Hunting with the Vamos El Doblez e-bike

The only sound was a gentle crunching of the tyres on the dirt track. The rising sun was just peaking over the ridge behind me. I was effortlessly cruising along at about 12km/h, three times my walking speed. I had been out since first light and already ridden nearly 6km. My Vamos El Doblez e-bike was making easy progress of the undulating dirt track, even with regular stops to glass the country around me.

My mission was twofold. I wanted to take some early morning photos of the various birds and wildlife that were stirring and on the move at dawn. I also was hoping to encounter a fox somewhere along the road. I had recently seen plenty of evidence of its unwelcome presence, from tracks and scat to feathers and fur left from its kills.

Up ahead a movement caught my eye. Three hinds had just moved out onto the track. They looked my way and seemed alert but unconcerned. I slowed to a stop and remained still. After maybe 20 seconds they moved off into the bush. I didn’t need any venison but was a little miffed with myself to not have my camera at the ready, missing a good photo opportunity.

I did not have time to reflect long on that when the sun highlighted a red movement on the side of the road ahead. It was a big male fox. I slid off the bike, withdrawing my rifle from its scabbard. I took a rest on the bike, cocked the rifle and put an end to one more voracious predator of our precious wildlife. It was another good example of how e-bikes can significantly extend your range, compared to walking, and with its stealthy operation, generate opportunities to encounter wildlife.

For some years I thought about the concept of hunting from an e-bike. It seemed to have everything going for it and I could not envisage any major downsides. I tested the concept, using a cheap second-hand mountain pushbike (Australian Hunter 82). The results confirmed my intention of using an e-bike for wildlife encounters and hunting. The experience also highlighted a couple of important aspects I had not considered. So, I was able to finalise the list of what I needed:

• Dirt road and farm track usage
• Hunting and wildlife photography
• Ride slow for short distances to stop and glass
• A step-through frame for quick, stable stops with rear carry not impeding leg swing-over
• Fat tyres for better tracking on rough dirt tracks
• Thick tyre tread for thorn puncture protection
• Tyre goop for internal puncture self-sealing
• Rear luggage rack
• Large battery for max range.

Finding the right e-bike
I read up on e-bikes, talked to riders and bike shops and narrowed down the style of bikes that best suited my needs. After a long search, and a few false trails, I found the company and e-bike that ticked all the boxes. That turned out to be Vamos Bikes. The company is 100 per cent Australian, founded by two Bondi lads, Michael and Conrad, who wanted to design affordable e-bikes for Aussie conditions and promote their uptake for urban commuting and weekend recreation. The e-bike that best suited my needs was the El Doblez.

Not speaking Spanish, an unexpected feature of the El Doblez is its foldable nature. That ability was not on my wanted list, but it provides a couple of useful benefits. It neatly solved the problem of grit and dirt caking bikes carried on the rear of a vehicle when driven on dirt roads. That forms a significant element of my usage and a problem I had previously been unable to resolve. It also makes for easier transport with more security than just hanging off the back of my vehicle.

Folded, the El Doblez (Spanish for foldable) is 90 x 64 x 50cm. Weight of the e-bike, with battery, is 24kg. I’ve listed the many features of the El Doblez. The only extra purchases were a safety helmet ($60) and a GPS holder ($80), along with the thick tyre tread and goop ($76) requested at time of order. I made a rifle scabbard from a leftover piece of PVC plumbing pipe. That formed a neat and good-looking solution to carrying the rifle ready for use. It also doubles as a fishing rod holder.

Wearing a safety helmet is encouraged. I fitted a large sunshade to mine for better sun protection when out riding, obviating the need to carry a hat as well. My helmet is light and comfortable, if large, and I am undeterred by family members comparing it to the planet Saturn and its rings. Even though only riding slowly, dirt tracks can still tip a rider off for a fall. Among my friends and acquaintances there are a few folks who have been concussed or had shoulder and collarbone injuries from low-speed spills. That is bad enough if you are with a group, but more so if you are out alone.

After a few laps around the farm, to get a feel for my new electronic steed, I was ready to take to the bush. I have tried various options for power assist levels and, even though expecting it, was amazed at how easy it is to pedal an e-bike with a big Lithium-ion battery and a Bafang rear drive motor. You feel like you could travel forever – well, up to 75km before a recharge anyway. I am completely happy with my e-bike. It has greatly extended my achievable distance when out in the bush and does so with a great stealth factor.   

There are also cheaper models of the El Doblez, with less powerful batteries, available along with a variety of other Vamos e-bikes and e-trikes at vamosbikes.com.au

Vamos El Doblez includes the following for $2595

• 350W Bafang rear-drive motor
• Shimano 7-speed gearing
• 16 x 3.5″ fat tyres
• Front fork suspension
• Samsung 19Ah battery (up to 75km range)
• Charger for battery
• Front and rear Tektro mechanical disc brakes
• Integrated front light, battery powered rear light
• Fold-down side-stand
• Comfortable JUSTEK saddle
• Suspension seat post for quick and easy seat height adjustment
• Leather grips
• Half-grip throttle
• LCD display screen
• Weatherproof electrics
• Rear luggage rack

Freight: $150
TOTAL ALL-UP COST: $2745