The Future of Backcountry Mobility

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The backcountry is where gear gets tested, beaten up, and either earns its place or gets left behind. And yet, quietly and steadily, one of the biggest shifts in off-road mobility is happening under the radar: electric transport is finding a home in wild places.

For serious outdoorsmen and women, going electric used to mean compromise with a short range, weak torque, or tech that couldn’t hold up in real terrain. But a few brands are proving that narrative wrong. And one of them, Bakcou, has spent the last few years building e-bikes and now e-motos that can tackle tough terrain and haul big game, while staying silent and eco-conscious.

From fat-tire e-bikes to their newest innovation—the Puma X22 SD, their first electric motorcycle built specifically for hunters—Bakcou has become a name you can trust when the road disappears and the hunt begins.

Built for the Backcountry, Not the Bike Path

Bakcou was launched by a group of Utah-based hunters and outdoorsmen who were tired of loud, gas-powered gear and unreliable e-bikes that couldn’t handle steep trails or real-world loads.

Their goal was simple: to build electric mobility solutions that could go deep, haul heavy, and stay quiet. That meant batteries that didn’t quit after a few hours and designing for actual hunters and landowners, not just weekend trail riders.

Everything about Bakcou’s lineup speaks to that origin story. Their bikes look less like electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) and more like backcountry beasts. Equipped with reinforced frames, high-clearance builds, oversized tires, and customizable racks for gear, bows, rifles, and more.

The Workhorses: Bakcou’s Top Bikes

Before they ever touched electric motorcycles, Bakcou made a name with two standout bikes: The Mule and The Scout.

The Mule

Backou’s load-hauling beast is favored by outfitters and solo hunters alike. Driven by the powerful Bafang Ultra Motor – the “diesel engine” of e-bike motors, the Mule is engineered to help riders carve up tough terrain so they can reach their destination faster. Because this motor is also torque-sensing, it also helps deliver a smoother riding experience over technical terrain. With a max payload of over 300 pounds and options for trailer attachment, the Mule is made for hauling everything you need to and from the field.

The Scout

Arguably the most versatile backcountry e-bike you’ll find. The Scout is a real sport-riding crossover e-bike, designed with a unique geometry and top-of-the-line suspension that delivers a powerful and smooth riding experience on any terrain. The full suspension system can be tailored to both the terrain you’re riding and the weight of the rider. Combine that with the same powerful Bafang Ultra Motor, and you have an e-bike that can easily climb to the top of the mountain and then allow you to rip down the other side with incredible control. Because The Scout also has an 11-speed gear ratio and the ability to toggle the e-bike’s power output, it also gives you the flexibility to ride almost anywhere while staying in compliance with e-bike laws.

Enter the Puma X22 SD: The E-Moto That Changes the Game

The Puma X22 SD marks a major evolution for Bakcou and a bold expansion into true electric motorcycle territory. While e-bikes have become super popular among hunters, the e-moto category fills an important gap that has long existed in backcountry mobility. It’s more capable than an e-bike when it comes to load and terrain, but far lighter and quieter than a traditional ATV. For the right kind of rider, the Puma X22 SD could become their new secret weapon.

At the heart of the Puma is a powerful rear hub motor designed to deliver serious torque. That means it doesn’t hesitate on climbs or fold under pressure when conditions get loose or steep, and all in silence. No revving. No idle hum. Just clean electric power that lets you move in without alerting the entire valley. For anyone trying to get within range without spooking their game, that’s a real advantage.

The suspension is equally thought out. It’s tough enough for rugged terrain but forgiving enough to keep you stable when you’re crossing dry creek beds or rolling over trail debris. Its extended range, up to 100 miles on a charge, opens the door for long scouting days or multi-leg trips where recharging isn’t an option. And when it comes to carrying capacity, the Puma delivers: the frame is built for hauling heavy, and like Bakcou’s bikes, it plays well with trailers and racks.

Why Hunters (and Landowners) Trust Bakcou

The Puma X22 SD and its e-bike predecessors are tools trusted by real field users: Hunters who need to cover miles before dawn. Ranchers checking fence lines or moving feed. Wildlife photographers trying to get in range without alerting their subject.

There’s the silence, yes—but also the reliability. Electric motors mean fewer moving parts, less maintenance, and better performance. Bakcou’s heavy-duty gearing is built for punishment, not showroom shine. Their gear gets muddy, scraped, loaded, and leaned on.

And with accessories ranging from panniers to trailers to weapon mounts, it’s easy to outfit your rig for whatever the day demands.

When to Choose e-Bike vs. e-Moto

Not sure whether an e-bike like the Mule or a full-on e-moto like the Puma is right for your setup? It comes down to how you move through your terrain and what you need to carry.

E-bikes are ideal for riders who want pedal-assist, lighter weight, and access to non-motorized trails. They’re great for quiet scouting missions or setups where portability matters, and they’re often easier to transport and store. If you like the option to pedal, or you’re in areas with trail restrictions, the Mule or Scout gives you stealth and range without crossing legal lines.

The Puma, on the other hand, is built for conquering tough trails with speed, precision, and silence. It delivers instant torque and pin-point control, along with real range, making it the better choice for deep access and stalking prey over great distances. If you’re consistently covering long distances across rough terrain, the Puma gives you the edge.

Ultimately, both offer quiet mobility. The right choice depends on your land, your load, and how far you’re planning to go.

The Future of Backcountry E-Mobility

Electric gear isn’t going anywhere. And with rising interest in quiet access and energy independence, the outdoors is the next frontier for smart electric machines.

Bakcou is already one of the few brands speaking directly to that future. Whether it’s their fat-tire e-bikes or their category-breaking e-moto, their gear gives outdoorsmen new ways to move with more control.

In a world where more doesn’t always mean better, Bakcou’s approach stands out: give people gear they can trust in the wild. From the Mule and Scout to the new Puma, they’ve built a line of machines that speak the language of the field—silent, strong, and made for the kind of terrain that tests your resolve.