In recent years, electric fat tire bikes have surged in popularity, prompting manufacturers to continuously improve their offerings. With so many options and features available, selecting the right bike designed to your height and specific needs can be overwhelming. To help you make a wise and budget-friendly decision, this article outlines the key criteria for choosing the perfect fat tire electric bike.
What is an Electric Fat Bike?
An electric fat bike is equipped with wide, oversized tires, commonly referred to as “fat tires.” These bikes are specifically designed to handle difficult terrains like snow, sand, mud, and rough trails. The fat tires offer enhanced traction, stability, and flotation, making it easier to ride in conditions where standard bicycles may falter.
The “electric” aspect refers to the integrated motor and battery. The motor assists with pedaling, making it easier to climb hills, navigate tough terrain, or cover longer distances with less effort. The battery, generally rechargeable, powers the motor.
Advantages of the Electric Fat Bike
As previously mentioned, fat tire electric bikes offer the advantage of off-road capability while being easy to use. Similar to mountain bikes, they allow you to traverse forests, beaches, and even city streets! With a frame designed to fit wider tires and larger rims, these bikes are accessible to all and can handle challenging terrains like sand, snow, and mud effortlessly.
Thanks to better shock absorption offered by the rims with holes, you can practice cross-country biking! Fat tire bikes also suit you if you are looking for a simple electric mountain bike. However, I made a comparison of affordable mountain bikes. They are reliable, easy to maintain, and have excellent value for the money.
Folding electric fat bikes offer numerous advantages:
- Eco-friendly and economical, while also helping you maintain your physical health.
- They allow easy riding on sandy, snowy, or muddy terrain.
- Practical for both long and short trips, and incredibly easy to use.
- Their foldable design makes them easy to store without taking up much space
- They are convenient to transport by car.
Now that you’re familiar with what an electric fat bike is and its many advantages, I’ve outlined the key aspects below to help guide your decision when selecting the right model.
How to Choose Your Fat Tire Electric Bike?
More than a traditional mountain bike, a fat bike places greater emphasis on the overall quality of the frame, fork, geometry, and especially its wheels. Here is all the information for you to make up your mind and assess which model best suits your needs and desires.
For which activities
When encountering a Fat Tire Electric Bike, especially for the first time, the initial impression often revolves around its suitability for extreme environments. This perception is not entirely inaccurate; in fact, it reflects the primary purpose of a fat bike’s design—to tackle a wide range of surfaces, including snow and sand. However, labeling it solely as a “bulldozer” would be an oversimplification, as fat bikes offer much more versatility and adaptability than that.
More and more city dwellers are choosing bicycles for their daily commutes, whether for ecological reasons, budget considerations, or simply for enjoyment. The Fat Bike is no exception to this trend; its striking design is sure to attract attention, but it also offers practical advantages.
First of all, its versatile design and qualities make it practical for urban settings. Sidewalks, potholes, and speed bumps will no longer be a concern—in fact, they’ll make your ride more enjoyable. The Fat Bike is good in snowy conditions, offering a better grip on asphalt. If you live in snowy regions, you’ll appreciate how comfortable it is on snow. This model has earned the nickname “4-season bike” for a reason, meaning you won’t need to store it in the garage during winter. Instead, it’s an opportunity to explore different terrains.
Type of bike frame
There is a common misconception that fat bikes are exclusively all-terrain bikes with a mountain bike frame. It’s important to note that there are city bikes with a more classic appearance in the fat tire category. Additionally, some bikes feature a collapsible frame, making them ideal for vacations, easily fitting into car trunks or built-in truck compartments.
When considering materials, the options include aluminum, steel, and titanium. The price typically increases with the quality of the material. Aluminum stands out for its advantageous combination of lightness and robustness. For the front fork, opting for larger sliders is essential. It should be rigid, although certain models may feature suspension for added versatility.
Wheel and tire dimensions
On a fat tire bike, wheel width should exceed 44 mm. The tires must have a width greater than or equal to 3.5 inches. Some reach a width of almost 5 inches, but most bikes have 4 inches. Concerning the tires, do not hesitate to underinflate them slightly for use on snow. Large tires increase the contact surface between the ground and the bike. Thanks to this, it can take you on unstable grounds. However, for a perfect adaptation to all types of terrain, you need to adjust the pressure of your tires according to them.
The engine of the bike
On electric fat tire bikes, the motor can be placed in the rear wheel or the pedals. More rarely, it is placed in the hub of the front wheel. However, this design is not advantageous because it can generate adhesion problems.
In terms of power, you should require a minimum of 250 W. The higher the power, the better the device! The most powerful fat bikes can reach 1000 W! In addition, you should know that the power of this electric mountain bike must be delivered gradually.
Therefore, power peaks could lead to skids. For this reason, the motor should only be used when the bike is in motion. You don’t need to pedal; the bike unleashes its power directly. This button can be dangerous if you are not careful, unfortunately, press it and you will drop the bike.
The battery
A good battery strikes a balance between weight and performance. The heavier your fat bike, the more powerful the battery. For flawless stability, it’s best to choose models that mount the battery on the down frame tube. Lithium batteries are often used, providing a good combination of autonomy and lightweight design.
You’ll find bikes with either 36V or 48V batteries. A 48V system typically offers 500 or 1000W of power, which enhances torque. Note that a 1000W bike is restricted in terms of its power.
Charging Time
Charging times vary by brand of battery and depend on battery power. The first 80% recharge is much faster than the last 20%. For example, a Shimano 418Wh battery, reaches 80% charge in 2h, while the last 20% will also take 2h. The electrons need to be balanced, which is why the charging time can be longer at the end of the process. Here is a comparison chart of the recharging times for the most common electric bicycle batteries when using a standard charger.
The weight
This is an important factor to consider before purchasing your fat tire bike. Most models weigh between 25 and 30 kg and come with a powerful motor, which won’t pose any difficulties. An aluminum frame can result in a lighter bike, allowing for a less powerful motor since the weight is directly linked to the frame material. Keep in mind that lighter bikes usually come with a higher price tag.
Suspensions or not
Not all electric fat bikes come with suspension, especially urban models where it is not necessary. It’s worth noting that ride comfort remains unaffected without suspension as long as the bike is used on neutral ground. However, for more challenging terrains like mountain bike trails, having front suspension—and possibly rear suspension—is essential. Keep in mind that these additional features can increase the overall price.
Type of brakes
Manufacturers often provide two types of brakes to keep costs down: classic cable disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. If you plan to tackle mountain trails and enjoy fast descents, opt for hydraulic disc. However, if your rides don’t involve significant downhill speeds, classic disc brakes should suffice.
Fat bike speed
This type of electric bike, like other mountain bikes, has a Shimano derailleur which relieves the electric motor and your efforts when riding. If you choose a bike from a well-known brand that can reach speeds of over 40 km / h.
You can manually pedal the electric fat tire bike even if the battery is depleted, as it operates in both conventional and electric assistance modes. It is therefore important to wear protection during use. Put on a helmet or gloves. If you plan to use it without this accessory, use it with minimal assistance to avoid serious accidents.
Sound level
The electric motor makes no noise, so you can surprise passers-by and risk a collision. Be careful and adjust your speed so as not to risk hitting people or children.
The budget
To cut short another debate: 90% of the bikes on the market are made in China. You won’t have a choice if your chauvinism prompts you to buy a local bike, either part of your bike will be from China. The rest can come mainly from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, England, Italy, and the USA.
In short, provenance is not an indicator of quality, and stigmatizing Chinese production in the Cycles market is more a matter of ordinary racism than a material reality. It is therefore the manufacturer’s specifications and the quality of its relationship with its factory that will qualify the reliability of your purchase.
We can classify the quality ranges of Electric Fat Bikes in order of price indicatively as follows:
- Low-end: Price less than $1,300
- Mid-Range: Between $1,500 and $3,500
- Top of the range: $3,500 to $4,900
- Luxury: Beyond $5,500 and up to $12,000
- Exceptional and unique limited series: On estimate.
This range helps you determine the price bracket in which you want to position yourself, based on the level of quality and performance you can expect.
The brand
You should know that brushless motors are made in Asia and most electric bikes come from Asian countries. Many brands have entered the electric fat bike market by creating a style or logo. On closer inspection, we often have to deal with the same manufacturer offering different options.
Additional features
Most electric fat tire bikes have an LCD screen, placed on the handlebars. It will allow you to select a driving mode or the level of motor assistance. Make sure you have a perfectly readable display and intuitive operation. Besides ergonomics, the control system should offer you easy access to options, that is to say not forcing you to let go of the handlebars.
The most modern displays are usually the most convincing. In addition, they integrate GPS technology, so you will walk the paths, roads, and trails in perfect conditions! On some models, you can charge your mobile phone via a USB socket on the battery. Finally, city bikes with large wheels have support to place a bag or basket.
FAQs
Should I get an electric bicycle with fat tires?
Fat tire bikes have traditionally thrived in snowy and mountainous terrain. Although they are challenging to transport and not built for speed, they make off-road riding easier and more comfortable. Even if interest in big bikes wanes, serious adventure riders will still find them essential. For long-distance tours and expeditions in snowy or sandy areas, no bike performs better than an electric fat bike.
Can you ride a fat tire bike on the sidewalk?
Bikes with large tires can traverse various surfaces and terrains, but they are not ideal for paved roads. The larger tires tend to be heavier and don’t roll as efficiently as mountain bike or road bike tires. However, you can install semi-slick tires to help reduce unnecessary wear and improve performance on smoother surfaces.
What is the point of bicycles with fat tires?
There are certain places you simply can’t reach without a fat tire bike. If there’s a specific destination that demands the capabilities of a fat bike, then it’s definitely worth the investment.
How much should you spend on electric fat bikes?
Purchasing an electric fat bike is an investment you won’t regret, as it can be enjoyed by the entire family. The first price is $1200. if you opt for a high-end electric fat bike, it can reach up to $3000. So it’s up to you to choose the one that will meet your expectations.
Are fat tire electric bikes suitable for commuting?
Fat tire electric bikes can be used for commuting, but their wide tires and robust design may make them less efficient on smooth pavement compared to traditional commuter bikes. Consider your commute terrain and preferences when making a decision.
What maintenance is required for a fat tire electric bike?
Regular maintenance includes checking the tire pressure, inspecting the brakes, and ensuring the electric components are functioning correctly. Battery care is essential, and it’s advisable to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and storage.
Conclusion
Wide tire bikes continue to gain importance in the mountains and on the roads and they are ideal for riding over terrain that would be impossible to cross with a conventional bike. If you find the right fat tire bike that will highly reward you no matter where you ride it, you can pick this one.
As mentioned earlier, selecting a high-quality fat bike can be challenging, especially since it’s an atypical and electric model. I hope this information has alleviated some of your confusion and helped you make the right choice. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please let us know in the comments. I will be happy to answer and assist you with your choice.