Best Electric Bikes for Hunting | 7 Better Ways to Bag Game

Considering that Bakcou’s founders are hunters themselves, it should be no surprise that their e-bikes made our list.

The Mule includes the power-hungry Bafang M620 motor with 1,000 watts of nominal power for hard climbs and heavy loads. Riders can reduce the motor’s output to the street-legal (in most places) 750W limit if needed, but it has the power to handle rough terrain with ease.

Another huge draw for the Mule is its battery; the bike comes with multiple options, each with differences in capacity and price. The substantial 840 Wh option is standard, but buyers can choose up to a mind-blowing 1,200 Wh at checkout. We didn’t get the opportunity to do a full range test on this model, but we’d expect the highest-capacity option to be impressive.

With no rear shock, the Mule is efficient at uphill climbs. We liked the bike’s handling, which was enhanced by its wide 740mm handlebars, knobby Maxxis fat tires, and front suspension. The bike has a total payload capacity of 300 lbs, includes a bolt-on cargo rack, and can be outfitted with a variety of trailers.

Bakcou offers a host of compatible accessories for the Mule (and all of their e-bikes), including bike racks, cargo bags, saddles and suspension seatposts, and more. Additionally, the Mule has a surprising number of color options, including four different camouflage patterns.

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As one of the most value-packed e-bikes on this list, the Mokwheel Obsidian is a competent all-terrain e-bike with a full suspension and a beastly 1000W rear hub motor. We tested the bike on rough desert roads and paths to ensure it could keep up with many of the higher-priced hunting bikes on the market and were happy to note it felt very much at home.

The Obsidian’s combination of a powerful motor, a responsive torque sensor, and 26×4” knobby fat tires proved able to handle steep hills and loose ground without breaking a sweat. The bike’s full suspension, thick saddle, and ergonomic grips kept the ride comfortable even in rocky, untamed terrain.

As one of Mokwheel’s “Power Station” e-bikes, the Obsidian features a massive 941-Wh battery that can be connected to a handful of optional accessories to make long-distance wilderness adventures possible and enjoyable. Optional solar panels allow the bike to recharge anywhere, while a power inverter allows the bike’s battery to power or charge other electronic devices.

As a Class 3 e-bike with pedal assist up to 28 mph, the Obsidian can be speedy when needed. The bike’s ride is also customizable; users can alter the intensity of the bike’s acceleration to feel gradual and natural or allow immediate access to the bike’s immense power. Riders can also adjust throttle speed and change the number of pedal assist settings to suit their needs.

To add to the bike’s appeal, the Obsidian is available in a Jungle Camo paint option (we tested a Desert Camo version that is not available at the time of writing).

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As Backcou’s flagship model, the Storm is decked out and ready to rumble. It features a full suspension for a cushy ride and a brawny 1,000W Bafang M620 mid-drive motor. With a max of 160 Nm of torque, this motor can accelerate impressively fast and conquer hills that would stop other fat tire e-bikes in their tracks. Its output can also be reduced to 750W for street riding.

The Storm that we tested was a higher-end “Jäger” model (German for “hunter”) featuring a Rohloff Speed Hub instead of the traditional cassette/derailleur setup on the standard Storm. Internal gear hubs like this are sealed to protect them from dirt and damage, making them ideal for roaming the wilderness without worry.

The bike includes fenders and a rear cargo rack and boasts a total payload capacity of 300 lbs. Like the Mule mentioned above, it can be outfitted with helpful accessories like pannier bags, cargo/game trailers, gun/bow racks, and a myriad of other options. Bakcou also offers solar panels to keep any of its battery options charged in any place you can see the sun.

While the Jäger Storm comes with the maximum-capacity 1,200 Wh battery, buyers of the standard model can choose from four battery options between 840 and 1,200 Wh. The bike flaunts a flashy design, and is offered in five color options including one camo pattern called “Kryptek Altitude.”

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As an adventure bike made for carrying everything and the kitchen sink, the Tern Orox S12 blends impressive range with rugged capability. This rigid-framed powerhouse can ride up to 100 miles on a single charge (up to 200 miles with the optional dual battery setup), making it well-suited for extended bikepacking trips, hunting trips, and beyond.

At the heart of the Orox S12 is the Bosch CX Line Performance Mid-Drive, delivering 85Nm of torque for tough climbs. We loved the feel of this motor, but when coupled with Smart System app connectivity, it was even better; the pairing ensures riders have ample power and detailed control over the ride.

We think its components speak to its adventure-ready nature, too. In our testing, its 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain provided precise shifting across a wide range of gears. The 27.5×4” tires offered excellent traction on varied terrain. Its Magura 4-piston hydraulic brakes provided reliable stopping power on desert roads and pavement alike.

For those looking to haul gear, the Orox S12 impressed us with a rear rack rated for a staggering 200 lbs and a total payload capacity of 462 lbs – figures that put it in a class of its own for cargo-carrying capability.

The Tern Orox S12 combines long-range capability, solid performance, and impressive hauling capacity, making it an easy pick for a hunting trip, no matter if you’re planning a weekend escape or a month-long expedition.

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As a hybrid eMTB/commuter, the Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0 is an incredibly versatile e-bike practical for literally any environment. With included lights, fenders, and a pannier rack, it comes outfitted for the morning ride to work.

It can just as easily handle singletrack trails with its full RockShox suspension, SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, and SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes.

With a maximum payload capacity of 300 lbs, we found that the Turbo Tero could easily be adapted for use with trailers like the Burley Coho XC. Specialized doesn’t offer hunting-specific accessories, but most are still compatible with it—and the brand does offer useful extras, including cargo bags and an external range extender battery for backup power.

We were impressed with the bike’s performance in our range test; we measured over 70 miles with a practical amount of pedal assist power in the bike’s lowest setting. The Tero’s 250W mid-drive may seem underpowered when compared to the 1,000W monsters included elsewhere on this list, but we found the motor to be incredibly dialed-in and functional.

The bike is also a lot more manageable than many of the heavy fat tire e-bikes on this list; with its comparatively lean 61-lb frame, the Turbo Tero doesn’t need such outlandish power.

Specialized offers the Turbo Tero X in three spec levels to suit varying needs and budgets. We tested the mid-range 5.0 with a 710 Wh battery 70 Nm of motor torque. Hunters traveling shorter distances could step down to the 4.0 with a 530 Wh battery and 50 Nm motor, while the top-tier 6.0 model includes the higher capacity battery and a whopping 90 Nm of torque.

As a bike that’s easy to fall in love with, we think the Turbo Tero is a fantastic option for those who want to do it all. The bike’s ability to ride anywhere means you can use it daily, no matter where you are!

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Aventon’s Aventure.2 is essentially a do-it-all e-bike, which is why it appears regularly on our various lists of the best e-bikes. It includes a 750W rear-hub motor with enough power to handle fire roads and doubletrack as well as a front suspension fork for comfort. The Aventure.2 also includes a torque sensor to give its pedal assist a natural and responsive feel.

The bike features a whopping 400-lb payload capacity and is compatible with hitch-mounted trailers like the Burley Flatbed Cargo Trailer or Nomad Cargo Trailer (both of which are available through the Aventon website).

The Aventure.2 includes a rear cargo rack and can also be outfitted with a front rack for carrying extra gear – both of which are compatible with many of the baskets and bags that Aventon offers.

In the context of hunting, the Aventure.2 will certainly get the job done, but it doesn’t need to be used only for that application! We found that it was effective for daily use as a leisure or commuter bike, but we also put it through its paces in dirt and gravel and did not find it lacking. The bike isn’t made for extremely rough environments, but it’s versatile nonetheless.

We think the Aventure.2 might be best for those outdoorsmen who prefer a slightly more reserved e-bike. It has the power to handle tough terrain and steep climbs, but its 750W hub motor is not overpowered.

It’s one of our favorite e-bikes for a reason; the Aventure is simply a really fun and awesome bike that you’re likely going to want to spend more time on, regardless of how you use it.

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Velotric’s Summit 1 is a versatile eMTB-inspired hybrid adventure e-bike capable of handling doubletrack, fire roads, multi-use trails, and light singletrack on the weekends. It can also double as a weekday commuter for the morning and evening rides to/from work or school.

The bike features a 750W rear-hub motor with a torque sensor, providing a natural pedal experience similar to that of a non-electric bike. Its motor’s peak of 1300W ensures that the Summit can power over steep hills or through loose terrain. A 120-mm suspension fork softens rough paths and smooths the ride.

The Summit 1’s ride is extremely customizable thanks to the ability to switch between three riding modes with five pedal assist settings, each spanning a high, medium, or low level of power. Users can also alter the bike’s top speed to match Class 2 or 3 limits, swap between torque and cadence-sensing modes, and more!

With a high-capacity 706-Wh battery, the Summit 1 has plenty of fuel in the tank for extended rides. It delivered excellent results in our Range Test when compared to similar entry-level eMTBs and trekking bikes. Those using the Summit for commuting can outfit the bike with fenders and a cargo rack to increase its utility or a suspension seatpost to add comfort.

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Hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen have unique e-bike needs, so we curated this list of the best models that meet them. In some ways, assembling this list was easy; many of the brands we included design their e-bikes specifically for hunters—because they’re owned by hunters.

Additionally, we’ve seen the rise of a new category of all-terrain e-bikes that are purpose-built for explorers and adventurers. These fat tire e-bikes offer hybrid functionality and exist somewhere between mountain bikes and ATVs.

The elements we focused on for this list are as follows:

• Off-Road Capability: In addition to knobby off-road tires for tearing through loose ground, the best e-bikes for hunting feature powerful motors that can muscle over rocks or tree limbs and climb imposing hills.
• Weight Capacity: Outdoorsmen often need to haul heavy loads—especially when their hunting trip is successful. We included e-bikes with the ability to carry or tow significant amounts of cargo. A total payload capacity of 300 lbs was our minimum requirement.
• Range: Since adding extra weight can greatly reduce an e-bike’s range, we selected models with a high battery capacity for long-distance potential. Some bikes offer huge single batteries or the option for dual batteries. All are compatible with the solar panels offered by Mokwheel, Quietkat, and Bakcou.
• Accessories: Most of the e-bikes on this list include cargo racks, and all are compatible with optional accessories that include additional racks, baskets, bags, and more. Hunting-specific extras like gun/bow racks, cold weather gear, game trailers, etc., are a bonus!

Whether checking trail cameras, getting to your tree stand faster, transporting your harvest in fewer trips, or just getting away from civilization for a few hours, e-bikes offer huge benefits to hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor explorers.

When compared to gas-powered ATVs or UTVs, they weigh less, they are more portable, they’re often less expensive, and they don’t create noise or scent that might scare off your quarry.

If you are considering an e-bike as another arrow in your quiver of hunting tools and equipment, it’s important to consider how – and where – you plan to use it. Some of the models on this list are best when used primarily for hunting, while others provide much more versatility for practical daily-use commuting or leisure riding.

If you are considering e-bikes for a variety of uses, we invite you to read our e-bike reviews, which can be sorted by category. If you’re new to all the e-bike lingo and jargon, our buyer’s guide can help to bring you up to speed.

Best of luck, and happy hunting!

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.