E-BIKES - the way to hunt in the west

[NW Hunter]

And as a bonus, I find that when I turn down pedal assist to 1, I get a good workout . I also can use bike trails around town for recreation.
I can turn off two wheel drive to be legal with the 750 watt limit in my area.

 

[kgarrett]

Kgarret, I truly wanted a side by side but I don't have any space at my place for storage of that and s trailer. This was my solution to my issue. I bought it as transportation to my access points using USFS roads.

Well, I've had one for a few years because I have two young boys. However, they are now 6 and almost 9 and would rather ride their own quad or mountain bike.

They're expensive, require a trailer to haul, and heavy so they can make a mess off road. I'm happy enough with mine. However, one of my buddies borrowed it and rolled it on its side. He paid for the repairs (largely cosmetic), but in many ways I feel like an e-bike is a better solution for accessing fishing and hunting opportunities.

As far as horses, I rode growing up (4H and 3 day eventing as well as trail riding). They are a great option, but if you think quads and atvs are expensive and time consuming…

 

[NW Hunter]

Well, I've had one for a few years because I have two young boys. However, they are now 6 and almost 9 and would rather ride their own quad or mountain bike.

They're expensive, require a trailer to haul, and heavy so they can make a mess off road. I'm happy enough with mine. However, one of my buddies borrowed it and rolled it on its side. He paid for the repairs (largely cosmetic), but in many ways I feel like an e-bike is a better solution for accessing fishing and hunting opportunities.

As far as horses, I rode growing up (4H and 3 day eventing as well as trail riding). They are a great option, but if you think quads and atvs are expensive and time consuming…

Those are all good points with the side by sides. I wondered about that.
Once I started riding this two wheel drive, I found there is a learning curve when riding on rutted muddy trails. The front wheel pulling while you are trying to stay upright and steering makes it interesting. I'm still a newb riding in these conditions. I'm thinking about turning off the front and just going with rear wheel drive in those conditions snd see if that helps me steer through my intended line.
Time will tell.
I will definitely keep you updated on the generator charging situation.

 

[kgarrett]

Those are all good points with the side by sides. I wondered about that.
Once I started riding this two wheel drive, I found there is a learning curve when riding on rutted muddy trails. The front wheel pulling while you are trying to stay upright and steering makes it interesting. I'm still a newb riding in these conditions. I'm thinking about turning off the front and just going with rear wheel drive in those conditions snd see if that helps me steer through my intended line.
Time will tell.
I will definitely keep you updated on the generator charging situation.

Yes, rear wheel only will make it easier. I've only played with e-bikes, but I am an experienced mountain biker having been riding for almost 30 years. Have given up downhill now that I have kids, work and am in my 40's but still love to ride.

I'd only use two wheel drive in very muddy or rocky conditions. Will make it harder to steer for sure.

 

[NW Hunter]

Yes, rear wheel only will make it easier. I've only played with e-bikes, but I am an experienced mountain biker having been riding for almost 30 years. Have given up downhill now that I have kids, work and am in my 40's but still love to ride.

I'd only use two wheel drive in very muddy or rocky conditions. Will make it harder to steer for sure.

Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have noticed that going only rear wheel drive is a big reduction in power, but in technical steering it's maybe a good thing.
I also have to play with tire pressure. I was at 20 psi on that stretch of trail. Some posts show where people are running at 10 psi.
I don't want to get into a situation where I pop the bead on my sidewall though. I will find the happy spot on psi eventually.

 

[LkeAF]

And even some state lands it is confusing what it is allowed. Some of the rules are tough to figure out as finding them is a challenge on it's own

Easiest thing might be a call to F&G for clarification. I know that in Idaho e-bikes are considered "motorized" and are thus only allowed on trails & roads that allow motorized usage. The frustrating thing is that most of what I see are hunters wanting to use them to go to those non-motorized places. I've actually been stopped by F&G once because they thought I was on an e-bike. I ride a fat tire mountain bike (often called a fat bike and frequently ridden on snow or beaches). It took me a bit to convince him that the only "motor" on that bike are my two legs. He finally believed me and I thanked him for enforcing the rules.

 

[bscman]

Easiest thing might be a call to F&G for clarification. I know that in Idaho e-bikes are considered "motorized" and are thus only allowed on trails & roads that allow motorized usage. The frustrating thing is that most of what I see are hunters wanting to use them to go to those non-motorized places.

Washington is the same way.

State DNR, Forest Service, and every private timber company I've spoken to considers e-bikes a motorized vehicle and as such are banned from most roads and trails.

Most of the trails open to bicycles are also still closed to e-bikes--yes even the low powered ones.

 

[Weaver93]

Easiest thing might be a call to F&G for clarification. I know that in Idaho e-bikes are considered "motorized" and are thus only allowed on trails & roads that allow motorized usage. The frustrating thing is that most of what I see are hunters wanting to use them to go to those non-motorized places. I've actually been stopped by F&G once because they thought I was on an e-bike. I ride a fat tire mountain bike (often called a fat bike and frequently ridden on snow or beaches). It took me a bit to convince him that the only "motor" on that bike are my two legs. He finally believed me and I thanked him for enforcing the rules.

So the lack of a battery, charging port and motor didn't convince him?

 

[FEENIX]

E-bikes are illegal here but packing isn't an issue. Buy a Burley off craigslist and strip it down. Add an adapter axle from robert axle project, and go hunt.

View attachment 455069

I considered getting them but opted to rig up my game cart instead.

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

Still the BEST option!
Just make sure if you are doing higher altitude (10K feet +) make sure that your woman gets acclimated.

 

[LkeAF]

So the lack of a battery, charging port and motor didn't convince him?

Unless you ride bikes and know sort of what you're looking at, I think it's hard for people to differentiate. With my frame and saddle bags on there and the pogies (sleeping bags for your hands), people just assume that it's an e-bike.

 

[epc001]

LiteHiker, I want to thank you for this thread. I was one of those unfit to walk fat asses ( well almost) yet over time have got my Eastern woods all day still hunting back on. Yet life and such has stretched the time to a western hunt out a bit and i;ve developed a rather FUBAR'd knee.

Sure 5-10 clicks is doable, but from what ive seen ON TV! ( sarcasm rather intended) 10-20k ( up to 10 miles +) is more like it. I am encouraged knowing there is hope!

Still working on strengthening what I've got to work with regardless......

 

[LRNut]

E bikes are motorized, so if the trail is marked "no motorized vehicles" please stay off.