E Bikes for Hunting

[timeout]

So electric cars have been hashed over on the main forum, what about e bikes? Anyone using them? Is the Quietkat worth the extra money over some other fat tire e bikes priced much lower? Thinking about one for getting to and from my bow stands. I have an ATV and a UTV but I hunt several days a week during bow season and an e bike would create a lot less disturbance.

 

[Fairchaser]

The property I hunt is 18,000 acres and doesn’t allow ATV use to get around. So, I’ve been using E bikes for the last 7 years. I wouldn’t go back to an ATV even if they were legal. The bike is easier to transport and much stealthier and will pull out a deer with the carts designed for them. Personally, I use a Rambo bike and would recommend it highly along with a good headlight for night riding. They aren’t cheap but IMO the way to go!

 

[AWS]

A number of predator hunters are using them and they are starting to loosen some of the restrictions on public lands.

I thought about one a few years ago but I put too many miles on to make a e-bike useful, so I use a 200cc MC to go from stand to stand during the day. I can leave from the house and have close to a 150 mile range before I have look for a gas station, current bushes won't recharge an e-bike.

 

[pdhntr]

So electric cars have been hashed over on the main forum, what about e bikes? Anyone using them? Is the Quietkat worth the extra money over some other fat tire e bikes priced much lower? Thinking about one for getting to and from my bow stands. I have an ATV and a UTV but I hunt several days a week during bow season and an e bike would create a lot less disturbance.

I did a lot of research and finally went a different direction, but they are a solution to some of our problems as we get older.

Take the time to research and study the different options open to single and dual batteries, the placement of motor or motors, and the type of E bike controller provided by the manufacturer before you buy.

One of the ones to check out is Biktrix. Good luck.

Jim

 

[OmegaRed]

While it hasn't had much momentum, there was up to a 30% rebate (tax credit) proposed.

What Is the US E-BIKE Act for 30% Tax Credit OFF? Can You Get an Electric Bike for Free in 2025?

The US E-BIKE Act proposes a 30% federal tax credit (up to $1,500) for new electric bikes under $8,000, but as of May 2025, it is not yet law. State rebates and local incentives can further reduce costs, but getting an electric bike for free is rare-most programs offer significant discounts, not...

www.hovsco.com

 

[MikeT49]

I'm also looking to purchase an ebike for hunting. I will be using it for elk hunting here in Washington and for whitetail hunting back in Wisconsin. A bunch of the elk ground here in Washington is owned by Logging companies. Locked gates at the access. I could spend most of my day walking in to where the animals are and then quitting early to walk back out. Or, let the ebike do the walking. Same deal in Wisconsin on the county land I hunt. The snowmobile trail access gates are locked shut during hunting season. I go back in about 1 1/2 miles. Will be nice to silently get near my stands and not get all sweated up walking in.
I've looked at the Rambo and Quietkat. Hopefully, others that have used ebikes will ring in with some pros and cons. I'm also looking at Rad Power ebikes but I would have to fab my trailer. I do plan on getting a second battery for backup.

 

[AWS]

Be sure that your e-bike is considered a bike and not a motorized vehicle on the lands you want to enter or even if wheeled vehicles are allowed.

 

[uncle fester]

I never thought of using them. Thanks for putting an expensive idea in my head!! ;-)

 

[timeout]

I stopped in an e bike store Thursday. I "test rode" 2 Rambo models and a Magnum Peak T7. I went in with the fat tire mindset. I left not so certain. The T7 had tires sort of in between standard mountain bike and fat tires. The T7 was much more maneuverable and had way more "throttle response". It also had a 20 amp hour battery versus a 14 on the Rambos. Two things I didn't like about the T7 we're the 10 speed gear sprocket set up with the chain placement being quite low and the only colors on hand were bright blue or a gray that is almost white. I am concerned that the chain and sprocket setup will get fouled up with grass or twigs. The 10 speed though has a gear ratio that will pull you up as steep of a mountain as you can stay on without tipping over backwards. The T7 was also less $$. Ths salesman was quite knowledgeable and uses a T7 on his farm. I'm sure he could probably use any model they had. He also mentioned that two or three years ago they had an event testing Rambo's at his place and people attending liked his Magnum better. One thing for sure on the Rambo is you will want a seat upgrade! I found them extremely uncomfortable!

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I stopped in an e bike store Thursday. I "test rode" 2 Rambo models and a Magnum Peak T7. I went in with the fat tire mindset. I left not so certain. The T7 had tires sort of in between standard mountain bike and fat tires. The T7 was much more maneuverable and had way more "throttle response". It also had a 20 amp hour battery versus a 14 on the Rambos. Two things I didn't like about the T7 we're the 10 speed gear sprocket set up with the chain placement being quite low and the only colors on hand were bright blue or a gray that is almost white. I am concerned that the chain and sprocket setup will get fouled up with grass or twigs. The 10 speed though has a gear ratio that will pull you up as steep of a mountain as you can stay on without tipping over backwards. The T7 was also less $$. Ths salesman was quite knowledgeable and uses a T7 on his farm. I'm sure he could probably use any model they had. He also mentioned that two or three years ago they had an event testing Rambo's at his place and people attending liked his Magnum better. One thing for sure on the Rambo is you will want a seat upgrade! I found them extremely uncomfortable!

What was the ballpark price on these?

 

[timeout]

What was the ballpark price on these?

27-2800 + the governor's cut.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

27-2800 + the governor's cut.

Thanks, that’s reasonable enough then for the mobility they would give you.

 

[memilanuk]

I'm also looking to purchase an ebike for hunting. I will be using it for elk hunting here in Washington and for whitetail hunting back in Wisconsin. A bunch of the elk ground here in Washington is owned by Logging companies. Locked gates at the access. I could spend most of my day walking in to where the animals are and then quitting early to walk back out. Or, let the ebike do the walking.

Same deal in Wisconsin on the county land I hunt. The snowmobile trail access gates are locked shut during hunting season.

Not to be a jerk... but those are two entirely different scenarios. The latter, the trails are shut down to prevent motorized vehicle use during the non-snow season. The former, the roads are on *private property*. If you don't have written permission from the land owner... slipping around the gates with an e-bike - or on foot - is probably not the right call.

 

[MikeT49]

Not to be a jerk... but those are two entirely different scenarios. The latter, the trails are shut down to prevent motorized vehicle use during the non-snow season. The former, the roads are on *private property*. If you don't have written permission from the land owner... slipping around the gates with an e-bike - or on foot - is probably not the right call.

The county land I hunt in Wisconsin actually has access to where I hunt with ATVs/UTVs, but you have to drive a 3 mile loop to get there. Much closer with the ebike and quiet. In Washington, I am fully aware of private property rules. I will have written permission from a logging company before I access their property. With that permission, I will also ask for permission to use an ebike, especially if I have to pay a fee.

 

[AccelR8]

I have one of these.

I have a spinal cord injury from nearly 30 years ago and partial paralysis, plus I have a leg that is half plastic.


I bought that scooter specifically for it's off-road capabilities. When I was whole and not broken I loved to hike, and camp, and bicycle, and ski. I deeply miss those things and thought this would be a way to at least “got out there” if to a lesser degree.

I have had rangers, wildlife officers and police pay me no mind, I've had them wave and say hello...AND I've been told I can't have a “motorized vehicle” on the trails and threatened with arrest when I tried to explain.

I've even printed and carried a document from ADA .gov, entitled “ADA Requirements Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices.” In part, it states “This publication is designed to help title II entities (State and local governments)...understand how the new rules for mobility devices apply to them." I also carry my handicap placard documentation with me. Makes no matter, those LEOS that choose to make an issue of it will refuse to look at the documents I offer to them.

Sorry for the rant. Sore subject with me.

 

[Aeon]

Ebikes are rad and not going away....

class 1 bikes ( peddle assist only ) are pretty much tolerated on most trails that are regular bike ok. The number of class 1 bikes getting sold is 2/1 over acoustic bikes. down side is they are the most expensive with even a cheap one starting at 5k and going up to 14k. packing a lot of weight with them is not ideal but they are the most capable on bike only trails. The motors are not made to tow a heavy load but will do it.

class 2/3 and electric motocross push to go bikes are a lot lot more limited where you can run them. They include things like the surron or quietkat. The motocross bikes are just that and you can go fast and far but trail use on a bike trail will get you a court date pretty fast. The push to go bikes like the quietkat work but i would not ever take one on a technical trail. you can sometimes get away with them on bike trails. because you can peddle them or at least look like you are vs the surron type.

my Norco range has a couple thousand miles on it and its running strong!

 

[Ccrider]

I really like the way the Rungus look. They are pricey.

 

[taylorw]

I’ve used one for several seasons now and wouldn’t hunt large tracts of land without it.
They’re great for moving stands around mid day and saves a bunch of time doing so.
I would also buy one that’s a min of 1500 watts. The one I own is 2000 watts..
Also seem to spook deer less when your going in during mornings and out in the evenings, and cuts down on ground scent as well.
This is the best way to transport them so you don’t take up your bed space.
The brand is capstone and seems to be one of the sturdier built racks that I’ve found.
Another thing that I would swap out immediately is the seat. Nothing worse than trying to sit on a narrow seat with 40lbs worth of tree stand, sticks, and hunting equipment on your back, going through picked corn fields or rough cattle pasture. Lol
This seat has helped a bunch..

 

[std7mag]

I'd love to be able to use an e bike for hunting/scouting purposes.

Alas, i hunt public game lands in PA. They don't allow e bikes.

I'm stuck with walking, pedal bike, or horseback. (Which i don't have access to either)

 

[MikeT49]

I just ordered a Rambo from Sportsmans Guide. They currently have a special going on with free 6 piece accessory kit including cart, fenders, rack, etc. I'm getting shorter every day so I got the Ryder 24. 26.5" stand over height. The $800 accessory kit is free with any model Rambo E Bike.