QUIET REVOLUTION
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are changing the way many hunters head afield. But are these two-wheeled wonders right for you?
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LIMITATIONS
While e-bikes are definitely handy, they do have range limitations. If a specific bike has pedal assist, then pedaling to help propulsion will conserve the battery life somewhat (this works via a torque sensor that measures how much the rider is assisting, then sends sufficient extra power to propel the bike). Ultimately, however, the battery will only take you so far before it has to be charged, and a full charge usually requires a couple of hours.
With our bikes, a healthy battery will reliably take us more than 60 kilometres on paved roads in warm weather. On rough terrain, the range is more limited and variable. Add in sub-zero temperatures, and battery life becomes even more unpredictable. One thing is certain: the colder it gets, the less distance you can go before running out of juice. Solutions include using battery warmers and carrying one or more spare batteries..
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So, if you’re thinking about getting an e-bike, be sure to do some thorough research before taking the plunge. I have mostly good things to say about them, but as with anything battery-operated, they have their limitations. The bottom line, though, is that an e-bike can be a serious game changer when it comes to the way you hunt.
E-BIKE RESTRICTIONS
As fun and utilitarian as e-bikes are, it’s up to every rider to exercise discretion, respect others and follow the rules. Many hunters are rightfully concerned about ongoing access issues, so I caution every e-bike rider to recognize the responsibilities and potential negatives that come with biking into the backcountry. For example, there are regulatory restrictions, particularly in national parks, that limit where you can ride, and the size of the electric motor. At least for now, such restrictions are minimal, but if e-bikes are used irresponsibly, those liberties could become more regulated. In short, we need to self-regulate if we want to keep using them. Also, be sure to check your local regulations to ensure e-bikes are allowed for accessing your hunting spots—or if, in fact, they’re even allowed for hunting.
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