During winter, the cold wind and snow are undoubtedly the most difficult obstacles we must face this season. If you are new to winter e-bike hunting, it can be hectic. Hunting in the winter an exciting, but learning the ins and outs of electric bikes while riding in chilly winds can be challenging.
Nobody wants to get wrecked or hurt while hunting; hence, you must take proper safety precautions and preparation. This article discusses what to look for in a safe winter hunting e-bike and how to properly prepare for riding in bad weather.
Tips for E-Bike Winter Hunting
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Stay warm and hydrated.
Even if riding an e-bike raises your body temperature, it's critical to dress for the weather. The second thing is to stay hydrated. When it's freezing outside, it's easy to overlook the importance of drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Nonetheless, you must ensure that you drink enough water on your hunting trip.
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Stay physically fit
E-bikes do make it easier to navigate the wilderness. They even keep older hunters in the woods for extended periods because it's easier on their joints. Ensure you are physically fit before you go riding to balance yourself upright and maneuver the weight of your e-bike. That is why it is critical to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting plenty of exercise and riding your bike frequently are two of the most important things you can do all year.
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Charge your e-bike battery at room temperature
When it comes to maintaining the electric bike batteries, one rule of thumb is to keep them at a comfortable room temperature – ideally 18-20 degrees Celsius. If you have been riding your bike outside in cold weather for a while, don't just bring the battery (or bike) inside and start charging because the battery will still be cold. Allow it to warm up to room temperature before charging. This process will not only extend the life of your e-bike battery but will also help keep it in perfect working condition. You can ride your electric bike in sub-zero temperatures, but keep in mind that the colder it gets, the less energy efficient your battery becomes, and it's not uncommon to lose up to 20% range in sub-zero temperatures.
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Clean your e-bike regularly
The issue with road muck in the winter is that it often contains salt and other corrosive materials, and the mud has an abrasive action on your bike's drivetrain (chain, derailleur). Cleaning your ebike should only take five minutes if you have access to an outside tap and hose, and it's time well spent – even if you have to do it after every ride. If this is allowed to accumulate, it will significantly reduce your components' performance.
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Take All the Essentials
Experienced hunters understand that the possibility of success begins before you even enter the woods. Proper planning ensures you have all the necessary equipment and gear on the trail for your day or evening. A first aid kit, high-quality rain gear, a good field dressing knife, your game bag, a rangefinder, a flashlight, and your hunting license are all essentials.
What to Look For In A Safe Hunting Electric Bike
Here are factors to consider when getting a safe hunting ebike:
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A Powerful and Quiet Motor
All electric bikes have motors that allow you to accelerate to 20 or 28 MPH, but the noise level varies. Furthermore, while your motor's speed may be limited, few countries have laws to restrict the motor's performance power. When looking for a hunting e-bike, you want to strike a balance between having a quiet motor that won't scare away the animals you're tracking and having enough power to climb any hill you come across.
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A Stalwart bike frame
A robust frame is required to provide a platform for the rest of the bike, and it must withstand the abuse that comes with off-road riding. Choose a frame made of high-quality materials like aluminum. These materials are strong while remaining lightweight, making them ideal for use on rough terrain. You should also consider whether the frame will work with the type of suspension you want. Using a compatible frame ensures your bike can withstand the bumps and jolts of riding over uneven terrain. The weight of the bike frame is another consideration. A heavier bike will be more challenging on extremely steep slopes, so ensure you get the right weight and size for yourself.
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Mid-Drive Motors
Although mid-drive motors cost more than rear-hub motors, they have several advantages that make them an excellent hunting option. Regarding power and acceleration, battery drain, and overall motor noise, mid-drive motors outperform gear-hub drive motors. They can handle hilly terrain and steep inclines better, making them ideal for hunting in the woods. These motors are also lighter, so they can go further without sacrificing overall performance.
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Fat Tires
Generally, if you're going hunting with your e-bike, you should stick to fat tire e-bikes. These ebike support more traction, making it easier to maintain your grip while riding.
Furthermore, fat tires typically have more extensive puncture protection, lowering the risk of a flat or blowout 20 miles from the nearest road if you want the best, smoothest riding experience while hunting, you should choose an e-bike with larger-than-average tires.
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Long Lasting Battery
While battery weight can impact overall bike weight, your e-bike should have a larger battery. Because you will be riding on slippery, wet, and snowy trails, your battery can drain faster than it should. Also, when going out hunting with an electric bike, even at low pedal-assist settings, always assume that you will only get 70% to 80% of your estimated travel range.
Why Off-road Is A Safe Hunting E-Bike
A fat-tire mountain bike helps you to navigate rugged terrain. These fat tires are primarily for mountain and rough terrain riding. The Ebikech Off-road Softail Electric Mountain Bike is one of these, and here's why it's the most suitable hunting e-bike:
America’s fattest tire
The Off-road has wider tires to increase traction and grip in any environment. The other models have 4-inch fat tires, but because professionals and avid mountain trail riders will use the Off-road, the tires have been made larger. The Off-road gives you a 4.8-inch tire for even more comfort, traction, and flexibility during your ride.
Better Range and Battery Performance
The best motor must go along with an efficient battery. Because of the improved battery technology Ebikech has incorporated, the Off-road ranges from 60-80 miles on a single charge. With the pedal-assist technology, a single charge can get you up to 60 miles on electric power alone and up to 80 miles.
Upgraded Mid-drive Motor
The Off-road Mid-Drive Motors use various gears to assist your e-bike in climbing hills more efficiently. The rider can choose the proper equipment to shift into at the appropriate time. With these multiple gears, the rider has control and the bike’s efficiency.
Conclusion
Winter is the ideal time to go hunting, and the snow makes tracking animals easier because they leave their footprints behind. Riding into the woods can sometimes be strenuous and time-consuming. An electric bike, however, can lessen the stress of hunting in the wilderness in frigid conditions.
The wilderness is not a place to take shortcuts, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. As long as you stick to the discussed safety measures, you can be sure you enjoy your winter hunting experience with your Off-road electric bike.