Hunting E Bikes

[Walnut Beast]

Who has one and what brand ?? I plan on getting one in the near future.  I have been researching them pretty heavy and have them narrowed down to two different makes. Like anything else the more features and ah batteries the more money

[Walnut Beast]

This is one of the unique bikes I was considering but I'm moving in the direction of a internal rear Rolhoff gear hub no gears on the outside. 

 

[Walnut Beast]

https://bakcou.com/products/storm-jager-fat-tire-electric-bike

These are pretty good bikes. This is their top of the line model. Several models cheaper but this is one I'm considering. They were sold out and I got a message that they were back in stock but he said if you want one you better order one. He was right two days later they were sold out.

[SawyerTed]

Thought I would share a little about our e bikes.  I'm not suggesting the bikes we have would make good hunting bikes but I have a little first hand e bike experience that might help.

My wife and I have Lectric brand folding e bikes.  I looked at hunting e bikes but the prices were prohibitive at $3k to $8k.  I used to ride mountain bikes on trails with some regularity until a hard fall laid me up for a couple of months so the hunting!mountain bike configuration was interesting to me.

As I'm sure you've found, the greater amp hour batteries give greater range and conversely, the higher watt motors decrease range - 750 watts and 1000 watts are typical.  Ours have a range up to 45 miles using the lowest pedal assist level and 20 miles using throttle only.  We have standard 9.6 ah batteries.  They offer an extended range battery with up to 65 miles range.  Ours have 750 watt motors and they have no trouble hauling my 200 pound self and a full load of groceries or camping supplies at top speed on throttle only. I tend to use pedal assist less than Emily.  I'm a bit over 6' tall and the folding bike fits okay.  

Most e bikes have two power settings, I don't recall the designations but ours came at the lower power setting.  There's a setting in the controls to access the higher power.  We learned that some areas (towns. parks, trails) require the lower setting be used.  The difference is the top speed somewhere like 18 miles per hour on the lower setting and 28 mph in the higher setting, I don't recall the exact numbers.

We bought folding bikes to take camping. They have become our main transportation around the campgrounds and often to get groceries and supplies.  Ours are outfitted with pannier bags (fancy name for soft saddlebags) and a rear rack.  The funny thing is folded, the bikes will sit in a 45 gallon tote.  This helps secure the bikes in the camper and prevents spreading dirt off the bikes.

For our use and the price $799 IIRC each plus accessories the Lectric bikes have been an exceptional value.  We've had no problems.  They are a bit heavy at a little over 60 pounds.

The Lectric bikes have smaller diameter rims than the hunting bikes which makes the Lectric bikes less "mountain bike" capable than the hunting bikes.  So they are two different kinds of bikes.

They are super quiet but make all the noises any bike makes plus a little whine from the electric motor.

Did I say we both really like and enjoy our e bikes?  We do!

I saw you posted the Rungu Dualie.  My dad's neighbor has one.  It is a huge beast of a bike!   I've not ridden it but it appears to be equipped with all the accessories for carrying gear.

[peakbagger]

Whatever you do, dont go cheap. E bikes are expensive and there is a lot of chicom crap out there. Almost all bikes are assembled from components so its important to find out what components are used. 

[Walnut Beast]

Great information Ted and Peak 👍

[SwampDonkey]

Looks great for grouse hunting. What do you do when you get a moose, drive back for the skidder? ;) Yes, you could easily scout 100's of forest roads around here for moose. Never seen a clearcut around here without moose poo on the ground. ;D

[Walnut Beast]

That's funny SwampDonkey. Actually they make small trailers guys are using for gear and game. I think you might have a little trouble with a moose if not quartered up. Pulling a 300 lb trailer is what they say can be done. I'll see about posting a picture of a trailer 

[Walnut Beast]

Here is some different trailers. Some guys and companies make hitch points from back rack to down on hub with a bolt ball trailer hitch. 

 

 

   

[Walnut Beast]

Haven't heard anybody have buyers remorse over a E bike only on buying a cheaper one. Everyone that seems to get a E bike or Hunting E bike that I'm following on several FB pages says it is a Game changer. And these bikes can go through and up some really rugged terrain 

[SwampDonkey]

Aaaa bull moose can be over 1000 lbs, some 1400 lbs. But yeah nothing wrong with buying what you have your mind set on. Me personally, I always drove to an old grown up road or two I wanted to hunt and just walked when grouse hunting. These were roads 90 miles from here and remote. Always used to use cover type maps to see the age of the growth and where the roads were. Like 10-15 year old growth for birds. Never hunted more than a week after Thanks Giving (Canada), because I wanted leaves on. Never was a deer hunter.

[barbender]

I love the concept of those bikes, but I can easily see them being the next thing I hate. I hunt out in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming a lot. That range is absolutely overrun with side by sides and atvs. Those machines seem to bring out the worst in human behavior and the sight of them out there puts me in a bad mood instantly. The only solace is to hit the areas where they can't go- places where either the roads are closed, or there are no roads. So that's what I do. But my fear is one of these times, after hiking 5 hours in somewhere, someone is going to come whizzing by on an e-bike. I might clotges line them😡 There's no escape sometimes🤷‍♂️

[Walnut Beast]

I got a feeling you are right 😂😂. They seem to be getting crazy popular and the good ones can climb like a mountain goat and with the big disc brakes some serious stopping. Some of these idiots are going to be going places they are not allowed also. The one bike I'm thinking of getting has a walk mode , so in serious steep terrain or nasty stuff you could have heavy stuff on the bike and be walking it up or over stuff at the speed you want walking 

[peakbagger]

Of course there is the original Rokon, made in NH. Two wheel drive and tough as nails. 

Home - Rokon

[Stephen1]

I have been thinking about  the e bikes. I will follow along. I have a 20 mile ride the the local micro brewery. It would be great to have power assist home.

[KEC]

I have been toying with the idea of buying an electric riding lawn mower and removing the mower deck and using it to get around. Before I would buy one, I would research the rules on using them on trails closed to motor vehicles. These rules can vary from county park lands, state parks, state forest lands and New Yorks' Adirondack Park lands, etc.. I'm in reasonably good shape, but walking long distances is getting harder. I have a handicap tag for parking. What think you guys? 

[Walnut Beast]

Of course there is the original Rokon, made in NH. Two wheel drive and tough as nails.

Home - Rokon

A think a dirt bike would spank it. There is a outfit out there that makes one like that that's all electric but it didn't have the front assist. They need to be thinking all electric then they would really have something 

[Walnut Beast]

Here is a good clarification on the class rules and laws. If you are in areas where you need the lower power setting it's wise to get one that's adjustable levels. 

 

[Walnut Beast]

I've been doing a bunch of research on these animals and some of there things might help somebody else make some decisions. This is the best internal gear hub out there and it's made in Germany. Belt drive is also on this bike I'm looking at and it's going to get and takeover the chain models on the higher end units.

 

 

[Stephen1]

The internal hub is interesting, I still have a full suspension Trek Mountain bike,  I know how it all works and have learned how to adjust and repair.  Without dirt getting involved i bet it is better. 

[petefrom bearswamp]

Interesting.
Good luck in your quest for a suitable one.
I could probably use one out west, but am choosing to put Elk, Muley and Antelope hunting in the rear view mirror.
Even my whitetail hunting consists of patrolling my property on my Kubota RTV and ADK hunting to stump sitting a couple of hrs in the morning and before dark.
Dont relish climbing into  a ladder stand anymore.

[K-Guy]

It would be great to have power assist home.

It would be great to have power assist home.

I would be careful on that, they may save because it's motorized you need a license and charge you with impaired driving.

[Walnut Beast]

Of course there is the original Rokon, made in NH. Two wheel drive and tough as nails.

Home - Rokon

That is a  very interesting unit! American made since 1958 and still going 💪. Have you ever rode one? They have quite a little following it looks like.  Watched some videos and looked like it could climb pretty good and go over some nasty terrain. 

[Southside]

I have been thinking about  the e bikes. I will follow along. I have a 20 mile ride the the local micro brewery. It would be great to have power assist home.

That invention has been around for a long time, they will save you from poker games and painted ladies too.  It's called an old horse.  :D

[curved-wood]

Here is a good ref for ebike review:Best Electric Bikes | Unbiased, In-Depth Reviews | ElectricBikeReview.com
I've got a fat bike electric. I love it. I run it in mud and slush.  In the forest it needs a trail. My small trailer is a used one after the kids are grown up. Not the best but does the job. On solid ground I've carry over 200 pounds in it. My bike brand is Igo which has a very good evaluation on EBR. I've paid $2,300 Canadian comes with front light and back rack. Couls be bought at Costco. The assistance of the motor stop at 30 mph. It is a 500 watts motor and from what I understand, it is the maximum power to be consider a bike ( in Québec ) More than that is has to be plate as a motorcycle. Not shure but I think you could carry a riffle without being lock or in a case (not the same for an ATV). 

 

[Walnut Beast]

Nice unit! Great feedback 👍

[Stephen1]

#curved-wood How do you like the fat tires in the summer or when there is no snow? My buddy has the same bike he uses to ride around locally (beer oclock on the lake) but is an avid biker, road bike and mountain bikes. So he does not venture very far on the electric bike. 

[Ron Scott]

They are classed as a motor vehicle for use on National Forest system lands, so they are only permitted on motorized trails.

[Walnut Beast]

I was confused about that because I was hearing they were allowing them on trails. Now I know the catch that both of these articles are saying. Yes they are considered motorized on National Forest lands but it sounds like in many different locations that they are changing the designation of trails to accommodate E bikes 


https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/natural-resources-energy/2022-04-21/the-national-forest-service-issues-new-guidance-for-e-bikes

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/u.s.-forest-service-finalizes-ebike-guidance

[thecfarm]

Long ways from what you guys want.
I just got done putting an Anywhere Bike together. This is a trike for the wife. Her balance is not the best.
I do know one thing, That thing will go!!!
I only took it on our dirt road. Wife took it down to the tar road and said it went really good. It has power assist, just an easy turn on the pedals and I could feel it kick in. Has 1 to 5 assist.  I had to fight her for it to try it out.  ;D
Yes it has fat tires.
The motor is on the front tire. But when you pedal, that gets the rear tires going.

[stavebuyer]

This forum costs too much. Not hunting bikes but I just ordered a his and hers set of the Lectric XP's with the extended range batteries. A purchase that wasn't even on the radar until I read this thread.

[SawyerTed]

We do like ours!   They are perfect for us. 

Sorry about that.    :D

[stavebuyer]

Lectric owes Ted and Jeff a commission. I did name the Forestry Forum as the "source" that led me to Lectric.

[curved-wood]

#curved-wood How do you like the fat tires in the summer or when there is no snow? My buddy has the same bike he uses to ride around locally (beer oclock on the lake) but is an avid biker, road bike and mountain bikes. So he does not venture very far on the electric bike.

On asphalt the tire are more noisy than regular tire but not enough to bother me. Even on summer I go in the forest with it and mud tire are much more stable. We are just back from a camping and bike trip ...super. In a 6 hours of biking ( probably around 40-50 miles) and the battery was still in the 70 to 80%. The more you pedal strongly, the more milage. But the real fun is that you pedal what ever you feel like; if the hill is too steep just ask more power from the battery.

[Walnut Beast]

Guys are saying nothing but love for hunting E bike and the one guy said he's definitely investing in a trailer for next season

 

  

[gspren]

Just saw this and thought I should say I just got a Radrunner 2 a few weeks ago, so far it's fun. I will be using it in Delaware where the terrain is mostly flat. I pan to use my deer cart if I need for retrieval but will be able to carry what I need to hunt on the racks, it has a substantial rear rack as part of the frame and I got the optional front rack which is easy to put a milk crate on. I will try my first hunt in Oct so maybe I'll have something to report.

[gspren]

  I can do a partial update, 4 days of hunting but still no deer retrieval. The Radrunner2 worked great for getting me and all my daily hunting supplies from the parking area back to the stand. I think it would pull a deer on the cart ok once you got moving, I say this because I feel the starting torque isn't that great but once moving not bad, I'm talking about starting without peddling, my bike has a 750 motor and can be ridden with or without peddling. I mounted a milk crate to the front rack for most of my gear with the gun in a padded case strapped to the rear rack. I have a handicap permit and added plastic handicap signs to both sides of the milk crate mostly so other hunters seeing it won't complain. I did get a front tire slow leak after the first day so probably got a green brier thorn, had to air up each day but then it held good enough for the day, going to try some FlatOut brand tire/tube treatment and will also report on that. Maybe next month can talk deer retrieval.

[Walnut Beast]

Thanks for the update. Keep us posted 👍

[gspren]

Another small update, as stated in my last update I had a slow leak in the front tire probably from a green brier, needed to add air once a day. Last Saturday I added about 10 oz of Flatout brand tire goo to each tire and then aired up and rode around to distribute it, it's now 8 days later and tire is still holding up without needing air. I used the Flatout brand because it advertises 10 year life span while Slime brand only says 2 years. It's still a few weeks till my next DE hunt where I'll use the bike.