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Electric bikes are all the rage these days, and the number of bikes with fat tires claiming to be able to take riders wherever they want to go, on or off road, has only increased. Although these relatively new entries to the market have made it easier to do everything from commuting in the city to trail-riding, one thing they haven’t made easier is choosing the right one. Thankfully, whether you’re in the market for an extra-stable ride or for something that you can ride on snow or sand, there’s an electric fat tire bike for you. We’ve researched and tested the best fat tire electric bikes on the market to help you find the right bike for your needs.
Rad Power Bikes has become a household name in the electric bike market for a reason: they consistently pump out new and improved models that increase rideability and versatility. (The brand has also made our lists for the best electric bikes and best electric commuter bikes.) The Rad Rover 6 Plus reigns supreme when it comes to the latter, with comfort and convenience just as much a part of its DNA as functionality and performance. You can rely on the Rover 6 Plus’ capability to extend your biking season well into the winter if you’d like, and even if you bundle up to the point where you can’t pedal, you can always use the throttle and relax while the tires plow through layers of wet snow. Perhaps the best part is that you can use the same bike, without making any changes, to go get groceries at the local shop when it’s bright and sunny out as well. And, unlike most other electric fat bikes, which are bulky and utilitarian looking, the Rad Rover 6 Plus has a sleek, retro-inspired design.
Ready to go straight out of the box, the Rad Rover 6 Plus can get you where you need to go all year-round.
The Lectric XP 3.0 strikes a great balance between affordability and performance, by focusing on reliability and durability where it matters most, instead of on superfluous designs or luxurious accommodations. However, because Lectric has had the benefit of learning from earlier iterations of this model, the XP 3.0 has higher quality brakes and an extra 10 mm of front fork travel than the previous version. I’ve previously tested the Lectric XP Lite, the lighter, smaller cousin of the XP 3.0, and it felt like I was riding a much more expensive electric bike than I was—and countless customers attest to this exact feeling in their reviews of the XP 3.0.
Easy to transport and easy to use, this electric bike delivers a premium experience at an affordable price.
Although you can take advantage of Quietkat’s patented variable output technology, which allows you to toggle between pedal assist and throttle power, you’re likely never going to want to leave pedal assist with the Quietkat Jeep. This is due to the fact that the Quietkat Jeep is a purpose built, all-terrain electric fat bike, designed for outdoor athletes and adventurers alike. The combination of the 1,000 mid-drive motor, 300-pound load capacity and nearly five-inch wide tires means you won’t have to worry about struggling to pedal through wet or soft conditions on your next off-road ride, even if you have something in tow. The designers at Quietkat also made sure that their customers get a great bang for their buck, as the bike’s frame can accommodate thinner tires for road or smooth surface riding.
A powerful motor, high load capacity, and wide tires allow you to confidently tackle off-road terrain.
Although 80 miles per charge may not seem like all that much in comparison to the ultra-long range electric road bikes on the market today, the Blix Ultra is the best performing electric fat tire bike in this category. The dual battery system gives you the extra range you need to really push your electric bike to the limits. Even when you're riding up and down hills on trails all day, you won’t have to deal with so-called range anxiety with the Blix Ultra. Another cool feature is its well-positioned accessory mounting points, which allow each rider to tailor their bike to their specific needs, whether it be commuting, joyriding, or something in between.
A dual battery system gives you a range of up to 80 miles, while customizable accessory mounting points let you tailor your ride to your needs.
I personally tested the Rad Runner 3 Plus, with the attached cargo trailer, on the rough dirt roads and grassy fields of Vermont. I was thoroughly impressed with how well it fared on varying terrain, with and without the accompanying trailer in tow. Even when I had it loaded up with tools for yard work, the Rad Runner went right through relatively tall grass without slipping, or catching all manner of debris in the derailer and brakes.
In addition to the smooth ride and ease of use, the Rad Runner 3 Plus is packed with small details and add-ons that lends it a sense of luxuriousness. The handlebars are wrapped in a leather-like material and feature contrasting, exposed stitching. Plus, it includes a host of safety accessories in the box, such as extra wheel reflectors and an ultra-bright headlight. To top it all off, the assembly instructions are clear, concise and easy to follow, which means you can safely put the bike together yourself.
If you’re looking for a fat tire bike to use around the house for yard work, or other basic hauling tasks, look no further than the Rad Runner 3 Plus.
The RadExpand 5 can comfortably accommodate riders between the heights of 4’10” and 5’10”, which makes this a great electric fat tire bike for smaller riders. The team at Rad was able to pack more than enough power into a small package, too, thanks to the company's in-house, 750 watt rear hub motor. What really separates it from the crowd of folding electric bikes is the fact that it can be comfortably ridden in the city and on the trails, and crucially, it can be easily transported between those two environments.
While the RadExpand 5 is still too bulky to feasibly carry around with you, it’s one of the most capable folding bikes on the market.
The customization options on the Apex Sport reflect its position as an outdoor lover's best friend: Depending on what type of terrain you usually ride in, and how demanding it is, you can choose whether or not to equip your bike with the 1,000 watt motor or the 750 watt motor. The lack of rear suspension works together with the welded cargo rack to give the rider a load capacity of 325 pounds. The front suspension, on the other hand, has 100 mm of travel, so you won’t have to worry about any bumps in the road.
The Quietkat Apex Sport is a well-designed, mid-drive electric fat bike that’s oriented towards hunting, fishing, camping, and riding completely off-road.
Just because you live in a small apartment, it doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of all the off-road fun a fat tire e-bike offers. While there are many options for the best folding electric bikes out there, this is our pick for the best fat tire version, featuring an 800-watt mid-drive motor, a 100-mile range (thanks to its dual battery system), reliable brakes, and a backlit heads up LCD display. While it can’t compete with the best cargo e-bikes out there, it’ll hold a respectable 55 pounds on its rear rack, meaning that it offers a lot more than just convenient foldability.
Though it folds down compactly, the Lectric XPremium is packed with features and has an impressive range of 100 miles.
While spending over five grand on a basic commuter e-bike might not be the best deal, some high end e-bikes–particularly mountain e-bikes–tend to be worth the larger investment. Case in point, the Bakcou Storm, a powerful, full suspension bike that’s more than up to any off-roading you care to put it through. Some might be put off by its motor at first, as its 1,500 watt top range means the bike wouldn’t be legal to ride outside of private land in many states, but a handy toggle lets you switch the power down to 750 watts, so you can ride it pretty much wherever you like.
Though your local laws will determine whether or not you can take advantage of the 1,500 watt motor, you can toggle down to a respectable 750 watt motor power to enjoy a luxurious riding experience.
“When selecting a fat tire electric bike, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get the right bike for your needs,” says Joan Denizot, cycling expert at Zize Bikes. Here are the key considerations:
“Fat tire electric bikes can vary significantly in price, from budget-friendly options to high-end models,” says Denizot. “Determine your budget beforehand and try to find a bike that offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that higher-priced models often come with better components and features.”
Denizot points out that, “The weight of the bike can impact your riding experience, especially if you plan to transport or store it frequently. Lighter bikes are more maneuverable, easier to lift, and consume less energy during pedaling when the electric assist is off.”
Obviously you should choose a design that suits your personal tastes, but Denizot also suggests considering the more practical aspects, too, such as, “step-through frames for easy mounting, and frame size, to ensure a comfortable fit.”
“Selecting the right frame size is crucial for comfort and performance,” says Denizot. “Fat tire electric bikes come in various frame sizes, so make sure to test ride a few to find the one that feels most comfortable for your body type.”
It’s important to consider how you’ll use the bike, i.e., whether you’ll be commuting, going for rides in the countryside, etc. “Ensure that the fat tires and suspension, if available, are suitable for your intended terrain,” advises Denizot.
“Consider the width of the tires,” says Denizot. “Wider tires provide more stability and traction on uneven surfaces, while narrower ones are better for pavement. Tire quality is also important for durability and puncture resistance.”
You should also evaluate the power and capacity of the electric motor and battery. “A more powerful motor and larger battery can provide longer ranges and better performance, especially on challenging terrains,” says Denizot.
You need to be sure your bike will get you where you need to go. “Consider factors like your average riding distance and how hilly your routes are,” says Denizot. “Choose a bike with a battery capacity that can comfortably cover your desired distance.”
“Check how many levels of pedal assist the bike offers,” suggests Denizot. “Different levels allow you to adjust the amount of assistance provided by the motor, giving you control over your riding experience.”
Be sure to check the overall build quality of the bike, Denizot warns, “including components like brakes, gears, and suspension (if applicable). High-quality components will ensure a more reliable and enjoyable riding experience.”
Do your research and look into both the manufacturer and their customer reviews. This, Denizot points out, will give you a sense of the bike's reliability and customer satisfaction.
Finally, says Denizot, “Look for a bike that comes with a warranty, and inquire about the availability of customer support and service centers in your area.”
Fat tire bikes, electric or not, are a unique type of all-terrain bicycle that uses extra-wide, or “fat,” tires. Traditionally, fat bikes have tires that are at least 3.8 inches wide and, similar to mountain bikes, are usually low-pressure. These characteristics allow fat tire bikes to provide extra traction in normal conditions and to ride through soft surfaces, like sand or snow.
To accommodate the width of the wheels, slight changes have to be made to the frame and fork of the bike. Although the average rider may not notice these changes, the end result is that fat tire bikes, both in their electrified and standard form, are heavier. These accommodations, which make electric fat tire bikes relatively stiff, also make them easier to balance on and ride.
We cast a wide net during our research and testing process, to ensure that each of our final selections had a superb cost to functionality ratio, as well as including bikes for every budget. To get started, we got our hands on a number of electric bikes, ranging from cheap e-bikes and sturdy cargo bikes to electric road bikes and high-end e-bikes designed for commuting. We put these bikes through rigorous testing and rode them on a variety of terrains, from the pot-hole ridden streets of New York City to the dirt roads of Vermont. During our test, we paid particular attention to the following factors: How easy it was to assemble the bikes, how long it took to become familiar with the bike, how the bike fared in various riding environments, and the quality of the technological components, such as the battery range and charging time. In addition to our hands on-testing, we relied on expert third-party reports as well as countless verified customer reviews.
What really sets electric fat tire bikes apart from the rest of the e-bike market is that they thrive in terrain where other bikes struggle. Everything from sand and snow to mud and even rocks can be handled on a fat tire bike. Part and parcel to this capability is the added stability fat tire bikes are known for, which also makes them great for those that struggle with balance. Another great benefit of choosing a fat bike is that they usually have large, cushioned seats and tough suspension, both of which make these bikes more comfortable than traditional e-bikes.
Even if you aren’t interested in taking your electric bike off-road, you may want to consider a fat tire bike for hauling purposes. Electric fat tire bikes can support more weight on the frame, and pull more weight in the rear, than regular e-bikes. If you frequently make trips to the grocery store, or want something that splits the difference between a car trunk and bike bags, consider an e-bike that supports a trailer, such as the RadRunner 3 Plus from Rad Power Bikes.
Electric fat tire bikes usually weigh between 45-70 pounds. However, depending on the size and style of the frame, and the intended purpose of the bike, you may be able to find an electric fat tire bike that weighs less than 40 pounds.
The Rad Rover 6 Plus from Rad Power Bikes is the best all-rounder fat tire electric bike with a 750 watt motor.
Fat tire electric bikes can be used for commuting, but not as comfortably or efficiently as their road-going counterparts. The wide, low-pressure tires and heavy frame make riding on pavement harder, despite the fact that they make riding on nearly any other terrain easier. Also, fat tire electric bikes can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces and at slow speeds because of their weight, which makes them better suited for the great outdoors than the city.
Fat tire bikes can be harder to ride, but not necessarily. Whether or not a fat tire bike is going to be harder to ride than a regular bike depends on your riding preferences. That being said, because fat tire bikes are heavier, they’re often harder to maneuver at slow speeds. Another factor to keep in mind is that heavier bikes are slower to accelerate, and stop, which can take some getting used to for new riders.
Yes, fat tire electric bikes were designed for all-terrain and off-road riding. Some models, such as the Rad Rover 6 Plus, offer a hefty dose of versatility, while other models, such as the Rambo Venom, are designed for the roughest off-road conditions. Fat tire electric bikes thrive on soft surfaces, like snow and mud, and also have the forgiving suspension and frame structure to allow the rider to cruise over raised obstacles like small rocks and roots.
Depending on the classification of the bike, it may be speed limited to 20 mph or 28 mph when engaging the throttle or full assist. However, if you’re going downhill, you will be able to exceed these speeds. On the other hand, there are also a handful of electric fat tire bikes that can toggle between the classifications, or that are ‘unrestricted,’ and go far beyond the 28 mph standard upper limit: The Bakcou Mule, for example, can go upwards of 35 mph, while the Delfast Top 3.0 can reach 50 mph.
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