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ALL-TERRAIN ELECTRIC BIKES 101
ALL-TERRAIN ELECTRIC BIKES 101
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BUYING YOUR FIRST ELECTRIC BIKE
WHAT IS AN EBIKE?
In short, an eBike is a traditional bike that’s been equipped with an electric motor and battery. Where a normal bicycle relies solely on the output of the person riding it, an eBike amplifies the rider’s pedaling to open a whole new world of biking possibilities.
HOW DO EBIKES WORK?
The electric motor and battery make up the electric drive system, which helps turn the gears of the bike while the rider pedals. This produces more power to climb hills and ride faster compared to unassisted pedaling.
WHO SHOULD RIDE AN EBIKE?
Everyone! eBikes are great for commuters, sportsmens, or those looking to get outside. You don’t have to be a fitness enthusiast or even love biking to benefit from an electric bike. With the touch of a button, you can adjust the level of pedal-assist, so you can tailor your riding experience however you’d like. Heading into work? Increase the assist for a sweat-free commute. Working out on the trails? Decrease the assist and feel the burn.
Choosing The Right Size EBike
Classified vs Unclassified eBikes - Speed Limits
Financing Options
Hub Drive vs Mid Drive
How to Transport Your Electric Bike
CAMPING
Explore your campsite or run into town for a re-supply on an all-terrain eBike. With options for solar charging, you can stay off-the-grid however long you please.
HUNTING
A game-changer for backcountry hunts, eBikes make it possible to access the toughest terrains quickly, without leaving a scent trail. They’re quieter than other modes of transportation, so you sneak in without spooking your game.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
With extra-wide fat tires, front or full suspension, and high-performance motors, you can take on the most
punishing trails for a rip-roaring day in the mountains.
COMMUTING
Who knew the 9-5 commute could be so fun? With an eBike, you can skip the traffic (and gas station) and ride to work sweat-free.
FISHING
Beating others to the bite is the best reason to fish by eBike. No matter where the hot spot is, haul everything you need to land a trophy.
TACTICAL
Nimble enough for the streets and with enough battery for all-day patrols, e-bikes are a mission-critical piece of gear for law enforcement in urban and rural areas.
EBIKES VS ATVS
EBIKES VS ATVS AND OTHER OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Electric bikes are great alternatives to ATVs for the following reasons:
- EBikes cost less to purchase and maintain
- EBikes are easy to load and transport for most adults
- EBikes are legal where ATVs aren't
- EBikes are silent and don't leave a scent on the trail
- EBikes provide more access where ATVs won't fit
- EBikes are allowed on most city streets and trails
While ATVs are still great for certain activities, all-terrain electric bikes provide a great alternative, or simply another option to add to your quiver.
REASONS TO RIDE AN ELECTRIC BIKE
ANY TERRAIN. ANY CONDITIONS.
Fat tire eBikes can go almost anywhere you ask. With extra-durable components, you can ride year round in the sand, dirt, snow, sleet, and heat without fear of breaking down.
TRAVEL FARTHER, FASTER.
With an eBike, never wonder again if you’ll “make it” in time. Pedal-assist and long-lasting batteries make it possible to get where you’re going in a hurry.
EASY, EFFICIENT, ECONOMICAL.
Save on gas and maintenance when you opt for an eBike versus other vehicles. Plus, with different sizes and models, eBikes make it possible for riders of all abilities and sizes to safely enjoy the trails.
EBIKE PERFORMANCE (THE FUN STUFF)
RANGE:
How far you can ride an eBike depends on a number of factors, such as rider weight, weather conditions, terrain, level of assist, and more. QuietKat eBikes can range anywhere from 25 - 60 miles, model depending, for all-day excursions.
SPEED:
Again, this depends on a few conditions, but most QuietKat eBikes are capable of cruising at speeds up to 20 mph.
PEDAL ASSIST/THROTTLE
When it comes to how much assistance you want, you can either keep it in pedal-assist mode or use the thumb throttle to cruise along without needing to pedal.
BRAKING:
QuietKat eBikes were designed with safety in mind. Our brakes will bring you to a stop, even when under load or riding down hills.
SUSPENSION:
QuietKat eBikes come in two suspension types so you can maximize your comfort:
Front Suspension eBikes: Known as hardtails, front-suspension eBikes are great for riding smooth or uneven terrain at moderate speeds. QuietKat hardtail eBikes were built with hunting, camping, fishing and commuting in mind.
Full Suspension eBikes: Equipped with suspension both in front and the rear, full suspension electric bikes make riding off trail a breeze. You’ll barely feel a thing as you barrel down gutted trails and rocky roads.
CLIMB PERFORMANCE:
With beefed up motors and top-shelf batteries, QuietKat eBikes will devour even the steepest of hills quickly.
TOWING:
Lots of gear? No problem. Most QuietKat eBikes are capable of hauling 300+ pounds, so you never have to compromise your adventure.
COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRIC BIKE
MOTOR:
Hub-drive motors are less expensive and easier to maintain, but are best suited for flat-land riding. Broken chain? No worries, with Hub-drive motors, you can still pedal your bike home.
Mid-drive motors turn mountains into mole hills. Designed for climbing hills, mid-drive motors take more advantage of the gearing to maintain momentum on varying grades.
COMPUTER:
Each QuietKat comes standard with a LED or LCD-display computer, mounted right to the handle bars. This displays your battery life, assist level, and other specs about your eBike.
With select models, you can. change settings like classifications, enable or disable the throttle, or connect to the QuietKat app.
FAT TIRES:
Whether you’re commuting in the streets or trail riding in sleet, fat tires are crucial to maintain control of your eBike. If more grip is needed, opt for the studded fat tires to conquer snow and ice.
Ebike tire inserts make for increased durability in tough terrain where you may encounter thorns, nails, or other sharp objects.
CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC BIKE
CHARGING YOUR ELECTRIC BIKE
Not only are electric bikes simple to ride and transport, they’re also incredibly easy to charge.
Where to charge: All QuietKat eBikes come standard with a 110v charger designed for most home outlets. For more versatility, upgrade to our rapid chargers, mobile chargers for car charging, or solar chargers for adventures off-the-grid.
How long does it take to charge an eBike: QuietKat's premium batteries range in size and charge time. On a standard charger, it takes about 6-8 hours to fully charge. The pathfinder rapid charger cuts this time in half with a 3-6 hour charge time.
Safety is front of mind: All new QuietKat Electric bikes are designed air carry safe for our nations military, meaning the
highest UL certified batteries to increase safety when charging and
storing.
ACCESSORIES
BIKE RACKS:
Standard on all QuietKat hardtails, the bike rack is the one-stop-shop for tying, lashing, and stacking all your gear on your eBike.
SOLAR CHARGER:
So you can go - and stay - off the grid, QuietKat offers a solar charging kit for extended, backcountry excursions.
CARTS/TRAILERS:
Single or double-wheeled, QuietKat trailers help you haul all your gear and equipment for hunting, camping, or working around the farm.
ROD HOLDERS/ GUN RACKS
Convenient and safe, QuietKat’s rod holders and gun racks ensure you can keep focused on the trail and arrive in one piece with mission-critical gear
PANNIERS:
Riding tight trails? Opt for QuietKat waterproof panniers to carry everything you need right on your eBike.
FAT-TIRE BIKE RACK:
The Pivot Pro Hitch Rack makes transporting your eBike to the trailhead insanely simple. No excuses not to bring your eBike!
See QuietKat’s full catalog of helpful EBike accessories
HOW TO MAINTAIN AN EBIKE
QuietKat eBikes are manufactured to withstand quite a bit of abuse, but when you do need maintenance, you won’t need to look far. Most bike repair shops can help any mechanical issues (gears, brakes). For repairs made to the motor or battery, visit your nearest Velofix, QuietKat’s nationwide partner for eBike maintenance.
Just need to give your eBike a good cleaning or minor repairs? Check out our DIY maintenance tools.
EBIKE CLASSES
There are some restrictions to eBikes in certain places. Ensure you abide local laws at all times according to the class of eBike you’re riding:
CLASS 1:
Top Speed: 20mph
Works Only if You’re Pedaling
No Throttle
CLASS 2:
Top Speed: 20mph
Works when You’re Pedaling; Works when You’re Not
Throttle
Less Likely to Coexist with Analog Bikes
CLASS 3:
Top Speed: 28mph
Throttle: Up to 20mph
Do Not Often Coexist with Analog Bikes
CLASSIFICATION SIMPLIFIED WITH VPO
VPO Technology (Variable Power Output)
QuietKat's first to market VPO technology allows riders to change between classes, staying compliant on class 1, 2, or 3 trails
For more on eBike classification, click here.
How far can an eBike go?
Depending on terrain, rider weight, bike model, and other factors QuietKat eBikes can travel as far as 62 miles on a single charge
How fast are eBikes?
Terrain and other factors (wind, rider weight, etc), will have an impact on speed, but the assist will top out once your bike reaches 20 mph
Are eBikes safe?
Yes! With proper riding technique and a helmet, riding an eBike can be very safe for most people and abilities
Where can you ride an eBike?
Though many places allow eBikes on roads and trails, check our laws & regulations page for details on your state.
How heavy are eBikes?
Depending on model, QuietKat eBikes range anywhere from 50 - 75 lbs. With a 1UP bike rack, it’s very easy to transport your eBike
Can my eBike get wet?
QuietKat eBikes are built to resist the harshest weather conditions. That being said, submerging your eBike in water will cause damage to electrical components
How do I service my eBike?
QuietKat eBikes are simple to maintain with our at-home maintenance tools. If you need professional help, seek out a Velofix location, QuietKat’s nationwide maintenance partner
What are the different eBike classes?
Great question! Please read out eBike classification page for detailed info
What can you tow with an eBike?
Gear, game, groceries, and more! QuietKat eBikes + hauling accessories can tow hundreds of pounds of cargo for your next adventure
Do I need a license for an eBike?
A license is not necessary, however be sure to read our eBike classification page and our laws & regulations page for more information on eBike legality
Can I increase the range of my eBike?
There are a few ways to increase your eBike’s range, such as:
- Avoid excessive stopping and starting
- Pedal more, throttle less
- Use lower-power assist level
- Use the correct gear when pedaling
- Increase tire pressure
- Lube chain and keep the bike tuned
- Avoid cold weather
- Avoid hilly terrain
- Carry an extra battery
Are eBikes street legal?
Please read our eBike classification page and our laws & regulations page for more information on eBike legality
How can I clean my eBike?
First, be sure to remove the battery as to not get it wet. Then, use our maintenance tools to clean grime and dirt from your eBike. A little soapy water goes a long way!
Is the battery waterproof?
Though the bike can handle all types of weather, do not submerge any of the electrical components (battery included) in water
Can I lock the eBike battery?
Yes, QuietKat eBike batteries are key-locking. Protect your investment!
Can I upgrade my battery?
Definitely - upgrade to the Pathfinder battery for faster charging times and increased range
Is there a warranty on my eBike?
QuietKat offers a lifetime frame warranty and a 1-year warranty on all components. Please read the full warranty information located in your owner's manual and contact us with any questions
Where do I buy an eBike?
Visit QuietKat.com to see our full lineup of all-terrain eBikes. There’s an eBike for everyone!
