Best Bikes For Hunting

‍An e-bike built for hunting is a big aid in getting to a blind, checking on-field cameras, or hauling a newly fresh kill. What are the best bikes for hunting?

The best bikes for hunting are listed below with some detail as to why we liked them.

• QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
• Bakcou Mule E-Bike
• Rambo R1000XPC E-Bike
• Rungu Rubicon XR Dualie E-Bike
• QuietKat Ranger E-Bike
• Bakcou Kodiak E-bike
• RadRover 6 Plus E-bike

Let’s face it. Getting to and from a blind hidden deep in the woods can be a pain when you are halting 50 lbs of gear or (meat) on your back. (While I am as avid a hunter as anyone, a part of me likes it when modern technology makes my life easier). In addition to the readily apparent workhorse duties of hauling gear, an e-bike for hunting can also be a lifeline to the outside world in case of injury. (I’ve known hunters who have busted up ankles climbing down from a stand, and it took hours for help to arrive. Imagine just being able to flip a switch and have the bike quickly get you out of the woods).

‍What is a Hunting E-Bike?

A hunting bike is an extra durable electronic bicycle powered by a motor and rechargeable battery. Most e-bikes are capable of 60-plus miles of range on one charge. Many of them are built with racks, cargo trailers, or other accessories to help haul a kit in and the game out.

What’s the Difference Between an E-bike and a Hunting E-bike?

A standard e-bike shares many of the same qualities as a hunting e-bike in that both are powered by a motor and run off the charge of a battery. Both have pedal assist options, making it easier for the rider to move the bike forward. Most e-bikes have an option for the fully electric mode, which allows the bike to do the pedaling for you.

However, a hunting e-bike is explicitly built for off-road terrain, with a more durable frame, wider tires, and a heavy-duty suspension system. The modifications allow a hunting e-bike to carry more weight (which you might assume would be necessary), and the wider tires and improved suspension help navigate the rugged terrain that can often be found in the wilderness.

What are the Benefits of a Hunting E-bike?

There are many reasons why hunters might want to consider an e-bike to get to and from a hunting blind.

Comfort

The most obvious reason for a hunting e-bike is because the bike carries teh weight of gear rather than the hunter having to pack it on his back. This advantage allows the hunter to be refreshed or less exhausted when he reaches the stand. Less physical strain on the body means more alertness to spot the ten-point across the ravine staring right at you.

The construction of a hunting e-bike can aid in the comfort department. Wider tires mean handling obstructions on the trail more easily. These tires are designed to produce less vibration and reduce the chance of rollover.

Time

It is an obvious advantage that an e-bike is much faster than walking. (Unfortunately, there have been plenty of cold mornings that we’ve gotten up before the sun came up, just to get in the stand before the deer started stirring). An e-bike can be much easier and less time-consuming for getting a deer carcass out of the woods and into the back of your pickup.

An e-bike can cover a more significant distance than walking in less time, and this fact also helps when a hunter needs to check on cameras, scrapes, corn piles, or if they are tracking something.

Safety

An electric bike can be safer when an unforeseen event happens. Should an injury occur, the hunter can get medical help sooner or get out of the woods should some other emergency arise.

Exercise

An e-bike doesn’t always mean that the bike does all the work. E-bikes might make the journey more manageable, but they can be great exercise. The terrain a hunter often traverses can still lend itself to pedaling, so it keeps the legs moving and the heart pumping. If a hunter needs to run down a quarry, the e-bike can make that adventure more effortless and safer.

No Noise or Scent Trail

An e-bike makes less noise than an ATV. This ability allows a hunter to make it to the stand or blind without scaring off prey. In addition, an e-bike leaves no scent trail, whereas an ATV has a gas-filled exhaust that animals can detect with a lot more sensitive noses than we do.

No Carbon Footprint

An e-bike helps reduce carbon-monoxide gases by being more environmentally friendly. Most hunters have a keen sense of the importance of protecting habitats, and the fact that they can contribute to their well-being is essential. In addition, there are models of e-bikes that can be recharged from sunlight if you desire to go even further.

Cost

An ATV or Quad has an initial cost of $5,000 - $15,000 on average, whereas a hunting e-bike will cost a lot less. In addition, there are no gasoline costs, and the maintenance costs are significantly less.

Gear In - Game out

The real advantage to having an e-bike is that the weight limit allows a hunter to haul all their gear in, and when they get a kill, haul the game out. Rather than carrying 100 lbs of deer on your shoulders, you can let the bike do the heavy lifting.

What are the Best Hunting E-bikes?

There are many manufacturers of hunting bikes that are on the market today. Here is a list of some of our favorites.

QuietKat Jeep E-Bike

This entry on our best-liked list is an e-bike developed in a joint partnership with Jeep and has won the hearts of many hunters since its inception. This e-bike has won the Best All Terrain Hunting E-bike for 2022 by the reviewers at Electric Bike Report.

The Ultra-Drive has a 750-watt motor or a 1000-W option that packs 1500 W of power and 160 nm of torque.

The 768Wh battery gives the bike a 22-44 mile range. The recharge time is about 6-8 hours from completely dead, and there is a solar-powered recharger option which makes charging in the field pretty easy.

The nine-speed drivetrain offers adequate transitioning for inclines or descents and is easily accessed through handlebar levers.

The QuietKat has 26 x 4.8 fat tires wide enough to tackle almost any terrain, from grass-covered fields to mountain, rocky trails. Owners can deflate pressures a bit to provide better traction in snow or sand or be left at normal pressures to handle other terrains.

The Fire-link suspension fork system is a four-bar linkage that lends itself to a smooth ride and better traction on rough trails. Several reviewers have described it as an “absolute tank” on forest terrain, but not without difficulty on steep uphill contours.

The bike weighs over 70 lbs, which is about average for an e-bike. The weight limit is 300 lbs, so most hunters need to invest in a one-wheel trailer that can bring home a good-sized doe or buck without too much trouble. In addition, this is one of the more expensive e-bikes, so be prepared to shell out around seven grand for the bike and more for the accessories.

QuietKat operates in Eagle, Colo, and is a relatively new company (founded in 2012). They have developed a reputation for building quality e-bikes and are working hard to replace ATVs and Quads that mountain terrains cannot always handle. The company has a bright future and has recently positioned itself under the Vista Outdoor family.

Pros

• Tough e-bike - can handle rough terrain
• Built-in Eagle, Colorado.
• 1000 W motor option available
• The bike has a range of 44 miles max.
• The battery can be recharged with a charger or by a solar-powered option

Cons

• Heavy bike
• May have trouble on very steep inclines
• Expensive bike

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer’s website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

Bakcou Mule Hunting E-Bike

Bakcou has emerged over the last several years as an industry leader in hunting-class e-bikes. The Mule is aptly named because this bike can do it all. It has been the best-selling fat tire e-bike for about four years now.

The motor is a 1000-watt Bafang ULTRA mid-drive motor with quite a bit of power, delivering 160nm of torque. The bike is equipped with an integrated torque sensor, which provides feedback to the rider to ensure that they are getting the maximum performance. The bike has a top speed of 30 mph, which is fast enough to move across all terrain.

The Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain is standard. The 48v Panasonic lithium-ion battery offers several options depending on the rider's needs. (We recommend the 25AH as it has the most extended range of a tad under 40 miles). The bike’s battery recharges in about eight hours.

According to Bakcou, the 18-inch frame is suitable for more prominent men up to 6’ - 4” and has a weight limit of 300 lbs. The bike’s weight is 68 lbs, which puts it right where it needs to be for a mountain fat tire e-bike.

The 26-inch fat tires are more than adequate to provide good gripping power when moving through a forest, and the air suspension is smooth. While you won’t glide over roots or rocks like you were riding on air, at least your teeth won’t rattle out of your head, either.

One of the best things about Bakcou is its commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project. Based out of Utah since 2018, the company has continually worked with veterans to provide them with mobility via an e-bike. This project has made a world of difference in the lives of many veterans and earned the company a bonus in my book.

Pros

• The best-selling fat tire e-bike for four years straight
• Less expensive than other e-bikes like the QuietKat Jeep.
• Built-in Utah
• Lots of charging options
• This e-bike sells out quickly.

Cons

• Limited range with a smaller battery
• The standard battery will probably not be helpful to most hunters

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer's website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

Rambo Rebel 1000XPC Mountain E-bike

This Rebel is an e-bike built to take some punishment. Naturally, most hunters don’t want any wimpy e-bike, and this unit is certainly not that! The Rambo Extreme Performance is built with a 19-inch aluminum alloy frame and can handle extreme conditions, whether cruising through the forest, skirting up a rocky trail, or speeding down the beach.

The 1000 W Bafangs BBSHD powerful mid-drive motor has a torque of 160 Nm and provides a lot of power during takeoff. The lithium-ion 21AH battery is lower on the frame, which helps provide better balance to the bike than some competitors.

The battery has a range of 48 miles which is significantly more than the QuietKat or Bakcou offer, which is a definite plus. The top speed for a Rebel 1000XPC is between 26-30 mph, depending on the weight and cargo being transported.

The bike's weight is 69 lbs with a total capacity of 300 lbs with rider and gear.

The GT 860 air suspension fork provides enough stability to get over most terrain and bumpy surfaces, with a lockout feature, should you wish to do so. The Tektro HD-E725 4 Piston Hydraulic disc braking system allows for efficient stops when needed.

The 11-speed drivetrain is more than adequate for any kind of terrain.

The Maxxis tires are fat (26 x 4.8), knobby enough to provide grip on muddy and wet surfaces, and are especially good in sand.

The bike is equipped with a state-of-the-art digital display, which keeps the rider informed on the bike’s performance. The display is high-tech, and I was impressed that there was even a USB port to charge a phone from the bike’s battery.

Rambo bikes have been around since 2015 and are headquartered in Centerville, IA. They are building a reputation for producing a perfect hunting e-bike that is quickly becoming part of the outdoor hunting landscape.

Pros

• The bike is built to take the punishment of rough terrain.
• Less expensive than other e-bikes like the QuietKat Jeep.
• The company is headquartered in Iowa.
• I loved the display - very high-tech.
• More extended range than most e-bikes.

Cons

• Headlights must be purchased separately.

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer's website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

Rungu Dualie XR Rubicon

This Rubicon is a bike that will make you do a doubletake the first time you lay your eyes on it. The bike is built with two independent suspension front tires. There are two fat tires on the front and one on the back, and while this is technically a backward tri-cycle, many hunters found that the dual-wheeled configuration is safer and more efficient than what many other e-bikes have to offer.

Each wheel provides double the surface contact of a single front-wheeled bike, and the dual wheels help to prevent wipeouts or spills, particularly on nasty, muddy terrain. The Rubicon has a longer wheelbase, which moves the center of gravity for the bike farther away from the handlebars. While most e-bikes have most of the weight on the back tire (making the front tire light), the Dualie distributes the weight more evenly.

The bike is powered by a Bafang BBSHD mid-drive motor (1429 W), producing a ridiculous 245 lb/ft of torque. The Rubicon has a range of 41 miles off-road with pedal assist and is powered by two batteries (two front wheels equals a place for two battery packs).

The double battery system increases the bike's ability to climb terrain (it has a 50% max incline) and widens its range on a full charge. Recharging the dual battery unit is a bit confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s okay (I wish they had an adapter like most electric cars do nowadays). If you use their battery charger, the recharge is around three hours.

The Rubicon is a hefty bike weighing 120 lbs (chances are you will want to ride it up onto the back of the truck instead of lifting it if the place you hunt requires this). The e-bike has a towing capacity of up to 300 lbs and has a total weight limit of 324 lbs.

The bike offers a two-year limited warranty on all parts and service.

In addition, it is pretty damn expensive, running nearly $8500 before any accessories. Yet, this bike's increased stability might make it worth the added expense.

Rungu is based out of Santa Ana, California, and is a part of Standard Bearer Machines, LLC.

Pros

• The bike is built for sloppy terrain
• Two wheels in front offer support and balance
• The company is headquartered in CA but uses imported parts
• Dual tires mean dual batteries - increasing the range
• Made to attack inclines

Cons

• Heavy bike at 120 lbs
• Expensive bike - will likely turn off many buyers

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer's website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

QuietKat Ranger E-Bike

QuietKat makes the list again, but this time it is for a rear hub motor e-bike that is pretty reliable and, better yet, more affordable than other mid-drives. The bike has the luxury of being one of the most popular hunting bikes on the market. While it may not be as powerful as some of the other beasts we’ve mentioned, it will more than do the trick for most hunters who aren’t interested in mountain climbing after a Big Horn Sheep.

The Ranger has a variety of motor sizes. The battery is smaller, a 48V - 12.8AH, which only has a range of 19 -38 miles. The bike has a top speed of 20 mph. The recharging time is 6-8 hours.

The seven-speed gearbox is enough to assist the rider in most situations, and there are five different pedal assist modes, plus a walk assist mode. The Tektro braking system is exemplary for stops and works on most terrain surfaces.

The tires are slightly less comprehensive than other bikes (26 x 4.5), but the difference is hardly noticeable. While they provide traction on wet surfaces, the bike is not suited for sand (so if you need a beach bike - look elsewhere).

The bike's weight is light (65 lbs) due to the smaller battery and motor. In addition, the weight reduction means that it has a total weight limit of 325 lbs, which is more than many other much more expensive models of hunting e-bikes.

The best thing about the QuietKat Ranger is that it is priced well below the competition. For about $3500, a hunter can quickly get out to the field and back to the house. Since most hunters transport their e-bike to the edge of the treeline or field and then bike on into their stand, the Ranger is adequate for doing just that.

We recommend the Ranger for beginner riders who won’t place the bike in harsh situations. This e-bike is a beautiful youth bike that can help get kids back and forth to school and in and out of the woods.

Pros

• Modest price - better value
• Total weight capacity is more significant than competitors.
• Made in the USA
• Designed for moderate to level terrains.
• The rear hub motor means traction in the back
• Light bike at only 65 lbs

Cons

• Not overly powerful
• Not built for sloppy terrains
• It will not do steep inclines well.

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer's website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

Bakcou Kodiak AWD Hunting E-Bike

And Bakcou makes our list again with one of the most powerful hunting e-bikes on the planet.

This Kodiak is an e-bike with two motors, one on the front and one in the rear. They are Bafang 500W High-End motors that produce more power than any other e-bike on the market. This is a bike with the profound climbing ability and increased everything. (I loved that the Kodiak allows the rider to use either motor by itself or both motors with a dual setting by pushing a button).

The Extended Distance lithium Ion battery with 25AH is capable of a more extended range (up to 50 miles), and the Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain can help the rider navigate any incline or slope. This bike will eat it up through a wet or muddy trail path! (Just saying).

The braking system is a Tektro Quad hydraulic disc on both front and rear, which allows the rider to handle a steep descent should that be needed.

The tires are knobby yet less comprehensive than most mountain e-bike tires (26 x 4 - which are not as wide as the tires used on their Mule model).

The Kodiak uses a coil spring front fork, while much of the competition uses an air-suspension system. This fork type is a plus because the coil springs can handle rougher terrain.

Pros

• This e-bike is a rugged bike built for extreme terrains
• Made in the USA
• Dual Battery packs mean a more extended range designed for moderate to level terrains.
• Light bike at only 65 lbs
• Coil Spring for hard trail/mountain riding.

Cons

• None that we can think of.

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer's website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

RadRover 6 Plus E-bike

The best crossover bike and the most budget-friendly is the RadRover 6 Plus. This RafRover bike can be used on the street and off-road. This e-bike has been around for a while and is among the most popular on the market.

The RadRover has a 750 W motor, which can power through most applications and range 25 - 45 miles. The smaller motor allows the bike to be compliant on the street because it is rated as a bicycle and not a motorized vehicle.

The 7-speed drivetrain is adequate for most adventures, and the RST Spring fork, with lockout, allows the rider the option of terrain or more commuter applications if needed.

The tires are considered fat; at 26 x 4, they have enough surface contact to perform on muddy fields or wet pavements.

The best thing about this RadRover is the price. While the e-bike might not be the beast that a QuietKat or Bakcou might be, it is an excellent solution for hunters on a budget.

Pros

• Very reasonably priced
• It can be equipped with an adventure package
• It comes with headlights included

Cons

• The smaller motor may not appeal to mountain hunters
• Less total weight limit (275 lbs).

Price

• For more information, see the manufacturer’s website.
• For TODAY’S PRICE, see the website.

Are there Restrictions on Riding an E-Bike on Federal Lands?

Generally, until a couple of years ago, the Bureau of Land Management allowed e-bikes to travel on any trail that accommodated a bicycle. However, the BLM has paused that understanding in many locations as they look at the impact e-bikes make and whether to reclassify them as motorized vehicles.

There are also city, county, and state regulations to be aware of. Some counties require a valid license, like what you might see for a motorbike. (Currently, the states of Alaska and New Mexico have the most stringent regulations).

Most states have adopted policies that class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes should be given the same rights and privileges as pedal bikes. Most states have tended to regulate the use of e-bikes on streets and highways. It is always a good idea to contact your local city hall or land management office to ensure that you are aware of and following all regulations.

Most e-bike riders who take their bikes off-road on a premade trail must understand that they often share the road with other hikers or riders. There is always a need for good trail etiquette, meaning that all speed limits should be followed and pedestrians (hikers) are given preference.

Because e-bikes are generally very quiet, a hiker may not recognize when an e-bike comes up, so you should always offer a warning before your e-bike gets to them. The last thing you want is to have a hiker complain to the local authorities that you almost ran over them on an e-bike.

If you are riding on a trail with other riders in your group, be considerate when passing hikers, and do not block the trail for those who need to pass you (when you are taking a break). At scenic overlooks, you want to park your bike away from the spot and walk to the vista so that other people don’t have to fight around your bike to get a good view.

What are Some Accessories that Need to Be Considered?

Several things can make the life of a hunter on an e-bike easier.

HeadLight

Many mountain e-bikes do not have integrated headlights. Almost every company wants you to add that accessory to your order. While the cost varies, it is essential to ensure that your bike is equipped with a front light and tail lights. Hunters often get up and into the stand before daybreak and arrive from the stand after dark.

Cargo Trailer

Assuming that you have a lot of gear that you want to be hauled to the blind/stand, or even better, you have a prize buck to carry out. A trailer can help make the job easier. Each company makes its trailer (some are single wheels and some are two wheels), so you need to assess what kind of trailer works best for your situation.

Helmet

Even though your hunting bike is a bicycle per se, your state may still require a helmet when operating it. Currently, only three states have no restrictions on helmet usage (Illinois, New Hampshire, and Iowa), so make sure you are aware of your state regulations before venturing out. (While it is unlikely that any law enforcement agency will issue a ticket for this issue, if you drive the bike on a public road, you should have a helmet handy just in case.