[Salmonfever]

Does anyone have any reviews on electric bikes they own? Good, bad, or indifferent? I'm considering getting one and don't want to make a few thousand dollar mistake.

I see that e bikes are prohibited on Michigan trails and off road. They are allowed on most paved trails with some exclusions. I've contacted several different DNR offices to see if they grant exceptions to the rule for hunting and/or scouting purposes. Has anyone run into issues with the DNR?

 

[Bob S]

Here are couple threads about E-bikes:

(1) Rifle on bike/E-Bike? | Michigan Sportsman Forum (michigan-sportsman.com)

(1) E Bikes for hunting | Michigan Sportsman Forum (michigan-sportsman.com)

 

[propbuster]

Spoke to a guy last Fall at Shiawassee State Game area. He said he had his bike confiscated for using it in the game area.

 

[pescadero]

Spoke to a guy last Fall at Shiawassee State Game area. He said he had his bike confiscated for using it in the game area.

In the SGA he should have been fine. If he was in the NWR, not so much.

 

[thill]

I've been researching ebikes for hunting for months now. I have one on order that should be delivered in the next few weeks so I can't speak first hand, but I can share what I've learned through my research.

The first question you might want to ask yourself is Do you need a hub drive or mid drive motor? Mid drives will give you much more torque for climbing hills but are also more expensive. I went with a hub drive, which is fine for MI, but might be underpowered for hill country in other states.

Youtube is a terrific resource.

 

[Salmonfever]

Here are couple threads about E-bikes:

(1) Rifle on bike/E-Bike? | Michigan Sportsman Forum (michigan-sportsman.com)

(1) E Bikes for hunting | Michigan Sportsman Forum (michigan-sportsman.com)

Great threads. Thanks!

 

[Salmonfever]

I've been researching ebikes for hunting for months now. I have one on order that should be delivered in the next few weeks so I can't speak first hand, but I can share what I've learned through my research.

The first question you might want to ask yourself is Do you need a hub drive or mid drive motor? Mid drives will give you much more torque for climbing hills but are also more expensive. I went with a hub drive, which is fine for MI, but might be underpowered for hill country in other states.

Youtube is a terrific resource.

With a mid motor drive if the motor goes out you have to push the bike back. You don't have the ability to pedal back so that's a deal breaker for me.

Which bike did you go with and how do you like it so far? Also how are you carrying your bow or gun?

 

[aphess223]

In the SGA he should have been fine. If he was in the NWR, not so much.

After reading the links that were provided ORV, Motor Cycle Trails would be OK, Southern Lower State Game Areas looks like NO, is that the way you read it.
Some of the State Game Areas that have dikes have gravel down like SGA I guess I would question.
Thanks
aphess223

 

[thill]

With a mid motor drive if the motor goes out you have to push the bike back. You don't have the ability to pedal back so that's a deal breaker for me.

Which bike did you go with and how do you like it so far? Also how are you carrying your bow or gun?

From what I've read its very rare to bust a chain. If I were to own a mid drive, I'd keep a spare chain in the saddle bag so if in the rare event I bust a chain, I can replace it and be on my way. Not a deal breaker for me.

I ordered the Bolton Blackbird which is a 750 watt hub drive. It should be delivered in April.

If you're set on a hub drive, I'd look at Himiway cruiser. They seem to be the best value at $1500.

 

[pescadero]

After reading the links that were provided ORV, Motor Cycle Trails would be OK, Southern Lower State Game Areas looks like NO, is that the way you read it.
Thanks
aphess223

It's interesting - because state law appears to contradict itself.

They specifically define E-bikes as "non motorized vehicles", yet (maybe) ban them on unimproved trails because they are motorized.

 

[aphess223]

It's interesting - because state law appears to contradict itself.

They specifically define E-bikes as "non motorized vehicles", yet (maybe) ban them on unimproved trails because they are motorized.

Here is a link,
DNR - E-Bikes in Michigan

 

[Salmonfever]

From what I've read its very rare to bust a chain. If I were to own a mid drive, I'd keep a spare chain in the saddle bag so if in the rare event I bust a chain, I can replace it and be on my way. Not a deal breaker for me.

I ordered the Bolton Blackbird which is a 750 watt hub drive. It should be delivered in April.

If you're set on a hub drive, I'd look at Himiway cruiser. They seem to be the best value at $1500.

That's the way I'm leaning. The Huntin Wheelz and Himiway appear to be the exact same with a few minor differences. Twist throttle vs. thumb push, 17.5ah vs 11.6ah battery, 1 year vs. 2 year warranty, seat and rack. Hard to tell for sure without actually seeing the Himiway.

 

[pgpn123]

With a mid motor drive if the motor goes out you have to push the bike back. You don't have the ability to pedal back so that's a deal breaker for me.

Which bike did you go with and how do you like it so far? Also how are you carrying your bow or gun?

You can still pedal a mid drive if the motor goes out. You can pedal wo using the motor if you don't want to turn it on. If the chain breaks you'll have to push.

 

[sniper]

That's the way I'm leaning. The Huntin Wheelz and Himiway appear to be the exact same with a few minor differences. Twist throttle vs. thumb push, 17.5ah vs 11.6ah battery, 1 year vs. 2 year warranty, seat and rack. Hard to tell for sure without actually seeing the Himiway.

The Huntin Wheelz. Love it. Mark (owner) owes me a rear rack yet, (bought it at the end of Nov) that and the headlight is cheap. My only 2 complaints so far. It’s done everything I expected it to including driving through snow. Koplin Rhino Grips for gun and bow holder for handle bars.

Sent from my iPhone using Michigan Sportsman

 

[Big Tuna]

Any info on how noisy they are ? I want one I can ride way back into the woods. Now, I sweat to death by the time I walk back to my stands . The one I buy I want to be quiet but I don't see any info on how loud they are.

 

[Big Tuna]

Also....I see alot of models don't have a fender on them. Don't you get dirty from the tires throwing stuff up on you?

 

[Steve]

I have been quite happy with my huntin wheelz "shooter". It included many extras like lights, rack, and fenders that the others charge extra for.

It has stood up to several years of abuse, running it out in cold or wet conditions with only a few minor issues.

 

[Cjs180]

Bought 2 Himiway step throughs for the wife and I to ride. Turned mine into a hunting bike. Love it so far. Good exercise as well or you can use throttle only.

 

[Big Tuna]

Can you guys tell me how loud yours is if your going about 6 mph ?

 

[pescadero]

IMO - same volume as a regular bike at a similar speed.