With throttle cranked, the hill that once took your breath away eats its own dust. The silence of the e-bike doesn’t fill the air; at least, not like that old ATV used to. And what about that entry and exit route ground scent you didn’t lay down? Yeah, that just might be best of all.
E-bikes are all about low-impact hunting. Without question, there are many reasons to use an e-bike, but the big question — is it right for you? And if so, which one is best?
E-Bikes for Deer Hunting
E-bikes are beneficial for numerous reasons. These make for excellent assets when in the field pursuing whitetails and other game. It doesn’t take much brainstorming to think of the reasons deer hunters should buy an e-bike.
E-bikes make reaching treestands, checking trail cameras, making mock scrapes, scouting field edges, and more, much easier. It also has less impact on the land.
Another benefit is getting through tight spaces. For example, there might not be enough room between timber edges and ag fields, or between tightly spaced trees, for an ATV or UTV. A good e-bike could eat up that entry and exit without touching one crop plant or tree trunk.
Outpacing other public-land hunters is another reason. If permitted on the specific public property in question, an e-bike is much faster than walking. If you get to a parking area the same time as another individual, chances are good you’ll reach the desired area before the other hunter.
Next, silent operation is an obvious benefit. The ability to take entry and exit routes without much audible sound is significant. On noisy, leafy ground, the advantage of not making noise is important, too. Oftentimes, a bike in leaves has a similar sound as deer running or chasing. Therefore, whitetails are less likely to identify on-the-move hunters based on sound.
Once at the stand or blind, carefully lay down the e-bike and cover it with a camo netting to conceal it from deer. (You can’t do that with ATVs or UTVs.)
Getting closer to game is a key reason as well. E-bikes let hunters go further and reach destinations that are too far to hike to. This can open access to areas that are great for hunting that otherwise wouldn’t be realistic opportunities.
Likewise, e-bikes help conserve energy, which preserves more for the hunt itself. Long sits in the stand or blind aren’t easy, and even stationary sits can sap resources. Uncomfortable positions are especially likely to do so.
E-bikes require less effort and sweat than walking. That helps reduce scent from sweating. It also decreases ground scent. Theoretically, it also minimizes how much wind-based scent carries, because you’re spending less time along that entry or exit route.
E-bikes also make it easier to haul gear in and out of the field. That hang-and-hunt mission is simpler when you can strap a treestand and sticks to the front basket, back rack, or trailer. Hauling gear-laden backpacks, bows, and other items is more manageable, too. The same is true for retrieving gear from the woods, such as treestands, hub-style hunting blinds, trail cameras, etc.
Overall, e-bikes provide cleaner entry and exit. Even if a deer sees a hunter riding an e-bike, it likely won’t have the same effect on them as a hunter two-legging it across a field or through a stretch of woods.
Finally, compared to ATVs and UTVs, e-bikes require minimal maintenance, have more affordable upkeep, usually include cheaper repairs, and certainly offer easier loading, unloading, and extraction.
Class Ratings
There are several different classes of electric bikes (e-bikes) hunters can choose from. The class of e-bike you choose can impact how it’s operated, where it can go (on public lands), and the capabilities it offers.
A class 1 e-bike has a maximum speed of 20 mph. The motor doesn’t come with a throttle. Instead, it only engages for pedal assist. Usually, on public lands, these are permitted anywhere that a traditional bike is allowed.
Next, a class 2 e-bike also is limited to 20 mph top speed. That said, these come with a throttle control. Therefore, the e-bike can be operated without pedaling, but these sometimes have pedal assist, too. Generally, area-use restrictions that apply to class 2 e-bikes are the same as class 1 models.
A Class 3 e-bike tops out at about 28 mph. These include a speedometer. Usually, these also come with throttle control, but some states (i.e.: California) place restrictions on this. Of course, class 3 bikes are allowed in some areas, but not others. For example, these tend not to be allowed on walking or hiking trails.
Unlimited means the bike can go faster and do more than previous options. Fortunately, many e-bike manufacturers are designing their offerings with the ability to toggle between power output to abide by regulations wherever they go. Generally, these can be adjusted between class 1, 2, 3, or unlimited modes.
Maximize Your Efforts
There are certain factors when getting the most from e-bikes. Maximizing their potential comes with certain requirements. For example, keep batteries charged, air up tires (as needed), test the breaks, and more.
Next, practice riding your selected rig, as it’ll help you benefit from it more than just when riding it before and after hunting.
Add-ons and extra features make the experience better and more enjoyable, too. Consider fenders, grips, lights, saddlebags, trailers and more.
For in-the-field recharges, or at hunting camp, consider solar setups to recharge e-bike batteries. QuietKat, and others, offer great kits.
Of course, when hunting on public lands, make sure you follow all regulations. The bodies that regulate public ground allow use in some areas and on some trails, but not others. For example, the Bureau of Land Management permits e-bikes if it’s labeled an OHV area or motorized trail. On these, it’s green for go. On USDA’s National Forest grounds, e-bikes are not permitted on non-motorized trails. All said, laws surrounding the use of e-bikes vary greatly from property to property. Study regulations to ensure strict following of guidelines.
What to Look For
Given the modern market, numerous manufacturers offer good e-bikes. But consumers know a good one when they see it. As with anything, standards matter. Additionally, each hunter has different requirements, or value certain factors over others. That said, the following factors are typical, average specs for e-bikes.
Battery is a significant influencer and is a significant factor in range. A 14.5 to 17.25 AH/48V is a good battery. For that size battery, an associated range might be 25 to 50 miles. At the top end, some even boast 80- to 90-mile ranges, but these have larger (or multiple) batteries.
E-bikes come with a variety of gears, but seven- and nine-speed bikes are common. This makes it easier to tackle various terrain types, including hilly ground to flat, open areas.
Motors vary, too, but common motors fall within the 750- to 1,000-watt range. Some bikes even sport dual motors. Those who need more power (i.e.: hunting hilly or mountainous terrain, hauling deer out of the field, etc.) might consider more juice (wattage).
Similarly, bikes offer different modes, too. Like wattage, these are big influencers in varying terrain. Furthermore, these often come with several levels of power assist, as well as throttle and walk-assist modes.
Similarly, suspension varies from one bike to the next, but it’s important to find the right pick for you and your gear load. Load capacity is a related factor. In most instances, these range from 275 to 350 pounds.
A lot of bikes hit top speed around 30-40 miles per hour. Most don’t need the top-end, and would rather have a reliable lower-speed bike that can tackle terrain. Still, in some instances, it matters. Regarding speed and terrain, brakes can vary from one bike to the next, but a lot of bikes use Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
Weight is another significant factor. Weight varies significantly. On the lighter side, bikes might weigh 55 to 70 pounds. On the heavier end, it might be upward of 150-160 pounds. This matters, especially when choosing a bike you can comfortably load and unload from the truck or trailer.
Tires influence grip and traction, and a lot of bikes come equipped with cleats in or close to a 4- to 4.5-inch-wide by 20- to 26-inch-in-diameter packaging. Wider tires are better for wet areas, as it spreads out surface area and handles muddy terrain far better.
Durability matters as well. Warranties offered (or not offered) can be an indicator of longevity, so keep that in mind during the search for the right e-bike.
Get It to Go
No matter the e-bike you choose, it’s likely to benefit hunting efforts. These modern, revolutionary tools are changing the way hunters approach the pursuit of whitetails. The advantages are clear, and the downsides are minuscule. Those who get an e-bike, solve a lot of problems and minimize challenges. The only question remaining — is an e-bike for you?
QuietKat Apex HD/XD
The QuietKat Apex HD/XD launched spring of 2024. It includes a new modular frame design, effectively boosting access and ease of use. It has a 1,000-watt, automatic shifting hub-drive (two-speed) and mid-drive (five-speed) motor. It offers up to 200nm of torque. Its 30Ah internal battery offer up to 90 miles of range. The KKE Air-Suspension Fork provides 140mm of trail-smoothing travel. It has 4.8- by 26-inch Kenda Juggernaut tires.
This model also includes an evolving set of accessories, which can be tailored to your need. A few of these include baskets, front cargo racks, rear cargo racks, molle panels, trailers, weapon mounts, etc. It also includes intuitive features, including cellular and GPS technologies. These make possible anti-theft alarms, ride tracking, remote locking, scheduled maintenance reminders, real-time battery stats, and more.
Of course, the new Apex HD/XD is very durable. It’s extremely rugged, and its new frame makes it possible for an unexposed, moto-style chain that minimizes failure points that can be common to other e-bike designs. Additionally, its automatic shifting motor is reliable and trusty.
Furthermore, its VPO 2.0 technology incorporates new firmware, and it offers Climb and Stealth modes for better performance, more power, and lesser impact. This e-bike offers Class 1, 2, 3, and unlimited modes for regulation compliance.
— Josh Honeycutt is a D&DH Magazine and TV contributor from Kentucky. To find all of his articles posted on www.deeranddeerhunting.com, click here.