Not all eBikes are created equal, and as the desire to use eBikes in different scenarios continues to grow, so does the optimization and redesign of these machines to better fit these new niches.
This innovation and growth has resulted in a growing number of eBikes designed for hunting, fishing, and the outdoorsman. But how do you know which eBike is best for your needs? What do you look for?
Today, we’re going to run through the factors you should consider when choosing an eBike for hunting, fishing, and heading deeper into the wilderness than you’ve ever been before.
Necessary Considerations
Battery Size - Your battery is your fuel tank and, seeing as there aren’t any charging stations out in the wilderness, bigger is almost always better. Battery size is most commonly measured in Amp hours (Ah) and the more amp hours in a battery, the larger the capacity and the greater the range it can give you.
It is worth noting that how long a battery lasts is affected by a huge number of variables, such as the amount of weight the eBike carries. Pushing a heavier load around requires more power, meaning that the battery will drain faster. For those looking to transport their gear, be that fishing, camping, or hunting, into the backcountry, or their trophies out of it, a larger battery is definitely needed.
The battery size of the average eBike is around 14Ah, and these can give the average commuter or rider a range of up to 40-50 mile. If you’re looking for an eBike to go hunting or doing anything else quite cargo intensive across variable terrain, a battery of at least 17-18Ah is recommended.
Off-Road Capabilities - If you’re heading into the wilderness or backcountry with your eBike, then you want to make sure that your equipment is up to the challenges that you’ll meet out there. Most eBikes are waterproof and can stand up to whatever adverse weather conditions that you can handle yourself, however not all are made to go off-road.
When looking for an eBike to use for hunting, fishing, and elsewhere in the backcountry, you’re always going to want an eBike with fat tires on it. These 4-4.8” wide tires give you the grip and confidence you’ll need to ride through any conditions, from snow to rain, and over any and all types of terrain, from sand to loose gravel. The second feature you’re going to want to look for is front suspension to help cushion your riding and make riding longer distances over such terrain a comfortable experience.
When looking for an eBike for the backcountry, front suspension can be considered a necessity, but rear suspension is an optional extra for one particular reason. Yes, rear suspension will make your ride that bit more comfortable, but it reduces your ability to lay down power, especially in varying conditions. This is because it absorbs small amounts of the power you’re putting out with your legs. This means that, on a full suspension eBike, you’ll be putting in the same amount of effort with your legs but using more motor power, and thus more battery power, to maintain the same pace. This will reduce the overall range you can expect from your battery.
Motor Size - The larger the motor, the more power it can put out at one time. If you’re looking to use your eBike to haul gear and even trophies over varying terrain, then having a motor that is up to the challenge is a necessity. A 500W motor is the smallest you should go for in this instance; however, a 750W motor is probably more fitting.
Motors for eBikes do come in sizes greater than 750W, and this can be attractive to many hunters and fishermen. However, eBikes over 750W are considered, by most states, to be motor vehicles and are therefore subject to licensing, insurance, and potentially inspection requirements when not being used on public lands.
Torque Sensor - There are two types of sensors that determine how much assistance to give the rider: cadence sensors and torque sensors. Cadence sensors measure pedal speed to judge how much assistance to give the rider. Torque sensors measure how much pressure a rider is putting on the pedals to judge how much assistance to give them.
Measuring the rider’s input in terms of power instead of revolutions per minute means that eBikes with torque sensors provide more optimum assistance. Importantly, this means that they can help to save your battery power and increase your range. Electric bikes with torque sensors have more of the feeling of a conventional bike, engage their assistance quicker than eBikes with cadence sensors, and offer a smoother, more natural ride.
The eBikes that feature torque sensors are generally more expensive than their cadence featuring cousins.
Throttle - Not all eBikes feature a throttle, but for travel out in the backcountry when you have a lot of weight to haul around over undulating terrain, a throttle can be a lifesaving feature. Usually, when an eBike features a torque sensor it loses the ability to have a throttle. However, there are some eBikes out there that do feature both.
Carrying Capacity - Your electric bike for hunting and fishing should have the capacity to transport everything you want in and out of the backcountry. The average eBike can usually transport around 280lbs, whereas eBikes designed for backcountry excursions can carry around 330lbs. This extra cargo capacity gives riders the flexibility to carry more gear on their eBike while fitting safely inside the weight limit of their machine.
Luxury Considerations
While the above are the necessary considerations for those looking to purchase a backcountry ready eBike, these “luxury considerations” are items that are good secondary considerations — should you be stuck deliberating between two models.
Road Legal - This is not a consideration that will top everyone’s list, however, some people may not want to restrict the use of their eBike to just off-road trails and roads. As mentioned above, eBikes with a motor over 750W are, in many states, no longer considered eBikes and are considered motor vehicles. This means that they’re subject to the same licensing, insurance, taxation, and other requirements as similar motor vehicles (i.e. mopeds).
If you want to use your eBike off public lands and around your local neighborhood with ease, then it is good to find one that fits inside the eBikes regulations in your state and your local municipality.
Integrated Lights - Integrated lights mean that you’ll always have light with you, and that you’ll be able to light your way under the power of your eBike’s battery when you need to.
USB Port - Having a USB port allows you to charge your device from your eBike’s battery. This means that you will always have the juice to take the photos you need when you’re in the field and the power to charge your GPS so you can always be sure of how to get home.
Kickstand - It may seem minor, but once you’ve spent $2000+ on anything, you don’t just want to have to lay it down on the ground. Protect your eBike by keeping it standing on a kickstand (it’s also a great way to admire your eBike from afar).
Fenders and Racks - Fenders and racks can come pre-fitted on many eBikes, but it is almost always possible to get aftermarket fenders and racks for all eBikes. Fenders help to protect you from being covered in dirt and water flicked up from the trail or road beneath you, while racks provide you with a platform to attach your cargo to.
A Trailer - Trailers are always an optional extra that must be purchased separately, but if you’re serious about taking all your gear out and using your eBike to help you bring your trophy back with you, then a trailer is an excellent investment. One of the greatest bonuses of a trailer is that, because they’re being towed, they don’t count as cargo weight. So, you can really load them with whatever you want.
A Final Top Tip: An Extra Battery
When you’re purchasing an eBike for hunting or fishing, it is worth considering purchasing an extra pack of juice to go with it. Having an extra battery with you gives you peace of mind that you won’t run out of power while you’re in the backcountry, and it allows you to plan bigger excursions with more power in your pocket.
With all of these considerations now clearly laid out, you should be able to make a well-educated decision and choose an eBike with the features that best suit your personal needs in the backcountry. Everyone and their needs are different, and taking time to choose the eBike that is right for you is imperative to making sure that you enjoy your experiences with it for years to come.