Hunting is a sport that’s been around for centuries and it’s evolved dramatically over time as equipment and technology have progressed. From guns and bows to ATVs and side-by-sides — there’s no shortage of top-notch gear options in this booming industry.
Today, many hunters are beginning to use electric bikes to assist them in hauling gear, game, and getting from point A to point B, and in this post, we’ll discuss whether or not e-bikes are a good option for hunting. We’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of using electric bikes to hunt, important things to consider before buying one, and more.
Can an E-Bike Step Up Your Hunting Game?
If you’re serious about stepping up your hunting game, an electric bike may be exactly what you need. In fact, in many cases, an e-bike can be a complete game-changer.
Equipped with massive fat tires, rugged suspension, and powerful motors, hunting e-bikes are highly-capable machines that can tackle any terrain. Far more portable than quads and side-by-sides, electric bikes can be quickly loaded into the back of a pickup truck or transported with a car rack.
Additionally, hunting bikes are easy to customize with racks and trailers, making them incredibly useful for carrying gear, game, and more.
There are many reasons to use an electric hunting bike for hunting and once you’ve experienced one, you won’t want to be without it. You can cover more ground on a bike than you can on foot, and if you need to carry cargo, an electric hunting bike can do that too. Plus, with an electric motor, you don’t have to worry about pedaling as much — just let the motor do the work.
These ultra-convenient bikes deliver impressive speed, power, and provide improved access to those hard-to-reach hunting spots, making them a favorite accessory of many top hunters.
What to Look for in an Electric Hunting Bike
When trying to narrow down the best electric bike for hunting, there are several things that you should take into consideration. First of all, what kind of terrain will you be riding on? Will you be riding mainly on flat ground or do you need an e-bike that’s designed for hill-climbing?
Another important thing to determine is how much payload capacity you’ll need. Once loaded with heavy gear, game, and a rider, many electric bikes will have difficulty handling the load. Make sure that the bike that you choose can support high-capacity loads.
Motor type is another detail to consider. Electric bikes are available in hub motor and mid-drive motor configurations, and both options have pros and cons.
Hub motors are the most common setup, with the motor mounted in the center of a wheel (can be placed in the front, rear, or both). Hub motors are extremely reliable and require very little in the form of maintenance, and they’re available in both geared and gearless configurations. Hub motors are also the more affordable option and offer a lot of value for hunters who are looking to keep costs down.
Mid-drive motors provide riders with a performance upgrade in the torque and power departments. The preferred option for climbing steep hills and pulling a heavy trailer, mid-drive motors are also smaller and lighter which is beneficial when it comes to reducing the overall weight of the bike.
Another benefit of a mid-drive bike motor is the fact that the pedal-assist system can make use of a true torque sensor (vs. a cadence sensor). Torque sensors provide a much smoother riding experience, while cadence sensors can be jerky and less predictable.
Finally, what type of range do you need? Battery life varies considerably in the electric bike world, so have a realistic idea of how many miles per charge you need and find a model that will satisfy your requirements. If you typically go on long-range hunts, buy a long-range hunting e-bike or purchase an additional battery that you can bring along. Another option is to buy a remote charging solution that can recharge your battery while you’re on the mountain or in the woods.
Last but not least, after deciding exactly how you will use your e-bike and what requirements are needed, we highly recommend checking out our electric bike reviews. At the moment, our favorite fat tire hunting bike brands are Bakcou, QuietKat, Rungu, Bikonit, and Rambo Bikes.
Hunting E-Bikes vs. ATVs, Quads, and Side-by-Sides
When it comes to hunting vehicles, there are many options to choose from. ATVs, quads, and side-by-sides are all popular choices that have been widely embraced in the hunting world. However, there’s a relatively new option that is quickly gaining in popularity: the hunting e-bike.
Hunting e-bikes have many advantages over other more traditional vehicles. They are lighter and less expensive than ATVs, quads, and side-by-sides. They also require lower maintenance and are extremely easy to transport.
Electric hunting bikes are also incredibly quiet, allowing you to get in and out of the woods without disturbing wildlife. They’re ideal for use in hunting areas where noise is prohibited and can also be beneficial for sneaking up on prey.
Lastly, hunting e-bikes are environmentally-friendly and reduce the harmful impacts left on the environment. With no gasoline or oil requirements, these zero-emission vehicles are the best choice for sportsmen who have an interest in preserving nature and protecting wildlife.
10 Reasons Why E-Bikes Are Great for Hunting
#1: E-Bikes are Cheaper than Other Motorized Alternatives
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a hunting vehicle, but one of the most important is the cost of ownership. The cost of ownership includes not only the initial purchase price but also the component costs and ongoing ownership expenses. For example, quads, ATVs, and side-by-side vehicles require fuel, which can be expensive, while a highly-efficient e-bike battery can last for up to 80 miles on a single charge. Additionally, electric bikes do not require registration or insurance, making them a more affordable option in the long run.
#2: Electric Bikes Make it Easy to Carry and Transport Hunting Gear
If you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves to hunt, you know that transporting gear can be a challenge. But with the help of an e-bike, it’s easier than ever to get gear to and from your hunting spot. Able to be customized with cargo racks and fat tire hunting trailers, e-bikes offer hunters an entirely new experience when it comes to convenience and overall enjoyment of the sport.
#3: E-Bikes Make it Effortless to Pack Out Game
If you love hunting but don’t enjoy carrying your game out of the woods, consider an electric hunting bike. These versatile bikes allow you to attach a cargo trailer to the back of the bike, making it incredibly easy to haul a deer or elk out of the woods.
#4: They're Easy to Maneuver
Hunting with an e-bike is a breeze. Unlike traditional hunting vehicles such as ATVs or trucks, e-bikes are much more nimble and can easily navigate tight spaces and narrow trails. Their small turning radius also makes them ideal for maneuvering in tight quarters, making them a perfect choice for hunting in heavily wooded areas or spots with thick underbrush.
#5: They're Virtually Silent
When compared to ATVs and other traditional hunting vehicles, electric bikes are extremely quiet. This provides a hunter with a big advantage as he can stealthily ride to a hunting spot without making noise and disturbing the animals.
#6: Electric Hunting Bikes are Designed to Handle Rough Terrain
Hunting can be a challenging and strenuous activity, but with the help of an electric hunting bike, it can be a lot more enjoyable. These powerful bikes are designed to handle rough terrain, providing a smooth, comfortable ride over the roughest of surfaces. The fat tires provide plenty of traction and grip, while the suspension ensures that you won’t feel every little bump along the way.
#7: They Don't Leave Behind a Scent
E-bikes don’t just help you get around without breaking a sweat— they can also help you avoid leaving a scent trail that could scare off deer. When you’re out in the woods, it’s important to be as scent-free as possible, and an electric bike can be a great way to do that. Since electric bikes don’t produce any emissions, there’s no need to worry about giving off unwanted smells.
#8: Go Further, Faster
An electric bicycle can help you cover more ground than you’d be able to cover on foot or with a regular bike. With an e-bike, you can quickly travel long distances without tiring, and it will reduce the time it takes you to get in and out of the woods.
#9: E-Bikes Offer Improved Access
E-bikes provide greater access than other motorized off-road vehicles because they’re more compact and lightweight. E-bikes can also be used on public land in many cases, whereas traditional motorized vehicles like ATVs are restricted. As always, remember to follow posted rules and abide by local laws and regulations.
#10: They're Easy to Transport and Store
Because hunting e-bikes are so lightweight compared to side-by-sides and ATVs, they can be conveniently transported on a car rack or in the back of a truck bed. They’re also easier to store and can be stowed away in a garage or storage shed. If you’ve always wanted a hunting vehicle but don’t want to deal with the storage and transport hassles, e-bikes are the answer.
Final Thoughts
Hunters are always looking for a more convenient and affordable way to get to their favorite hunting spots. For many sportsmen, that means buying an e-bike.Â
E-bikes offer excellent performance when it comes to traversing difficult terrain. They can carry heavy loads, making them ideal for transporting game meat and other supplies back to camp. What’s more, they’re far more affordable than other hunting vehicles like ATVs or UTVs.
In summary, e-bikes are one of the best new hunting accessories available and they provide a wide variety of advantages to serious hunters. If you’re looking for a better way to get to your hunting spot or tree stand and need a solution that’s quiet, powerful, and easy to ride, an all-terrain electric hunting bike is the perfect option.
