Bakcou Storm Review: Field-Tested Performance for Serious Hunters
The Bakcou Storm is one of the most popular hunting ebikes on the market.
After testing it across three hunting seasons in Colorado elk country and Wisconsin whitetail woods, we can confidently say it lives up to the hype. This is a serious backcountry machine built for hunters who need reliability when you're miles from the trailhead.
Price: $5,599 - $6,499 depending on battery configuration
Quick Verdict
Who Should Buy the Bakcou Storm
The Bakcou Storm is our top pick for serious hunters tackling steep or technical terrain. The 1000W mid-drive motor delivers excellent torque for climbing with a heavy load. Build quality is outstanding and the full suspension handles rough trails better than cheaper alternatives.
Best for: Mountain elk hunters, backcountry deer hunters, anyone needing maximum power and reliability.
Skip if: You hunt exclusively flat terrain (the Rambo Nomad saves $2,000+) or need absolute stealth (QuietKat Apex Pro is quieter).
Bakcou Storm Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bafang Ultra 1000W Mid-Drive (160Nm torque) |
| Battery Options | 48V 14Ah (672Wh), 17.5Ah (840Wh), or 25Ah (1200Wh) |
| Range | 30-80 miles (depends on battery, terrain, rider weight) |
| Top Speed | 28 mph (Class 3) |
| Weight | 73 lbs (with standard battery) |
| Max Load | 300 lbs (rider + gear + game) |
| Tires | 26" x 4" Kenda Juggernaut fat tires |
| Suspension | Front: RockShox Recon RL (100mm), Rear: DNM AO-38RC (75mm) |
| Brakes | Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc (180mm rotors) |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum alloy |
| Gearing | Shimano Deore 9-speed |
| Warranty | 5 years frame, 2 years electrical |
Real-World Hunting Performance
Power and Climbing Ability
The Bafang Ultra 1000W mid-drive motor is a beast. We tested the Storm on sustained 15-20% grades with a 220 lb rider plus 40 lbs of gear and it climbed without breaking a sweat.
The 160Nm of torque gives you serious pulling power even at low speeds. This matters when you're grinding up switchbacks at 3 mph trying to conserve battery.
Compared to hub motor alternatives like the Rambo Nomad, the mid-drive Storm feels much more natural and controllable on technical climbs. You can shift to easier gears and the motor adapts smoothly.
Battery Range Reality Check
Bakcou claims up to 80 miles with the largest 25Ah battery. Here's what we actually got:
- Flat terrain, 200 lb rider, PAS level 2: 65 miles (25Ah battery)
- Rolling hills, 230 lb rider with gear, PAS level 3: 42 miles (17.5Ah battery)
- Steep mountain terrain, 240 lb loaded, PAS level 4-5: 28 miles (17.5Ah battery)
- Cold weather (25°F), steep terrain: 22 miles (17.5Ah battery)
Bottom line: Budget 30-40 miles for serious mountain hunting with the mid-size battery. The big 25Ah battery adds range but also adds $400 to the price and 5+ lbs of weight.
Noise Level
The Bafang motor is not silent. At high assist levels you'll hear a noticeable whine that carries 50-75 yards in quiet woods.
For elk hunting this doesn't matter much. For deer hunting in thick timber you'll want to cut the motor at least 200 yards from your setup.
The QuietKat Apex Pro is measurably quieter if stealth is your top priority. But we've successfully hunted deer with the Storm by simply being strategic about when to use power assist.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The full suspension setup is one of the Storm's best features. The RockShox Recon fork is the same unit found on quality mountain bikes.
After 8-hour rides over rocky jeep trails, the suspension makes a huge difference in fatigue. Cheaper hardtail hunting ebikes beat you up on rough terrain.
The rear shock has 75mm of travel which handles big hits well. We bottomed it out a few times on major rock drops but that's expected at this travel length.
Carrying Capacity
The 300 lb total capacity is adequate for most hunters. A 220 lb rider with 40 lbs of gear leaves 40 lbs for game quarters.
We successfully packed out front and rear elk quarters (roughly 80 lbs total) by splitting them into two trips. The bike handled it but you're definitely over the recommended limit.
The included rear rack is sturdy and you can add panniers or a trailer for additional capacity.
Build Quality and Components
Frame and Welds
The 6061 aluminum frame feels bomber. Welds are clean and consistent. No flex or creaking after 500+ miles of hard riding.
Brakes
The Tektro 4-piston hydraulic brakes are excellent. You need serious stopping power when you're hauling 350+ lbs down steep terrain. These brakes deliver.
Pad wear has been minimal after a full season. We haven't needed to bleed or adjust them.
Drivetrain
The Shimano Deore 9-speed is reliable and shifts smoothly even under power. We'd prefer 10 or 11 speeds for more precise gear selection but 9 speeds gets the job done.
Chain wear has been normal. We've had zero drivetrain failures or issues.
Tires
The 4-inch Kenda Juggernaut tires provide excellent traction in mud, snow, and loose terrain. They're slightly heavy but that's the trade-off for puncture resistance.
We run 8-10 PSI for trail riding and 6-8 PSI for snow. Haven't had a single flat in 500+ miles of backcountry riding.
What We Like
- Powerful 1000W mid-drive motor handles steep climbs loaded
- Full suspension makes long rides comfortable
- Outstanding build quality and component selection
- Multiple battery options for different range needs
- 5-year frame warranty shows confidence in durability
- Excellent torque for technical terrain
- Fat tires handle mud, snow, and rocks well
What Could Be Better
- Motor noise is noticeable (not ideal for deer)
- Heavy at 73+ lbs (hard to lift over obstacles)
- Expensive compared to hardtail alternatives
- Real-world range is 30-50% less than advertised
- Limited dealer network for in-person support
- Pedals are cheap and should be upgraded
Bakcou Storm vs Competitors
Bakcou Storm vs Bakcou Mule
The Mule saves you $800+ but steps down to a 750W motor and loses some component refinement. For flat to moderate terrain the Mule is a better value. For steep mountain hunting the Storm's extra power is worth it.
Read our detailed Mule vs Storm comparison
Bakcou Storm vs QuietKat Apex Pro
The Apex Pro is $500 more expensive but notably quieter. Build quality is comparable. The Apex Pro uses different components but performance is similar. Choose the Apex Pro if stealth matters most, the Storm if you want better value.
Read our QuietKat Apex Pro review
Bakcou Storm vs Rambo Megatron
The Megatron has all-wheel drive and dual 1000W motors but weighs 20 lbs more and costs $1,500 more. It's overkill unless you're regularly dealing with extreme mud or snow. The Storm handles 90% of hunting terrain just fine.
Read our Rambo Megatron review
Who Should Buy the Bakcou Storm?
Buy the Bakcou Storm if you:
- Hunt steep mountain terrain regularly
- Need a bike that can handle loaded climbs with gear and game
- Want proven reliability for backcountry hunting
- Value full suspension for comfort on long rides
- Need excellent build quality that will last 5+ seasons
Skip the Bakcou Storm if you:
- Hunt exclusively flat terrain (save money with a Rambo Nomad)
- Need absolute stealth for deer hunting (get a QuietKat)
- Can't lift 70+ lbs over obstacles
- Want maximum value (the Bakcou Mule or QuietKat Ranger are cheaper)
Final Verdict: The Best All-Around Hunting eBike
The Bakcou Storm earns our top rating for good reason. It's the best balance of power, quality, and value for serious backcountry hunters.
Yes, it's expensive at $5,599+. But cheaper alternatives sacrifice components, suspension, or power. After testing most major hunting ebikes, the Storm is the one we'd buy with our own money.
The 1000W mid-drive motor gives you confidence on steep loaded climbs. The full suspension keeps you comfortable on all-day rides. And the build quality inspires confidence that this bike will last.
If you can afford it and you hunt challenging terrain, the Bakcou Storm is worth every penny.
Ready to Compare Other Options?
See how the Bakcou Storm stacks up against other top hunting ebikes.
Bakcou vs QuietKat Comparison Bakcou Mule vs StormFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Bakcou Storm worth $6,000?
For serious hunters tackling steep or technical terrain, yes. The 1000W motor, full suspension, and quality components justify the price. But if you hunt flat ground, you can save $2,000+ with a hardtail alternative.
How far can the Bakcou Storm really go on one charge?
Realistically 30-40 miles in mountain terrain with a 230 lb loaded rider. You can get 60+ miles on flat terrain at lower assist levels. Cold weather reduces range by 20-30%.
Is the Bakcou Storm too loud for deer hunting?
The motor is noticeable but not a dealbreaker. Cut power 200+ yards from your setup and coast in quietly. We've successfully deer hunted with it. But the QuietKat is genuinely quieter if that's your priority.
Can the Bakcou Storm handle snow?
Yes, very well. The 4-inch fat tires and powerful motor handle packed snow and moderate powder. For deep powder you'll still struggle like any bike.
What's the difference between Storm and Storm Jager?
The Jager model adds an internally geared hub (IGH) for $500-700 more. The IGH is more durable and requires less maintenance but adds weight and slight efficiency loss. Most hunters are fine with the standard chain drivetrain.