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Bakcou Storm Review

Richard Shrubb
By
Richard Shrubb,
Contributing Author
Kristy Snyder
By
Kristy Snyder,
Professional Editor
Images from manufacturer's website

82 mi

RANGE

35 mph

TOP SPEED

8 hrs

CHARGE TIME

82 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

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Bakcou Storm Review: Takeaway

A big, dual-suspension all-terrain e-bike with all the grunt you’re going to get on a street-legal machine, the Bakcou Storm is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to overlanding. Offering up to 160 Nm of torque and plenty of comfort even when high tailing it on rough ground, this is a beast to have serious off-road fun on.

Ideal for...

Hunting
Camping
Fishing in hard-to-reach spots
Family Rides

E-Bike Overview

A dual-suspension all-terrain e-bike with one of the world’s most powerful street-legal mid-drive motors? The Bakcou Storm is a mad, grunting hog of an electric bike on which you should fear no terrain at all.

The Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor is rated at 1,000W but can be quickly toggled to 750W for street-legal use. On the road, this “smart motor” will do a street-legal 20 mph — but off, can do 35+ mph. At full power, it can throw out as much as 160 Newton meters of torque and carry up to 300 lbs of payload almost anywhere.

There are four battery options, ranging from an 840 Wh battery for just under $6,200 to just under $6,600 for the 1,200 Wh version. If you’re planning longer trips into the backwoods, prepare to spend the higher sum, as it’ll maximize your range outbound. You can also carry a bigger load.

Being dual suspension, the Bakcou Storm has a 120 mm travel RST Renegade air fork and a high-end Rockshox Monarch rear shock. This will ensure optimum comfort on rough terrain and allow you to go full blast even on the least friendly of tracks.

Reasons to Buy

For the price, there are few dual-suspension all-terrain e-bikes that’ll compete with this beast. For those who want to go far from the beaten track and enjoy the silence of nature, the Bakcou Storm will be a very good investment in your free time.

This e-bike has one of the biggest battery options on the market, meaning it’ll be hard to find a bike that goes as hard or as long. It also comes in two frame sizes (17″ and 19″) so you can find your perfect fit.

Things to Consider

Though an all-terrain electric bike, the Storm will be heavy and lumbering for downhill and trail thrashing. It’s definitely more for slower-paced overlanding than blasting downhill thanks to the 82 lb weight. However, there’s plenty of fun to be had with it if used in the right way.

The motor delivers all of its power via the chain. This means that even on throttle only, the chain will get a beating from regular use of the e-bike. Be prepared to switch it out every 500 miles to avoid breakage.

Specs & Components

Brand
Backou
Motor
Bafang Ulta, 1,000W mid drive
Battery Options
48V, 17.5Ah, 19.2 Ah, 21 Ah, and 25 Ah
Display
Bafang full-color LCD
Power Delivery
Throttle/pedal assist
Fork
RST Renegade air suspension, 120 mm travel
Rear Shock
Rockshox Monarch
Tires
26" x 4" Maxxis Minion
Accessories
Rear rack, rear fender, 4A fast charger

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power
5/5
5

The Bafang Ultra mid-drive is the most powerful street-legal mid-drive motor on the market today. Offering up to 160 Nm of torque, it’ll get you up to 35 mph on unlimited mode. This can be toggled to a 750W street-legal mode for 20 mph riding.

Range
5/5
5

Offered in four setups with the choice of 17.5 Ah (840 Wh), 19.2 Ah (921.6 Wh), 21 Ah (1,008 Wh), and 25 Ah (1,200 Wh), this e-bike has a lot of range even on the smallest battery.

If you’re buying the bike for street use and occasional off-roading, then the 17.5 Ah version might be all you need. However, if you’re planning to use it deep in the hills regularly, we would recommend the most expensive, 25 Ah version to maximize your fun out there.

Terrain, substrate, rider and payload weight, and weather conditions can all impact how far you can reach on an e-bike. A larger rider on muddy hills won’t get as far as a lighter rider on flat roads.

Comfort
4.5/5
4.5

Thanks to the dual-suspension system, the Storm will be far more comfortable on rough terrain than a hardtail all-terrain electric bike. It may mean you can go faster on rougher stretches, too. Comfort is backed up with the 4-inch Maxxis Minion fat tires that are ideal for off-road use.

Durability
3.5/5
3.5

The biggest issue with the durability of this e-bike is the chain. All of the motor’s considerable power is put through it whether on throttle or pedal assist. Check it for chain stretch regularly, and be prepared to switch it out every 500 miles or so. Much of the rest of the e-bike is tough, but given the drive system is the weak point, keep it well maintained.

Bakcou offers lifetime customer support and has a great reputation for helpfulness. However, it only offers a one-year limited warranty on its electric bikes.

Style
4.5/5
4.5

With dual suspension and very tough looks, the Bakcou Storm looks like it will inspire confidence in the rider heading into the boonies. Could the half-exposed battery be a weakness? With the fashion for fully enclosed battery compartments, we feel this is a slight flaw in its overall appearance.

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

Richard Shrubb
Written by Richard Shrubb
Contributing Author
Richard is a well-established journalist and copywriter with years of experience in the EV and e-bike world. He has worked with international sailing magazines, e-bike publications, and national newspapers.
Kristy Snyder
Edited by Kristy Snyder
Professional Editor
Kristy Snyder is a professional writer and editor living in Pittsburgh with over 10 years of content creation experience. When she's not contributing to eBikes.org, Kristy enjoys reading, practicing yoga, drinking beer, and hitting up rail trails.

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