So you're planning your next hunting trip and thinking about bringing an electric hunting bike along to help with the transportation. That's a great idea!
An electric bike designed particularly for offroad usage and woodlands and capable of carrying your stuff can make the trip a far more pleasant and easier experience. It is helpful when you must carry heavy equipment on your back in the wild and if you're fortunate enough to have wild game to return with.
It wasn’t always like that. Although using a high-powered motor to power a bike has been around for years, it wasn't until recently that hunting ebikes were produced. Technology has progressed extensively in recent years, allowing for more sophisticated ebike technology. Today, we have expressly-designed electric bikes for hunting that can make a significant difference to your hunt and subsequent excursions.
So how do you choose the best electric bike for hunting? Here are seven considerations to look out for.
You'll find three main types of motors for hunting electric bikes: rear hub, mid drive, and all-wheel drive. Mid drive motors are located near the pedals in the bike's center. This placement makes them ideal for riders who want to pedal along with the hub motor, providing a boost when needed.
Rear hub motors are located in the back wheel, near the hub. This placement provides more power for climbing hills or accelerating but can make the bike feel less balanced.
Finally, the all-wheel-drive motor has one powerful motor for each hub (front and rear). So it's two motors working together, which gives incredible stability and torque. Most all-wheel-drive ebikes also have options to switch between rear and front hubs. But it takes some getting used to on rocky and uneven ground when both wheels aren't always touching down to get traction.
Ultimately, the type of motor you choose should be based on the terrain you're hunting on and your budget.
Any bike with fat tires will do if you stick to relatively flat, well-groomed trails. However, if you're planning on doing any serious off-roading, you'll need a bike with more power and bigger tires. Whatever the case, just be sure to consider the terrain to ensure that you have the best possible hunting experience.
Most electric hunting bikes have a maximum weight load of 250 lbs, but some can carry riders up to 300 lbs. If you plan on carrying extra gear with you on your hunts, choosing a bike that can handle the extra weight is important. Otherwise, you risk damaging the bike or causing an accident.
So, before making your purchase, check the weight capacity to ensure that the bike you select can safely accommodate you and your gear.
Travel range is the distance the electric bike can travel on a single charge, and it will vary depending on the battery size, power settings, terrain, load weight, and wind conditions. So if you plan to use your hunting ebike for long-distance hunting trips, ensure that it has a long enough range to get you to your destination and back again.
Fortunately, many companies now offer extended-range batteries that can provide up to 60 miles of travel on a single charge. So if you're looking for an electric bike that can take you farther off the beaten path, check the maximum travel range before making your purchase.
You'll want an electric hunting bike that can handle being ridden over rough terrain and deal with the occasional bump or pothole. A good suspension system will help keep you comfortable while riding and ensure that you don't have to worry about your bike breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
There are a few additional things to look for in a suspension system, such as the steerer, sliders, and suspension action, so research before making a purchase. So if you're looking for an electric hunting bike that can take a beating, paying attention to the suspension system is key.
A sturdy frame is essential to provide a platform for the rest of the bike, and it needs to be able to withstand the abuse that comes with riding off-road. Look for a frame made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum. These materials are strong yet lightweight, making them ideal on rough terrain.
You should also consider whether the frame is compatible with the type of suspension you want. Check for axle compatibility, steerer tube length, and brake type. Using a compatible frame will ensure your bike can handle the bumps and jolts of riding over uneven ground.
Another aspect of the bike frame is the weight. A heavier bike will be more difficult to use on very steep slopes, so make sure you choose one that's the right weight and size for you. With a little reading, you can find a bike frame that meets your needs and budget.
You'll want to make sure that the hunting ebike you choose has a walk-assist mode that's easy to use and reliable. This mode is ideal for when you need to go slowly and quietly, such as when tracking an animal. It's also helpful if you need to walk up a steep hill or over rough terrain.
In addition, it allows you to conserve battery power, which is especially important if you plan to be out all day. This mode is also useful when you need to walk and don't want to bear the weight of your equipment on your back; the bike will move along with you and do the heavy lifting.
When choosing the best electric bike for your next hunting trip, there are a few key factors you'll want to consider. We've outlined seven of the most important ones for you here, but be sure to cycle through our product reviews to get more details on individual bikes. Then, with the proper knowledge, you can feel confident making the best purchase for your next hunting trip.