Not only were they my daily drivers around town, but I took them on some amazing outdoor adventures as well. From turkey hunting to bowfishing, I got extensive firsthand experience with these fat tire electric bikes both on and off-road.

Both the QuietKat Apex and the Ranger are fun, capable ebikes that were designed for hunting. They both have a smooth ride, a comfortable upright position, and dozens of utilitarian accessory options. While the Apex has better components and tech upgrades, the Ranger provides a similar experience.

In this comparative review, I’ll break down the similarities and differences between the two. I’ll help you make sense of the significant price difference and decide which one makes the most sense for how you want to ride.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out our video on the topic!

Similarities

There are many aspects of the QuietKat Apex and Ranger ebikes that are the same.

• Frame: Both electric bikes have the same general hardtail frame design with a heavy-duty integrated gear rack. The only real difference is that the Apex frame is built to accommodate the mid-drive motor.
• Handlebar: The Ranger and Apex come with a nice, wide mountain bike style flat bar with good rubber grips. This makes for a comfortable and secure grip while also providing enough bar real estate to mount accessories like a light, gun rack, and GPS or phone mount.
• Cable routing: While cables running to the rear are routed through the frame, both bikes have a bit of a rat’s nest in front of the handlebar. It’s not the best, but it’s not a big deal.
• Battery chargers
• Saddle
• Thumb throttle
• Accessories from QuietKat are compatible with either bike.

Differences

I won’t dive deep into specifications that you can find on QuietKat’s website, but I will point out some specific differences in components that I could see on the bikes.

Performance Comparison

To my surprise, the difference in riding experience between the Ranger and the Apex was not very dramatic.

Assembly and Maintenance

Assembly was a similar process for the Apex as it was for the Ranger with the exception of the front wheel installation. Both were easy to put together out of the box.

While I didn’t run into any major issues with either bike over the two months that I had them, I suspect the Ranger will require slightly less maintenance over the life of the bike. That’s primarily because the mid-drive motor on the Apex will likely result in a broken chain or two along the way.

Since the power on mid-drive systems comes from the crank, the chain is always engaged and I found you even have to think about what mechanical gear the bike is in before you start off. That’s because if you’re in the highest gear, for example, the chain is not directly aligned with the crank sprocket and the side tension could put extra stress or even break a chain in some cases.

Both the Ranger and the Apex are heavy bikes that are a challenge to transport. If you have a pickup, you’ll be good. But if you plan on using a bike rack, there are very few that will securely hold a 70+ pound electric bike. Either get the one from QuietKat, or you can do like me and use an inexpensive motorcycle hitch carrier from Harbor Freight.

Ride, Handling, and Stealth

The riding position and overall comfort were also similar on both bikes. Sitting upright turned out to be ideal for hunting because I could easily scan the hillslopes for game as I putted along logging roads.

I was able to reach the same top speeds on both bikes, which was about 25 mph on flat pavement and 30 mph with a downslope. The Apex had a slight edge on the Ranger when it came to power at takeoff. In a drag race with my brother-in-law he pulled ahead on the Apex off the line but only got about 10 yards ahead before we basically matched speeds.

The Apex also had a leg up on braking and control. The better components, larger wheels and tires, and better air suspension made the Apex extremely smooth to ride. So much so that on my turkey hunt I could be looking around and just roll through ruts, potholes, and mud without being bothered to manhandle the handlebar. The ride was super stable.

The Ranger wasn’t substantially less smooth or stable than the Apex, but the Apex wins on handling.

When it comes to look and feel, the Apex definitely has an edge as well. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but I think it was a combination of the bigger, meatier tires and the Veil Caza camo pattern. It just looks a hair tougher.

The Ranger, however, takes the prize for the least amount of noise. You mainly just hear road noise, especially on gravel. Both are quiet, as the brand name suggests.

However, when you’re coasting without pedaling on the Apex you hear a clicking sound that only stops when you actively pedal.

This is not a problem, per se. But when you’re trying to be stealthy on a hunt and move as quietly as possible, you notice every little sound. The Ranger didn’t make the same sound.

Range and Battery Performance

The big surprise to me was that I got better range on a single battery charge with the Ranger than I did with the Apex. Reminder: both had 1000-watt motors.

Supposedly the Apex battery is bigger, but the best range I ever got with it was about 18 miles on a charge and that was around town.

On my turkey hunt with the Apex, I got 16 miles on varied terrain with the electric motor on level 3 (out of 5) and pedaling 95% of the time. Granted I’m a bigger guy and with all my gear there must have been at least 250 pounds on the bike.

QuietKat advertises 24-48 miles of range on the Apex, but I never came close to that and the bike I had was basically brand new. Now, I have seen a few reports online of people getting 24-30 miles in good conditions, so maybe there’s a chance. But if you have any hills, heat, cold, portliness, or bad omens in your wake, don’t count on taking any long trips without a spare battery for the Apex.

On the other hand, the Ranger met the low end of the advertised range of 19-38 miles on a single charge. In my experience, 20 miles was reliable. Within that distance, I wouldn’t fret about not being able to make it home as long as I wasn’t just going full-thumb throttle at top speed without ever pedaling.

How to Choose Between the 750 and 1000 Watt Motor

If you’ve dialed in on the QuietKat Ranger or Apex, you’ll have to choose the color, the frame size, and the motor. The first two options are a matter of personal preference, but the motor size might bring you pause.

In order to decide whether to get the 750 or 1000-watt motor for your electric hunting bike, I would consider the following questions:

• Will you use it on public land (e.g. US Forest Service, BLM)?
• Will you use it in a town or an area with electric bike regulations?

If you answer yes to either of those, you’re probably best off getting the 750-watt motor. This is considered a classified electric bicycle and will most likely fit into either existing regulations or pending regulations imposed by certain government agencies.

While most federal land management agencies have not yet declared an official rule, the trend is to put a cap at 750 watts as the max motor size allowed to be considered an electric bike. Above that and you may be lumped in with motorbikes and restricted to even fewer trails.

That said, if you stay primarily on private land or you’re not concerned about electric bike regulation, then you’ll probably appreciate the extra boost you get from the 1000-watt version. That is what I had on both the Apex and Ranger that I tested, and I definitely liked it.

However, contrary to what I assumed beforehand, I still had to pedal in most instances. So it’s not like an ebike with a 1000-watt motor is going to feel like a motorcycle. I confirm it does not.

Personally, I’ll be going with a 750-watt motor on my next hunting ebike. I want to be sure to be able to use it in as many situations as possible both in town and on public land.

Tradeoffs and Conclusions

Like any decision, there are tradeoffs whether you go with the QuietKat Apex or the Ranger.

So what do you really get in the Apex for 60% more money than the Ranger?

Basically, you’re paying more for better components, a smoother ride, slightly better looks, and a technology upgrade in the motor and computer. Perhaps the Apex will be a smidge better at climbing hills too.

If you want more durable high-end components or you’re set on a mid-drive motor, you should seriously consider the QuietKat Apex. It’s a super fun ride that will enhance your hunting trips.

But if you’re pragmatic and usually pick the middle option when it comes to cost and quality, the Ranger is the way to go.

Consider this: QuietKat offers a wide range of accessories which, for the most part, are compatible with any of their ebikes. This is great for the Ranger because it means you can get a cheaper bike, but still have the option to add on high-quality bags, racks, trailers, and more.

In fact, for the same price as the fancier QuietKat Apex, you could get a Ranger AND the following add-ons:

• Heavy-duty bike rack
• Cargo trailer
• 2 pannier bags
• Fenders
• Phone/GPS mount
• Rhino Grip XLR gun rack
• Extra battery
• You could also quite easily upgrade some of the bike components on the Ranger over time and end up with a bike that is nearly the same as the Apex. The only thing that cannot be easily changed is moving to a mid-drive motor.

No matter the direction you go, both the QuietKat Apex and the Ranger are excellent, fun machines.

Be sure to check out our detailed individual reviews for the Apex and Ranger, as well as our other articles on electric bikes for hunting:

QuietKat Ranger Electric Bike Review

QuietKat Apex Electric Bike Review

Are eBikes Worth It For Hunting?

The post QuietKat Apex vs Ranger: Hunting eBike Hands-on Comparison appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

As it turns out, the QuietKat Apex electric bike helped me out this past spring. Thanks to the Apex, I was able to cover a lot of ground way quicker than I could on foot, but without the noise of a combustion engine.

The QuietKat Apex is a high-end electric bike designed for utilitarian outdoor pursuits like hunting. It offers a smooth mid-drive motor and high-quality components that can be relied upon in the woods. While the range is not as expected, its value is on par or better than that of similar ebikes.

In this detailed review of the QuietKat Apex, I’ll tell you how it enhanced my turkey hunt as well.

Benefits

• High-quality components
• Super smooth ride with air suspension
• Excellent control even over rough terrain
• Durable frame with a high weight and gear capacity
• Lots of customization options that appeal to hunters

Drawbacks

• Battery range did not meet expectations
• Plastic parts will break
• High price may not be justifiable for everyone

Hands-on Review of the QuietKat Apex Hunting eBike

I spent a lot of time in the saddle of the QuietKat Apex this spring. Whether it was commuting to the office, running errands, or going for a joy ride I put a lot of miles on it during the two months it was in my garage.

I even rode it to my 20-year high school reunion as if it was some sort of status symbol.

Truth be told, the Apex is worth more than my daily driver Hyundai. Sigh.

Who cares about status?! I won’t think about or see those people for another decade anyway.

Of all the pedaling (and button pressing en lieu of pedaling) that I did on the Apex, the most enjoyable of all was a multi-day turkey hunt in North Idaho. It was during this trip that the actual usefulness of all the features, specs, bells, and whistles really manifested. And while the experience was a delight, I see some room for improvement.

Check out the video below for a real-time review of the QuietKat Apex while I was on that turkey hunt!

A Purpose-Built Design

Unlike a lot of less expensive fat tire electric bikes, the QuietKat Apex was not built simply to include a list of minimum specs at the lowest cost. The Apex was built with a purpose in mind, and that purpose was hunting.

This doesn’t mean it’s a one-trick pony, however. Au contraire! It does many things well as long as those things involve a variety of terrain, a desire for a smooth ride, and an occasional need to carry a heavy load.

Assembly

The Apex arrived at my house in a single large box and was partially assembled. Before I realized QuietKat had a convenient YouTube tutorial on assembly, I put the whole kit together pretty easily. It would have been easier with a bike maintenance stand or a buddy, but I managed to do it myself on the garage floor.

Look and Feel

The Apex definitely has a tough look and feel to it. When I rode it through town, people would often stare and ask questions when they got the chance. It’s a looker.

The pretty face has a purpose too. The Veil Caza camouflage is an effective pattern and just so happened to match the exact print of the Pnuma camo gear I wear hunting. My whole ensemble was more coordinated on that turkey hunt than it has ever been in my life.

The meaty tires provide a smooth ride and excellent traction while the gnarly frame can carry a heavy load of man, gear, and, with any luck, game.

I really liked the comfortable upright riding position compared to a more downward, performance-focused mountain biking position. Sitting upright allowed me to constantly scan the clearcuts and treelines as I eased along logging roads looking for turkeys.

Frame

The Apex frame is a hardtail design made of aluminum with an incorporated gear rack. This is largely where the “purpose-built” factor plays in because you know you’ll be hauling extra gear in, and hopefully game out, on a hunt.

Plus, the geometry of the frame is what makes it so comfortable to ride all day long even if you’re not a regular cyclist. Even after a full day of hopping on and off the Apex while hunting I wasn’t sore at all.

Respectable Components

While there are almost always higher-grade bicycle components, those used in the Apex are very respectable and suit the needs of the bike well.

There were a few plastic parts like the brush guards on the forks, the add-on fenders, and the throttle lever that felt cheap and prone to breakage compared to the rest of the kit. But apart from those, everything was sound.

Motor Considerations

The Apex features a mid-drive Bafang motor that comes in either a 750-watt or a 1000-watt configuration. Mine was the 1000-watt, which is great if you’re using it on roads, private land, or OHV trails where you are free to take advantage of a bit more power.

But if you’ll ride primarily on public land, especially federal lands like those managed by the US Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, you might be best off sticking to the 750-watt motor.

While there are very few fixed rules and regulations about eBikes on public lands in the US at this point, the trend appears to be moving toward a motor limit of 750 watts to be permitted on the widest range of trails. This is considered a classified electric bike and it is also more likely to be legal in cities and on bike paths where there is currently a lot of concern about ebikes cruising down bike lanes at speeds that match cars and motorcycles.

In fact, the first area I hunted for Mountain Merriams was on National Forest land. I wanted to take the Apex down a road that was closed seasonally to vehicles and OHVs. I called the Ranger District to see if it was ok to take my ebike since it was ok to take a mountain bike. But the answer was, no. At least in that National Forest, until there is an official rule created, electric bikes are considered motorcycles, not mountain bikes.

Besides that, the mid-drive motors are considered to be an upgrade from a hub-drive motor. Though they still have their downsides. They put more stress on the chain and if (or when) it breaks, you’re dead in the water. They can also put more wear and tear on your sprocket.

Finally, they require a bit more thinking when it comes to shifting the mechanical gears, especially when starting from a stop. I found that I had to be in middle or low gear to start off without hearing the chain jerk or pop with tension. Too much of that and the chain will surely break.

Suspension

An inverted fork with air suspension looks like a dirt bike and feels like you’re riding on a cloud. The Apex’s front suspension combined with the cushy fat tires made it glide smoothly over rocks and ruts without issue.

I was extremely impressed by the stability on uneven terrain and when I got sucked into a 10-inch-deep muddy wheel track in the woods. I never fell on this bike and it was tons of fun cruising over curbs and stairs around town.

No rear suspension was no big deal since I think having it would compromise the load you could carry.

Drivetrain

While not top-of-the-line, the QuietKat Apex uses a SRAM 9-speed drivetrain with a SRAM X5 trigger shifter and rear derailleur. The shifters shift smoothly and are made of aluminum which should hold up well to abuse. They held alignment and never required adjustment despite a lot of cajoling on my turkey hunt and elsewhere.

Brakes

The Apex has hydraulic disk brakes that give you excellent stopping power and control. They are the Tektro Dorado E-23 series which is a component specifically designed for ebikes which are heavier and reach potentially higher speeds than normal mountain bikes.

Wheels and Tires

Kenda 26-inch diameter by 4.5-inch wide fatties make for a smooth and stable ride. The wheels roll over almost anything, even small downed trees on a trail. Having tubeless tires is awesome and I never had any trouble with punctures or flats over the course of a couple of months on all types of surfaces.

Computer

The bike computer and electric motor controller has a nice, bright, color LED display that is easy to see both day and night. While it’s not a touchscreen, it’s pretty intuitive with only a few buttons to control it and you can customize all kinds of settings. You can also set your time, trip meters, what shows up on the display, and your preferred units.

Accessories

A strong suit of QuietKat is their range of accessories designed for hunters. From trailers to waterproof saddle bags, to heavy-duty bike racks QuietKat has its own line of utilitarian accessories. Besides that, there are endless third-party accessories like gun racks that you could use to deck out the Apex into something amazing.

Performance Was Good, Not Perfect

I had the chance to compare it head-to-head with QuietKat’s less-expensive Ranger and the pricetag of the Apex alone seemed more in line with a Suzuki trail bike than an electric bicycle.

Suffice it to say, my expectations were pretty high for the Apex’s overall performance. Sadly, it fell a bit short in a couple of aspects, especially range.

Battery Endurance and Range

The Apex has a 16 amp-hour, 48-volt battery that stores 768 watt hours of energy. QuietKat advertises a range of 24-48 miles on a single charge with the disclaimer that range will vary depending on conditions, rider weight, gear load, battery age, etc.

At 220 pounds, I’m not a small guy. But truthfully, I never came close to getting even 24 miles on a single charge under any conditions. That includes commuting between my house and my office which is all flat pavement, and doing that in eco mode while pedaling a whole lot.

On the low end, I only got about 10 miles of range. This happened when I cruised around town, never pedaled, only used the throttle, and kept the motor at max output.

A realistic average range for the QuietKat Apex, based on my own experience, is between 15-18 miles before you’re running on reserve power.

I have read a report or two online of users who got as much as 24 or even 30 miles on a single charge, so perhaps it can be done.

The Impact of Range on a Hunt

I had hoped to use the Apex all three days of my turkey hunt. Since I was camping I didn’t have any power to recharge overnight, so I only had one full battery. As it turned out, that wasn’t enough.

I got through day one which started around noon and was mostly scouting. Then I put in a full day on day two from dawn until dark. By the time I made it back to camp my power meter read 5% and I had traveled 16 miles on that charge.

Once the battery hits 10%, the output decreases dramatically to where the electric motor is basically useless, by the way.

That whole trip I kept the bike in eco mode and was on power level three or lower (of five) 95% of the time. I pedaled-assisted 90% of the time in middle gear, though I wasn’t working hard. That is sort of the sweet spot for a pleasant ride without burning too much battery or calories. The terrain was pretty typical for a hunt with a variety of ups, downs, and flats on gravel, dirt, grass, and mud trails.

I would caution you not to expect the advertised range unless you are doing most of the work, riding really slowly, and leaving the electric output on power level one or two. But with those constraints, you may as well ride a regular mountain bike.

Speed, Takeoff, and Power

The QuietKat Apex left me wanting when it came to speed, takeoff, and power, but I admit my expectations were rather lofty and unrealistic.

I was hoping that the torque would make the front wheel pop up when you laid on the throttle, but in reality, you have to ease into the throttle to avoid breaking a chain.

The 1000-watt version I had did reach speeds of 30 mph downhill and 25 mph on the flats, and that is pretty fast for an e-bike.

I guess my visions of popping a wheelie after dropping my son off at elementary school only to make all the other eight-year-old boys think I’m the coolest dad ever were a hair off the mark of reality. But that blame cannot be placed solely on the back of the Apex, I concede.

Sport vs Eco Mode

One feature the Apex has that some other QuietKats do not is Eco and Sport modes. I thought Sport mode would throw up gravel and dirt behind me, but not so.

The main difference is that Sport mode will give up to maximum battery output depending on how much throttle you give it while Eco mode limits the max output to 80% to conserve battery.

Honestly, I noticed little to no difference between the two modes, so I always left it in Eco mode.

Forget about sport mode or max output if you want to conserve battery.

Ride and Comfort

This is where the QuietKat Apex delivered handily. It rides so smooth and comfortable that you forget you’re on a bicycle going through potholes, puddles, and stobs on a skid trail. You can keep your head up gazing at the scenery without white-knuckling the handlebar for dear life.

The ride is smooth and I never felt sore after a day of riding.

Silence Makes Me Happy

As the brand name suggests, the QuietKat Apex is indeed quiet. This feature instantly became more valuable to me when I was out hunting and realized how non-intrusive it is as a vehicle.

Even though I’m a fan of ATVs, side-by-sides, and motorcycles myself, I get irritated when other OHV-riding hunters buzz by within a mile of me. It either scares game off or makes them shut up so you have to wait another half hour to locate them again. That simply doesn’t happen with an electric bike.

That’s not to say the Apex is completely silent. You still hear the tire-to-road noise, especially on gravel. And when not pedaling you hear the clicking of the drivetrain. But it is quiet enough that I once rolled up within shooting range of a bunch of turkeys foraging roadside and I only busted them because they saw me before I saw them. There were at least two shootable gobblers and, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get ahead of them again.

From then on I slowed things down as I moved around the trails. And sure enough, I got that close more than once. One time I even flushed a nesting hen ten feet away.

The point is, you won’t annoy other hunters riding an ebike and you stand a better chance at spotting game from one than you do from an OHV.

Braking and Control

The big tires, air shocks, and wide handlebars make the Apex very easy to control on all surface types and terrain. It rolls over almost anything and even at 35 mph, downhill on a gravel road, I didn’t get the speed wobbles.

When you brake, you stop. The hydraulic brakes are highly responsive and don’t lock up unless you want them to.

Ruggedly Handsome

The QuietKat Apex is as rugged as it is handsome. But beware that plastic parts are unlikely to withstand the abuse you’ll find yourself putting the Apex through.

Within a couple months I had busted the brush guard on the fork, a fender, and plastic parts on the pannier bags. I’m a little surprised that the throttle lever never broke.

Everything else takes a beating and pretty much everything is serviceable. The paint was wearing through a bit on the gear rack and had a few superficial scratches, but I wasn’t worried about rust since it’s an aluminum frame. Since very few of the main bicycle components are proprietary, you can replace them yourself or at a local bike shop.

Compared to other electric bikes, the QuietKat is noticeably more durable.

Is it Worth the Price Compared to the Competition?

While I think the Apex is competitively priced compared to the next closest alternative, I also think you can get better bang for your buck with a different electric bike. However, value is in the eyes of the beholder and your needs and wants may not be the same as mine.

For example, the QuietKat Ranger is a couple thousand dollars less than the Apex. While it features lower-end components and a hub-drive motor, I believe it would have afforded me the same turkey hunting experience. So I’m inclined to go for the less expensive alternative from the same brand.

Read more: QuietKat Apex vs Ranger Comparison

The Apex is very similar to the Bakcou Mule and the Rambo Rebel in build quality, specifications, and price. However, the Apex beats both in its weight capacity and has better suspension than the Mule. But both the Mule and the Rebel beat the Apex on battery performance. The Mule also has a smart motor that allows you to set a max speed so you can comply with regulations when you need to. But you can then turn on full power when you want. The Rebel has higher-end bike components than the Apex.

QuietKat offers one of the best electric bike warranties including lifetime coverage on the frame, one year on components, and a 30-day (10 mile) risk-free guarantee. If you don’t like it within the first month, you can send it back for a full refund, shipping included.

Rambo offers a nearly identical warranty and Bakcou is pretty close, minus the lifetime frame guarantee.

QuietKat Apex Bottom Line

The QuietKat Apex is for avid hunters or outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind spending some extra cash for higher quality components and a little more flare. You’re not necessarily getting a big performance leap when going from a mid-level option to the Apex, it’s more about the tech upgrades.

The Apex is not really for downhill or technical trail riding. It’s a utility vehicle, not a rally car. If you want an ebike that rips down single track, look at the QuietKat Ibex instead.

But if you want to buy an electric hunting bike that will last for years to come and be serviceable when something wears out, the Apex is a good bet.

Despite the letdown on range and battery performance, I loved the QuietKat Apex. It’s an excellent hill climber and would serve anyone well who rides in steep or hilly terrain.

Chasing mountain turkeys around thick young forests and steep terrain in Idaho late in the season is no joke. It’s a major physical challenge. With the Apex I was able to cruise down a logging road while stopping to listen and glass every now and again. Every mile or so I’d hop off the bike and hike or sit on a pinch point for an hour. Then I’d get back on and do the same thing over and over again until dark.

While I may not have harvested a gobbler on that trip, I got into plenty of them and had a world of fun. The Apex made it so I could cover a whole lot more area in a day than I would have otherwise.

Be sure to check out our other articles about hunting ebikes:

Are eBikes Worth It For Hunting?

QuietKat Ranger Electric Bike Review

The post QuietKat Apex Electric Hunting Bike Hands-on Review appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

I had the chance to test the QuietKat Ranger over a period of a couple months and I rode it a ton.

The QuietKat Ranger is a well-built utility ebike with a mid-range price and feature set. While it lacks some of the high-end components of more expensive models, it functions just as well.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what I liked and disliked about the Ranger based on my own experience.

Benefits

• Reasonable price for a heavy-duty offroad electric bike
• Comfortable upright riding position
• Built-in pannier rack can hold a ton of gear
• Lots of accessory and upgrade options

Drawbacks

• Some plastic components may be prone to breaking
• Too heavy to carry on most bike racks

Watch our QuietKat Ranger video review on YouTube!

Hands-on Review of the QuietKat Ranger Hunting eBike

This review is not based on a single test drive or other online reviews of this bike. I had the good fortune to be able to get a QuietKat Ranger on loan for two full months which was plenty of time to do some thorough testing and fun having.

The Ranger and I went on dirt trails and pavement doing everything from daily in-town commutes to bowfishing adventures.

Utilitarian Design

There is no doubt that the QuietKat Ranger is a heavy-duty, all-terrain electric bike. It was built more like a Ford F-150, not a Honda Civic.

This utilitarian design if great for hunting, camping, fishing trips and more. And you certainly can use it around town. I did.

But that beefy design comes at the cost of energy efficiency, endurance, and a sleek finish. It takes a lot of juice to even cruise around town on this beast. And some details like the rat’s nest of cables velcroed together in front of the handlebar exist because it came down to function over fashion.

Assembly

I received the Ranger in a big box delivered by FedEx. It was mostly preassembled, but the front wheel, handlebar, pedals, and accessories needed to be attached. You only need a few basic tools to put it together and they were included in the kit.

It was fairly straightforward to assemble and within less than an hour I was able to take it for a test drive. QuietKat had an excellent assembly video on YouTube.

The overall unboxing and assembly experience was positive.

Look and Feel

QuietKat bikes look beefy. They feel beefy too. And that is certainly one of the most appealing draws of this bike for hunters. The hefty built-in rack, the camouflage paint job, and the fat tires make it clear that it is built for offroad use and that it is not designed to be a commuter.

But most importantly, the bike feels good when you sit on it and ride. It has a comfortable upright riding position, which is ideal for hunting. When you are cruising on logging roads at a relaxed pace while you constantly scan draws and hillsides for game, you want to be facing forward.

If you were hunched down in a typical road bike, or even mountain bike riding position all the time, you’d surely miss spotting some animals, or you’d strain your neck trying to do so. There is still enough adjustment range in the seat height, however, to ride more aggressively if you want to.

Frame

The QuietKat frame stands out from most other electric bikes. It’s not a simple spinoff of a classic hardtail or downhill mountain bike. It really is purpose-built. Here are some reasons why:

• Upright riding position
• Comfortable reach
• Rear utility rack
• Angle of the top tube
• Range of seat height adjustment
• Battery-integration in lower tube

These elements combined with the geometry and materials of the frame make for a very comfortable riding experience, even on rough terrain or with a heavy load. It doesn’t require a lot of upper arm strength when going downhill and it’s easy to balance the bike even when hauling a load of gear or game.

The downside here is that the bike is anything but lightweight. The electric motor distracts you from that fact. But you’ll be painfully reminded of the weight when you run out of battery while climbing a hill.

Mid-grade Components

While all the components on the QuietKat Ranger are entirely functional, none of them are particularly high-end. I never had any problems other than a minor issue with the rear derailleur. It wouldn’t adjust to perfectly align with the cog in low gear, but this didn’t diminish the riding experience at all.

Here’s a breakdown of the components based on the Ranger I rode:

Motor

The Ranger uses a single hub-drive electric motor in the rear wheel. It’s made by Bafang, a reputable electric bicycle motor manufacturer.

I found the 1000-watt hub motor on the Ranger to be more than sufficient for riding on dirt, pavement, gravel, and some single-track trails. It engaged quickly and had plenty of power without putting extra strain on the chain.

One downside of a hub motor is that if it fails, you have to replace the entire wheel assembly. But even when I compared it to the QuietKat Apex with a mid-drive motor, I didn’t feel like the mid-drive offered a tremendous advantage over the hub-drive, except for climbing steep hills. I was happy with the Ranger.

If I were going to buy a new Ranger, I’d probably go with the 750-watt motor. I’d lose a little power, but I’d be more likely to be able to use it in more places since it’s a classified electric bike. It appears many land management agencies will require that for use on public lands.

Suspension

The Ranger is a hardtail bike with a Mozo coil suspension fork. The front suspension is adjustable. Combined with the fat tires, the suspension was more than adequate. You can cruise right over big stones and potholes on a logging road and hardly feel them.

While occasionally it would have been nice to have rear suspension as well for a more aggressive ride down, that’s not how I found myself using this bike 99% of the time. So I think the hardtail design is a good call.

Drivetrain

There are seven mechanical gears on the Ranger. The shifter is a SRAM X3 and the derailleur is a SRAM X4. These are SRAM’s entry-level mountain bike components, so they are far from their best. I suspect the plastic X3 shifter will not last forever, but this would also be an easy upgrade to make yourself.

Brakes

The Ranger comes equipped with Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes. These are also mid-grade brakes from Tektro, but they actually come out of their mountain bike line as opposed to their electric bike product line.

I’m sure this helps keep the cost down and it is certainly quite cheap to replace the brake pads on these, which you’ll likely have to do, given that they were designed for a lighter bike in mind. That said, despite the occasional and completely normal squeaking of dusty brakes, I always felt like I could slow down and stop fast enough.

Wheels and Tires

Depending on the size of frame you get, the Ranger is supposed to come with either 24” x 4”  tires (small frame) or 26” x 4.5” (medium or large frame) tubeless fat tires.

The Ranger I had was a size medium frame but had Kenda 24” diameter by 4.0 inch wide tires. I suppose since mine was a demo bike it may have been an anomaly. Either way, I thought this tire was fun, smooth, and trouble-free.

Computer

The Ranger’s computer display is pretty basic which makes it easy to use and interpret. It has an LCD screen, so it only displays in black. It is easy to read during the day, but difficult, if not impossible, to see at night.

The readout displays:

• A battery level meter
• An odometer
• A speedometer
• The mode (directly associated with the electric “gear” you’re in)
• Watt output

There are three buttons and the throttle lever that tie into both the computer and the electric motor. You have an up arrow and a down arrow that increase or decrease the motor speed or output. Then there is an “M” button which essentially works as a power on/off switch.

The nice thing about this is that it is super easy to figure out and pretty dummy-proof. I hopped right on and figured it out without reading the manual or watching videos. It’s just simple and straightforward.

Battery and Charger

The 12.8 AH 48V battery is removable, but integrates seamlessly into the frame which protects it from the elements and provides a clean look. It even locks into the frame by key so it cannot be easily stolen. At 10 pounds, you might want to remove it during transport depending on the rating of your bike rack.

The charger is basic and plugs directly into the frame of the bike so you can charge the battery in place. While I never timed it from dead to full, if I plugged it in the night before, it was always ready to go the next day.

Accessories

QuietKat offers a wide range of accessories which, for the most part, are compatible with any of their ebikes. This is great for the Ranger because it means you can get a cheaper bike, but still have the option to add on high-quality bags, racks, trailers, and more.

The setup I had included some QuietKat saddle bags, a bike light, mudguards, and a gun rack. I’d call these essential as I used them all, especially while hunting.

Huntworthy Performance

The biggest advantage of using an electric bike while hunting is that you can cover more ground in less time. If you’re not looking at the Ranger for hunting, but plan to use it on other outdoor adventures, the following will still apply.

Battery Endurance and Range

QuietKat advertises that the Ranger gets 19-38 miles of range on one battery. In my experience, the lower end is realistic, but the upper end is not. The typical range I got on a full charge was about 20 miles.

To be fair, this will vary based on the riding conditions, terrain, outside temperature, the weight of the rider and gear, and the age of the battery.

When I was testing the Ranger I weighed about 220 pounds and probably had about 10-20 pounds of extra gear on the bike at any given time. I rode on cool spring and hot summer days, dirt trails and paved roads, hills and flat terrain, pedal-assisted and full throttle. I would often just charge the bike up at night, even if I didn’t drain it all the way down. But even when I was cruising around town on flat pavement in electric assist level 3 (out of 5) while pedaling constantly, there was no way I would have gotten 38 miles on one charge. Maybe 25, tops.

In the woods on a hunt with hills, cold weather, extra gear, and no place to charge up at night, be conservative in how you ride these bikes and don’t plan on riding too far in one day.

Speed, Takeoff, and Power

The Ranger doesn’t take off like a 2-stroke dirt bike or anything, but it is nice to use the electric throttle to get moving without having to pedal right away. Around town, I found it worked best to start off in electric level two or three then quickly cycle up to the max level five whether I was pedaling or not. I could hit speeds of 30 mph with a little downhill, but on flat ground, I’d hit 25 mph.

The more common scenario, however, was cruising on a dirt path with the motor set to level three, while I leisurely pedaled in middle mechanical gear. This seemed the optimum output for speed and efficiency, stretching the battery out long enough to get through the whole day’s adventure with some stops along the way.

Uphill, plan on pedaling at least some. Even with the 1000W motor, there were some hills steep enough where I was doing most of the work, and I would have stopped dead in my tracks if I hadn’t pedaled at all.

Ride and Comfort

I could ride the Ranger until the battery was dead without getting uncomfortable. These are very smooth-riding, shock-absorbing bikes. It was easily the most comfortable bicycle of any sort that I have ever ridden on every trail I tried it on.

Braking and Control

The brakes would squeal a bit when I went hard on them and they occasionally locked up into a skid, but I always felt very in control on the Ranger. While it is a heavy bike, the riding position and wheel size make it easy to maneuver and stop when you want.

Mostly Rugged

For the same reason, hunters want a dependable truck while out in the woods, you want any accessory vehicle like an electric bike to be tough as well. The Ranger is mostly rugged to where you can rely on it even when well off the grid, but there are a few weak points that could be improved.

Some of the previously mentioned plastic components seem fragile compared to the rest of the bike, such as the gear shifters and the throttle. The paint on the frame mostly held its own but was chipping and scraping off on the pannier rack and a few other spots.

The QuietKat saddlebag was super convenient, but the plastic guards on the inside broke off under normal use, as did the front mudguard.

Basically, if it’s plastic, you’ll probably be replacing it at some point. Not a big deal, and probably worth the cost savings, but you should be aware of it.

Good Value

A good price for one may be outrageous for another, so the best we can do when evaluating the value of this electric bike is to compare it to others that are similar. And when we do that, the QuietKat Ranger seems to offer good value for the price.

Compared to Alternatives

Looking at QuiteKat’s own product lineup, the Ranger is in the middle of the price range. The Pioneer is as much as $1500 less with a smaller motor, no suspension, no built-in rack, and few frills. The Apex, on the other hand, costs a couple thousand more and you get a mid-drive motor with upgraded components all around.

Read more: QuietKat Apex vs Ranger Comparison

Looking at other brands, comparable Rambo electric bikes are all more expensive. They usually have higher-end components such as mid-drive motors, but they don’t feature a unique frame like QuietKat’s. The Ranger seems to offer more bang for your buck.

The Bakcou Flatlander is probably the most comparable electric bike to the QuiteKat Ranger. They both have aluminum frames, Bafang hub-drive motors, similar suspension and wheels, and a pannier rack for gear. The Flatlander is priced slightly higher than the Ranger, but it comes with slightly upgraded components like hydraulic brakes and gearing as well as a higher-capacity battery.

There are always cheaper brands with options that aren’t purpose-built like Rad Power Bikes’ RadRover 6 for around half the price of the QuiteKat Ranger. Just don’t expect to get quite as much utility out of a bike like this for hunting and off-road adventuring as you would from the QuietKat.

Warranty

This is one area QuietKat offers something more than the competition that is certainly worth some dollars. The Ranger comes with a lifetime guarantee on the frame and one year on other components.

You also get 30 days from the time you purchase to try the bike out for up to 10 miles and make sure you like it and want to keep it. As long as it is in like-new condition, they’ll even cover the return shipping if you decide to send it back.

Final Thoughts on the QuiteKat Ranger

If you typically choose the middle option when your options are good, better, or best, The QuietKat Ranger will likely be a great ebike that you’ll feel good about buying. It doesn’t have a bunch of high-end components or a revolutionary design, but it does the job it’s built for at a reasonable price. And it’s a lot of fun!

I do recommend the QuietKat Ranger as a hunting eBike or for people who just want to cruise around the woods, the ranch, or even in town.

However, if you are looking for a light and portable electric bike for your RV or a quick and agile in-town commuter ebike, keep looking. The Ranger is an all-terrain ebike that can take a beating, but it comes with tradeoffs like weight and bulk.

Likewise, if you want more durable high-end components or you’re set on a mid-drive motor, you should consider something like the QuietKat Apex instead of the Ranger.

Be sure to check out our other articles about electric bikes for hunting:

Are eBikes Worth It For Hunting?

QuietKat Apex Electric Bike Review

The post QuietKat Ranger Electric Hunting Bike Hands-on Review appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

ATVs and UTVs have been around for a while. While these off-road vehicles can carry more weight, their noise and scent can spook the game. 

Electric hunting bikes are becoming more popular with many avid hunters. They make minimal noise and can travel in inaccessible areas by OHVs (off-highway vehicles).

Although similar in some ways, electric hunting bikes are different from electric mountain bikes. Hunting versions are usually sturdier and capable of carrying more weight. Most offer features just for hunters, including camouflage paint and optional racks for hunting gear that can be attached to handlebars. 

Should you get an eBike for hunting? Read on for valuable information that can help you decide.

If you’d rather watch than read, check out our related video below to help figure out if an electric hunting bike is a good idea for you or not!

Are eBikes Worth it for Hunting?

There’s no cut-and-dried answer to that question. Every hunter should do research and think carefully before making that investment. With that being said, most hunters who use electric bikes enjoy the benefits they gain.

Fellow hunters who have used eBikes for hunting can be a good resource. Ask them about the benefits and disadvantages they’ve noticed and their overall satisfaction.

If you decide to purchase one, consider your specific requirements based on the types of terrain you’ll travel, the types of game you’ll hunt, and what kinds of accessories you might need.

Pros of Electric Bikes for Hunting

Hunters may consider buying an eBike for many reasons. They:

• Can carry your gear and game
• Make getting to your cameras, game trails, and tree stand faster and easier, especially in rough or steep terrain
• Are easy to transport without the need for a trailer
• Don’t produce exhaust like gas-powered alternatives
• Provide excellent maneuverability in narrow spaces
• Are more affordable than ATVs or UTVs
• Have easy maintenance requirements
• Make emergency travel faster if someone is injured. Electric hunting bikes are made with heavy-duty, durable frames to support weight and withstand difficult terrain. Their suspension design and wide tires provide increased stability. Adjusting the tire pressure can make for a more comfortable riding experience; this is extra helpful for those with physical limitations.

Many accessories are available, including racks, cargo trailers, and bags. This allows hunters to save their strength because they don’t have to physically carry their kit.

This type of accessory also lets hunters easily transport game back to their vehicles. Although heavier than regular bikes, electric hunting bikes don’t require much effort to pick up for loading and unloading into your truck.

Different sized batteries are used for hunting eBikes, but an average fully-charged battery can let you travel for around 60 miles. Because eBikes run on electricity or solar power, they’re better for the environment than gas-powered alternatives.

Cons of Electric Bikes for Hunting

As with anything, there are some downsides to buying an eBike for hunting.

• Batteries can take between four and six hours to charge, drain quickly, and usually don’t last longer than three years.
• Your riding distance is limited by your battery’s charge.
• If your battery dies while you’re hunting and don’t have a solar charger, you’ll have to pedal it manually; this can be especially difficult if you’re carrying a lot of weight or traveling uphill.
• While not as expensive as other motorized hunting vehicles, they can be a significant investment. According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, electric hunting bikes range from about $1,500 to $7,000.
• They don’t hold their value well, so you can’t necessarily expect to sell it for very much money.

When You Should Get an eBike for Hunting

For some hunters who aren’t physically capable of strenuous walking or hiking, buying an electric hunting bike can be the difference between being able to hunt and not hunting at all. An eBike can let them continue pursuing their interest for a longer time.

Many states allow teens to operate electric hunting bikes. If you’d like to take your teen hunting with you but don’t want to walk or use an ATV, eBikes are a great option.

Hunters who will benefit most from riding an eBike are those who:

• Take large amounts of heavy gear, such as camping equipment, with them
• Routinely must make their way through difficult terrain, including steep inclines, mud, narrow areas, and overgrown trails, to get to and from their hunting locations
• Would travel long distances on foot otherwise
• Need to transport harvested game
• Use the headlights to travel game trails at night
• Have physical conditions that make getting to hunting areas difficult or impossible on foot
• Hunt often

When You Should NOT Get an eBike for Hunting

For hunters living or hunting in extremely cold climates, eBikes aren’t necessarily a good choice. They shouldn’t be ridden in temperatures under -5 degrees F or be stored in temperatures below freezing. The frigid temps can reduce battery life and inhibit overall performance.

If your normal hunting grounds don’t allow eBikes, there’s no need to buy one.

Those who are in good physical condition and hunt in flat, easy terrain or close to vehicle parking areas don’t really need an eBike. Alternatively, if you can’t ride a bike safely due to physical issues, you shouldn’t try to operate one.

Things To Consider

Even though you may be thrilled with the idea of owning an electric hunting bike, consider the following questions to see if the investment is right for you.

Where Do You Hunt?

Whether you hunt on private or public land, you should check with the property owner, local and state governments or the Bureau of Land Management to find out laws, rules, and restrictions governing the use of electric hunting bikes.

Can You Safely Ride a Hunting eBike?

Not everyone has the body strength, coordination, or endurance to control a bike. Poor eyesight and slow reflexes can also present hazardous situations when operating one. Be realistic about your physical condition and limitations before you buy an eBike.

Can You Afford It?

Although eBikes don’t cost much to maintain, their purchase price and the cost of accessories can be prohibitive to some budgets. If you can’t afford to pay for the bike, associated equipment, and maintenance costs, don’t buy it.

Make an Informed Decision

It’s wise to research and evaluate hunting eBikes before buying one. Your decision needs to be right for you.

Check for an alternative: 5 Best Side by Sides: UTV Reviews by Price and Use

The post Are eBikes Worth It For Hunting? (Pros, Cons & Who Should) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.