Bakcou Mule

86/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
9, 12.5 Hours
Maximum Range
40 Miles
Top Speed
28, 35 mph
Watts
750 W, 1000 W
Torque
160 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
48V 17.5Ah, 48V 25Ah
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
9, 14
Weight
77, 79.1, 70, 71 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Bakcou Mule. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

10 reasons to buy

  • Bakcou offers the Mule in four builds, including step-over and step-through frames, 24" or 26" wheels, and an internal hub gearing option.
  • Experts agree the Mule is highly capable.
  • The 1000W Bafang mid-drive motor provides "serious" hill-climbing power, according to testers.
  • Owners relish the power, even with the bike fully loaded at 300lb.
  • A reviewer says the thumb throttle is responsive and easy to use.
  • Testers say the knobbly Maxxis Minion 4" "kicked butt" on off-road terrain ranging from rocks to mud.
  • Experts appreciate the "smooth" and "powerful" Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes.
  • Reviewers enjoy the Mule's stable handling.
  • Bakcou offers multiple paint finishes at no extra charge, including two camo finishes.
  • The Mule ships unrestricted with 1000W continuous power and a 35mph max speed. Users can adjust this to 750W and 28mph to meet Class 3 restrictions.

5 reasons not to buy

  • Bakcou lists a 40-mile range from the stock 17.5Ah battery. A tester says this is very optimistic.
  • This is a heavy e-bike. Weights range from 70lb to 79.1lb, depending on the build.
  • A reviewer reports damaged cassette teeth after the first day or two and questions the suitability of the Shimano Alivio cassette for such a powerful mid-drive motor.
  • A tester says the Mule is hard to control when going downhill at speed.
  • This bike doesn't include a front fender or headlight.

Bottom line

The Mule is a fat tire all-terrain electric bike available in four builds. Buyers can choose between 24" or 26" wheels, eight paint finishes, and a step-over or step-through frame. The hunting-specific Mule Jäger has Rohloff 14-speed hub gearing. Experts praise the bike's mixed-terrain capability, powerful motor and brakes, and stable ride. However, this heavy bike can be hard to control at speed, and the stock 17.5Ah battery returns disappointing riding range. Despite its considerable price, both owners and testers agree that the Mule is well-equipped for rides into the backcountry.

Expert Reviews

84/100 based on 1 rated expert review
84
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Eat Elk Meat

Bakcou Mule Review 2023: An Elite E-Bike for Elk Hunting?

It’s fast, sporty, stable, and quietly gets you there faster and quieter than the competition. No question. Even though it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, we had problems with defective pannier bags and a broken gear cassette…

Visit full review
Electric Bike Report

Bakcou Mule Review 2023

It makes sense the Mule has been Bakcou’s best-selling e-bike over the past several years — it’s efficient, capable, and does exactly what it was designed to do.

Visit full review

User Ratings

93/100 based on 15 ratings
  • 5 star
    87%
  • 4 star
    7%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
    7%

Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#202 Best Electric
Bottom 40%
#22 Best Hunting
Bottom 40%
#385 Best of All Bikes
Bottom 50%

Bike Comparison

Bakcou Mule in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

Discuss which bike to choose in the forum