country I would normally have to walk. And I got a deer, far from my biggest buck but any public land muley, with a muzzleloader is a good buck IMHO.

Most who see no worth in using an electric bike have never owned, or rode one, or will never need one.
It's just a tool like anything else, and being able to use something to help you further your activity in the outdoors, and especially those with a disability is worth the cost. If someone with a disability shouldn't be on a bike, then I guess anyone that can't get around by walking needs to stay home in their eyes.
People spend big money on leases, guns, etc. and the cost of an electric bike is pocket change to a lot of them, and it's their money anyway.

Stopped by Cabelas yesterday and saw my first Quite Kat bike. Price was $4000.00, I still can't stop laughing.
When a fool and his money part....

Most will build one, parts and battery packs can start as low a $500. Add a bicycle of your choice. A lot of public land restricts the use of gasoline motors because of fire hazards, while the electrics have no restrictions in place. There is also the noise factor to be considered. Not much use in Texas, so people ignore or make fun of them, but if the landowner says no gasoline 4 wheelers, that would change in a hurry. While in New Mexico there is a dealer in Alamogordo that sells an electric 4 wheeler, that is also street legal in some communities and the Lincoln National forest when the fire hazard warning stops the gas engines.

Real test !!! Take it ta OSBWMA & go back few miles & bring game out...
ATV trails... Lot of water standing...

Real test !!! Take it ta OSBWMA & go back few miles & bring game out...
ATV trails... Lot of water standing...

I'll get right on that.

Why does anyone compare an electric bike to an ATV?
It's not, and never will be a go anywhere an ATV will go vehicle, and it's not going to replace them, but there are places you can use them where they will work just fine.
Anyone trying to push the limits are trying to prove a point I would imagine, but that isn't why you would buy one to begin with.
Riding an ATV, everything is a trail, just like a guy with a hammer, everything is a nail.