Electric bikes worth it?

[SneakyThunderCat]

A hunting partner of mine recently bought an e bike, and says they are the next best thing to sliced bread. I've rode one and he's not too far off. He has been trying to get me to pull the trigger on one to use when we go west to hunt. As far as rules and regulations go, I've searched the internet and Ive read a lot of contradicting answers as to weather or not these things are even legal off motorized trails. How practical are these things to use in the mountains? We usually bring ATVs to get to where we need to go after we set up camp. To me it sounds like more of a pain in the a** and one more thing to worry about when were out hunting. Trying to weigh the pros and the cons, figured this would be a good place to start. Looking to hear from some guys that have experience with using them hunting in the mts. Thanks.

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[IdahoElk]

Look into the specific area you plan to hunt and figure the regs. The area I hunt doesn't allow Ebikes on any trails I can't ride a gas bike so a Ebike doesn't really offer any benefits. they are quiet though.

 

[Apollo117]

One benefit I can see is e-bikes are much quieter than gas powered vehicles. Less chance to scare off game and generally cause a ruckus.

 

[Jbake108]

They are spot/regs specific. If setup right it can do more then you would ever imagine. Pulling weight on a trailer up or downhill. Mud even snow they do well, wish they had engine brake ability like a dirt bike. Still have limiting factor of battery capacity and there expensive. I’ve gone as far as 15 miles on one charge with some pretty steep climbs. They are very stealthy and critters get confused when they see you sometimes.

 

[Mountainman3]

I purchased a M2S this past year. Mountain to sea. The bike I got had better specs and less money compared to a Rambo or quite cat. I’ve not tried it in the western US but I have used it in the NC mountains and on a big farm I lease. I like it for the power, how quite it is and allows me to get places that I can get to on foot but gets me there quicker. I thought the law stated that an ebike would be allowed where every normal mountain bikes were allowed up to a 750 watt motor? I love mine! I use it outside of hunting as well. I have 5.5” tires and no suspension. I’m a big guy, 6’6” and 250# and it was recommended to me to avoid the shock system due to the weight of me plus gear. You have to plan differently as you have to carry everything on your back. I don’t have a trailer for it (yet). I have a couple of buddies that have them that live and hunt in MT. Main thing is it’s a time saver when you have to travel 3-4+ miles just to get to where you start hunting. Good luck in your decision.


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[Dale Scott]

I own a 1000 watt Bakcou Mule. Check it out, I elk, deer and hog hunt on it. I use it to predator hunt.

 

[jeffpg]

I just picked up a loaded out 2018 Rambo XP 1000 with 350 miles and so far I am loving it!

I have only ridden it around the country side but the more rough stuff that I put it through the more I can see how much of an asset it will be for hunting. It isn't going to be useable everywhere but it will be very useful where it is.

 

[SneakyThunderCat]

Are 500w bikes worth a damn? According to the IA DNR, 750w bikes are illegal on public lands, and technically must be 749w or under to be legal. Same rules apply in NE (I occasionally hunt in NE). Not sure how a 500 watter would do out in the mountains if i decide to pull the trigger on one of these.

 

[Oregon Bow Hiker]

Loved them until they banned them in Oregon. Now there’s “no ebike” billboards in our hunting unit. Also- all the timber company’s have banned them as well.


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[Jwvogt76]

Loved them until they banned them in Oregon. Now there’s “no ebike” billboards in our hunting unit. Also- all the timber company’s have banned them as well.


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What area are you near? I haven't seen any signs targeting ebikes in my area, just the typical non-motorized at most gates. But I'm not worried about it, I've hiked lots of miles w/o ever seeing anyone that matters. Anyway I'm about to buy an ebike, further my reach of course.
I have a Honda fatcat that I'd like to utilize more, but its a little more difficult to sneak around on too. So I may just sell it, hmmm

 

[Beendare]

Well I'm going to find out....I ordered the kit for my hardtail.[ BafangUSA]

The purists hate them but they are going to be a big thing.

I was hiking a mountain here with my neighbor...at about 3,000 into the climb three 70-ish yr old guys come riding up behind us. I was thinking WTF....then I see they are on E Bikes. They said the E bike just extends their range and makes it more fun.

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