ELECTRIC HUNTING BIKE GUIDE

What is an Electric Hunting Bike?

Electric bicycles resemble regular bicycles or mountain bikes but are equipped with several electrical components: a motor, a battery, and a controller. These features are seamlessly integrated into the design, allowing riders to augment their physical power—though, in most cases, they do not completely replace it.

An electric hunting bike is a specially designed, extra-durable eBike with a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. You can use hunting eBikes with accessories like cargo trailers, bags, and racks to help carry all your gear. Electric bikes are ideal for hunting because they make it easier to transport your equipment and haul your game back home without hassle.

E-bikes built for hunting differ from those designed for urban use. They are not merely camouflaged versions of standard eBikes. The specially designed frame of hunting eBikes can withstand the rough terrain of the wilderness, while still being light enough to lift in and out of your truck or trailer.

Electric mountain bikes and hunting bikes share similarities in that they allow riders to go off-road with greater speed and less exertion. Both types of all-terrain electric bicycles offer greater precision on rough terrain, though hunting bikes generally feature a sturdier frame capable of carrying more weight.

An electric hunting bike also has a heavy-duty suspension system, which allows it to handle varied terrain. Fat tires provide enhanced stability, making it easier to carry heavier loads. And of course, the stealth camo paint job available with hunting bikes adds an extra level of concealment.

Benefits of Fat Tire Electric Hunting Bikes

Fat-tire eBikes bring a host of advantages. Whether you're following a trail, scouting, or checking traps, fat tire electric hunting bikes allow you to traverse rough terrain quickly and comfortably. The wide tires not only provide more traction but also make the ride smoother. The sturdier design of wide tires means they can outperform standard mountain eBikes when off-road.

Increased Comfort
A fat tire electric hunting bike is designed for maximum comfort. Extra-wide tires boost comfort and rollover capability, and you can adjust tire pressure to optimize your ride. With an electric hunting bike, you can go just about anywhere, even if you suffer from joint pain or other physical limitations. The electric motor eliminates the strenuous effort of powering a large bike and offers an excellent alternative to the fatigue of walking. You’ll experience less physical strain, making long trips more comfortable and getting to those hard-to-reach hunting areas with ease.

Added Stability
Fat tire electric hunting bikes are equipped with tires that use more rubber and contain more air than standard tires. This design allows the tires to function with lower air pressure, which cushions the impact when you hit bumps or dips in the backcountry. Hunters will find the ride more comfortable and stable, even on rough terrain. Fat tires also provide better control and balance, making the bike easier to ride for less experienced cyclists. All ESU bikes are designed for excellent stability and maneuverability. For extra stability when towing a trailer full of game, hunters should opt for a double-wheel cart to maximize stability on rough terrain.

Exercise
While eBikes reduce the physical strain compared to traditional cycling, they still provide an effective form of exercise. An electric hunting bike saves energy and time, allowing you to reach your hunting stand or bait traps faster. Although eBikes assist with pedaling, unlike ATVs, they still require some human effort, so you’re still staying fit and healthy while using the bike.

Choosing the Right Electric Hunting Bike

There are many eBikes on the market, but they are not all created equal. If you plan to use your eBike for hunting, you need a model specifically designed for hunting conditions. Here’s what to look for in your next electric hunting bike:

Motor Placement
Electric hunting bikes with mid-motors offer several advantages over hub motors. For one, the mid-drive motor uses the same chain and gear set as the pedals to power the rear wheel. This allows you to select a low gear for steep hills or quick acceleration from a stop. Mid-drive motors in low gear can power up steeper hills without overheating, and they provide greater torque for heavier load-pulling.

Range
Battery range is a crucial consideration before setting out on a hunt. You’ll need enough charge to get out and back. While battery sizes vary by model, most electric hunting mountain bikes can cover around 60 miles on a single charge without pedaling. If you plan an extended trip or overnight stay, consider using a solar charger to recharge or extend your bike’s battery.

Suspension
When hunting, you'll likely be carrying a lot of expensive equipment, and if you're lucky, big game. Is your bike up for the task? Fire-Link suspension, like the one found on the ESU ES-V1, offers additional control. You can stop quickly, even in unstable conditions like mud or rain. There’s no better way to traverse rough terrain than on a full-suspension eBike.

Speed
Speed is another important factor for hunters when choosing an eBike. You’ll want enough speed to reach your spot quickly, but also the control to ensure safety. All ESU fat-tire eBikes reach about 20 mph at full throttle. While 20 mph may not seem fast, it's quite quick when navigating the forest trails but still safe enough for rough terrain.

Noise
Noise can be a significant problem when hunting, so you’ll want a bike that operates quietly. If the motor or bike is too noisy, you risk scaring off your game. The quiet nature of an electric bike is one of its greatest advantages for hunters. ESU hunting bikes, designed by hunters, are built to minimize noise as much as possible.

Weight Limit
When hunting, you’ll be carrying a lot of gear. Your bike needs to perform at its peak even with a full load. ESU bikes have load limits between 300–325 lbs. Trailers typically have a weight limit of around 100 lbs, depending on terrain and rider experience. Beginners or those riding over particularly rugged terrain should stick with a 100-lb load limit, while more experienced riders can haul up to 180–200 lbs on flatter terrain.

Bike Weight
The weight of the bike is another key factor. If your eBike is too heavy, you may find it difficult to manually pedal it or lift it out of mud. ESU hunting eBikes weigh between 65–70 lbs, providing a good balance of durability and maneuverability.

Durability
Your electric hunting bike will endure harsh conditions, so it’s important to choose one that can withstand tough terrain. Hunting eBikes need to be durable and capable of handling frequent use without constant maintenance.

Additional Features
When selecting an eBike for hunting, consider additional features like the ability to attach trailers or saddlebags for gear. Make sure the bike allows easy installation of accessories for carrying equipment.

Regulations for eBikes on Public Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has regulations for eBikes on public lands. As eBikes grow in popularity, regulations are rapidly changing and vary by state, city, and county. Federal laws mainly apply to eBikes used on roads, while regulations for off-road eBikes are generally less strict.

BLM-managed lands currently offer opportunities for riding eBikes, including access to Open OHV areas or motorized trails. eBikes are allowed on non-motorized trails restricted to bicycles only if a BLM manager has authorized eBike use for that area.

When riding on BLM land, always follow trail etiquette. This includes adhering to posted speed limits and yielding instructions, using a bell or calm voice to communicate with other trail users, and passing other riders safely without blocking the trail.

Why Choose an eBike Over an ATV or Side-by-Side?

Electric hunting bikes are a cost-effective alternative to ATVs, side-by-sides, or other gas-powered vehicles. Many budget-friendly electric bikes cost between $1500 and $7000, while ATVs typically start at $3000 and can cost up to $20,000 or more. Off-road vehicles also incur ongoing costs such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

eBikes are quieter than ATVs and quads, which makes them perfect for hunting. The noise and smell of gas-powered vehicles can alert animals to your presence, while eBikes are nearly silent, allowing you to get closer to your prey.

Additionally, electric bikes are environmentally friendly—they don’t require gas, produce zero exhaust, and can be recharged with solar power for even greater eco-friendliness.

Advantages of eBikes for Hunters

E-Bikes provide numerous advantages for hunters. They are silent, allowing you to approach game undetected. Unlike walking, where animals can hear the sound of boots on the ground, the low noise from an eBike minimizes the risk of spooking animals.

Additionally, eBikes leave no scent trail, which is crucial for hunting animals with strong senses of smell, like Whitetail Deer. It’s recommended to store your bike outdoors to avoid contamination from garage fumes. Also, eBikes leave less scent on the trail than boots.

An eBike allows you to cover more ground faster and with less effort. It’s especially beneficial for aging hunters or those with joint issues. Electric bikes enable you to go deeper and hunt longer, saving energy for the actual hunt. With the ability to carry heavy loads, they also make transporting gear and game easier.

Electric bikes provide flexibility in terms of terrain and weather, allowing hunters to access trails and areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.