The Best E-Bikes for Hunting in 2024

E-bikes have no doubt carved out a spot in the hunting industry. They are much quieter, more affordable, and easier to transport than something like a Side-by-Side (SxS) or ATV. And let’s not forget that e-bikes don’t require fossil fuels.

Whether it’s shortening travel time to a glassing spot or aiding with hauling meat out of the backcountry, our hunting experts here at GearJunkie know the makings of what goes into solid hunting transportation. A good e-bike needs to be reliable, rugged, and practical.

Electric bikes have taken the world by storm with options made for hauling cargo, commuting, mountain biking, and a growing number of brands and models aimed specifically at hunting. With so many options, choosing the right e-bike for hunting can be a challenge. To help, we’ve listed our top recommendations below, along with information that may be helpful when deciding what bike is right for you.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on November 21, 2024, with the addition of the latest QuietKat Apex XD and Apex HD models and a Price & Value section that explains what you get for your money.

The Best E-Bikes for Hunting in 2024

Other Hunting E-Bikes to Consider

E-Bikes for Hunting Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best E-Bikes for Hunting

We’re not going to lie. Here at GearJunkie, we’re spoiled and get to spend a crazy amount of time in the field testing gear. Be it hiking deep into the backcountry or hauling out big game, we’ve got no shortage of miles beneath us. This translates into an intimate view of what capabilities/features an e-bike needs to have for hunters, which are you and us.

Our Hunting and Fishing Editor, Rachelle Schrute, became an e-bike convert a couple of years ago after finally giving them a chance. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to test a few different models and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what makes a good e-bike for hunting.

GearJunkie’s Editorial Director, Sean McCoy, is an avid hunter as well. He has also had the chance to test out some hunting e-bikes on his various adventures and learned firsthand what the buzz was all about.

When choosing the best e-bikes for hunting, along with our own research and experience, we also took into account the experience of seasoned hunters around us. That, paired with market demand, helped paint a clear picture of our top picks that are sure to please.

The bottom line is that transportation in the field is no joke to us. It needs to be reliable and functional for the hunter. We believe our e-bike list hits that on all fronts. Also, check out our Guide to the Best Electric Bikes, which includes various styles and models for different applications.

Buying Guide: How to Choose an E-Bike for Hunting

E-bikes are fantastic tools for hunting, but there are a few things to consider before investing in an e-bike for your hunting adventures.

Budget

So, obviously, the first thing we need to look at is the budget, as everyone has one. As you can see, you can buy an e-bike for under $2,000, clear on up to approaching $10,000. Aside from what you can afford, of course, how do you decide what’s worth it?

A sensible approach to deciding how much to allot for an e-bike is to ask yourself the question, “How much am I actually going to use this?” If you’re planning on using a bike only once a year for a hunt, then a more affordable option makes sense.

However, if this is going to be your go-to option for transportation in the field, it may be wise to save up a little more money to get a higher-end model. This is just like any other piece of gear. You get what you pay for.

Regulations

Believe it or not, there are actually regulations on e-bikes. And, more particularly, the power/wattage of the motor, the speed of the e-bike, and where you are riding it. Some states consider e-bikes simply bikes, and they fall into the category of regular bicycles. Others don’t allow e-bikes to exceed 750W and 20 mph. And the majority seem to use the three-tiered classification of e-bikes.

So, before spending your hard-earned dollars on an e-bike, look into the three classifications of e-bikes and the regulations where you plan to ride it. In general, if the place you are planning to ride allows the use of motos, ATVs, or SxS, then you can probably ride an electric bike there too. Some trails, however, may not allow e-bikes, so it pays to do some research ahead of time.

Basically, electric bikes fall into three primary categories based on the motor’s power/wattage, top speed, and whether or not it has a throttle. Classes 1, 2, and 3 are the most common and generally used to classify bikes with motors 750W or below. There is also “unlimited,” which pertains to many of the options listed here, given the motor power and ability to reach even higher speeds.

• Class 1: Bikes that do not exceed 20 mph using pedal assistance. These do not have a throttle.
• Class 2: Bikes that do not exceed 20 mph using pedal assistance. These bikes also have a throttle that tops out at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Bikes that do not exceed 28 mph using pedal assistance. These bikes also have a throttle that tops out at 20 mph.
• Unlimited: Bikes with more powerful motors that are capable of speeds greater than 28 mph using pedal assistance or the throttle.

It’s important to note that many modern electric bikes allow the user to regulate the top speed or disengage the throttle to comply with different regulations or to set it up for varying preferences. Even though your bike may be able to go 36 mph, it doesn’t mean you have to or will necessarily feel comfortable doing so, so having the ability to make adjustments is a feature we appreciate.

Load Capacity

Another thing to consider here is load capacity. We are all different sizes. Some of us are hunting elk, and some of us are hunting whitetails. Because of this, you need to have a realistic vision of what amount of weight you need an e-bike to carry. Take the load capacity of the e-bike and subtract your weight. That’s how much weight you’ll be able to haul with the e-bike itself.

Adding a trailer, though, will increase that. Say the trailer has a load capacity of 100 pounds. That’s 100 pounds in addition to the load capacity of your e-bike. So, for a bike with a 325-pound load capacity, you could essentially be sitting at 425 pounds total if the e-bike accepts a trailer, of course.

Range/Battery Life

Range in relation to battery life is a big factor here as well. These bikes have different size batteries and ranges associated with them, and it absolutely needs to be considered. You don’t want to get caught with a dead battery far off the beaten path.

Basically, the more storage capacity a battery has, the more miles you’re gonna go. That battery life is affected by how you use the bike, though. How much assistance do you require of it? What’s the terrain like that you’ll be riding through? The more power you use, the more battery life will be drained.

So, don’t take the listed range number as concrete. There are variables at play. Rider weight, cargo weight, terrain, assist level, throttle usage, pedaling input, and even temperature can all play a role in how quickly a battery drains.

Most e-bike brands list a battery’s size in volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah), which, when multiplied together, gives you watt-hours (Wh). In this market, most batteries are 48 volts, but the amp hours vary. So, we typically calculate the watt-hours to compare the battery storage capacity. The higher the number, the more juice it can hold.

Some companies offer extra batteries as well as solar charging capabilities, too. A very practical feature that could come in handy. Let the battery charge while you hunt all day and no worries.

Most brands will also provide a claimed range figure in miles, such as “up to 75 miles”. While these numbers often seem quite impressive, they are pie-in-the-sky estimates based on unrealistic riding scenarios. The test conditions used to determine these range estimates are typically in the lowest pedal assist setting while riding on flat ground. You’ll probably never ride your hunting e-bike like that, nor should you expect to get the claimed range in real-world riding conditions in the field.

Mid-Drive vs. Hub Drive

There are two different options when it comes to motors on e-bikes. They are hub-drive and mid-drive. Hub-drive motors are typically located at the rear wheel of the e-bike — or on both wheels in some cases — and usually top out around 1,000 W and roughly 90 Nm of torque or slightly under. It depends on the motor in question, but most provide varying levels of pedal assistance to amplify the effort you are putting into the pedals. They typically also have a throttle to push you along under full electric power without pedaling at all.

Hub-drive motors are quite powerful, but they typically don’t have as much torque and the power delivery sometimes feels a bit jumpier compared to the mid-drive systems. For less extreme terrain, they work well but they may suffer a bit on steeper inclines and are comparatively a little limited in speed. That said, they are less expensive.

Mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the bike by the pedals. These systems are generally a bit more refined in their performance, with smoother pedal assistance based on more advanced torque sensors. The mid-drive motors used on hunting e-bikes, like the popular Bafang Ultra, are super powerful. It puts out a whopping 160 Nm of torque and can support speed in excess of 30 mph. The new 1,000 W VPO mid-drive motor on the QuietKat Apex XD is one of the most powerful we’ve heard of at 200 Nm of torque.

Mid-drive motors are a bit more complex overall, so they are more expensive and typically found on more expensive bikes.

Tires

If you’re venturing far out into the field, you need to be prepared for anything. One of the most common mechanical issues is a flat tire. Running the appropriate tire pressure can help prevent this, but pinch flats and punctures are something that will probably happen eventually if you spend enough time riding your bike. This seemingly minor inconvenience can render your bike unrideable, so you want to make sure you have flat repair essentials to get rolling again.

Unlike more traditional bikes, fixing a flat on an electric bike can be a bit more challenging and may require different tools. Fixing a flat isn’t that difficult, but if you’ve never done it, it can seem like a daunting task. Learning how to fix a flat can save you from a long walk and potentially keep you out of a dangerous situation. We highly recommend familiarizing yourself with your bike and the process before heading out into the field.

You need to have the correct size tube — consider carrying a couple just in case — a pump to inflate the tire and the correct wrenches to remove the wheel from the bike. Unlike other types of bikes, most heavy electric bikes have sturdy through axles with hex nuts securing them, so an adjustable wrench is a useful tool to carry. Additionally, you may need to unplug the wires connecting various e-bike components to remove the wheel.

Another option to consider is adding a tire insert. Tire inserts add a cushioned layer inside the tire, which can provide additional support and pinch flat protection. Tannus Armor is a popular brand that many people use. Rambo Bikes even offers inserts and installation as an add-on option when purchasing one of its bikes.

Practice

It may seem obvious, but we’re going to say it anyway. A little practice riding your e-bike goes a long way. These bikes are heavy and bulky, so they automatically handle differently than traditional bikes. Additionally, these things are powerful.

You will absolutely want to familiarize yourself with the e-bike controls, throttle, and different levels of power output in a more controlled setting before you head way out into the field. They aren’t necessarily hard to ride, but the amount of power they have may actually surprise you.

Also, a little practice riding gives you the opportunity to set up and fit the bike to you. Having things like your brake levers, shifters, seat height, and seat angle adjusted for comfort will pay dividends when you’re racking up the miles on your e-bike.

Accessories

Once you have a bike, you’ll likely need to add some add-ons or accessories to dial in its ability to carry cargo and gear to suit your needs. Most e-bikes for hunting have rear cargo racks that are either welded onto or bolted onto the frame.

Beyond that, most brands offer a wide range of accessories like baskets, straps, front racks, gun/bow mounts, fenders, lights, or trailers to optimize the bike for your specific use. Consider what you need to transport and how you’d like to carry it. Also, consider that these items will add to the price of whatever bike you choose.

Portability

There’s no two ways around it, e-bikes are heavy. Moving these beasts from your home to the trailhead can be a little tricky. Just loading them onto a bike rack or into the bed of your truck is no easy task. With all of the models on our list weighing in above 70 pounds, picking them up is hard enough, and most hitch bike racks aren’t even rated to handle bikes this heavy. As e-bikes become more popular, however, there are more heavy-duty racks coming out to handle the weight of bikes like this.

One of the best solutions we’ve seen is from QuietKat. As a producer of heavy electric bikes of various styles, it makes sense that the brand would want to provide a user-friendly way to transport them so you can go out and enjoy using them. The QuietKat Pivot Pro (1-bike: $700) is a rugged, tray-style hitch rack that combines a pivoting tray design and integrated ramps so you can roll bikes up into place more easily. It also has a 100 pounds per tray weight limit, so you’d be hard-pressed to overload it. It comes in one or two bike configurations and fits 2-inch hitch receivers only.

1Up USA is another brand that makes rugged hitch bike racks. The Super Duty and Extreme Duty models can haul bikes up to 100 pounds and 150 pounds, respectively. That makes them a viable option for hauling hunting e-bikes and even e-motos like Surron and UBCO. Just be sure to purchase the loading ramp accessory so you can push those heavy bikes up into place.

Price & Value

Ebikes for hunting can be expensive, but even the high-end options are typically more affordable than buying and maintaining a side-by-side or ATV. Still, the starting price for hunting-specific e-bikes is around $4,000 which is no drop in the bucket, either.

Budget

If you’re operating on a tighter budget, not planning to use your e-bike that frequently, or are trying to determine if a hunting e-bike is right for you, an affordable option like the Aventon Aventure.2 ($1,999) might be the way to go. While it isn’t made specifically for hunting, the Aventure.2 is still a solid option that costs a fraction of the price of premium options.

The 750W hub motor is capable of pedal-assisted speeds up to 28 mph, and it has an impressive weight capacity of 400 pounds. It’s best suited to fire roads, non-technical trails, and mellower inclines, but it’s a great entry point for those interested in trying out an e-bike for hunting.

Mid-Tier

Jumping up significantly in price to above $4K, we get into the mid-price tier for e-bikes made specifically with hunting in mind. At this price, most bikes have hub motors, which are more affordable and help to keep the price a little lower. The sacrifice is a bit less torque and top speed.

Still, if you aren’t trying to crawl your bike straight up mountainsides or ride at 30+ mph, then a bike like the QuietKat Apex HD ($4,350-4,600) will serve most riders well while keeping some money in your bank account. Other than the motor, it’s pretty much just as rugged as the more expensive Apex XD.

Premium

Above the $5,000 mark, we enter the high end of the hunting e-bike market. Of course, you could easily spend up to around $10,000 on a high-end e-bike with all the accessories, but there are quality options between $5,000 and $7,000 that won’t impact your account balance quite as much.

In general, bikes in this price range cost a bit more because they come with mid-drive motors. A good example is the QuietKat Apex XD ($6,350-7,000). It’s very similar to the mid-priced Apex HD, but the more powerful Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor drives the price up.

Others, like the Bakcou Storm ($5,599), also use the Bafang Ultra motor, but this bike also has full suspension and the added components and design complexity that come along with it. An outlier in this guide is the UBCO 2×2 Hunt Edition ($6,500). Unlike the pedal-able options we have listed here, this is an e-moto that’s whisper-quiet compared to gas-powered motos. It’s not cheap by any means, but it comes fully decked out with racks and accessories and is a solid option for those who aren’t interested in pedaling anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions