Bowsite.com

A question I have is, do you always have to pedal it or can it be used like a moped where you ride it? Also, if the charge runs out, can you still pedal it like a regular bike?

Sorry if these questions are basic, but I know very little about eBikes other than they look like a great option for hunting.

As far as riding them on USFS closed roads and other places open to regular bicycles, the USFS has a policy declaring them as "motorized vehicles", which is in direct conflict with Federal Law H.R. 727 which specifically states that they are NOT "motorized vehicles". I've since done a lot of online research and lots of asking around, and can find no instance of anyone ever being cited by the USFS. People tell me they are just ignored by USFS people they encounter. I'm not worried about it, and will fight it in the event I am ticketed by the rare USFS LEO which I never, ever see.

Olink, you can hook a trailer to it and haul anything in-out that fits in it. There are several pretty substantial trailers available for them. Another advantage is getting there. A UTV requires a trailer. The e-bike fits in the back of a truck, I've seen them inside a SUV, on a bike carrier on the back of my camper bumper. Takes only 2 hours to full charge the battery with my little Honda 1000 generator. And is a hell of a lot of FUN! UTV costs a lot more, requires regular maintenance, and can only go where the path is wide enough. BTW, I hit 19 mph on my street without pedaling.

CO passed a state law last spring declaring e-bikes are NOT considered motorized vehicles, as well. HB17-1151.

John, can you discuss the advantages/disadvantages of mid-drive vs. rear drive? I get asked this all the time and really don't know.

"My vehicle bike rack locks the bike in and locks to the vehicle hitch receiver so nobody can steal it when it's on there."

This really only keeps the honest person honest and not the motivated thief!!!!!!!!!

Never know when you might come upon an attractive geologist in the backcountry collecting crystal samples in a bikini. Happened to me last summer - for real.

I read some MTB forums and the hard core MTB snobs hate them, of course, comparing them to "motorcycles" and ATVs. They are upset that the USFS is doing some pilot programs to measure the impact (?) of allowing them on foot-bike-horse trails. This is laughable since I have to dodge MTB maniacs racing and bashing down some trails where I hike. The types of people who ride ebikes aren't going to behave that way. One idiot posted that they "shouldn't be considered recreation". I'd like to stomp his little padded spandex ass.

You could cut-paste posts from trad bow forums and substitute "ebike" for "compound" and it's the same people. Elitists are elitists, no matter what stripe. Until, of course, age and physical limitations prevent them from doing what they used to do when they were young hotshot snobs. Then it quietly becomes ok, with the excuse of "This allows me to keep ......"

So I guess that means you are good to go on state land, but not on BLM or USFS?

I am putting the final accessories with Customer Service for this Ebike.

Thanks for your input.

Good luck, Robb

PS--Nice Ride Lou!

Is there some type of insurance for them (other than the obvious - home owners).

Also, what kind of warranty? Say for instance I'm riding and take a tumble (been known to happen to some on here) brake something serious on the bike, although it is my fault, what kind of warranty do they have?

Thanks, Bob

Back in 2012, a company called Velosurance was launched in Florida and still appears to be expanding. In some cases, homeowner or renter’s insurance will not cover e-bikes for theft, damage, or liability because the bike has a motor. And usually auto insurance companies won’t offer ebike insurance because they are not required to be registered and riders do not need to be licensed. It’s part of what makes electric bikes appealing and economical but also tough to insure. Velosurance partnered with Markel Insurance to form a strategic alliance making electric bike insurance available across the US. coverage for crash or damage to frame and wheel set, accident or failure of frame or wheelset, total loss by theft, theft of spare parts, liability to others, road side assistance and replacement bike rental. Note that most of these insurance products only cover ebikes that adhere to US regulation, that being less than or equal to 750 watt motors and 20 mile per hour top speeds in throttle mode and up to 28 mph in pedal assist mode as a “speed pedelec”. Some of the policies start at just $100 a year which seems pretty good and $25K in liability can be as low as $40 to add on. When it comes to the warranty from the manufacturers, the majority offer a 1 year limited warranty that covers any issues due to manufacturing defects, not accidents or wear and tear so insurance is not a bad idea but first check if it can fall under the home owner’s or renter’s insurance.

The desire to get "out there" doesn't diminish when you turn 50 or 60. I turn 60 this month. You still can't take one of these into a wilderness area and where elk live on the really steep slopes, you can't take these bikes either, so you still have to get out and hunt. So head deep into a wilderness and you won't see one, but you will see horses, which I used last year.

I'm nearly 64 and bowhunted 30 straight days last season, solo, on foot, in the backcountry. And you?

So far, I can still hunt the steep stuff off trail and Jaq and I will find a way to get deeper in the woods than you do I would bet with or without an ebike. Last year for me, that was with horses to get us to the area, but we still had to pack an elk out on our backs for about 1 & 1/2 miles. You think an ebike has more impact than a horse?

We are only talking trails that already allow horses and bikes. You will never have a lot of guys who are just looking for an easy way to Hunt deep in the woods. Those guys will ride up a trail and sit by the trail or stay within a 1/4 mile. We are just tryin got find a tool to help us last a little longer because the fire is still there. You won't ever find anyone who will fight for limited access into wilderness areas more than me. And I don't want it to be legal to take ebikes off of designated trails. But to get me from point A to point B on a designated bike trail, I see nothing wrong with using a ebike.

I don't see anyone complaining on here. I average 6-9 miles a day on foot, carrying a pack, every day whether I park at the end of a road, ride my mountain bike, ride my ATV, or park beside the highway. If this keeps me going hard into my 70s, then who in the hell are you to judge?

As a case in point, I have an area that I love to hunt that takes some work to get to. There is a hiking trail that we have used to pull a game cart in to haul in our camp. But it takes some work, and so far most people don't put the effort in to get there. We've been able to hunt it relatively unpressurred. It's far enough in to avoid day hunters, and lack of good drinking water and the need to haul water in keeps most hunters away. But it would be easily accessible with an ebike, even for a day hunt. As these things become more and more commonly used I have no doubt that it won't be long before more and more people take advantage of it and our little honey hole will see more pressure.

For the record, I am 63 years old. Elk hunting is a lot harder for me now than it used to be. I know there will come a day - maybe not that long from now, that getting in to my spot won't be doable any longer.

An ebike would sure make things easier for me, and would probably extend my days in there. I'd be a perfect candidate to use one. I wouldn't even need to worry about spike camping and hauling water in. I could set up a comfortable truck camp, complete with a generator to charge my battery, and with an easy half hour ride each morning be hunting the same country I am right now.

But I sure know that's is going to make it easier for everyone else as well. And my secret spot will never be the same because of it.

Restricting Amp power, top end speed, whether or not pedaling is required, etc, etc. is a slippery slope of endless arguments and technology advances. How would any limitations ever be measured and enforced? Next to impossible, so once they are allowed the door is wide open. These things are in their infancy and will be far more efficient and advanced 10 years from now.

Out west there are literally thousands of miles of old roads that have been closed off to motorized use. They provide great access to foot or horse travel, and even conventional bikes in some cases. But they still take a lot of effort that the majority of people aren't willing to expend. A three or four mile hike in relativity easy terrain will discourage the average day hunter. An Ebike makes the same trek a piece of cake. An ebike makes accessing those trails open to nearly anyone with far less effort and in much less time. That can only lead to many more people now able to access areas that previously was very difficult. It will certainly make it much harder in many areas to get away from the crowds. And for the way I prefer to hunt, that is a requirement.

I guess that means those of us who do like to get away will just have to work that much harder to find spots not affected by ebikes. They are often going to be god forsaken hell holes, but sure, spots like that are there. For me personally, unless I join the crowd, it might just push me out. Because I'm getting to the age where packing an elk out of a hell hole isn't as easy as it used to be. I search out and appreciate non - motorized areas with reasonable access. Ebikes will make many of those areas accessible to the masses.

Back in the 50s, the guys who started using Willys Jeeps after the war "ruined" it for the guys still hunting out of Studebakers. They could get back in further than the station wagon guys by using new technology.

WRT assist bikes, the Federal Government and some states (CO) have defined what is considered "motorized" by law. My Rambo assist bike is NOT a motorized vehicle. Saying it is is the same as trad guys insisting a compound is not a "bow". There is no "slippery slope" because the law is ahead of the technology in this case.

I ride my conventional mountain bike right past other guys who are toiling along on foot on those closed roads you mention. I start hunting far beyond where they go. Is that cheating if I zoom past you?

You will have far less competition at the end of your road if you pedal your conventional bike in than you will if Ebikes are also allowed. Pedal away my friend, right on past me. I'm even thinking about trying it with a conventional mountain bike myself. But I know that if ebikes are allowed to use the same trail I am not as likely to be alone when I get there.

Actually I think I will just start using a Jetpack. Easy in/ Easy out and nice on the back and knees!

For those who have preconceived ideas, I'd suggest you go to a bike shop and try one before you start making judgments. Funny how some who dis DIY hunting access by pedaling an assist-bike over rough terrain wouldn't think twice about hiring a packer to take them and their camp in and/or haul them and their their elk out.

Some of my best elk spots are off of heavily used ATV trails. Rarely encounter another hunter, and the elk don't seem to mind. Where I find too much competition is where guys hike way back in to get away from the "competition". I'd submit that high tech backpack hunting technology has a FAR greater impact on backcountry hunting pressure than assist-bikes ever will.

No pedaling required.

Pretty hard to argue that ebikes won't open up lots of areas to people who otherwise wouldn't expend the effort to get there without them. That much is a given. Also a given is that ebikes will continue to get better and more efficient in the years to come.

I know I won't change your mind on their use. But I won't be convinced that they will never have an impact on areas that I currently hunt. So I guess we can just agree to disagree.

Same with 4WD trucks, SUVs, technologically advanced superlight backpack hunting gear, and even conventional 21 speed mountain bikes.

Each of those elements have had major cumulative impacts on the areas I've been hunting for elk since the early '70s. They've also brought people into bowhunting for elk who otherwise wouldn't have done it. Nonresidents, especially, who have overrun my best hunting spots without using pedal-assist bikes. Now you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a platoon of Sitka Warriors miles into the backcountry. I rarely hunt wilderness because it's too crowded.

If assist bikes allow aging boomers to continue to reach places to hunt DIY effectively as they grow older, with virtually no impact on the trails or environment, I'm all for it whether I choose to use one or not.

So what is your point, exactly? If you're running into other hunters and feel crowded, assist-bikes aren't your problem. You need to find different spots to hunt. Maybe closer to ATV trails where hunting pressure is lighter?

With that said I feel these bikes will be a tool for getting in closed FS roads as they continue to close more and more access on perfectly maintained FS roads.

They all have one thing in common though. They don't have motors.

An ebike has a motor. Non - motorized trails are for things without motors. Not that hard to figure out if you put your mind too it.

I'm out.

From federal law H.R.727: "A low speed electric bicycle (as defined in section 38B) shall not be considered a motor vehicle as defined by section 30102(6) of title 49, United States Code.

Not sure how much clearer it needs to be. Not everyone will go to the trouble to buy and use an assist bike, but visit any trailhead parking lot during hunting season and it's very evident how many are going to the trouble to use the other items you mention to make access "easier".

Here is a copy of a letter from the Forest Service in 2016 to all of its regional foresters. http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/e-bikes/1138125d1495286142-us-forest-service-official-stance-e-bikes-trails-ebike01.jpg

It's clear they don't agree with your interpretation of the law and I hope Bowsiters don't take your word for it on what is legal to use on forest trails.

Good luck in court defending your citation from the forest service.

Anyone thinking about using an ebike on non - motorized trails really need to check into it for themselves. Don't base your purchase decision on what you read here. Contact the forest service or appropriate land management agency for the area you plan to ride. Get a copy of the motor vehicle use map for the area. It all seems pretty clear to me for the areas I go. You make your own call.

I'll tell you what pisses me off: It's the guys who kill more and bigger game than I do because they are better hunters than I am. I mean how fair is that? I buy my license, I show up, I am as entitled to kill a big bull or a big buck as the next guy. Why is it fair for guys who shoot better than I do, or are better woodsmen, or who work harder than me, or are in better shape to have all the success? Where is my participation trophy?

Seriously, they seem pretty cool and would love to try one out some day. I have places where it would work great, but others where it is so rocky and steep with blow downs that it wouldn't.

Do some states require them to be registered? I am required to register my canoe if I use an electric motor on it. Been pulled over on the water as well to check my registration.

Since that memo was issued, the USFS has reconsidered in the past year and began pilot programs to allow assist bikes on some non-motorized trails. Same with some regional areas in CO after the CO state law was passed. The lobbying group, PeopleForBikes, is working hard to overturn the misperception that these types of bikes have any more impact than conventional mountain bikes. When I was 30 I could go anywhere on today's mountain bikes that I now can on one of these at 64. USFS will change their policy, just a matter of time. It was a knee-jerk reaction until they could sort it out. No one can find an incidence of anyone being cited for it - like the also unenforced 14 day camping rule. That's a rule the USFS LEO's also blatantly ignore.

Whip, I get it if you disagree because of an arbitrary USFS travel rule issued in D.C.. But to try to use this as some sort of fear-mongering about possibly ruining hunting is simply setting up a straw man. ATVs didn't ruin any of my spots, but high tech backpacking gear and the internet sure wrecked some of them.

" The bill removes low- speed electric bicycles from the definition of ``motor vehicle'' within the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, where such bicycles are required to be regulated in the same manner as motorcycles. The bill then amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to transfer jurisdiction over low-speed electric bicycles to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), where those bicycles would be regulated similarly to human-powered bicycles."

Note the specific use of the word "regulated" and the distinction between "motorcycles" and "human powered bicycles". The intent is unambiguous. They were moved under the CPSC because they aren't "motorized vehicles", and that's the only place where they fit.

I'm out, this is stupid. I promise I won't ruin anyone's hunting spot, but I may kill your bull and you'll see me packing it out.

"Git off my lawn!"

Access to more trails means more people who want to buy $3,500 bike, which means higher sales, which means more dollars in the pockets of the industry people who support and make up the group. I get it. It's just business. It's the American way.

I for one hope they don't succeed in opening up all non - motorized trails to bicycles with motors. As I mentioned before, I'm 63 now and I know the day will come, likely sooner than later, when my body will no longer allow me to cut the mustard and hunt the difficult places that I love so much. When that day does come I hope I can accept it gracefully and leave those special places to those that still can.

lol I was just joking. They seem cool. Reading this thread is interesting. You can't fight change. Change comes, you simply need to adapt. Sure I wish I had the hunting my parents generation had, and that moose lived all over my province because the rifle hunting card carrying army couldn't reach them. But guess what, it's over. Need to adapt and keep hunting. If ebikes allow people to go further, buy one and go further yet.

Here's another question: If ebikes allow the avg guy to go further, doesn't that just take the avg guy further? So all it does is spread people out. Thin out the hunting pressure everywhere. The super hardcore will always go average plus some, the average will do the average, and the lazy will go the lazy route. And you'll have smart, adaptable hunters sprinkled all throughout the spectrum. Maybe it will just spread out the pressure and make the hunting better for everyone?

It doesn't make too much sense to be worried about a specific honey hole, because if people knew about it, they'd find a way to get there. If they don't get there, it's because they don't know about it. If they don't know about it, they won't buy an ebike to help them reach it. What you're worried about is the masses suddenly adopting the ebike, and people stumbling upon your "honey hole." In reality what % of people will buy the ebike? How many people enjoy sitting on a bike seat in general? How many people will spend the money on them? If it's guys who are really serious about their elk hunting, you are already in competition with them anyways, cause they will find a way. If it's the avg dude, he doesn't spend serious money for a very limited competitive advantage. Summary? I wouldn't worry about it.

Packer with horses to get your elk out: $300-500.

Note the specific use of the word "regulated" and the distinction between "motorcycles" and "human powered bicycles". The intent is unambiguous. They were moved under the CPSC because they aren't "motorized vehicles", and that's the only place where they fit.

Thanks for the confirmation of the intent of the bill. Ebikes fall under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This means that the CPSC can define the specs and safety features required for eBikes. But the CPSC has absolutely no say as to where eBikes can be used and where they cannot be used.

If an agency allows pedal bikes but declares something which has been federally categorized as "non-motorized" as "motorized" and prohibits them on that basis alone, as the USFS has done, then there may a problem if it gets to court. If they ban all two wheel non-motorized bikes, not a problem.

Now, if they follow federal guidelines and declare ebikes over 750 and 1 watt to be "motorized" and therefore prohibited, then they are consistent with the law.

USFS can make whatever rules they want. That's within their jurisdiction. They can ignore those rules, like they do with grazing and camping rules. Where I live there are two major illegal ATV trails leading into the NF that get hundreds of ATVs traveling past the signs and over the USFS berms every summer and fall. The USFS LEOs know all about them and choose to look the other way. The fact that no one appears to have been cited for ebikes, and that USFS is now in year 2 of pilot programs to selectively allow them, seems to indicate that perhaps they tried to get ahead of something they didn't understand. That, or its a super-low priority.

We may find out, but probably not. My attorney girlfriend would love to challenge it. But I never see the two USFS gals anywhere besides driving roads past camps that are in violation of the 14 day camping rule. Reporting ATVs on closed roads may get a call-back in a week, or not.

BTW, I used to feel the same way as you until I started digging into it and talked with numerous people who have encountered USFS rangers while riding on closed roads and MTB trails. The only citation I can find was in Summit County CO for violating a county rule, and that one was dismissed.

I sympathize with older hunters and am not a Spring Chicken myself. But RULES are RULES.

Call it what you will, but a court needs to sort this out. Not going to be settled on the Bowsite. Hopefully this will be the summer the USFS either comes to their senses or are challenged over this incongruous rule.

I guess I am just old-school and rely too much on my common sense. If it has a motor and assists in getting you from one place to another then it seems to me it IS a motorized vehicle!

Trying to hold one self above the law by citing an inapplicable rule that has nothing to do with non - motorized trails doesn't excuse breaking the law.

Neither does the fact that federal LEO's are woefully understaffed and you are not likely to be caught justify breaking the law. Violators are violators whether you get caught or not. Same goes for those operating atv's illegally or those violating the 14 day stay limit on federal land. I have no respect for any of that and can only hope they get their day in court eventually.

If the law is ever changed I'll just have to adjust to it. But in the meantime it's going to tick me off if I see someoe violating existing law, the same as if I see them violate a hunting rule or regulation. Maybe law enforcement won't have time to follow up, but you can be certain I'll report it.

Hope the "Johnny Rangers" police themselves and pull a stand or blind midway through a hunt...

The last thing I would want is to be THE ranger whose citation was tossed by a judge who sides with federal law definition vs. an unlawful arbitrary definition made by an Obama appointed bureacrat. To your points, there is no federal law that says camping for more than 14 days is permitted, or that ATVs can go off-trail.

The federal law you keep citing has nothing to do with non - motorized trail use and nothing what so ever to do with the ability of the forest service to implement and enforce rules on those trails.

Again, good luck.

When has it ever been different?? Not in my lifetime

TERM LIMITS!!!! Only way we will ever stop that kind of thing

Jaquomo is absolutely correct. You can ride an ebike on a trail (or road) designated for mbikes, horses, foot traffic, and if necessary, crawling.

The USFS, BLM, or any state cannot enforce a rule they impose as they are all subservient to federal law.

If the ebike is 1000 watts, that is an entirely different story...

Here is their take on ebikes legality on federal land, copied and pasted directly from their website. :

NOTE FOR ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDERS: This map represents how e-bikes are interpreted in each state’s vehicle code, and where e-bikes are allowed to go on the road, bike lanes, bike paths, or other paved or hard-surface bicycle infrastructure. The vehicle code does not apply to electric mountain bike access on motorized and non-motorized trails typically used for hiking, biking, and other singletrack or doubletrack trail experiences. eMTB access on singletrack is different than access to paved and soft surface bike lanes and bike paths; eMTBs are not allowed everywhere traditional mountain bikes are; and on federal, state, county and local trails, eMTB access varies significantly. Always consult with your local land manager for access questions.

I also used their link for some of the individual state regulations. I didn't check all 50, but of the ones I did this is what they say regarding whether ebikes are considered motorized for federal purposes.

» FEDERAL: On federal lands, eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have access to motorized trails. Contact the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Regional Ofce or the BLM Colorado State Ofce for more information.

It sure doesn't look like the group you are quoting so freely thinks that ebikes are non-motorized. Their stance on it actually backs up exactly what I've been saying all along.

Huh. Who woulda guessed.....

It does sound like from our communication that if you remove the battery and therefore it is not self propelled you would be OK. For me that is doable.

I did look at a Trek e bike today. Sales guy wanted me to take it for a ride but at $3500 I didn't want to.

Whip, I think you have some problems.

I'll agree with you there. Sometimes I can get like a dog with a bone. ;)

Sounds like they need to read HR 727. It's easy, just need to Google it, just make sure the link selected is a .gov webpage. It explicitly reads states cannot supersede the bill, signed into law during the W. Bush years.

As long as you meet the requirements outlined in the law, nothing can ultimately come of it. USFS under the Dept of Ag is still subject to federal law, even though they are heritage lands and not public. They can't pick and choose what laws to follow/enforce. Otherwise they do not have the authority to have LE Rangers carrying sidearms and handcuffs. If they did to enforce their own "sovereign" rules, then a Gestapo would exist and federal law would become guidelines.

Lou, I rarely say you are wrong. But, you are wrong on this one. If you want to see a guy that's been cited for the 14 day camping rule, send me your cell number. I'll text you my picture. Commie son of a guns wrote me one. :^)

Whip, please respect me. I got snowed in and couldn't pull my camper out. Came back three weeks later after the snow melted and the usfs had pulled it out for me. Cost me $540. :^)

I've read most of the posts on here where the arguments is it's illegal on this land or that land, how it will make the lazy hunters have access to far away spots, etc.... I for one am for anyway to get out to where I can kill a deer or two, or ten. This year will be my first year with the quietkat, and I'm looking forward to the use. I'll let everyone know.

Good for you brother, Go Get Er Done! God Bless, and Thank You For Your Service and Sacrifices!

I want one

I had a long conversation today with the lead manager of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife agency in charge of issuing OHV vehicle registration and use in the backcountry on USFS/Heritage lands. He is all for assist-bikes on bike trails and closed roads to keep people enjoying the outdoors, believes the USFS is way behind the 8-ball, and that this will all get sorted out favorably in the next year. They're clarifying state policy now. Said even though the USFS classifies them as OHVs today, the state isn't requiring or issuing registration of e-bikes on USFS because they aren't "motorized" by state law, and if I'm contacted to tell the USFS ranger what he told me and use his name. He also mentioned his distain for "snobs" who don't want them on "their" bike trails, which was a pretty funny conversation when it morphed into trad vs. compound and skiers vs. snowboards.

As if they need more to talk about.

As far as colorful goes...more like stubborn and stupid. I didn't listen to those who had life experiences and today I am feeling the pain. However, I would not change a thing with the experiences...maybe not trying to be Hercules in all my experiences. Live and learn. I will be taking the bike out again in the near future. Last week, I was going to go to my hunting area that I saw a ton of deer in. However a missing lady turned up at the hunting area deceased...that was the weekend I was going to go and look for sheds and other spots. Glad now I didn't go because with that bike I would have been all over the 5000 acres.

What bike do you have?

Just to hear why a person should be walking, or that they aren't man enough to do themselves...or why you shoot a crossbow instead of a compound. I could go on...

Oh man, how can the Idaho legislature be proposing laws with regards to e-bikes when HR 727 is the law of the land...

I like both Rad Rover and M2S. both very good bikes and both worth the price.

Rad Rover I like, but they don't use online dealers and if I could stock them I would, good solid all purpose bikes.

M2S I actually spoke to the owner last week, I was trying to offer their range on my store, maybe in the coming months. the product looks very impressive and the price is pretty hard to beat. They are a very new small business bootstrapping the business so they order only around 150 bikes at a time and they are normally sold out before the shipments arrive so the waiting times are long, you could wait 2-3 months depending when you order but they are growing and they will soon be able to build larger volumes. This time next year the prices will definitely go up as they are basically selling wholesale until they get their foothold in the market. hope that helps

I rode Lou's the other night with and without the 'assist' and it was definitely a leg workout when the emotor wasnt on. I wouldnt want to do that very long or uphill

Ollie, I put mine in low gear and mid-level assist and pedaled up a very steep bank of a dry pond covered with weeds and dirt clods. I don't think I could reasonably get up that with my 21 speed mountain bike except in the lowest gear, which would be slower than walking and I'd be standing up on the pedals. A normal logging road incline, even a steep one, would be a piece of cake if you're in biking shape.

I did an 8 mile ride yesterday on gravel county roads, up and down, where I normally ride my mountain bike for fitness workouts (usually ride a 16 mile circuit on the MTB and push it). Tried out all the assist levels and gear combos. I pedaled the whole way, got a workout, except it navigated the uphill stuff faster and with less stress on my old knees and metal hip. That was a good thing and I was smiling as I went up. But it certainly isn't a motorcycle or an ATV.

My Rambo weighs around 50, I think. I can easily lift it onto the hitch-mount bike carrier. Wouldnt want to pedal it too far uphill without assist, like Brad notes, but on the level its not too bad in lower gears, and dowhill is no problem. I could get back to camp if it quit working for some reason.