[Tom]

Anyone use an electric bike on logging roads? I know they're not cheap but just wondering if they have enough power to help augment on the steeper sections?

[Magellan]

It says 25-30 miles on a full charge. My guess is that would drop severely if navigating logging roads going uphill. Of course, when you get to the top, you can coast or pedal down, so this may be helpful.

[Tom]

Yeah, I'm thinking of something more for closed / washed out roads where we're talking well under that range. I would disable the battery assist for downhill if possible. More interested in whether they provide enough power to offset the extra weight when going uphill and whether they're suitable for logging road use. I think most are designed for commuting around town.

[Magellan]

If overnighting, a heavy pack could bring those numbers down some more.

[jimmymac]

I spent several years hauling 35-40 pound of gear on a bike that was not as sturdy as that one. Going up I often walked the steep inclines. but coming down some of those inactive spurs, I really punished that poor bike. This was a few years before the arrival of mountain bikes. Never had a problem. Most "mountain bikes" are designed to appeal to folks who have money to spend on a mountain bike. On even the crappiest of roads, a conventional bike should do fine. If the 25-mile battery range was reserved for just 2 miles or so of ascending road, it should do great.

[H. Hound]

Ya, I have been looking at an electric hub motor, for those stealth trips up closed roads. Not quite ready to plunk down $400 to $500 just yet for something that might not work. Per everything I have read, pedaling to start really increases batt life.

[Tom]

Thanks. Interesting. Looks like 36 pounds for the less expensive kit and 46 pounds for the more expenisive kit. Not sure how much that would weigh added to a 30+ pound bike less the components that are swapped out but if it works...

[H. Hound]

The 2 things that concern me with the Hub Motor are ; 1. It's made in China, so the Quality of the product may be good, or bad. 2. The Hub Motor adds resistance when pedaling w/o power assist, unlike the bike you originally posted. I do like that the bike will continue, at a glance, to look normal.

[Tom]

I'm sure you've seen some of the reviews out there. Here's one that I found. I don't think it won't will work for me as my mountain bike has disc brakes. The boinx kit has an option for disc brakes and appears a bit lighter. I like that braking recharges the battery but it sure doesn't come cheap.

[Layback]

Good bike forum on electric bikes. These guys should be able to help.

[Backpacker Joe]

How about a motorcycle? Yamaha TW200 would be perfect for that. Low center of gravity. Lots of torque. Etc etc etc. Yamaha TW200

[Tom]

Thanks Layback. Looks like some good info there. BPJ, I can fit a bike more easily in the back of my 4 Runner, it would be legal on gated / closed roads, and I wouldn't need a special license for it like a motorcycle.

[Layback]

But of course Tom. It looks like you are really onto something here. I may need a new piece of gear.

[Tom]

Yeah, with so many roads being washed out and the trend of gating perfectly good roads like the MFK I think it could be the way to go.

[David¹]

It's the norm up here - most enthusiasts have small dirt bikes