Update went with REI Co-Op. who knows electric bikes? Quiet Cat,trek?

[Westside88]

I've started looking at options for electric bikes. My wife has one now and I still ride my regular mountain bike with her, but at 54 years old I'm seeing that having both may be nice. My Dad also still hunts with me and we sometimes use the bikes. I wouldn't mind letting him use the electric where appropriate. Anyway there are a lot of choices out there. I'm not looking to spend $10k like some cost. The Quietkat bikes interest me. The Ranger AWD and the Apex HD both look like solid choices. If anyone has any insight I'd love some feedback. The Ranger AWD is a one speed, but still says 28mph top speed. The Apex is a five speed, but not AWD. They both seem to be in the "reasonable" range for pricing. I'm 6'4" so that's a consideration as well. I see that the Ranger has a medium or large frame option. I appreciate any feedback on these or others

[Turner89]

Bakcou mules are very durable. I've been using mine for 3 years strait. No issues at all.
I dont know anything about the quitecats.

[Westside88]

Thanks I'll check those out too

[CP]

Ranger AWD, two motors, one rather small battery.  That would concern me, but I’ve only looked at them at Cabela’s.

Don't overlook the brakes, that's a weak spot in most ebikes.

 

[Westside88]

Ranger AWD, two motors, one rather small battery.  That would concern me, but I’ve only looked at them at Cabela’s.

Don't overlook the brakes, that's a weak spot in most ebikes.

 

That’s a good point. I was also thinking about whether the AWD would even be necessary for the intended use

[trophyhunt]

Research the crap out of them, lots of brands.  Bakcou has a good reputation, stay away from the Rambo bikes, they are junk.  Google highest rated e-bikes and go from there.  One prob, make sure it’s well built and heavy duty brakes, I had trouble finding a local bike shop to work on my Rambo before I sold it. 

[Crunchy]

We have been using RAD bikes from Seattle for the last 10 years. For the most part they have been pretty darn good.  Battery life on whatever bike you get is at the top of the list for importance.  We bought an extra battery for each of our bikes.  Also upgraded the controllers which gave them more power but then of course used more battery life, so it is a trade off. 

[bustedoldman]

I have had 2 QK Ranger 1000's for a few years, no issues yet, 300 miles on each majority of that hunting and packing loads. Found them on FB 1/2 price.

[highside74]

I have a 2020 Apex 10 with the mid drive and 17.5ah battery. Bought it used on marketpthid summer for $2k. It is a great bike and the new models are even better and have more torque. I wouldn't buy anything that wasn't mid drive and I haven't felt i needed awd. 2 motors just seems to me like twice the chance of problems down the line. I can ride up ptetty decent long hills on the logging roads with little effort at 6-9mph. Cruising along i can go 20 plus but honestly i don't like going faster than 12mph or so. Quietkat just sent me emails over Black Friday for considerable discounts on the Apex.

[trophyhunt]

We have been using RAD bikes from Seattle for the last 10 years. For the most part they have been pretty darn good.  Battery life on whatever bike you get is at the top of the list for importance.  We bought an extra battery for each of our bikes.  Also upgraded the controllers which gave them more power but then of course used more battery life, so it is a trade off.

I heard Rad was going out of business? I find that hard to believe, they have been rated very well and great customer service, have you heard anything?

[trophyhunt]

Answered my own question, what a shame.

[Crunchy]

Answered my own question, what a shame.

wow an e-bike company in Seattle is having a tough time making ends meet. 

[CP]

Rad hasn’t exactly been on the cutting edge of new innovation, not surprised to see them go under.

[wafisherman]

Quietkat is solid. Still ultimately a Chinese bike, but at least an american based company. If you have a service center a reasonable distance away, it would be a no-brainer.

Their top end models will have all the breaking power you'll need. Size large will be perfect for you.

If it doesn't come with them, get tire protectors, spare battery, mud flaps, headlight...

[3dvapor]

I would look at a Rydon bike.  Almost the same as bakou.  Lower price