Brand Review of QuietKat Electric Bikes
Mako Young
2024-09-20QuietKat helps hunters, anglers, and any outdoor enthusiast move silently and effortlessly through the wild trail. It’s no surprise that QuietKat’s e-bikes are the culmination of stealth and performance. Perfect for taming the great outdoors.
QuietKat was established in 2013 to meet the demands of electric bicycles that can tackle the vigors of the wilderness. Before, recreational adventurists, those working in law enforcement, and farmers found that most electric bikes are too impractical for serious outdoor riding.
Jake Roach, the company’s founder, quickly recognized this problem and thought of creating bikes that answered those needs himself. Being a veteran of the outdoor industry for more than a decade, he knows exactly what kind of bicycle frames, accessories, and components to bring to the table.
As of now, QuietKat is based in Eagle, Colorado, and has nine models of electric bikes that are available to the market.
Overview of QuietKat Electric Bikes
QuietKat bikes are built to be silent while being able to carry large amounts of cargo without regressing the speed of the bike.
QuietKat’s goal of providing efficient means of transportation for outdoorsy people became prominent in two prime design considerations. One, the bikes should be able to overcome even the most remote trails, and two, the bikes should not disturb the surrounding wildlife.
The results were astounding. QuietKat created bikes that sport 4-inch wide tires and powerful electric motors, while still keeping their e-bikes silent. Most of their e-bikes are available with a 1000W motor option, while most competitors only have as high as 750W motors.
QuietKat is definitely not joking around in the power department because the new 2023 Apex E-Bike even has a 1500W model. Other good things about QuietKat bikes are their ability to carry 300 lbs of gear and their lithium batteries’ capacity to hold up to 1000 charge cycles before needing to be replaced.
As if those numbers aren’t impressive enough, QuietKat did all of that while keeping up their second prime consideration—making quiet e-bikes.
This aids wild game hunters to move about in uncharted terrains without disturbing their potential prey.
What We Like About QuietKat Electric Bikes
QuietKat e-bikes are carefully designed and crafted to be able to handle the toughest of terrains.
Sure, QuietKat Bikes have an undisputed reputation as one of the best options for dominating the wilderness. Just ask Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, who have been using QuietKat’s bike for doing their job.
Having said that, QuietKat isn’t for everyone. Listed below are some of the best and worst aspects of QuietKat’s Electric Bicycles.
Reasons to Buy
- While QuietKat’s e-bikes are optimized for use in the great outdoors, they can still be used in an urban setting without any sign of a decreased performance.
- Their 4-inch wide wheels can tackle rough, wet, muddy, snowy, and paved grounds.
- QuietKat’s e-bikes are a beast in terms of hauling packages or equipment. Perfect for bringing home your hunt, too.
- QuietKat offers a unique “Ride Now, Pay Later” program.
- QuietKat’s high-end e-bikes are considerably cheaper by at least $1000 compared to other high-end e-mountain bikes.
- QuietKat makes some of the fastest e-bikes in the world, with 30+ mph top speeds.
Reasons to Avoid
- There are no other build options beyond stainless hardware and aluminum, while other bike companies offer carbon frames on their off-road bikes. While this is a matter of preference, carbon frames are a real upgrade as it is way stronger and lighter than the aforementioned materials.
- Their high-end bikes look similar to each other. This may sound like something minor in a field where performance and reliability matter the most. However, it can be a deal-breaker for some. Plus, certainly, a fresh look every now and then will bring excitement, especially to long-term patrons.
Popular QuietKat E-Bike Models
QuietKat has an extensive and ever-changing range of premium electrics explicitly designed for tackling jobs like hunting, Overlanding, fishing, and commuting.
As of early 2024, QuietKat has seven bikes on its lineup. These range from the $2,000 Pioneer to the $7.500 Rubicon e-bike.
QuietKat Pioneer
The QuietKat Pioneer is the brand’s cheapest model. This entry-level electric bike can handle off-road adventures or your daily commute.
The Pioneer has a streamlined setup and comes in a 500W or 750W version with four distinct paint finishes. Regardless of the motor size, you will get a 460Wh battery that lasts between 14 and 29 miles.
The 750W version comes with five levels of pedal assistance and a more advanced LCD computer display, while the Pioneer 500W has an LED display and three support levels.
QuietKat’s Pioneer is a single-speed bike with Tektro mechanical disc brakes. If you want to add a rear rack for carrying cargo, this bike is compatible with one and can support up to 325lbs of weight.
Unfortunately, the low range and weak brakes mean you can’t tackle the most extreme off-road terrain. Nevertheless, the Pioneer is a solid option if you want value, simplicity, and off-road capability.
QuietKat Villager
The QuietKat Villager is primarily an urban electric bike, but it comes with much of the off-road capability associated with the brand.
This model has a full commuter setup, including an integrated rear rack for maximizing the 325lb payload capacity, fenders, and a kickstand. Unfortunately, lights aren’t included.
Power comes from a 500W hub motor and a 614Wh battery for 19 to 38 miles of range. This motor is powerful enough to handle moderate gradients with cargo on board.
A 100mm fork, 3″ tires, a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, and 203mm-rotor mechanical disc brakes keep you comfortable and in control in urban environments and light off-road terrain.
Finally, this bike is compatible with a range of accessories for taking on different jobs within the city. Consider the QuietKat Villager if you want a durable urban electric bike with backcountry capabilities.
QuietKat Ranger
QuietKat’s Ranger electric hunting bike is the most affordable choice among their utility off-road machines.
This model comes in a 1000W or 750W build, both of which can handle the extreme demands of hunting, fishing, and Overlanding trips. In addition, the camo finish and whisper-quiet motor on the Ranger help maximize the chance of success on hunts.
Like the Village, the Ranger has a 614Wh battery for between 19 and 38 miles of range. Support the battery with a 7-speed SRAM drivetrain.
The QuietKat Ranger is equipped with an integrated rear rack for hauling heavy cargo, and the durable frame and stable geometry make for confident handling on rougher terrain.
Other notable components include the treaded 26×4.5″ fat tires (24×4″ on the small frame), a 100mm coil suspension fork, and an intuitive LCD display.
Add the QuietKat Ranger to your shortlist if you’re in the market for a powerful hunting e-bike with an affordable price tag.
QuietKat Apex
The QuietKat Apex takes a big jump in price and capability compared to the Ranger. This electric hunting bike has a similar design but with more advanced componentry.
Firstly, the Apex e-bike has a mid-drive motor instead of a hub drive, with the same choice of 750W (Class 1 or 2) or 1000W (unclassified). The battery is a 768Wh unit that provides a disappointing 24 to 48 miles of range.
Huge power and buttery-smooth motor efficiency allow riders to tackle any gradients, even while maximizing the 325lb payload capacity.
The high-end build kit includes a 150mm inverted air suspension fork, massive Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a 9-speed SRAM drivetrain, and 4.5″ Kenda Juggernaut tires. This setup ensures nowhere is out of reach of the Apex.
Overall, this high-performance hunting e-bike is perfectly equipped for extreme terrain and harsh conditions.
QuietKat Ibex
The QuietKat Ibex is a trail/all-mountain electric bike with an eye-watering price tag but incredible performance to match.
This full-suspension e-bike mixes a 130mm RockShox Monarch RL rear shock with QuietKat’s 140mm inverted air fork. QuietKat’s FireLink 4-Bar suspension platform enhances this setup, increasing bottom-out support and traction while descending and climbing.
Like all QuietKat bikes, the Ibex has fat tires for unmatched grip and stability no matter the surface you encounter. In addition, 4.8″ CST rubber, four-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and slack all-mountain geometry help you stay confident and in control.
The highlight of this bike is the electronics. A 1000W Ultra mid-drive motor pairs with a 1008Wh battery to deliver unrivaled power and capability, with up to 63 miles of range.
All things considered, the QuietKat Ibex is an incredible piece of machinery with everything needed for extreme trail riding.
QuietKat Jeep
Renowned off-road vehicle brand Jeep partnered with QuietKat to create the most capable electric mountain bike on the market in the summer of 2020.
This impressive machine has 29″ wheel compatibility that can turn it into an enduro-style e-MTB. This characteristic is unique among QuietKat electric bikes, which predominantly use 26″ wheels.
Like the Ibex, the Jeep uses QuietKats FireLink four-bar suspension platform to enhance the performance of a 150mm RockShox Monarch RL rear shock and a 140mm inverted fork.
The same 4.8″ CST fat tires, four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, and 9-speed SRAM drivetrain keep you in control and spinning smoothly.
Disappointingly, the QuietKat Jeep only has a 696Wh battery to support the 1000W ultra mid-drive motor, returning max ranges of 22 to 44 miles.
Choose the Jeep e-bike if you want outstanding performance in a sleek package, and you’ve got the budget to match.
QuietKat E-Bike Classes, Motors, and Batteries
QuietKat e-bikes’ uses powerful yet noiseless motors to ensure a quiet and fun journey.
What separates QuietKat’s off-road e-bikes from its adversaries is its adaptability.
Aside from the fact that it is noiseless and it’s able to go almost anywhere, QuietKat’s class 2 e-bikes can easily switch to class 1 to suit certain state regulations.
All QuietKat E-bikes with a 750W motor are considered Class 2 e-bikes. Meaning, it comes equipped with a thumb throttle that can exclusively run the bike up to 20 mph even without pedalling. In QuietKat’s case, they can easily circumvent the law by attaching a removable thumb throttle. Problem solved.
You can expect premium quality and performance from the batteries in QuietKat’s e-bike because of their partnership with Panasonic. These cells are certified to hold 1,000 charge cycles, so you can expect them to last for 10 to 12 years if you ride 2,000 miles each year.
Accessibility, Ruggedness
QuietKat e-bikes are widely available and offer flexible payment options to lessen the burden of buying one.
Another thing that makes QuietKat unique from other companies is its financing program. QuietKat has partnered with Affirm and PayPal to deliver flexible payment options to allow you to “Ride Now and Pay Later.”
This makes it appealing to those who need the e-bikes urgently, like hunters who need to catch up on the hunting season. The company also allows 0 percent interest for up to six months, so it’s even easier on your credit.
It is no question that QuietKat offers the most reliable e-bikes that are specifically designed for hunting . It is true that other off-road e-bikes can handle harsh conditions, especially those that are dedicated to mountain biking, but QuietKat has taken it up a notch to support their target demographic of nature folk who often have to go to areas unaccompanied.
Given this, the bikes are created with top-notch quality and craftsmanship to ensure that you won’t get stuck somewhere out in the wild.
Their bikes are also designed to pull along a trailer, so a firm and stable frame is necessary.
If their e-bikes do breakdown, QuietKat makes sure that they have their customers’ backs by giving them a lifetime warranty on their frames and one year of the same guarantee for other components.
People Also Ask
On the off chance that you have inquiries left unanswered, we’ve prepared this section to address some of the most asked questions regarding QuietKat e-bikes.
- Where are QuietKat Bikes Made?
QuietKat Bikes are assembled in Eagle, Colorado. However, some components are outsourced from companies in other countries like Panasonic in Belgium and Poland and Bafang in China.
- How fast do QuietKat Bikes go?
QuietKat Bikes are generally rated as Class 2 e-bikes which means that they can go as fast as 20 mph by throttle alone. On the other hand, their Class 3 e-bikes can hit at least 28 mph with the help of its electric motor.
- Can QuietKat Bikes go through water?
Yes, QuietKat Bikes can go through water, but you have to make sure to avoid submerging the motor and other electronic components, most especially the battery compartment.
- How long will the batteries in QuietKat Bikes last?
QuietKat Bike’s batteries can last for up to 10 years, provided that you take good care of it. You can refer to Panasonic’s Lithium Battery Manual to know the different ways to ensure your battery’s longevity.
Bottom Line — Who Are QuietKat E-Bikes For?
QuietKat offers a variety of offroad and mountain electric bikes that runs superbly on every terrain.
QuietKat e-bikes are specially created for hunters and thrill-seekers who need to move stealthily and quickly through the wilderness. It is also perfect for any adventurer and camper who want to get to the perfect site with minimal effort.
QuietKat is an excellent choice for city commuting as well. Riding the streets on a quick and lightweight QuietKat bike is an absolute breeze. Combine that with a powerful motor and you’ve got yourself a mean ride! I’d advise against doing a wheelie but good luck resisting that temptation when you’re on one of these babies.
Bart Moore –
I’m all over owning a Q-Kat! just have to get my funding in order. Have been using the Go Condition supplements. which I can see would help tremendously in riding a full day, even at 63, I hope to tear up the trails as well as bagging my best rainbow trout of my life, and where I fish, a Kat would be the perfect tool for the job!