Top 7 Off-Road eBike Riding Tips for Hunters

You’ve picked out the best eBike for your hunting adventures. Congratulations. This single piece of equipment will revolutionize your experience in the woods and will make things you've only ever dreamed of possible. 

Is it something you can just hop on and get going with? Not exactly. The phrase "it's just like riding a bike" really only applies to tarmac. Once you hit the trail, things change. 

Most of you already know that, though. You don't drive your truck the same off-road as you do to work each morning. Just like taking your vehicle into the woods, there are some things you need to prepare for first. 

Here’s some guidance with our top 7 off-road eBike riding tips for hunters to consider. We'll keep it light so that you can get out there and take that new prized possession for a ride as soon as possible! 

Off-Road Tips for Hunters  

1. Physical fitness is a demand

eBikes indeed make it easier to traverse through the wilderness. They even keep older hunters in the woods longer because it's easier on joints and so on. 

It's not like you can ignore the importance of maintaining good health, though. No, you're not wrestling a 500-pound machine, but you still need to balance yourself upright and maneuver the weight of your eBike, yourself, and your gear over ever-changing terrain, though. 

That's why it's essential to do your best to stay in good shape. Getting plenty of exercise and riding your bike frequently are some of the most important steps to take for eBike hunters throughout the year. 

Try to blend the perfect formula of both cardio and muscle strengthening. We’re not professional health trainers, so take the time to find what’s optimal for your health. But just do it - it’ll make the hunt easier both on and off the electric bicycle.

2. Understand that trail conditions are inconsistent

Trail conditions are inconsistent - one day you’ll have deep ruts, another smooth terrain. Even if you're taking a logging trail most of the way, you can expect the terrain to shift a few times along the way. 

Your best bet is to take it easy so that you can shift to different riding techniques to avoid any mishaps. 

No, you're probably not blasting at high speeds on a hunt. However, unexpectedly rolling through mud or loose leaves between dirt or gravel can throw off your balance at any speed, so it's important to react accordingly.

3. Avoid puddles

Speaking of trail conditions, stay away from puddles. Your eBike is built to withstand rigorous conditions, but being submerged in water isn't one of them. 

Aside from potentially damaging an expensive piece of equipment, there's no way of knowing what's under the water or how deep a puddle is. Even if it's small, there might be an unexpectedly deep layer of mud waiting to wreak havoc. 

If you see a puddle, just go around it. Your eBike, hunting gear, and nerves will thank you for saving them the trouble. 

4. Pushing is an option

What if the trail is a little too narrow? What if there is no trail or the terrain is just too rough to safely ride over? 

The good news is that you can easily push your eBike during those sketchy situations. Most eBikes weigh around 60-70 pounds, which is effortless to lug around thanks to the wheels. Not only that, but some eBikes even have a power-assisted walk mode for this purpose. 

This tip can double as a way to keep you safe but help you reach new places. Pushing your bike can ultimately help you reach more hunting spots off the beaten path, allowing you to get to where the action is, regardless of what stands between you and it. 

5. Mind your tire pressure

Here's a tip you probably already practice with your truck. Tire pressure is essential to gaining and maintaining traction, which is why you air down before hitting the trail in your truck. 

Thankfully, it's not something you need to adjust as much on an eBike. That doesn't mean you shouldn't monitor it, though. 

As temperatures fluctuate, air pressure might go with it. Considering you can hunt during the frigid winters or those sweltering spring days, you should keep an eye on tire pressure to ensure it's to spec whenever you decide to hit the woods. 

6. Repair kits are essential

Things happen. A sharp rock might pop your tire, the chain might take a hit, and your brackets might come loose. You're riding on rough terrain, and it's natural for your eBike to take a beating. 

That's why you need to prepare for such situations by building an emergency repair kit. 

Some eBikes come with tool kits as an optional accessory. You should still invest in spare parts such as chains, spokes, and inner tubes to ensure you're ready for just about anything, though. 

7. Plan ahead

We know what it's like to decide last minute that you're going hunting this season. The night before opening day, you scramble to pack your gear, get your license and clean your firearms. While an eBike is versatile, simply hopping on it with no planning or preparation isn't exactly wise. 

At the very least, you need to run through the basics. Make sure everything is clean and lubricated, the tires have the proper pressure, and that you have a full charge before you get rolling. 

On top of that, one of the most important things to consider is the range of your bike. As a rule of thumb, the furthest you should go into the woods is about half as far as the bike can go on a single charge. That way, you know for sure that you have enough juice to make it back to the truck. 

Also, you should consider how much weight your gear and potential take will place on the bike. There is a weight capacity, and overloading it can cause serious issues, and you need to load up accordingly. 

Riding an hunting eBike isn't this massively difficult task that lends itself exclusively to seasoned riders. In all reality, it's easy, and safe riding is all about common sense. 

Still, a hunting trip might not be the best choice for the maiden voyage. 

We suggest taking your bike out a few times before you go riding. Familiarize yourself with the riding styles and the bike's quarks. If you can do so with the additional weight that matches the gear you'll take out, you'll be better prepared for that trek into the wild. 

What a drag, right? Preparation involves getting out and enjoying a state-of-the-art piece of gear that allows you to tackle new and exciting parts of the woods that you’ve never attempted to tackle before.