Ebikes ..... are they really useful for hunting anymore?

[Touchdown88]

I used my ebike in Montana last year. We only took them on motorized vehicle roads but in some instances it was faster riding the ebikes than driving a truck.

I believe there needs to be more areas opened to them in order to spread people out in the landscape.

 

[180ls1]

What is the measure of success? And wouldn't this only be limited to state lands? BLM and NFS state on their websites that e-bikes are not permitted on non-motorized trails.

There are trail systems that have implemented restrictions based on class, while not perfect they do seem to be helpful.

I am trying to understand why are you asserting there can be no middle ground?

 

[IdahoBeav]

There are trail systems that have implemented restrictions based on class, while not perfect they do seem to be helpful.

I am trying to understand why are you asserting there can be no middle ground?

Helpful as in how? In pleasing people that are too lazy to hike or pedal in? If there is a significant community of e-bike riders that wish to ride trails, why can't they be happy riding on the motorized trails with every other motorized vehicle? If it's a matter of noise, then can I ride a Stark VARG on a non-motorized trail?

 

[Hnthrdr]

I have one, don’t see it as a game changer at all really… I use it a bit just to get places quicker or leave my jeep or truck parked but it would be way more useful on flat land than the mountains where I use it

 

[180ls1]

Helpful as in how?

Helpful as in limiting environmental impact while still allowing more people reasonable access to nature.

In pleasing people that are too lazy to hike or pedal in?

And no, this is not about “pleasing people too lazy to hike or pedal.” That is a straw man. Different people have different abilities, priorities, and preferences. That does not automatically make them lazy.

If there is a significant community of e-bike riders that wish to ride trails, why can't they be happy riding on the motorized trails with every other motorized vehicle?

As for why they do not just ride motorized trails, I would encourage you to actually talk to some Class 1 e-bike riders and ask them. You would need to approach it with an open mind, though, because comparing them to dirt bikes is not a serious argument.

If it's a matter of noise, then can I ride a Stark VARG on a non-motorized trail?

A Stark VARG is an electric dirt bike. A legal Class 1 e-bike is pedal-assist. Those are different machines with different impacts. If you are going to argue against e-bikes, you should at least understand the different classes first.


We already manage outdoor access this way. Different roads and trails have different rules: full-size vehicle access, UTV access, width restrictions, motorcycle singletrack, non-motorized trails, seasonal closures, and so on.
So the idea that Class 1 e-bikes cannot possibly be managed separately is not true. We already separate user groups by vehicle type, trail type, and impact. Class-based e-bike access is just another version of that.

 

[Bubblehide]

First, I am not for ebikes on nonmotorized trails. Many trails already allows bikes (nonmotorized bikes), on trails, which is huge in going in and out faster, and further. But I can also make a case for ebike use. One such example ebikes would be a benifit, I deal with regularly, is in hot conditions. I hunt several areas, hiking miles in, and often find animals in the morning, that I want to harvest, but don't, because I can't get the meat out before it spoils. Typically the hike in takes 1/2 the day or more, with a relatively light pack, comming out with meat mean it's a heavy pack and an all day pack out or longer. In conditions like this, I simply only harvest animals during the evenings, to buy myself more time/the time it takes to get the meat on ice before it spoils

The other side of that coin is that if bikes were allowed, there would be more people hunting those areas, and less animals there.

As I get older, the idea of being able to use an ebike becomes more appealing. Despite that appeal, I hope they are not allowed, or if they are, they are highly restricted to few trails and few areas. I have no doubt that bikes would increase the success rates in many areas, which isn't necessarily a good thing.

For me, it's rare I don't fill an ungulate tag in my state. So using an ebike would likely just speed the process. But for pigs, I'd be harvesting way more than I already do, and I'd end up buying another freezer or 2. But I would also not be in the shape I'm in and likely age faster, as hunting (hiking/packing in) is what has kept me in shape, and slowed aging, in my case.

I've owned and used horses for hunting in my younger years. They can be a huge advantage. Unlike ebikes, they are legal to use off trail. You can legally shoot off of them, unlike an ebike, as it is a vehicle. But, unlike a horse, you can step off an ebike and not give it a thought, until you step back on it. The time and obligation of horses is blantly so much greater.

If ebikes were legal on trails, there are so many places I'd explore. But, so would so many others. Frankly, I highly value those seldom explored areas, and don't want to witness the ruin that would undoubtedly occur if all trails were opened to ebikes.

 

[Bubblehide]

I have one, don’t see it as a game changer at all really… I use it a bit just to get places quicker or leave my jeep or truck parked but it would be way more useful on flat land than the mountains where I use it

I presume you have a hub drive ebike?

 

[IdahoBeav]

Helpful as in limiting environmental impact while still allowing more people reasonable access to nature.



And no, this is not about “pleasing people too lazy to hike or pedal.” That is a straw man. Different people have different abilities, priorities, and preferences. That does not automatically make them lazy.



As for why they do not just ride motorized trails, I would encourage you to actually talk to some Class 1 e-bike riders and ask them. You would need to approach it with an open mind, though, because comparing them to dirt bikes is not a serious argument.


A Stark VARG is an electric dirt bike. A legal Class 1 e-bike is pedal-assist. Those are different machines with different impacts. If you are going to argue against e-bikes, you should at least understand the different classes first.

I'm fully aware of the classifications, but it's impossible to take seriously when e-bike riders have intentionally done their best to conflate their machines with bicycles in effort to obtain privileges. Who is buying a strictly class 1 e-bike anymore? Maybe some people are in San Diego, but every e-bike I see has a throttle lever, and there are many models where you can select between class 1, 2, or 3 setting, almost as if by design to switch to class 1 when the law is nearby and go to class 2 or 3 once you're in the clear.

These machines have been much trouble, be it on the road, path, bike lane, or trail, because there is no effective way to classify the machines and the riders want to switch between bicycle and motor vehicle privileges as necessary to benefit themselves. If there were a plating and licensing system that would make them identifiable and more feasible for LEOs to cite for violations, then possibly it could be different.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I'm fully aware of the classifications, but it's impossible to take seriously when e-bike riders have intentionally done their best to conflate their machines with bicycles in effort to obtain privileges. Who is buying a strictly class 1 e-bike anymore? Maybe some people are in San Diego, but every e-bike I see has a throttle lever, and there are many models where you can select between class 1, 2, or 3 setting, almost as if by design to switch to class 1 when the law is nearby and go to class 2 or 3 once you're in the clear.

I think you’re only partially aware of the classifications because if you understood them you wouldn’t be making the argument you are.

Who is buying a strictly class 1 bike anymore? 61% of people who bought e-bikes in 2025. Also, a bike that is switchable between classes is not a class 1 bike. The throttle has to be physically removed for them to qualify as class 1. So as you can see, it is in fact very easy to classify and regulate them and simply flipping a switch to class 1 does nothing to make a bike legal. You’re mischaracterizing both the bikes as well as the people who ride them.

It’s a common theme in most of the e-bike discussion on RS that the people who have never ridden one for hunting and have a broken understanding of how they work are the most vocal opponents.

 

[ActivelyDying]

They’re a tool in the tool box. Use where appropriate. I primarily hunt wilderness areas in my state where boots or hoofs on the ground are the only things allowed. I have a couple Blacktail spots close to town though that I definitely use an e bike to access. Would be a 1hr hike or a 15min pedal. I’d rather have that extra 45min to setup and start glassing or still hunting. But I’m also a lifelong mtb and dirtbike rider so what’s another wheeled rig in the equation. If you seek solitude there are still places for that, I don’t personally find that off a forest service road, gated or not.

 

[ActivelyDying]

That being said I only own a Class 1 e bike for deer season, pedal assist only and regulated to 20mph, no need further pissing others off by muddying the waters in areas where you shouldn’t have a throttle. I’ve got 150, 200 and 300 smokers when I need the throttle fix. And when it comes to regular mtb I still haven’t sold my soul, pedaling without a motor is better for you. Cardio is good. Do hard stuff sometimes even when there’s easier options.

 

[IdahoBeav]

I think you’re only partially aware of the classifications because if you understood them you wouldn’t be making the argument you are.

Who is buying a strictly class 1 bike anymore? 61% of people who bought e-bikes in 2025. Also, a bike that is switchable between classes is not a class 1 bike. The throttle has to be physically removed for them to qualify as class 1. So as you can see, it is in fact very easy to classify and regulate them and simply flipping a switch to class 1 does nothing to make a bike legal. You’re mischaracterizing both the bikes as well as the people who ride them.

It’s a common theme in most of the e-bike discussion on RS that the people who have never ridden one for hunting and have a broken understanding of how they work are the most vocal opponents.

That's a lot of words that don't address any issue.

I could see the most vocal opponents being those that own motos and bicycles (understanding that each is different and has a place) and not appreciating hiking miles into non-motorized trails only to find guys riding cycles with motors. Idaho Fish and Game says there is nothing they can do unless a LEO happens to be on location while a violation is occurring. There is nothing that can be done by a civilian to identify the perpetrator. If I were lowly enough to ride my dirt bike up a non-motorized trail, an observer with a cell phone could snap a photo that shows my OHV plate, and I can be cited if the evidence is provided to LE.

I can't say that I have ever seen an e-bike rider pedaling or coasting without assistance while going uphill, but I'll take your word on the class 1 bike sales and ownership stats. Compared to a bicycle, is there a significant benefit to class 1 e-bikes? If not, why choose one over a bicycle?

 

[Coyote Commander]

I use the crap out of mine, pube lick and private.

Getting places fast and QUIET is a huge advantage. Even if it’s the same place a pickup, or worse, ATV or UTV can get.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I presume you have a hub drive ebike?

I think so, it’s a fat tire type (hard tail) and it does pretty well with climbing, it’s just another thing to manage and doesn’t take me anywhere i can’t get my jeep

 

[Gust43]

Still useful especially if you pick the right spots and a Class 1 pedal assist bike.

They're quieter than ATVs great for sneaking in out, cheaper to run, and often get you onto bike legal trails or gated roads where trucks can't go. Packing out meat is way easier too.

But you're right restrictions suck in a lot of places many USFS/BLM treat them as motorized, so stick to designated roads trails. It depends heavy on your state land manager. In bike friendly areas or private land, they're a game changer for older hunters or covering ground.

Check your specific spots on MVUM maps or call the local biologist. Not everywhere, but definitely worth it where allowed.