Thread: E-bikes, E-hunting bikes - what've you got?

Very clear E vehicles are the future - whether we like it or not. And E-bikes now everywhere - we see them, hear them on the road all the time. Huge increase in numbers lately - alot of manufacturers, alot of models. I had one 3 years ago and it was a little gem for town commuting - cost almost zero to run.

E-bike technology is improving quickly and now being applied to all manner of offroad activities, as well as on road. They're emerging as hunting transport - and certainly could add much mobility and range in right conditions.

Question is - who has them, in what applications, what models, how do you find the model, what to look for, recommendations etc. Something with suspension and a good Amp/Hour (AH) level batt could be great for shooting big farms etc... very quiet and great led lights.

Its a new and growing application and will be good to hear from owners about offroad e-bikes - whether used on the farm or for the bush.

I hate them

Got passed by a bloody granny on an e-bike while cycling yesterday. Just not right I tell ya !

@berg243 Not that I know of, although some of the muppets that have 1kW or greater motors will make sure that controls become a reality.
@mudgripz - consider the conversion option. $2-3k will get a serious level of performance in a donor bike, like a 500w 48v motor with a 17Ah or more battery. I advise not skimping on the battery, especially when you are lugging a load in hilly terrain. When the battery runs flat, you are left with a very heavy bike with limited gearing! Trust me when I say it is a real test of character!

You could do it cheaper by going Aliexpress but that means getting the right bits from China first time, as well as a few proprietary tools and doing it yourself.

Ebike will be similar to mountain bike restrictions

My son and his wife thought about going on some cycle loop somewhere and hiring e bikes. Got the idea from his boss who had done the same thing. The advise the boss gave him was dont hire a e bike unless you can afford to buy one as you just will not want to pedal a normal bike again. So from that I take it it makes cycling much easier.

Originally Posted by chindit

My son and his wife thought about going on some cycle loop somewhere and hiring e bikes. Got the idea from his boss who had done the same thing. The advise the boss gave him was dont hire a e bike unless you can afford to buy one as you just will not want to pedal a normal bike again. So from that I take it it makes cycling much easier.

That would have been great advice I wish someone had told me that.
We hired a pair and did the loop track at the rotorua bike park, 30 odd km, bloody awesome fun.
So now we have a pair. They would be awesome for tracks in forestry blocks.
Not sure about carrying out heavy loads.
Ours will do around 70km per charge they have awesome power I would have to look up the spec, all I know is they are not bloody cheap.

Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk

I made one out of a full suspension mtb paired with a bbshd 1000w motor and a 17ah battery.

It's a pretty powerful beast but I get a bloody sore ass with a pack and rifle.


If you are serious....https://www.blacksheeptrading.co.nz/...nduro-version/

My E round-towner 3-4 years ago was a little Smartmotion E-city or something. 250w and cruised with or without pedal assist at over 30kph, with top speed limited to 38. I invested in the biggest batt possible for the model - a 21AH unit that gave long runtimes. all up about $2600 from memory then. Spoke recently to some oldies who had done a long bike trail in the south and had a great time. Really opens up opportunities. And yes was alot of fun passing all the lycra boys

For hunting you would need reasonable suspension for crossing paddocks etc, low speed plugging ability rather than top end, sturdy frame and build that wouldn't vibrate apart, v comfortable seating, good led lighting (upgraded if necessary). and highish bars to rest on... This is a model Sika mentions - very bit of coin but.. You could buy a few Yamaha AG100s or Suzuki 125 mudbugs for that:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...3?bof=GU4YB0K9

Haibike Trekking 8 SDURO, rated total load capacity 160kg. Big motor, big battery, can double up on the battery, at a price. Paddock queen at the moment. With lots of assist and low gears will do 35-40k. On good tracks, gravel roads near to 90k, on sealed roads gentle hills, lots of muscle power up around 150k.

Check out the UBCO and support an awesome kiwi company

I did. Not my cuppa.. they're not an ebike, they're an electric motorcycle. Have their place in the scheme of things but a bit harder to push if the battery goes flat

Originally Posted by mopheadrob

Check out the UBCO and support an awesome kiwi company

They look dam heavy..
If mine runs out of battery it's still easy enough to peddle without power.

Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk

One thing I forgot to mention... the Bafang motor conversion has one advantage, in that you can go into the settings and unlock the top assisted speed and access many other custom options.

I bought a Giant Reign Enduro, (longer suspension travel). My wife got a Specialized, she leaves me for dead on the hills, mind you she’s 30 kg lighter.
Big thing is getting out in the bush again, riding some great trails with my kids and grandkids, great for angles, knees, hips and upper body, also fitness levels for oldies, concentration, balance etc. I haven’t used it hunting, but have some pest control, hares, and will take and try it. With a shotgun, it could be interesting. Just get full suspension.

@Bol Takshin I’d be very interested to hear more about unlocking these settings as mine runs off the Bafang motor