With the advancements of technology in the modern world, there have been many improvements to the gear we use as hunters. From advancements in weapons to high tech clothing and optics, I often joke when I’m loading my truck with my pile of gear, “How did our ancestors ever do it?” Like many of you, I want to hunt smarter, not harder, and take advantage of every opportunity to get into the backcountry more frequently. I enjoy tools such as the OnX hunt app to find more public land hunting opportunities, and in doing so I wanted to explore the use of electric bikes, often called e-bikes. I’ve been using an e-bike for certain hunting scenarios for the past five years and have had so much fun getting into the backcountry a little farther and quicker. 

There are a variety of e-bike manufacturers who make bikes specifically designed to handle the rough terrain of the woods or mountains, so I wanted to give some pointers to those interested in adding an e-bike to their arsenal of hunting tools. 

5 Things to Look For in a Hunting and Fishing E-bike  

1. Battery Capacity: When choosing an e-bike for hunting or fishing, battery capacity is crucial. A battery with more Amp Hours (Ah) will help you reach more remote areas without fear of running out of power. Look for batteries with at least 21Ah. My personal e-bike is a Mule from Bakcou that has a 25Ah, the largest single e-bike battery available. 

2. Robust Motor Power: A bike’s motor power will help you climb higher, tackle more rugged terrain, and carry your gear and game. Look for motors with all metal gearing (not nylon) to ensure you have a durable motor that can stand up to the toughest terrain and haul everything you need. 

3. Smooth Ride: A backcountry e-bike should be your hunting and fishing companion for years, enabling you to weather your body’s natural wear and tear in order to continue doing what you love. Features like adjustable pedal-assist technology, heavy duty suspension, and intelligent torque sensing will help any rider more easily manage rocky terrain.   

4. Reliable Manufacturer Support: Choosing an e-bike is an investment. Research the reputability of your manufacturer and your manufacturer’s location in case you need support. Prioritize a robust warranty program so you have peace of mind if something happens to your bike. I have owned my Bakcou for four years now and have had incredible customer service and support from their employees. I’m a stickler for customer service, a dying trait among many companies these days, and Bakcou is always quick to respond to any questions I have.   

5. Versatile Gear and Storage Solutions: Adequate storage is essential for any hunting or fishing trip. Choose e-bikes that support various attachments like trailers and racks so you can easily transport equipment, game, and prize catches. 

If you’ve ever attempted to find out the rules and regulations for e-bikes in your particular state or area, you’ve probably ended up more confused than when you started. Justin Schroepfer, VP of Marketing at Bakcou Bikes, helps break it down: “As it relates to where e-bikes are allowed and what type of regulations are in place, it can be a little confusing. Public land managers will typically have their own set of e-bike rules and regulations. For example, land regulated by the U.S. Forest Service may have a different set of e-bike rules than land that is under the jurisdiction of the DWR. So it is a good idea to identify who regulates the land you will be hunting on and learn from their websites which class of e-bike they allow on their land.” 

There are three classes of e-bikes:  

• Class 1:   

? Pedal-assist only  

? No throttle  

? Max assisted speed of 20mph  

? Max motor power limited to 750W  

• Class 2:   

? Throttle-assisted  

? Max speed of 20mph  

? Max motor power limited to 750W  

• Class 3:   

? Pedal-assist only  

? No throttle  

? Max assist speed of 28mph  

? Max motor power limited to 750W  

Because the regulations can be misinterpreted and are often at the discretion of the individual game wardens, I highly recommend checking with the land manager of the specific road or trail you’d like to use. Contact the local forest service, state land, DWR, or F&G land, BLM and ask them specifically about the e-bike regulations where you want to hunt or explore.  

There are so many uses for an e-bike that go beyond just getting further into the backcountry. For many Western bear hunters, an e-bike is the perfect solution to getting around those snow packed roads or trails. How many times have you gone to your favorite spot, but the snow on the switchbacks limited you? Simply walking your e-bike around snow banks can help you get into your area even when your truck or 4-wheeler can’t. I know a lot of hunters who also use their bikes to quietly get to their tree stands or ground blinds. They’re quick, quiet, and can often help hunters avoid getting hot and sweaty during a long walk to their stand. E-bikes are incredibly fun to ride too, but I warn you…your kids and friends are going to want to borrow them! I hope this article helps you go deeper into the backcountry to enjoy our country’s amazing public lands.