Bakcou Mule
Specifications
Brand
Bakcou
Model
Mule
Battery
Lithium-ion
Battery Capacity
48v(17.5, 19.2, 21, 25)ah
Range
50+ Miles
Charge time
8 hours
App
Yes✅
Display
Yes✅
Motor
Mid Drive
Motor Position
-------
Motor Power
750W-1000W
Top Speed
35mph
Brake System
Hydraulic Disc
Weight
30+ kg
Wheel Base
26"
Wheel Type
-------
Mudguard
Yes✅
Chain Guard
Yes✅
Drivetrain
9 Speed Shimano
Light
Yes✅
Warranty
2 years
Pros & Cons
✅Multiple option for battery
✅Powerful 750-1500W motor
✅50+ mile range
✅Multiple color for frame
❌ Heavy weight of 30kg
❌High price
Description
a bicycle with Aluminum alloy frame, a range of 50+ mile on single charge and a top speed of 35 mph, make it a good combination under $4,999. If you daily commute to your workplace or college, this bicycle may be good choice for you. This e-bicycles powerful motor make it easy to carry and enjoy a carefree ride.
Full Details:
Bakcou Mule Review
If you’ve ever daydreamed about venturing deep into the woods on a bike that feels more like a rugged off-road vehicle than your average commuter ride, the Bakcou Mule might be your dream machine. Designed with serious outdoor riders in mind—especially hunters, adventurers, and backcountry explorers—this isn’t your typical e-bike. It’s a powerful, purpose-built workhorse that’s crafted to take on terrain most people wouldn’t even attempt on two wheels.
Right from the first glance, the Bakcou Mule gives off an impression of strength and capability. It’s bulky in the best possible way—like a mountain goat mixed with a bulldozer, ready to take you places few bikes dare to go. But beneath the tough exterior lies an unexpectedly thoughtful blend of comfort, technology, and endurance. This is a machine that’s just as intelligent as it is powerful.
Who’s It For?
The Bakcou Mule isn’t for the casual city cyclist looking for a lightweight ride to grab groceries or glide along a beach path. This e-bike is built for those who crave adventure off the beaten path—literally. If you’re someone who wakes up before sunrise to hike into the woods, scout for wildlife, or blaze a trail that doesn’t even exist yet, this might be your ideal companion. It’s designed with hunters in mind, but its appeal extends to campers, photographers, trail builders, or really anyone who needs to haul gear and cover serious ground in rugged environments.
And while its off-road abilities are the headline feature, it also has a surprising everyday usability. If you live near trails or in rural areas, or even if you just want a durable machine for weekend exploration, the Mule brings more to the table than most e-bikes in its class.
First Impressions: Rugged Yet Refined
When I first got the chance to test the Mule, the immediate vibe was clear: this thing means business. It’s tall, solid, and carries a noticeable weight—but that heft instantly makes sense when you consider everything it’s packing. This isn’t just about making a bike go fast—it’s about building a tool that can handle heavy loads, technical climbs, and gnarly terrain without flinching.
Despite its tough persona, it’s surprisingly smooth once you’re in the saddle. The ride feels stable and composed, even on loose gravel or chunky trails. That’s thanks in part to its well-balanced frame and the placement of the motor right in the middle—a mid-drive setup, which delivers power more efficiently through the drivetrain and makes climbing much easier.
In simpler terms, a mid-drive motor works with the bike’s gears, kind of like a car engine using a transmission. This allows you to make better use of the power, especially on steep climbs, which is a huge plus when you’re deep in the backcountry or hauling gear.
Not Just Power—It’s Smart Too
One of the standout aspects of the Bakcou Mule is that it doesn’t rely on brute force alone. There’s a surprising amount of tech integrated into the bike. You’ve got a sleek onboard display that keeps you updated with key ride stats—like battery level, speed, assist level, and more—and it even pairs with an app. For riders who like to plan, track, and tweak their rides, this added connectivity is a real bonus.
But the tech isn’t flashy or unnecessary. It’s thoughtfully designed to enhance your experience, not distract from it. Whether you’re using GPS to track your position in the wild or simply checking how much juice you’ve got left after a long uphill grind, it’s all at your fingertips.
And when you’re covering a lot of miles—sometimes over unpredictable terrain—that kind of insight makes a difference. The Mule encourages smart riding: pick the right assist level, adjust your gearing, and conserve energy when needed. It’s not just about getting there fast—it’s about getting there efficiently, and safely.
Built to Endure
One thing that becomes clear pretty quickly is that the Mule is built to last. Everything feels overbuilt in the best possible way. The frame is sturdy and well-balanced, the wheels grip even the loosest surfaces, and the braking system is ultra-responsive—even when you’re going downhill with a pack strapped to your back or a trailer in tow.
Let’s talk about the brakes for a second. The Mule uses hydraulic disc brakes, which are basically the gold standard in modern bikes, especially for off-road use. Unlike mechanical brakes, which are cable-operated, hydraulic systems use fluid pressure for better stopping power and smoother control. What that means in the real world: you can be flying down a rocky trail and still stop on a dime without skidding out or losing balance.
When you’re carrying gear—or maybe a full day’s hunt—that control and confidence matter more than you might think.
Real-World Scenarios: From Trail to Trophy
This bike shines in the kind of situations most e-bikes simply aren’t designed for. Imagine pedaling out at dawn with a heavy backpack and rifle, climbing quietly through brush and rocky paths. The motor assist helps you stay fresh and silent—especially important for hunters or wildlife photographers. Then, once you’re deep in the woods, you can park the Mule and hike the rest of the way in stealth mode.
On the way back? That motor does the heavy lifting. Whether you’ve got meat to haul or just a tired body after a long day, it feels like a reward for your effort. And even when the terrain turns unpredictable—mud, rocks, ruts—you’re never fighting against the bike. It feels like it’s working with you.
Even if you’re not hunting, this setup is a dream for anyone hauling equipment to remote campsites, accessing remote cabins, or checking trail cameras over large areas.
A Note on the Weight and Price
Now, we’d be doing a disservice not to mention two things: the Mule is heavy, and it doesn’t come cheap. But these aren’t deal-breakers—they’re trade-offs.
The weight, while noticeable, is part of the package. You can’t expect a featherweight build when you’re getting this much motor power, rugged hardware, and long-range batteries. It’s like comparing a pickup truck to a sports car—they’re not trying to be the same thing. For riders who plan to use this for its intended purpose, the weight becomes manageable once you’re rolling.
As for the price, it reflects the quality and engineering that goes into a bike like this. Yes, it’s an investment. But if you regularly spend time in nature, need a quiet transport method for rugged environments, or are tired of the limits of traditional ATVs or hiking alone, the Mule starts to make a lot of sense financially—and practically. The Bakcou Mule doesn’t pretend to be an all-rounder for everyone. It’s unapologetically built for a specific purpose—and it does that job exceptionally well. Whether you’re heading deep into the woods or simply need a high-performance, load-capable electric bike that can take a beating, this machine delivers. It feels less like a bike and more like a tool—one you’ll depend on and grow to trust.
Mid-Drive Motor vs. Hub Motor – Why It Matters on the Trail
Let’s start with the motor. The Mule uses a mid-drive motor, which is basically the powertrain sweet spot for climbing, load-carrying, and technical terrain. Unlike a hub motor (which powers the wheel directly), a mid-drive system sends power through the bike’s crank and chain system—just like how a rider would pedal.
This has two big advantages: first, it feels more natural. Instead of pushing you forward from the wheel, the assist works with your pedaling. Second, it allows the motor to take advantage of the bike’s gears. That means more torque when climbing and better efficiency at different speeds. In real-world terms? On a steep trail with loose gravel or mud, the Mule doesn’t hesitate—it digs in, adjusts automatically, and keeps pushing without bogging down.
And because the motor is centered in the frame, it also improves the bike’s balance. When riding technical singletrack or navigating between tight trees, you feel in control. This matters more when you’re carrying a full load—whether it’s hunting equipment or just a heavy backpack—because any extra imbalance gets magnified when you’re deep in rough terrain.
Range and Battery: Going the Distance
Now, about that range. The Mule is built to go far—like really far. In testing, I found that careful use of pedal assist and smart gear shifting can stretch your ride comfortably beyond the 50-mile mark. It’s not just about battery size (though it’s generous)—it’s about how you ride.
Here’s a simple guide to maximizing your ride time:
How to Get the Most Out of Your E-Bike Range:
Start in Eco Mode: Use the lowest assist level for flat or downhill terrain. Save the high power settings for climbs or hauling loads.
Use Your Gears Wisely: Shift just like you would on a regular bike. Lower gears for uphill, higher for flats. Let the drivetrain—not just the motor—do some of the work.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated: Under-inflated tires create more drag, which drains the battery faster.
Don’t “Throttle Out” Every Time: The pedal assist is your friend. You don’t always need to blast off like a rocket.
Charge Smart: Top off your battery before long rides, and try to avoid deep depleting too often—it helps battery longevity.
There’s also the fact that the Mule gives you battery options. Riders can choose the capacity that fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re covering moderate distances or planning a multi-day wilderness trip, having that flexibility is a huge plus.
Trail Performance: Climbing, Descending, and Hauling
What really stood out to me was the Mule’s ability to climb. There’s a certain confidence you get when the trail kicks upward and you know the bike won’t give up before you do. With the motor’s torque working through the gears, the Mule handles rocky inclines better than many fat-tire e-bikes I’ve tested.
Descending feels equally composed. The hydraulic disc brakes kick in with precision and power, allowing you to modulate speed instead of grabbing and locking up—huge for safety on technical descents. Whether you’re going down a wet forest path or loose dirt trail, you can feather the brakes and stay in control, even with a trailer in tow.
Hauling is another area where the Mule excels. Whether it’s panniers loaded with gear or a trailer with supplies, the bike doesn’t flinch. That mid-drive setup, again, makes the difference—especially when starting from a stop with weight on board.
Step-by-Step: Using the App and Display System
Today’s high-end e-bikes are about more than just gears and motors—they’re about smart riding, and the Mule fits right into this tech-forward trend. Here’s a quick walk-through of how to make the most of the onboard display and app integration.
How to Use the Mule’s Smart Features in 4 Simple Steps:
Power Up & Pair
When you start the bike, the display lights up with battery level, speed, and assist level. Use Bluetooth to connect the bike to the Bakcou app on your phone for added features like GPS mapping and ride tracking.
Customize Your Assist Levels
The display allows you to switch between assist modes depending on the terrain. I often use low assist for flats, medium for rolling hills, and only switch to high when I’m climbing with gear.
Track Ride Data
The app logs your rides, distance, and power usage over time. Great for riders who want to analyze performance or plan multi-day trips.
Adjust Settings on the Fly
You can even tweak motor sensitivity, screen brightness, and other display settings without needing tools—perfect for those quick adjustments mid-ride.
This tech-forward design isn’t just for show—it genuinely enhances the ride, especially when you’re out in the wild and want everything dialed in just right.
Where the Mule Stands Out
The Bakcou Mule doesn’t just meet today’s trends—it rides ahead of them. Here’s how it fits into some of the biggest shifts in the e-bike world:
Battery Customization – More riders are demanding flexible power setups, and the Mule delivers with multiple options. That’s not just future-proofing—it’s empowerment.
Tech Integration – App-connected bikes are becoming standard in the premium segment. Riders want more control and insight into their rides, and the Mule’s clean, easy-to-use display system aligns with this evolution.
Quiet Power – As outdoor recreation shifts toward lower environmental impact, quiet electric drivetrains are increasingly replacing noisy gas-powered options. The Mule’s near-silent operation is a big win for hunters and nature lovers.
Hybrid Load-Utility Bikes – The demand for crossover bikes that can carry gear but still handle trails is growing fast. The Mule isn’t a cargo bike, but it blurs that line in a really effective way.
Dealing with Drawbacks: The Weight & Cost Conversation
No product is perfect, and the Mule’s two main downsides are fairly clear: it’s heavy and it’s expensive. But both of these have context that matters.
The weight, while more than a standard commuter e-bike, makes sense given the frame strength, motor size, and battery capacity. When you’re dealing with backcountry rides and off-road abuse, durability matters more than saving a few pounds. If lifting the bike onto a rack or trailer is a concern, it might take some adjustment—but once it’s on the trail, the weight isn’t something you feel in a negative way.
As for the price, it’s no small investment. But this is a tool, not a toy. If you’re someone who values reliable gear that holds up through tough use and long days outdoors, the cost becomes justifiable. You’re paying for peace of mind as much as performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Bakcou Mule worth the investment for someone who’s not a hunter or off-road explorer?
Absolutely—but with a caveat. While the Mule was clearly designed with backcountry hunters, campers, and off-grid adventurers in mind, it also makes a stellar option for rural commuters or anyone living in hilly areas where power and range are key. That said, if you’re sticking to paved urban paths and rarely ride off-road, you might not need all the muscle the Mule brings. For rugged, off-path lifestyles though, it’s a home run.
2. How does the Mule handle heavy loads or trailers?
This is one of its strongest points. The frame is reinforced, and thanks to the mid-drive motor and smart drivetrain setup, it handles weight impressively well. Whether you’re towing gear, carrying game, or simply packing for a long camping trip, the Mule stays stable and responsive, especially when climbing. You do feel the weight more when starting from a stop, but once you’re rolling, it’s smooth sailing.
3. Is the bike too heavy for casual riders?
It’s definitely heavier than your average cruiser or commuter bike. If you often need to lift it into a truck bed, hang it on a rack, or carry it up stairs, that might be a real consideration. However, once you’re riding, the motor and balance take over, so the actual ride doesn’t feel sluggish or awkward. If lifting is a challenge, using a ramp or loading assist device is a smart workaround.
4. Can I ride the Bakcou Mule without using the motor?
Technically, yes—but it’s not ideal for long distances without assistance, especially with that weight. If you turn off the motor or the battery dies mid-ride, you’ll need to rely on leg power alone, and you’ll definitely feel the resistance. Fortunately, with proper battery management and planning, running out of juice isn’t something that happens often.
5. How does it perform in snow, mud, or rocky terrain?
Surprisingly well. The power delivery is smooth, and the bike’s geometry keeps you centered, which helps in uneven terrain. Combined with grippy tires and responsive brakes, it gives you a confident feel even on surfaces that other bikes might shy away from. Just make sure to clean and maintain it well after muddy or wet rides—like any serious equipment, it’ll treat you as well as you treat it.
6. Is there a learning curve for using the display and app?
Not really. The interface is intuitive, and most riders will have the basics figured out in minutes. The app is user-friendly too—it syncs quickly and provides useful ride data, which can help you make smarter decisions about assist levels and battery usage on future rides.
7. What kind of rider would benefit most from the Bakcou Mule?
If you’re someone who ventures beyond paved roads, values independence, and needs reliability in remote areas, the Mule is made for you. Whether that means scouting land, traveling off-grid, hunting, or just needing a trustworthy vehicle for unpredictable terrain—it’s a solid companion. It’s also a good fit for riders who value customization (thanks to battery and accessory options), and those who don’t want to compromise on power.
Strength Meets Smart Design
What makes the Bakcou Mule stand out isn’t just raw power—it’s the careful combination of thoughtful design choices, modern technology, and true all-terrain functionality. You can tell this bike was built for people who actually use their gear hard. From its customizable battery options to the mid-drive motor that adjusts to terrain and effort, it’s engineered to make demanding rides feel smoother and more efficient.
And while it is a big, heavy machine, it doesn’t ride like a tank. It’s surprisingly agile on the trail and responsive when you need it to be, especially when climbing or navigating narrow paths. The tech additions, like the onboard display and app support, feel like genuine enhancements, not just flashy extras.
Addressing the Downsides Honestly
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the weight and price.
Yes, the bike is on the heavier side. But that weight comes from its durability, motor system, battery power, and trail-ready components. It’s not a flaw—it’s a tradeoff. If you’re willing to accept that, and you don’t mind using some extra muscle when loading or storing the bike, it becomes less of a problem in day-to-day use.
As for the price, it’s definitely an investment. But for those who need a reliable, all-season vehicle that replaces ATVs or even small cars in certain use cases, it’s a smart long-term choice. The maintenance is lower than a gas vehicle, and there’s no fuel cost. Plus, with the option to upgrade components or expand features, it’s built to grow with your needs.