Ditch the Car (and Gas Hike) for These Top-Rated E-Bikes Instead. Most reliable ebikes

Ditch the Car (and Gas Hike) for These Top-Rated E-Bikes Instead

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With expensive gas, scarce parking, and traffic, there are plenty of good reasons to ditch your car for a bike. But bikes have their downsides too — whether as commuters or weekend cruisers — leaving us sweaty, tired, and possibly late to our destination. Thankfully, there’s now a middle-ground: the best electric bikes.

After tremendous advancements over the past couple years, the best electric bikes (a.k.a. “e-bikes”) are now better than ever. They can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge and hit speeds of 28 miles per hour (all without us breaking a sweat), and their price tags are now more reasonable as well.

In other words, the best electric bikes are now a viable alternative to driving — especially for daily commuters. With the physical exertion of a light walk, e-bike riders are able to zip by traffic, park almost anywhere, and save a fortune on gas. Plus, the best electric bikes provide a lovely weekend activity to boot.

If you’re thinking of investing in an e-bike, read on. We’ve rounded up some of the best electric bikes to buy online, as well as a few key considerations to help you make the right purchase.

The Best Electric Bikes to Buy Right Now

Whether you’re commuting, cruising the park, or hitting the trails, electric bikes are now well worth considering. Below are some of the best electric bikes for all terrains and activities.

Best Overall: Ride1Up Prodigy

Best Moped-Style E-Bike: Super73-S2

Best Cruiser: Velotric Nomad 1

Best Budget Pick: Lectric XP 2.0

Best Road Bike: Vela High-Step

Best Mountain E-Bike: Go Power Go Speed

Editor’s picks

The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time

Ride1Up Prodigy

Far too many modern electric bikes pack on power and features without considering power delivery, balance, and overall quality. Hence our love for the Ride1Up Prodigy. It’s one of the smoothest, most nimble, and most sturdy-feeling e-bikes we’ve tested, but still brings speed and features to rival any brand.

The riding position is somewhere in between a cruiser and a road bike, lending control for tight turns and enough comfort for longer rides. On straightaways, it’ll quickly blast to more than 25 miles per hour, and the 9-speed Shimano trigger shifter ensures easy peddling at any electric setting or speed.

But the real deciding factor for us was Prodigy’s power delivery. At any speed, electric power feels like a boost to your organic pedaling instead of a jerky surge (which we see a lot). This, plus the Prodigy’s do-anything hybrid build, makes it our favorite e-bike of 2023.

Super73-S2

You can tell just by looking at the Super73-S2 that it’s not like other e-bikes. With beefy tires, a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, and a long seat, the S2 looks closer to a motorcycle than a bicycle. It feels more like a motorbike too, as you sit in a lower, more relaxed position. And once you’ve started up the bike, it moves with more power than others, easily hitting almost 30 miles per hour — even without the use of pedals. Lastly, 40 miles of range means you can enjoy the bike’s smooth, fun power for long rides or commutes.

In our testing, the Super73-S2 stood out just by feeling noticeably more sturdy, rugged, and powerful (although on paper it doesn’t seem too different than others). In other words, the S2 not only brings high-end power, but also the build quality to match that brawn. The bike does command a higher price for this unique sturdiness, but we think it’s worth it.

Electric Bike Buying Guide

Shopping for electric bikes isn’t quite the same as finding a regular bicycle. Below are some specs we looked at while choosing the best electric bikes for you.

If you already bike and just want minor help from a motor, a lower-wattage electric bike should be fine. Also, note that e-bikes cap their reported electric-powered speed at 28 miles per hour by law — any faster and they’d have to be classified as a moped or motorcycle. If you’re just riding a regular e-bike, you don’t need a special drivers license.

Battery: Longer battery life equals a longer range, which is always a plus. This is usually listed as a range because speed, rider weight, and terrain (i.e. uphill or downhill and street or trail) can affect a battery’s range. Typically, good e-bike batteries will get you 20 to 40 miles of range.

Style: Most customers purchase e-bikes for commuting — these kinds of bikes are described as hybrid or city models. But there are also some excellent sporty road bikes with motors, as well as electric mountain bikes. Those are bikes that take you from riding on the road to off-road adventures with ease.

Another term to keep in mind when it comes to style is “step-thru.” These kinds of bikes feature a top tube (the upper bar in the frame) that’s been lowered or removed completely for easy mounting and dismounting.

Brakes: Stopping power becomes more important with electric bikes. Look for high-quality brake systems, ideally using hydraulic technology instead of mechanical.

Size: Proper bike sizing is always key for power transfer and comfort. Be sure to check a bike’s size before buying (many bike listings will display the rider height range).

How We Chose the Best Electric Bikes

Although specs can give you an idea of an e-bikes prowess, getting time in the seat is the only way to find out if a bike is worth your money. We spent as long as a few weeks testing out certain e-bikes, and at least a couple of hours for others, looking for balanced handling, smooth power transfer, and overall ease of use with the bike’s electrical and mechanical systems. We also did our best to use the bikes in a variety of environments, including dense traffic, wide-open bike paths, and even dirt trails in a few instances.

eBike LIL’MISSY Kissy. Bosch Pedelec (EU)

Immediate delivery possible for some models. General delivery time is maximum 4 weeks.Delivery time depends on the configuration and color.For more detailed information, please contact us at support@ruff-cycles.com or by phone at 49-941-46 39 670.

Sicker than your average!

A stylish eVeryday-Bike for individuals and authentic personalities, that appreciate a breathtaking combination of tradition and modern. It unifies style, fun and function unlike any other Pedelec. Available starting early 2022 with 24″ or 26″ inch wheels.

All bikes from RUFF CYCLES are characterized by the best components and the highest standards of workmanship. With the Biggie, you are getting the perfect companion for urban areas. With the 26 “x 3.0 tires, it guides you comfortably and relaxed through every situation.

ACTIVE LINE

The Ruffian with Active Line is the right drive for anyone who places great value on an elegant appearance and smooth riding sensation. Without any disturbing extraneous noises, you get gentle support of up to 25 km/h. And anyone who wants to go faster will benefit from minimal pedal resistance.

PERFORMANCE LINE CX

The new Performance Line CX (MY 2020) from Bosch! Stronger support with less weight. The Ruffian is powered by the best motor from Bosch. With a maximum torque of 85 Nm and the joy of up to 340% perfectly delivered support and dynamic responsiveness, the Ruffian takes your eBike experience to a complete new level.

POWERPACK BATTERIES

The PowerPack batteries are hidden underneath the seat bench of the Lil’Buddy and are easy to charge while on the bike, but also simple to remove and to charge at your home or office. Bosch provides reliable and long-lasting energy storage without memory effect and with minimal self-discharge. Available in 300Wh or 500Wh.

PURION DISPLAY

With the Lil’Buddy we like to make things simple, therefore the Purion is the perfect on-board computer for this bike. You get all important information conveniently at the touch of a button during the ride, with both hands remaining on the handle bar. Five different riding modes give you the individually correct support in every situation.

The Best E-Bikes of 2023

Whether you’re looking to improve your commute, save gas money, or get more fresh air, we’ve reviewed the best e-bikes to get you on the road emission-free.

(Photo/Chelsey Magness)

The e-bike industry experienced meteoric growth following the pandemic, leading to plenty of options for the modern commuter. While the industry initially focused on electric assist cargo bikes, now you’re just as likely to see electric cruisers, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, fat bikes, and folding bikes cruising local roads and trails.

Our team spent 3 months and 5,000 collective miles putting 20 different e-bikes to the test, with 12 making the cut for our list of recommendations. We’re confident our time and effort will help you narrow your search and choose the right e-bike for your unique needs.

Listed here are our favorite bikes of the bunch. Each entry has been thoroughly ridden and tested, with special attention to fit and feel, maintenance, and build difficulty. We highlight the key aspects you need to consider when purchasing an e-bike, including range, top speed, and carrying capacity.

We also list the appropriate surfaces for each bike based on our experience. Use the links below to jump to the type of e-bike that piques your interest or scroll along and take in the full breadth of our review. Use our comparison chart for a side-by-side look at specs and features and be sure to read our buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when considering an e-bike.

Best Overall E-Bike: Specialized Turbo Vado SL
Best Budget E-Bike: Schwinn Coston CE Step Thru
Best Mountain E-Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy
Best Folding E-Bike: ET Cycle F1000 Electric Fat Tire Bike
Best Single-Speed E-Bike: State 6061 eBike Commuter
Best E-Gravel Bike: Alchemy Bikes eRonin Electric Gravel Bike
Best E-Bike for Kids: Woom UP E-Bike
Best of the Rest: Biktrix Juggernaut Hub Duo Step Over
Xtra Cycle Swoop
The Ride Radiant Carbon Electric Bike
Yuba Kombi E5 Bike
FREY AM1000 V6

Specialized Turbo Vado SL

Specs

Range 80 miles (120 with range extender)
Class III (top speed of 28 mph)
Throttle No
Drivetrain 11-speed
Carrying Capacity 55 lbs. on bike rack/250 lbs. on the bike frame
Weight 33 lbs.
Surfaces Pavement, gravel, some dirt

Cons

The motto “innovate or die” has been guiding Specialized’s ship for the past three decades. So it’s no wonder their e-bikes are some of the best, sleekest, and most inventive in the industry.

Most commuter bikes are clunky, heavy, and cumbersome. The Vado SL (3,750), however, is built to get on and go — and then get off again and carry up and down stairs, get on a subway, and go again. Weighing in at a mere 33 pounds, it’s one of the lightest e-commuters on the market.

The ride experience is smooth, fun, and zippy, seamlessly blending your power with the bike’s custom Specialized SL 1.1 custom motor. Some bikes give you bursts of acceleration that interfere with your pedaling — not so with the Vado. It gives you boosts that keep your cadence smooth and steady. Every ride feels like at least a bit of a workout as the system just amplifies the power the rider is putting in. Proper gear selection on steep climbs is still essential — it just feels like you have stronger legs!

The components consist of Sram and Praxis, which are all high quality. The Tektro brakes stopped us smoothly and effectively. The chain is protected by a minimal chain guard, minimizing the need to oil it. At night we felt safe and seen thanks to the bright front and rear light. The front light was bright enough to let us see on some very dark gravel roads. While the rack is nice and slim, the carrying capacity is only rated for 50 pounds, but it handled a few days of groceries just fine.

At first glance, it’s hard to tell this is an e-bike, as everything is internal and streamlined. With a push of the button on the top tube, the bars light up and tell you how much power you have left. On the left handlebar, there is an up and down button that lets you scroll through the three different power modes: eco, sport, and turbo mode. On the right, you can easily shift through 12 different gears.

On the website, it says the Vado SL can go up to 28 mph for 80 miles. While we didn’t test this specifically, we rode it every day for an average of 8 miles and went between all of the modes depending on how fast we needed to get somewhere or how we were feeling that day. On a single charge, it lasted 5 days. If you need more range, there is an option to get a range extender. To charge it back to full capacity, it only took 2 and a half hours, which is on the faster end.

All Specialized bikes come with a handy and easy-to-use app called Mission Control. The app tells you all the usual information (range, power, and total trip miles), but what we loved the most was it told us how efficiently we were using the motor. People who live in big cities will love the security measure. Through this, you can activate an alarm if the bike is moved that only the owner can disable and you can also disable the motor so that it does not function at all.

Maintenance-wise, this bike is low-key. Besides oiling the chain and updating the battery through the app, it requires little upkeep. This bike is perfect for running quick errands and commuting to and from work and or school. We think it’s the best e-bike available.

Top 11 Electric Hunting Bikes for 2023

Are you looking for an easier way to get to your blind or tree stand? Or perhaps check all your trail cams in a fraction of the time it takes today? Is that sweet spot you know getting harder to reach?

When you have to carry 50lbs of gear on your back for 5 or even 10 miles and if you’re lucky you have something to haul back out, using an electric bike built specifically for offroad use and woodlands, that are also capable of carrying your gear would make the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Electric hunting bikes have been around for a few years, and technology has come a long way. Today ebikes explicitly built for hunting can make a big difference to the success of your trip and every trip after that.

I recently sold one to a hunter, and as we got chatting about what type of components he would need, it came up that getting the ebike was his wife’s idea. She told him that since he was getting on in years and his knees were not as reliable as they once were, his wife would feel a lot better knowing he had the bike to help him get in and out.

It was the first time I really considered the emotional aspect of not only the hunter and the benefits they bring to the hunt but also to the peace of mind for the hunter’s family.

Knowing the rider can still ride without pedaling (in case of injury, for example) by just engaging the throttle is comforting or even getting out of a precarious situation in a matter of seconds. The benefits stretch further than riding uphill with ease.

Anyway, I wanted to present to you what I feel are the best 11 ebikes for hunting. The list truth be told could have been 27, but who has time to read through all those?!

Before getting into the list of bikes I selected I thought it would be helpful to explain a few fundamentals and what makes a good hunting bike including the motor types and how to calculate the range of the battery, as it’s the battery that determines range.

Quick Links (Click the link to jump ahead)

Electric Hunting Bike Buying Guide

So what is an electric hunting bike?

Contrary to popular belief it’s not just a standard ebike with a camo paint job, There’s a lot more to it than that. The excellent electric hunting bikes that we’ll look at later in the write-up start with the motor, a motor that is powerful enough to carry a 300lb rider and still tow a trailer with lots of gear.

The bike is then designed and built around that motor. The bike frame needs to be built to withstand the rough terrain but light enough to lift out of your truck or trailer.

Front suspension is an essential aspect of a smooth ride. Nobody wants to clamp their finely tuned bow to their handlebars only to ride 10 miles rocking and vibrating all the way in. Ebikes built for hunting also have fat tires ranging between 4” and 4.8” so they get a lot of traction on soft and loose terrain.

One on the list ( The Mule ) actually has a walk-assist mode too. Imagine you are pulling a load on the bike trailer and you come to terrain or hill that you’re not confident navigating on the saddle. You can walk beside the bike with the walk-assist engaged at 3 mph and the ebike motor does the heavy lifting.

As I explain which 11 ebikes make the list and why, take note of the different types of motors. The motor is the most important aspect of the hunting ebike and depending on what you use it for and where you plan to use it, should be the biggest factor when choosing your next electric hunting bike.

Which motor is best?

It depends on what you’re planning on using it for. If you’re using it on moderate to rough terrain with some hill climbing a regular mid-drive would be best suited. If you know you will have some challenging hills and/or rough terrain that you need to be in complete control of the power the Ultra mid-drive is the one that will get the job done. If you have moderate terrain with some hills but nothing too steep (not over 20°) a rear hub motor will do a good job and you won’t even need the higher priced mid-drive or Ultra mid-drive.

Rear Hub Motor

The rear hub sits inside the back wheel. The hub motor is simple and quite inexpensive to manufacture and so usually used on ebikes that don’t need the hill climbing capabilities of the mid drive which means a less expensive ebike.

Hub motors tend to be more about raw power and brute force, it pushes from the back and can feel similar to the force of a motorcycle. One nice feature is since the rear hub spins the wheel, if the chain was to snap you could still get back to camp or back home.

The mid drive motor works with the drivetrain so a snapped chain would prevent the bike from operating. Not so much an issue now with the bikes on this list as they all use harden steel chain links built to withstand the extra pressure put on the chain by the motor, but still something to consider.

Mid Drive Motor

Mid drive motors sit encased in the frame between the pedals and offer a more balanced, even force which feels more natural. Mid drive motors are known for higher performance and torque when compared to a traditional hub motor allowing it to perform better on hills.

One key reason is the mid drive motor drives the crank, instead of the wheel itself, multiplying its power and allowing it to better take advantage of the bike’s existing gears. Mid drive motors are more expensive than hub motors so ebikes with this motor are a higher price point.

Ultra Mid Drive Motor

Ultra mid drive motors are the best motors on the market today. The Ultra mid drive motor is made by Bafang (G620) and has all the performance capabilities of the regular mid drive and more.

A regular mid drive has both cadence and speed sensors, while the Ultra has a torque sensor too.

A torque sensor is the best control you can have over the power. The harder you pedal the more assistance you get proportionally. There are also sensors that will reduce power when the system senses that the rider is going to shift gears to make the shift smoother.

All Wheel Drive

Another option is growing rapidly in popularity and it feels like the best of both worlds. And it’s the hub motor that was reviewed already (rear hub) but imagine the rear hub on the rear wheel and a front hub on the front wheel. It’s basically 2 motors working together to give you double the pulling power. And you can switch between rear and front or use both when climbing. On rocky and uneven terrain where both wheels are not always touching down to get traction it can take a little getting used to but once you do it’s a very fun ride.

A good example of an All Wheel Drive ebike is the Megatron X2WD Electric Hunting Bike by Rambo Bikes which makes the list below.

What About Range

Well the range is determined by the battery. As long as you get a battery from a well known manufacturer like Samsung, LG or Panasonic the general rules apply. Get a lesser known, lower quality, the lifespan and individual charges are not so great.

How to Calculated eBike Battery Range?

The way to calculate the range of an ebike battery is by checking the 2 key values, volts and Amp Hours (Ah). When you multiply the number of volts by the number of Ah you get a new value, this value is known as Watt Hours.

On average in real world terms an ebike will use around 20 watt hours per mile, so that is how we can figure it out. Here’s an example: 48 Volts x 10 Ah = 480 Wh. 480 divided by 20 = 24 miles.

And that’s 24 miles with only throttle, no pedaling. If you use the pedal assist function the range can as much as double. There are factors that will vary this somewhat. Rider weight, wind conditions, terrain, uphill. Even really cold weather could cause you to lose 15% more battery juice compared to a nice Summers day. But with the calculation I just demonstrated, you can read any listing and know the true range you get.

Do eBikes Have Regenerative Braking?

Regenerative braking is definitely possible, it’s really not efficient nor practical and there are a number of reasons why.

Regenerative brakes require a Direct Drive Motor, which are a different type of motor than you see in typical electric bikes. These motors are very heavy in comparison to the other types of motors out there. Since electric bikes tend to be heavier than their traditional counterparts, this makes a difference in the distance you will be able to go on a full charge.

In addition, Direct Drive Motors don’t offer a freewheeling mechanism that will insulate the rider from the motor. That’s fine as long as your battery has juice. Once your battery runs out of charge it means that as you pedal, not only you need to move yourself and the bike, but you also need to push against the resistance of the motor.

Over the course of a single charge, you get back about 5% of the of the overall charge of the battery. So let’s say that you normally get 30 miles per charge on a ride, 5% of that is 1.5 miles! You have to question, is it really worth the additional weight and the resistance of pedaling a Direct Drive Motor to gain just a mile and a half?

The next problem with regenerative braking is that it causes significant heat when charging. When you are actually cruising downhill and pushing current back into the battery there is a lot of heat generated within the battery itself. Heat is not good for lithium batteries, it breaks down the overall life-cycle of the battery and it’s generally not good for it.

Finally, there are a lot of forces produced by Direct Drive Motors. Most electric bike frames are made out of aluminum which can fatigue over time, especially at the places that the axle engages the frame.

Regenerative braking, even though it sounds great on paper and you think you could ride forever with it, the reality is it’s just not that practical.

What are the hunters saying?

Many hunters are already on board with it and have embraced the latest technology to help them get an advantage.

Jim Shockey from JimShockey.com said this about electric hunting bikes: “It’s the ultimate hunting machine. I can go further into the backcountry to hunt big game.”

Carly Brasseux from MissPursuit.com had this to say: “Electric bikes have changed the game. In the past, using a bike to get into wild places was more effort than it the bike down the hill, walk the bike up the hill. For me, it’s a matter of expending less effort getting to my hunting area, and as a result, having that energy to put into the hunt once I get there. Electric bikes make this possible. They’re quiet, quick and make the sport more exciting!”

And Torey Glenny from QuestHavenLodge.com had this to say: “not only can you get places where nobody can get, you won’t be up when you get there. It’s a game changer”

While Pat Lefemine, founder of Bowsite.com had this to say: “. coolest thing I have ever reviewed”

Anyway, Let’s get into it…

Let’s take a look at the Top 11 Electric Hunting Bikes for 2023…. at any stage you want to check out the full description you can click on the “Check Price” button and the full description will open in a separate page.

Most Popular Electric Hunting Bikes

The Mule Elite Electric Hunting Bike by Bakcou

Best Selling Electric Hunting Bike

The Mule is available in either the 750 watt or 1000 watt and carries that phenomenal Ultra mid drive Bafang motor so the performance on steep hills and rough terrain makes this a best in class.

Priced a few hundred bucks less than the other 1000 watt on this list yet it carries the Ultra motor. Built by hunters for hunters, the Mule comes as standard with front light, fenders, rear rack and Teflon liners to help prevent punctures.

The 750 watt model has a top speed of 20mph while the 1000 watt model reaches 35mph without pedaling. Stand over height of 30 inches so ranging from 5’9” to 6’4” this frame size is perfect.

Shorter riders can check out the Step Through model which is identical, except with the crossbar lowered by 3 inches to make it easier to get on and off.

The battery is a 48V, 14.5Ah extended distance built with Panasonic cells. This particular battery releases energy more efficiently than most batteries so can reach 40 miles on a single charge.

The Mule also has a cool walk-assist mode so if you need to get off and walk but don’t want to carry the gear you can engage the motor at 2.5mph and the bike will cruise along with you and do the heavy lifting for you.

What we love the most

The 750 Watt motor is actually a 1000 Watt motor set to 750 so it can be dialed up again in just a few seconds directly from the display.
The Mule comes fully accessorized
Walk- assist mode is an awesome hidden feature
Has both Eco Sport modes

BADASS BIKE

“This bike lives up to the hype. I am so impressed with the torque and the get up and go that it has. I would definitely recommend upgrading to the largest battery possible because that big Bafang motor really likes to eat up the power. I haven’t pulled anything on the folding Deer cart yet because mine is still on back order but anxious to try that. I’m sure it will do just fine. I will probably end up buying a second battery during the off-season just because it doesn’t hold up too long when not using pedal assist. All in all I really enjoy riding the bike. I certainly would recommend this bike to anybody looking for a hunting style E bike. I have absolutely zero regrets with my purchase of this bike.”. Aaron B

Rambo Nomad and Bushwacker Electric Hunting Bikes

Best Mid Drive Electric Hunting Bike

It has a mid drive 750 watt motor and is powered by a 48V, 14Ah Panasonic battery. Top speed of 20mph and can get over 30 miles of range. Stand over height of 30 inches. Comes in either the Sturmey Archer 5 Speed hub or a SRAM NX 1×11 derailleur set up.

Rambo Bikes have also the 1000 watt version of the model. Aptly named the Rebel 1000W, same frame with a larger 1000 watt motor and a larger battery of 48V, 21Ah and a top speed of 28mph The Nomad and Bushwacker 750W XPS/XPC/XPC11 and the Rebel 1000W are real good hill climbers making use of that mid drive so ideal for moderate to rough terrain and hilly areas.

What we love the most

Frame design allows for a comfortable riding position with stand over height of 30″
Has the option of derailleur ( SRAM NX 1×11 for the XPC11 model ) or internal gear hub ( Sturmey Archer 5 Speed for XPC/XPS models)
Comes in Viper Western Camo or dipped in Carbon Paint
Feels very powerful

“I thought my hunting days were numbered or at least limited to short hikes but with the Rambo ebike I can reach the spots I was almost giving up on. Instead and hiking in with gear I can cruise in with a trailer in tow (they make that too) and tow my gear in in under an hour.”. Jonathan W

The Rambo Rebel 1000W Truetimber

Best 1000w Electric Hunting Bike

The Rebel 1000W Truetimber is Rambo ’ s most powerful 1000 watt mid drive electric hunting bike. Also similar to the Rambo 750W with a larger battery, more powerful motor and greater top speed of 28mph. Stand over height of 31 inches.

Since the Rebel 1000W Truetimber also has the mid a good hill climber and can handle difficult terrain.

Top speed of 28mph and with a battery of 48V, 21Ah can go 40 miles unassisted (throttle only) before needing to recharge or swap batteries. Rambo wanted to put out in the market a real monster of so hunters can tackle any terrain and power along silently and scent free.

The Rebel 1000W Truetimber is the pinnacle of elite electric hunting bikes.

What we love the most

Large 21Ah battery for better range
Massive Maxxis Minion 4.8″ fat tires
4 piston hydraulic brakes
Fast: Top speed is 28mph

A MACHINE, YET QUIET

“One you learn how to match up the pedal gears with the electric power levels, you will never want to walk anywhere again. The 1000w Rambo true timber has simply surpassed my expectations when it can to climbing steep hills without pedaling. I will definately buy again and the wife wants one too!!”. Brian G

Megatron X2wd Electric Hunting Bike By Rambo Bikes

Best All Wheel Drive Electric Hunting Bike

Why is the Rambo Megatron All Wheel Drive eBike on the list? What’s better than one motor? Two motors! What’s better than one battery? Two batteries! The Rambo Megatron X2WD 1000 watt fat tire ebike is raw power and lots of it.

Packed out with dual batteries for extra range and 2 hub motors, one front and one rear for unparalleled traction. And you can switch between the motors so you can choose to cruise with the rear only or get 170Nm or traction by using both at the same time.

A nice benefit of having hub motors is the weakness of a mid drive motor. If the bike chain snaps under tension the mid drive bike is disabled but since the hub motors rotate the wheels without the need for a chain, you can still operate the bike and get safely back to camp by using the throttle.

What we love the most

Dual 1000 Motors gives awesome traction
Dual batteries for plenty of range. up to 80 miles in ideal conditions
And quite frankly, it’s badass!

Jeep Electric Hunting Bike Powered By Quietkat

Best All Terrain Electric Hunting Bike

Jeep and Quietkat put their heads together and came up with an awesome full suspension, all terrain ebike that can handle anything. The Jeep ebike has a very solid frame that sits on 26” wheels and 4.8” fat tires capable of conquering any terrain. Full suspension too, so no matter the surface you’ll feel comfortable and in control. 150mm of travel in the front suspension and 120mm travel in the rear suspension allows of handling on very rough terrain.

What we love the most

The motor is the market leading Bafang Ultra motor with 160Nm of torque so it will climb very steep hills
4.8” fat tires are huge and make it a lot of fun to roll over rocks or even loose soil and keep full control.
30 miles range on full throttle and 40-50 miles on pedal assist means you will always have juice left at the end of the day.

The Dualie By Rungu

Best 2 Wheel Electric Hunting Bike

The Rungu Dualie can be best described as an ATV crafted from e-bike parts. As the company describes it, “Far Stable. Far Able.”

The Rungu Dualie is truly an all-terrain vehicle. It has 2 massive fat tires up front, each one with its own front suspension. Originally designed for riding the soft sand of the California beaches and deserts hunters quickly saw the potentials for taking it into the backcountry. With 2 wheels up front it can tackle mud, rock fields and soft snow with no risk of the front wheel washing out.

It also uses a Bafang mid drive motor and can tackle grades of more than 45% without having to get out of the saddle.

It has a 1120 watt motor and 52V, 15Ah battery. Top speed is 22 mph and an off-road range of 18 miles unassisted and 34 to more than 100 miles on pedal assist.

What we love the most

It’s unique and an absolute show stopper!
Built in the USA
All season, all terrain, no washouts
Stands upright on its own without the need for a kickstand

RUNGU MDV SERIES

“It is an awesome bike! Still getting used to the stirring of it but it’s awesome nonetheless. I also love the button to move the bike without having to petal for those times I need a little breather but still wanna keep going.”. Carlos F

Rungu Rubicon Electric Hunting Bike

Most Powerful Electric Hunting Bike

The Dualie XR Rubicon Trail Edition is the RUNGU Dualie on steroids! Rungu developed the Rubicon Trail Edition after successfully riding Rungu Dualie XR from one end to the other of the world’s most famous Jeep trail in a jaw-dropping eight hours.

The Rubicon Trail Edition is truly an all-terrain vehicle. It’s built on the same platform as the Rungu Dualie but has so much more.

It uses a Bafang mid drive motor and can tackle all types of terrain and grades of more than 45% without having to get out of the saddle.

It has a 1120 watt motor and two 52V, 15Ah batteries (Yes, 2 batteries so the range is excellent). Top speed is 22 mph and an off-road range of 35 or more miles and 40 miles to more than 200 miles with pedal assist. The Rubicon Trail Edition with those 2 large batteries boast a staggering 300 mile range on a flat paved road! The Rubicon Trail Edition comes equipped with off-road spare parts, tools and first aid kit and can carry a combined load of 350lbs.

What we love the most

It’s unique and an absolute show stopper!
Built in the USA
All season, all terrain, no washouts
Stands upright on its own without the need for a kickstand.
2 large batteries for extra range
Comes with rear rack, fenders, light, tire liners, skid plate, tool kit and first aid kit (that really is a complete package!)

“Standing from a disabled perspective this bike is amazing. The 1st day that I received this I immediately hit the trails and haven’t really stopped except to recharge.”. Matthew

Quietkat Ranger Electric Hunting Bike

Best Rear Hub Electric Hunting Bike

The Ranger is the only rear hub motor that made the list. I wanted to include one rear hub as not everyone is looking for the best hill climbing bike out there. If you want an that is built tough, reliable and has a reliable Bafang rear hub motor, the Ranger is the best for you. It performs well on moderate terrain with some hills but performs better on lower gradient inclines.

The Ranger reaches a top speed of 19mph unassisted and go for 20 miles unassisted on a full charge, if assisted by pedal assist the range can double. Stand over height is 32 inches.

The beauty of the Ranger is what you get for the price. It’s a Quietkat bike, so built to last, and if you don’t need to tackle steep hills you can save 1000 and choose the rear hub motor Ranger. And since 2020 the new Ranger model is available is a variety of options like frame size, or motor. The original Ranger was only available as a 750 Watt motor was already plenty of now you can choose between 750 or 1000.

What we love the most

affordable than a mid drive bike
Rugged and feels very stable to ride
Lots of power on flats or moderate hills

WELL-BUILT BIKE, VERY GOOD

“very pleased so far. Used it a handful if times mostly on my land and a few log roads. Handles very well and feels smooth, comfortable padded seat and front suspension so it’s a nice machine”. Harrold

Bakcou Storm Electric Hunting Bike

Best 750w Electric Hunting Bike

The Storm is built by the same guys that make the Mule so that’s already a guarantee. The Storm is basically the Mule on steroids, beefier, full suspension and bigger battery!

The Storm by BAKCOU comes in either 750 watt or 1000 watt, both versions are the Bafang Ultra mid drive so you get the best motor there is. The Storm is built for extreme terrain and climbs like a mountain goat. It’s very agile and can go pretty much anywhere.

It was completely overhauled and upgrade in August 2019 and now is tougher and more powerful than ever. This has 26″x4″ fat tires.

With the extended distance battery made of Samsung cells with 48V, 17.4 can expect to get 40 miles on a single charge with the option to upgrade to a 21Ah battery for even longer range. This model is more of a joyride than a cruiser so choose wisely, if you choose the Storm you may have too much fun!

What we love the most

It’s very solid and feels really rugged. Fells like a tank.
Full suspension so very smooth ride
Air suspension is the smoothest available
4 piston hydraulic brakes
Comes with rear rack and fenders

ROAD LESS TRAVELED

“Love it. glad I got the full suspension Storm. The ride is so smooth. Shed hunting through the woods was exciting. Quickly learned to go so slow in the woods so as to avoid trees and limbs.”. Lee F

Quietkat Warrior Electric Hunting Bike

Best Mid Drive Electric Hunting Bike

The Warrior is Quietkat’s most popular model. And now for 2020 it comes 750 watt or 1000 watt mid drive with a top speed of 25mph.

The Warrior boasts a 48V, 11.6 since it’s powering the 1000W motor the range is approx. 18 miles per charge if unassisted. Double that if using the pedal assist mode.

With a stand over height of 32 inches it’s a larger frame size so can feel big to anyone 5’8” or smaller.

The aggressive style makes it look and feel powerful. Like all Quietkat. the frames rustproof and has a lifetime warranty against flaws in workmanship. It’s built to take abuse and rise above. It will raise your hunting success and make it look easy. Mid drive motors are notoriously quiet so there’s no spooking game.

What we love the most

top speed of 25mph
powerful and strong. It’s well put together
Mid drive so climbs very with little or no effort

Bakcou Kodiak Electric Hunting Bike

Best AWD Electric Hunting Bike

The Bakcou Kodiak is one of a kind. It has TWO 500W hub motors, one in the front hub and one in the rear hub.

It has more power and more capability than any HUB-DRIVEN BIKE BEFORE.

With Kodiak AWD, you can conquer any terrain. Snow, mud, rocky, sand.- you name it!

It combines the power and performance of Bafang’s 500W, high-end hub motors with bulletproof aluminum alloy frame and high-end components.

The wide stance, deep-cleated pedals have wide holes for extra boot grip and space to AVOID the accumulation of mud or snow.

The LCD display makes it easy to use while flying down the trail, and the CST BFT (Big Fat-Tire) gives you more grip and control than any other tire, so you can go where you want to go.

Overall, Bakcou Kodiak is a KILLER electric hunting bike for the price. Great range, POWERFUL, and can take on any terrain.

What we love the most

Range up to 50 miles
TWO 500W hub motors
Big fat tires
Bulletproof aluminum alloy frame
300 lbs load capacity

Electric Hunting Bike Benefits

Whichever electric hunting bike you choose, take a look at some of the benefits:

Go Farther – Electric hunting bikes help you go farther in a fraction of the time it would take to walk in
No Scent Trail. With an electric hunting bike you can move around without leaving a scent trail and gain a very important advantage when you need it most.
Move Stealthily – Electric hunting bikes are surprisingly quiet so you don’t spook the game.
Carry Extra Gear. They are built to carry 300lbs and if that’s not enough the trailers can carry an additional 100lbs so you can make it one trip in and out instead of a tiring back and forth lugging heavy gear on your back. Plus the bunch of other accessories available like rear racks and waterproof saddle bags for extra storage on the bike and not on your back.
Stay Out Longer. With the possibility to carry more gear and can stay out longer than before.
Age is Not a Factor. Electric hunting bikes make it easier for anyone to reach distant spots without the fatigue of hiking with gear so no matter your age or physical stature those once forgotten golden spots are attainable again.
Limited Mobility Not an Obstacle. Hunters with limited mobility, whether it’s an old injury that didn’t heal properly or a life changing injury, for hunting can make a world of difference and get you back out hunting again.
Reach Remote Unspoiled Spots. You can go than the weekend warrior is willing to walk. Leave them behind and take your hunting to that remote location.
Check Trail Cameras Quickly. Electric hunting bikes can go between 20 and 28 mph depending on the model. You can check your perimeter and trail cameras and be back before you miss anything.
Stay Safe – These hunting are fast so you can get out of a potentially dangerous situation in seconds
Environmentally Friendly. Hunting is also about preservation. are extremely friendly to the environment.

For me personally, if money is not an obstacle I’m going with the Bakcou Storm. It has everything the Mule has but with full suspension and larger battery. If you buy the Storm you will never need to upgrade because it’s the alpha male in it’s category. 160Nm of torque, that’s awesome pulling power when it’s needed to pull a deer out on a trailer.

I’d love to know what you all think, and if you have another model you would put on this list. I could have had a dozen more bikes of the same caliber get a mention but this is a good start.

If you have any questions about any of these you can drop an email to John@eBikeGeneration.com. I’d be happy to help you find the best electric hunting bike for your needs.

21 Responses

Mike Cook

One Word. UBCO – I’ve tried many different “hunting” bikes and I just got one that I guarantee you will outperform all those listed above. Try to take a test ride on the UBCO 2×2. It’s pricey but man is it AWESOME! I’ve taken it on deep sand, deep mud, very rocky terrain and on the road. The only area I found it to be a little sluggish is if you are climbing a very steep hill and have 300lbs of load on it. Then it moves a little slower up steep hills, but what bike wouldn’t? 🙂 NOTE: It does NOT have pedals though. It’s more like a moped mixed with a bike. Not sure what you’d call it. but having all-wheel drive helps in the sand and mud. There were a few times where I thought I was stuck for sure but the front tire would grip and help me get through. The top speed is only 30 mph but that’s plenty for a hunting bike. It says the max range is 75 miles and in three non-stop test rides I’ve gone 70, 60 and 50 but they were with different amounts of gear on me and different terrains. Still very awesome for what it is and does. Just wanted to share for once you try one, trust me you will be hooked.

BULLS BIKES USA

Thanks for sharing such an informative post. This post is very helpful for purchase a e bike.

Thanks for sharing such an in formative post. This post is very helpfully.

Norman Brown

Looking into buying a Grizzly scooter. I have a QuietKat but the bar is too high and tough to balance at 70 YO. As a Disabled Combat Veteran I need to be at a lower price even with the military discount Bakcou offers at 15%. Thanks can you help? I did hear that the scooters can tow a trailer.

LARRY JOHNSON

I started researching the hunter e-bikes (I’m a nature photographer) in October because my gear and large tripod are like what a lot of hunters haul. This is a very helpful article. As I think about some of the terrain and ground cover I’d be traversing it seems a chain and derailleur are points of vulnerability. Is there any thought or work being done to utilize a mid motor with a shaft drive system? It would present a cleaner, less-cluttered design that was better protected from damaging stubs, branches, wire, rocky cracks or potholes, etc. Last, I saw an ad for the QuietCat Apex that looks interesting. Is it enough like the Ridge runner and Warrior that those reviews would be applicable? Thanks.

I am 54 years old I have arthritis and a degenerative disc in my back. It is incredibly painful for me to be on my feet or my butt for more than 3 hours. I haven’t been hunting and probably six years as a result, I also suffer from depression. I could see myself hunting again with one of these most of them that look worthwhile are far too expensive for me

Ronald M Sucik

Is there any restrictions between 750W and 1000W for riding on BLM land or National Forest trails.

Ken Russell

I currently have an older bike with a BionX rear hub motor. I selected one with regenerative capability not for the extended range but primarily for resistance braking on long, rough down grades. A lot of my logging road rides involve 4 or 5 mile down grades on the way back to the truck and the regen option helps me avoid overheating the brakes. I will definitely be considering those down grades as I look to update my bike.

William Mack

I have the 1000 watt e cell bike and yes it is a big bike, but it is very strong and powerful this bike is like a tank with all wheel drive and 9 levels of assistance two batteries, two motors 203 cm disk up front and 180 rear their is no compromising with this bike. I ride around town, throw the forest on trails and on the beach, it takes on all challenges without blinking, but their is one issue and that is no front rack mounts unless you buy the 1500 watt bike, I got on them about that because it’s not cool. I am very happy with the bike just got my new bike rack to role the bike up to haul it that is very important because like I said it’s heavy just like a dirt bike but with batteries.

Steve Earney

If/When you need service (damaged chain, bent wheel, etc.) should a local bike store be able to work on it or would you need to return to manufacturer? (I admit not mechanically inclined!)

John Murphy

Hi Rob, A second battery could set you back anything between 500 to 900 depending on the size. The bigger the battery the more range you get. The Bakcou Mule standard battery is a 14.5Ah which is already a good size will cost (at the time of replying) 599 and is good for 30 miles on throttle power. You could upgrade from the get go to a larger battery and just use one that has 40 to 60 miles per charge.

robert taylor

what is the answer to randys question how much average for spare batteries. I would use all one battery in one day, hunting northen BC

I’m just starting to learn about e hunting bikes. I live in Maine, turning 70 so need some assist getting to hunting locations. My biggest issue with buying on line is obtaining service on these bikes. Are available is service locations in the North East ?

Bart Robinson

I’ve been riding ebikes since they first came on the market, specifically looking for the best hunting ebike… something that could further my range and also help me explore quietly. I fell hard for QuietKat’s offering (even bought my brother one) and so far haven’t been dissapointed. Jim Shockey mentioned here in this post is an ambassador for QuietKat and I have to say this brand was the first to market, has been operating in this category the longest, and provides excellent customer support. While the bikes here mentioned are good options (my buddy Teddy has the Fat Tire Ridge Runner and it IS a beast!) I personally like the Apex because its got the same power as some of the other bikes on this list (also a 1000w mid-drive) but you can better manage your speed than with the ULTRA motor, which is great for tight trails and thicker woods. For me the Apex perfect and I’d recommend it to anyone! ~ Cheers from South Bend

Bill Thompson

well guess I’ll be selling my 4 wheeler.Bike is absolutely quitter and get though the trees here in Wisconsin a lot better.

What about dual hub motors, dual battery fat tire hunting bikes.not even mentioned. Most have a switch for motor and battery selection. I’ve seen models with up to two 2500W motors

Can any of the bikes go through water? I never see anything like a biker going through a creeks. As a hunter ( lol) who is on my last year of hunting. Because well, let’s just say I Hope I can maybe get a bike. But I have to cross a small creek.

I’ve been wanting to get an electric hunting bike for a while but I’m curious about charging the batteries while out hunting. How long would I need to run a generator for to top off a battery? Would a solar panel even get the job done? Seems like extra batteries might make the most sense. How long would one of these batteries take to charge from empty?

John Murphy

HI Berry, The Mule 1000 Storm 1000 both come in 17″ and 19″ frame size options so you should be able to find the right sixe for you both. The 17″ frame is best suited for heights ranging from 5’2″ to 5’8″ and the 19″ frame for 5’8″ and above. BackCountry eBikes are the makers or both models you like and they are hunters based out in Ogden Utah and they don’t make average bikes, they FOCUS on elite hunting bikes that will get the job done. They are designed to take a beating a perform well doing so. Both models have that coveted ULTRA mid drive motor so climbing hills and tackling rough terrain offroad will be a joy to experience.

They only use top grade components that can stand the test of rough offroad as that is what they are built to do. I have sent you additional info by email also, so you can make an educated decision on what suits you and your wife the best.

Berry Whatley

I really like the mule 1000 watt and the the storm 1000 watt, do you know what the stand over heights are? Im going to purchase 2, 1 for my wife and 1 for me. Are the components up upgradeable or are they good enough quality for rugged outdoor punishment.

Sources:

https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/best-electric-bikes-1327073/amp/
https://store.ruff-cycles.com/ruff-cycles-lil-missy-Bosch-epowered-ebike-pedelec-kissy
https://gearjunkie.com/biking/the-best-e-bikes-of-2023
https://ebikegeneration.com/blogs/news/top-7-electric-hunting-bikes-for-2019