Bakcou Mule vs Storm: Complete Comparison Guide
Trying to decide between the Bakcou Mule and Storm?
You're not alone. These are Bakcou's two most popular full-suspension hunting ebikes, and the $800 price difference makes this a tough call.
We've tested both bikes extensively in mountain elk country and midwest whitetail terrain. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Answer: Which Should You Buy?
The Short Version
Choose the Storm if: You hunt steep mountain terrain, need maximum power for heavy loads, and can afford the extra $800. The 1000W motor makes a real difference on sustained climbs.
Choose the Mule if: You hunt flat to rolling terrain, want excellent value, and don't need the extra power. It's 80% of the Storm for 85% of the price.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Feature | Bakcou Mule | Bakcou Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,799 - $5,299 | $5,599 - $6,499 |
| Motor | 750W Bafang Mid-Drive | 1000W Bafang Ultra Mid-Drive |
| Torque | 120Nm | 160Nm |
| Battery Options | 48V 14Ah, 17.5Ah, 21Ah | 48V 14Ah, 17.5Ah, 25Ah |
| Range (Real-World) | 35-70 miles | 30-80 miles |
| Top Speed | 28 mph | 28 mph |
| Weight | 68 lbs | 73 lbs |
| Max Load | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Front Suspension | RockShox Recon RL (100mm) | RockShox Recon RL (100mm) |
| Rear Suspension | DNM AO-38RC (75mm) | DNM AO-38RC (75mm) |
| Brakes | Tektro 4-piston hydraulic | Tektro 4-piston hydraulic |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 9-speed | Shimano Deore 9-speed |
| Tires | 26" x 4" Kenda Juggernaut | 26" x 4" Kenda Juggernaut |
| Frame Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Electrical Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Key Differences Explained
Motor Power: 750W vs 1000W
This is the biggest difference between the two bikes.
Bakcou Mule (750W): The 750W motor with 120Nm torque handles hills up to about 15% grade with a 220 lb rider plus gear. Push it steeper or heavier and it starts to struggle. You'll feel the motor working hard and speed drops to 5-7 mph on sustained climbs.
Bakcou Storm (1000W): The 1000W motor with 160Nm torque tackles 20%+ grades confidently with the same load. It maintains 8-12 mph on climbs where the Mule drops to 5-7 mph. The extra torque is noticeable.
When it matters: Mountain elk hunting, steep forest roads, heavy loads (250+ lbs total). If you regularly face 15%+ sustained grades, the Storm is worth it.
When it doesn't matter: Flat terrain, rolling hills under 10%, lighter riders (under 200 lbs). The Mule has plenty of power for these conditions.
Weight: 5 Pounds Difference
The Storm weighs 73 lbs vs 68 lbs for the Mule. This comes from the larger motor and slightly beefier frame.
Five pounds doesn't sound like much but you'll feel it when lifting over obstacles or loading into a truck. If you're 5'6" or shorter, that extra weight becomes more significant.
Battery Options
Both bikes offer multiple battery sizes. The main difference is the Storm offers a massive 25Ah battery option while the Mule tops out at 21Ah.
The 25Ah battery adds serious range (60-80 miles possible) but costs $400 more and adds 5+ lbs. Most hunters are fine with the 17.5Ah mid-size option on either bike.
Components and Build Quality
Here's the surprise: the Mule and Storm use virtually identical components besides the motor.
- Same RockShox Recon fork
- Same DNM rear shock
- Same Tektro brakes
- Same Shimano Deore drivetrain
- Same Kenda fat tires
- Same aluminum frame design
You're not getting better components with the Storm. You're paying for motor power, period.
Real-World Performance Comparison
Hill Climbing Test: 1 Mile, 12% Average Grade
We timed both bikes on the same climb with identical conditions (230 lb rider, 35 lbs gear, PAS level 4).
- Bakcou Mule: 8 minutes 45 seconds, average speed 6.8 mph
- Bakcou Storm: 7 minutes 15 seconds, average speed 8.3 mph
The Storm was 21% faster on this moderate climb. The gap widens on steeper grades.
Range Test: Flat Terrain
Both bikes with 17.5Ah batteries, 220 lb rider, PAS level 3 on flat dirt roads:
- Bakcou Mule: 52 miles
- Bakcou Storm: 48 miles
The Mule actually gets slightly better range on flat terrain because the smaller motor draws less power. The difference is minimal in real hunting scenarios.
Noise Level
Both bikes use Bafang motors and sound nearly identical. There's no stealth advantage to either one.
Handling and Comfort
Identical suspension and geometry means they ride the same. The Storm's extra 5 lbs is barely noticeable while riding.
Reasons to Choose the Mule
- Save $800+ compared to Storm
- 5 lbs lighter (easier to lift)
- Slightly better range on flat terrain
- 750W is plenty for flat to moderate hills
- Better value for money
- Same build quality and components as Storm
Reasons to Choose the Storm
- 33% more torque for steep climbs
- Better for mountain hunting
- Handles heavy loads better
- Larger battery option available (25Ah)
- More powerful resale value
- Peace of mind for extreme terrain
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bakcou Mule If:
- You hunt flat to rolling terrain (under 10% grades)
- You want the best value in a full-suspension hunting ebike
- You weigh under 200 lbs or carry light loads
- $800 saved matters to you
- You prefer a lighter bike (5 lbs difference)
- You hunt midwest whitetail or prairie environments
Choose the Bakcou Storm If:
- You hunt steep mountain terrain regularly
- You weigh 220+ lbs or pack heavy loads
- You need maximum power for elk country
- You want the best climbing performance possible
- You can afford the $800 premium
- You hunt western mountains or Appalachia
Our Recommendation
If you're not sure which to get, here's the deciding question: Do you regularly face sustained climbs over 12% grade with a loaded bike?
If yes, get the Storm. If no, save money with the Mule.
For most hunters, the Mule offers better value. It's an exceptional bike that only falls short in extreme terrain. But if you hunt steep mountains, the Storm's extra power eliminates frustration and makes the day more enjoyable.
Both bikes share the same excellent build quality, components, and reliability. You can't go wrong with either choice.
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Bakcou vs QuietKat Read Storm ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
Is the extra $800 for the Storm worth it?
Only if you regularly hunt steep terrain. For flat to moderate terrain, the Mule delivers 90% of the performance for significantly less money.
Can the Mule handle mountain hunting?
Yes, but it will struggle on sustained steep climbs with heavy loads. It works fine on moderate grades but the Storm is more capable in serious mountains.
Do they use the same frame?
Very similar but not identical. The Storm has slight reinforcements around the motor to handle the higher torque. Both have the same geometry and ride feel.
Which one is quieter?
No meaningful difference. Both use Bafang motors and sound nearly identical.
Which holds resale value better?
The Storm, due to the more powerful motor. But both Bakcou models hold value well compared to off-brand hunting ebikes.