The Advent of Hub-Drive E-Bikes for Hunting
The hub-drive motor was one of the first made and manufactured as retrofits to peoples existing street or mountain bikes. With the popularity of electric bikes increasing the eventual manufacturing of hub-drive e-bikes started.
The blog article covers only e-bikes with hub-drive motors for hunters. If you are looking for more information on electric bikes and what hunters "need to know" check out our Top 17 Factors Hunters Need to Know and Consider Before Buying an E-Bike blog.
As with many products, hunters, and fishermen saw the benefit of using a quiet source of transportation for getting around their hunting property. The advent of using electric bikes for hunting and eventually backcountry fishing began.
As manufacturers saw the demand being placed on e-bikes for hunting, the first hunting e-bikes with hub-drive motors were made. Today, we have the benefit of years of tweaking and modifications and are able to purchase tough and reliable electric bikes to get into the backcountry or across our hunting fields quietly, quickly, and without leaving our scent behind.
There are hundreds of electric bikes with hub-drive motors on the market to purchase. Not all bikes are constructed to withstand the riggers of a hunter's terrain, gear, and range requirements.
When buying an e-bike for hunting, you are not restricted to riding only in the rugged terrain of the fields and mountains you hunt. These bikes are manufactured and can be used for everyday riding around the neighborhood or down to the store. Knowing which e-bike Class is critical to follow the regulations of the forest and roads in your area. If you are unfamiliar with the different classes of electric bikes, check out our blog "Unlock the Power of Electric Bikes to Hunt: Start by Understanding the Differences Between Class 1, 2, and 3 Models."
Top Electric Bikes with Hub-Drive Motors
Here are the seven hunting bikes we like with hub-drive motors. They are made by offroad mountain bike and hunting bike companies. You can get great use out of any one of these bikes. There is no specific order or "best" for these bikes. We listed them based on the retail price of the bike.
If you would like to see our picks for both hub and mid-drive motors check out our blog Top 8 Best Offroad e-Bikes for Hunters in 2023 Reviewed.
Click on the "Bike Model" to be taken directly to the information for that specific bike.
Brand | Bike Model | Motor | Battery | Full Suspension | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eunorau | 250wF/350wR | 48V 15.6Ah | $1,799.00 | ||
Himiway | 750wR | 48V 20Ah | $2,399.00 | ||
Eunorau | 750wF/750wR | 48V 14Ah | $2,899.00 | ||
Rambo | 500wF/500wR | 48V 20Ah | $2,999.99 | ||
QuietKat | 750wR | 48V 12.8Ah | $3,499.00 | ||
Bakcou | 750wR | 48V 17.5Ah | $3,499.00 | ||
Bakcou | 500wF/500wR | 48V 25.0Ah | $4,999.00 |
Understanding motor: if there are two numbers, for example, 500wF/500wR, then the bike has two motors. If there is just one number under the motor; e.g. 750wR then there is just one motor. The 500wF/500wR breaks down this way; 500 "w" watts "F" front wheel/500 "w" watts "R" rear wheel which gives the bike a total of 1000w. Two numbers under the motor would indicate the bike is AWD.
Hub-Drive Motor: What Are They and What Do I Need to Know?
In the introductory photo at the beginning of this blog page, we placed arrows showing where the hub-drive motor(s) are located on a bike. A hub-drive electric bike can have one or two motors. In the photo, we note that the bike has two motors. If a bike has two motors that bike is considered an AWD model. Having AWD capabilities gives the rider the option to use one or both motors during their ride time.
Hub-drive motors are a fundamental component of electric bikes that have been gaining popularity, especially in the realm of hunting. Unlike mid-drive motors, which are positioned near the bike's bottom bracket, hub-drive motors are integrated directly into the wheel hub.
If you are looking for a bike that produces the highest torque and Newton Meters for climbing hills and riding in the roughest terrain, check out our blog on the Best Mid-Drive e-Bikes for Optimal Torque & Range.
This unique placement offers several advantages, particularly for e-bikes designed for hunting purposes. When it comes to hunting, having a reliable means of transportation that can handle challenging terrains is essential. E-bikes equipped with one or two hub-drive motors provide the power and traction necessary to tackle rugged backcountry trails.
An e-bike with a single hub-drive motor is known as a rear-wheel drive, where the motor powers the rear wheel. This configuration provides excellent traction and propulsion, allowing hunters to navigate steep inclines and uneven surfaces with ease. The rear-wheel drive setup is favored by many hunters as it offers a balanced weight distribution and efficient power transfer, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios.
For those seeking even greater off-road capabilities, all-wheel drive (AWD) e-bikes come into play. These advanced electric bikes are equipped with two hub-drive motors, one in the front wheel and another in the rear wheel. By harnessing the power of both wheels, AWD e-bikes offer enhanced stability, improved traction, and superior maneuverability in challenging terrain. Hunters can conquer muddy paths, rocky trails, and even snow-covered landscapes with confidence.
Whether it's a rear-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive, hub-drive motors are known for their durability, low maintenance requirements, and smooth power delivery.
By understanding the versatility and advantages of hub-drive motors, hunters can make informed decisions when choosing the right e-bike for their specific needs. Whether it's a single-motor rear-wheel drive or a dual-motor all-wheel drive, the capabilities offered by these hub-drive systems enhance the hunting experience, providing hunters with a reliable and efficient means of transportation in the backcountry.
Explaining the Hub-Drive Motor Power and Torque
The hub-drive motor of a bike produces watt power from the battery pushing energy to the motor. The watt power determines the speed the bike is capable of reaching and what Class the bike falls into. There are two specific details every rider needs to know and understand with an electric bike.
With any electric bike, the battery is key for two reasons; one, the battery produces the volts and a bike with less than 48 volts will struggle to produce the power necessary to propel the bike and rider forward. On flat terrain or on city streets, a 36V battery could be sufficient, but if you are carrying a load or trying to traverse hills and mountain trails you need to have a 48V battery. Second - the battery provides the "amp hours" or Ah and that tells you how long the battery should last under normal riding conditions.
The motor produces watts of energy. To understand how many watts your bike's motor can produce you need to also understand what battery you have on your bike. The max watts for an e-bike is based on this calculation:
Volts x Amps = Watts
An average hunting bike will at minimum produce 750w from the motor. If you are looking to purchase an e-bike for hunting make sure the minimum the bike produces is 750w from the motor. If the bike produces anything less, then it will struggle with a load on the bike. For the most power and torque look to a motor or combination of motors reaching 1000w or even a max watts of 1500.
7 Top E-Bikes with Hub Drive Motors Reviewed
Pros and Cons of Hub-Drive e-Bikes for Hunting
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts on Hub-Drive Motor E-Bikes for Hunting
You too need to embrace the power and versatility of a hub-drive e-bike for hunting. Having an electric bike opens up a world of possibilities to get further back into the forest or just have more fun as an outdoor enthusiast.
As you consider venturing into the e-bike world, here are two compelling reasons why investing in a quality electric bike should be on your radar.
First and foremost, an e-bike revolutionizes mobility in the wilderness. The quiet and efficient hub-drive motor allows hunters to effortlessly navigate through challenging terrains that would be impractical or time-consuming on foot. With an e-bike, you can cover larger distances in less time, enabling you to explore new hunting grounds and access remote areas that were previously out of reach. This increased mobility not only expands your hunting opportunities but also enhances your overall experience by immersing you in the natural beauty of the woods or wilderness.
Secondly, e-bikes offer a stealth advantage that traditional means of transportation lack. The electric-powered motor produces minimal noise, allowing you to move silently through the wilderness, undetected by game animals. This enhanced stealth can significantly improve your chances of success during hunts, as it minimizes disturbance and increases the likelihood of getting closer to your target. With an e-bike, you can silently stalk your prey, strategically positioning yourself for that perfect shot.
By incorporating a hub-drive e-bike into your hunting gear arsenal, you gain a reliable and eco-friendly mode of transportation that amplifies your hunting capabilities. The ability to maneuver through rugged terrain, combined with the stealthy approach it provides, sets the stage for unforgettable hunting adventures and brings you closer to nature in ways you never thought possible.
So why wait? Equip yourself with an e-bike, harness the power of technology, and embark on an exhilarating journey into the backcountry, where the thrill of the hunt meets the wonders of sustainable transportation.