Fat-tire electric bikes, or bikes that combine the best parts of fat bikes and electric bikes, have always just made sense to us—the extra-wide tires boost comfort and rollover capability, while an electric motor takes the grueling effort out of powering the big bike. But you don’t have to be a dedicated off-road rider to want one. We’ve recently noticed more and more reliable fat-tire electric bikes dip below the $1,500 threshold, making them an attractive option for anyone looking to explore all types of terrain, including city streets. Read on for our top picks.
Best Fat-Tire Electric Bikes
BEST ALL-AROUNDER FAT-TIRE ELECTRIC BIKE
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike
Read more
The Experts: To make this list of top fat-tire electric bikes, we leaned on the exhaustive expertise of Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, who currently leads Bicycling’s gear team and formerly served as a product development leader for multiple bike brands; Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, who has almost three decades of experience writing professionally about bikes; and Test Editor Dan Chabonov, a former pro cyclocross racer and industry veteran. Together, they have more than 60 years of experience in the bike industry, and extensive insight into what works and what doesn’t on a bike.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Fat-Tire Electric Bike
Comfortable Ride
High-volume tires allow you to run low tire pressures, and low tire pressures typically beget a more comfortable ride. Fat bike tires take that notion to the extreme. Whereas you might run 60+ psi for a road bike, 40+ psi for a hybrid, and 20+ psi for a mountain bike, fat bikes allow you to ride with as little as 5 to 10 psi in your tires. You’ll want to add pressure for pavement and remove air for off-road riding—there are plenty of helpful guides online, like this one from MTBR—but the overall decrease in tire pressure allows the tires to compress over bumps, smoothing out the ride for you.
Off-Road Capability
Another benefit of big tires and low tire pressures is off-road capability. Fat-tire electric bikes can better traverse snow, sand, mud, and some mountain bike trails—depending on trail difficulty and your own handling skills—than bikes with traditional-width tires. That said, most of the fat electric bikes here are not build for technical trails and singletrack. For this type of riding, consider a dedicated electric mountain bike. These bikes have improved geometry, motors tuned for off-road speeds, and components built to withstand the added stresses.
Join Bicycling All Access for in-depth bike reviews
Fewer, But More Inconvenient, Flat Tires
Fat-bike tires can go flat for a variety of reasons, but one advantage to the construction is their resistance to pinch flats: The tire sidewall is so tall that it’s more difficult to compress it fully and pinch the tube against the rim. Still, you’re susceptible to punctures and tears from off-road and urban riding, and carrying a fat-tire tube is more inconvenient than a normal tube. If you flat on the wheel with the hub motor (some of our picks have this style), you’ll have to unplug the motor to disconnect the wheel and change the flat. We’d recommend practicing this at home so you know how to do it on the road, and carry an extra tube, flat kit, and pump. If you’re plagued by punctures where you live, consider investing in a pair of tire liners to fortify your rubber.
Not As Easy to Transport
Generally speaking, most electric bikes are going to have some heft to them. Even the zippy Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL e-road bike weighs 27 pounds, about half of most e-commuters and electric mountain bikes. Add beefy tires, and some fat-tire electric bikes soar above 70, even 80, pounds. That’s fine if you park your e-bike in a garage and roll it out for rides from home. But if you want to take your fat-tire e-bike somewhere else, you’ll have to lift it up into the bed of a pickup or load it up onto a dedicated e-bike rack with a compatible weight minimum—unless you decide to go with a folding bike model.
How We Selected These Fat-Tire E-Bikes
Our team of experienced testers and riders spends many hours and miles riding all sorts of electric bikes, from e-mountain and road to e-commuters and folding. We used most of these fat-tire e-bikes on bike paths and in town around our Easton, Pennsylvania, office—to grab lunch, commute to and from work quickly, pick up beer and groceries, or just for fun. The thing about fat tires is that they nudge you to go pretty much anywhere and try pretty much anything without fear—which can be both a good thing and a bad one (one tester jumped the Aventon Sinch over a blazing 6-foot-wide fire pit). We tested most of the bikes here, and the ones we didn’t we chose based on our experience and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value, parts, and performance as compared to others we have tested.
BEST ALL-AROUNDER FAT-TIRE ELECTRIC BIKE
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike
Pros
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Lots of extra features
Cons
- Rear rack not included
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 74.2 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph |
| Estimated Range | Up to 45 miles |
The RadRover has been the most popular fat-tire electric bike in the U.S., according to import records from China that show Rad imports surpassing other competitors by a significant margin. So think of the RadRover as the Ford Model T of fat-tire e-bikes: cheap, reliable, and for everyone. There’s ample power from a 750-watt geared hub motor to help you get the 72-pound bike up to speed, and hydraulic disc brakes to stop it. Puncture-resistant, four-inch-wide tires reliably help you get where you’re going. A comfort saddle, fenders, and integrated lights round out this well-equipped adventure machine.
BEST OFF-ROAD CRUSHER
Aventon Aventure E-Bike
Aventon Aventon Aventure E-Bike
Aventon Aventon Aventure E-Bike
Pros
- Sleek frame
- Racks, fenders, lights included
- Powerful disc brakes
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 79.5 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 28 mph (20 mph, throttle) |
| Estimated Range | Up to 45 miles |
“Big” is the best descriptor for this larger-than-life Aventure e-bike. Aventon combined big tires and big power to make a bike with the potential for big fun. Four-inch-wide tires and a suspension fork provide extra comfort when riding over broken pavement or fire road and doubletrack-type trails. The Aventure’s rear-hub motor puts out 750 watts of torquey power and pedal assistance up to 28 mph, or 20 mph via the thumb-operated throttle. The bike comes outfitted with fenders, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated LED lights, and the option to add accessories, like a front or rear rack. But, all of these big features result in big weight, too. Our size medium test rig tipped the scales at 79.5 pounds.
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE FAT-TIRE ELECTRIC BIKE
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2
Pros
- Loads of Accessories
- Great Price
Cons
- 3.3-inch tires may not be wide enough for someone looking for a fat bike
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph |
| Estimated Range | Up to 45 miles |
Rad designed the RadRunner to haul cargo while being nimble enough to feel more like a traditional bike. The bike’s best feature is that it’s ultra-configurable for any and all commuting needs, with tons of accessory options that can be combined in more than 330 different ways. The step-through frame has mounts for front and rear racks, and you can also opt to buy the center console to add a third storage option between your legs. For the front and rear racks, options include baskets, bags, insulated bags, platforms, panniers, and more. And there’s a solid e-bike beneath all that utility. The 750-watt rear hub motor has enough torque to take you and all your stuff up hills and across level pavement at a comfortable 20 mph, and the 3.3-inch-wide Kenda K-Rad tires balloon out over rough pavement and rocks, allowing you to take the RadRunner 2 (and whatever you choose to put on it) almost anywhere.
BEST FOLDING FAT E-BIKE FOR RV'ERS
Aventon Sinch
Aventon Aventon Sinch
Pros
- Suspension fork smooths out bumps
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to carry while folded
Key Specs
| Power | 500W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 66 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph (20 mph, throttle) |
| Estimated Range | Up to 40 miles |
With a suspension fork and four-inch-wide tires, Aventon’s Sinch broadens the types of terrain on which you can ride your folding e-bike. A 500-watt motor gives you the power and torque you need to climb hills, and a throttle gives you the option of not pedaling at all. Its off-road stature means the Sinch isn’t as portable as most folding electric bikes; it’s 66 pounds and takes up nearly 17 cubic feet while folded. That means the Sinch is better for people buying a folding e-bike to take up minimal space in an RV or apartment, not those needing to carry their bike regularly. The Sinch is also available in a step-through model, in Moss Green and Bonfire Red, with stylish gumwall tires.
BEST FOR OVERLANDERS AND HUNTERS
QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
QuietKat QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
QuietKat QuietKat Jeep E-Bike
Pros
- Smooth off-road
- Available with a powerful 1000-watt motor
- Tons of accessories for camping, hunting, and overlanding
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Power | 750W or 1000W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph (750W), unrestricted (1,000W) |
| Estimated Range | Up to 44 miles |
With a tank-like build and power, this QuietKat was created through a partnership with Jeep to be the Wrangler of e-bikes, for when you plan to ride on private land and unrestricted areas and want zero limits on your outdoor adventures. The bike is available with either a 750-watt or 1,000W motor, a RockShox Monarch RL shock, a QuietKat Inverted air fork, and burly 4.8-inch knobby tires for taking on rutted trails, rocks, and roots. It’s got a SRAM 9-speed drivetrain and the power to get you to the top of technical climbs, plus Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes for helping you maintain control on the way down. The Overlander’s Kit of optional accessories lets you turn the bike into something of a touring rig and extend the 44-mile maximum range with a portable solar charging station, which packs down to just over 12 inches long. Also among the many hunting accessories QuietKat offers on its site is the all-terrain QuietKat Game Trailer, which comes in handy for hauling in gear and firewood or hauling out a buck.
CITY AND BACKCOUNTRY CAPABLE
QuietKat Villager Urban E-Bike
QuietKat QuietKat Villager Urban E-Bike
QuietKat QuietKat Villager Urban E-Bike
Pros
- Integrated rear rack
- Accessories for city or backcountry use
Cons
- Mechanical disc brakes instead of hydraulic
- Some fat-tire devotees might not consider 3-inch tires fat
Key Specs
| Power | 500W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph |
| Estimated Range | Up to 38 miles |
This QuietKat may not have the ridiculously fat tires of the company’s Jeep E-Bike (above), but that doesn’t mean it can’t traverse the backcountry to get you to your favorite hunting spot. With 3-inch Kenda tires, a step-through frame, and a 100-meter coil suspension fork, the Villager is designed to feel maneuverable on all terrain, from smooth and choppy city streets to gravel and grassy trails. The bike also has a relatively light build (for an electric fat bike) that makes it easier to handle while dismounted, with a battery that appears smoothly integrated into the frame. QuietKat has several well-considered accessory groupings—the Angler’s Kit, Urban Commuter Kit, and Overland’s Kit—that make it easier to get what you want from the bike, whether you plan to ride to work or take the bike on a backcountry fishing adventure, powered by a portable solar-charging station.
BEST FAT-TIRE ELECTRIC CITY BIKE
Benno RemiDemi
Benno Benno RemiDemi
Benno Benno RemiDemi
Pros
- Stylish
- Comes with LED lights
- Solid accessory packages
Cons
- Comes in only one frame size
Key Specs
| Power | 250W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph (28mph, Performance Sport model) |
| Estimated Range | Performance Sport: Up to 70 miles (400Wh), up to 80 miles (500Wh); Performance: up to 75 miles (400Wh), up to 85 miles (500Wh) |
Out of all the utility e-bikes we’ve ridden, Benno’s RemiDemi looks and feels the most like zipping through town on a Vespa or some other stylish motorized scooter. This is for a few reasons: One, the bike is as cute as it is functional, with a colorful and compact frame built on a shorter-than usual 1,130mm wheelbase; and two, the Performance Sport model has a throttle that revs it up to 28mph and makes you feel like you’re really flying. In terms of functionality, the RemiDemi’s Bosch Performance mid-drive motor has a generous estimated range of 80mph on a single charge—and the bike has a 9-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and excellent list of accessory options, both included (fenders, integrated LED lights, a rear rack) and available at an additional cost (front racks, pannier bags, kids’ seats, and more). It’s the ideal city commuter, though its tough 4.25-inch Duro Tires are capable on rough terrain, as well.
DUAL-BATTERY POWER AND RANGE
Blix Ultra
Blix Blix Ultra
Blix Blix Ultra
Pros
- Dual-battery option
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- 80 LUX front light
Cons
- Claims to fit “most riders” but only fits riders 5’6” to 6’2,” which excludes many women
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 60 to 68 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph (in Class 2 mode), 28 mph (in Class 3 mode) |
| Estimated Range | 80 miles |
The Blix Ultra packs some serious power, with a 750W motor that the brand says actually has a peak power rating of 1,350W, plus an 80-mile range, thanks to a dual 48V 14.5Ah battery setup that doubles the bike’s distance capacity. The bike can be used in pedal-assist or throttle mode as a Class 2 or Class 3 e-bike, which means it can top out at 20mph or sprint up to 28. The bike is also packed with add-ons and other practical features, including an LED front light, hydraulic disc brakes, four-inch fat tires, a front suspension fork with 80mm of travel for smoothing rough roads, and an integrated app for route navigation and controlling the bike’s settings. As with most new fat e-bike setups, there are also tons of useful accessories to choose from (and lots of “smart mounts” to accommodate them), like front racks, baskets, rear racks, fenders, and kids’ seats
EXTREME BUDGET OPTION
Swagtron EB-8 Outlaw
Swagtron Swagtron EB-8 Outlaw
Pros
- Under $1,000
- Easy to stow in a trunk or RV
- Front and rear suspension and fat tires for riding everything
Cons
- Battery control issues
- Cheap brakes
Key Specs
| Power | 350W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 56 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 18.6 mph |
| Estimated Range | Up to 21 miles |
Swagtron’s EB-8 Outlaw isn’t just a mash-up between the genres of fat bike and e-bike—it also sits at the center of a Venn diagram that includes “folding bike,” as well. The compact 7-speed bike boasts 20-inch wheels with four-inch tires and front and rear suspension for navigating both pavement and gravel. It can go up to 21 miles at full power, tops out at 18.6 mph, and stows down into a small amount of trunk space—making it ideal for commuting or bringing on road trips, if you can hoist its 56-pound weight. Just note that with e-bike cost savings, you’re often sacrificing in terms of battery quality—in this case users have reported quality control issues with the batteries and mechanical disc brakes.
BEST FOLDING ELECTRIC FAT BIKE
Rad Power RadExpand 5
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power RadExpand 5
Rad Power Bikes Rad Power RadExpand 5
Pros
- Integrated lights
- Step-thru frame suits shorter riders
- Burly, four-inch tires to tackle off-road terrain
- Lighter than previous models
Cons
- Mechanical disc brakes aren’t as powerful as discs
- Possibly too small for taller riders
Key Specs
| Power | 750W |
|---|---|
| Weight | 62.5 lbs |
| Max Assisted Speed | 20 mph |
| Estimated Range | Up to 45 miles |
Another bike that nails the utilitarian trifecta of being fat-tired, folding, and e-assisted, the RadExpand 5 improves on its predecessor, the RadMini 4, by shaving five pounds off the bike’s total weight and widening the tires from three to four inches. The result is a bike that won’t win any classic style awards but serves up a ton of functionality in a powerful but compact and stowable package. The bike has a low step-thru frame, so it fits riders between about 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-10, and a 275-pound capacity, which allows you to also haul cargo on the included rear rack. Mechanical disc brakes come standard on all Rad Power bikes—though they’re not as powerful as hydraulic discs, they get the job done. The bike also comes outfitted with a front light and LED tail light, and a 7-Speed MicroShift derailleur that’s easy to operate via the thumb shifter.
Bicycling Experts Answer Your Most Commonly Asked Questions About Electric Bikes
FAQ: What are some of the biggest differences between a bike with a 250-watt motor and a 500W or 750W motor? How much power do you really need?
Bicycling: This is a more complicated question than it seems. Our expert panel is mixed on what motor wattage can mean for your ride. Bicycling’s Test Editor, Dan Chabonov, says it depends on the terrain and how many gears the bike has. “You could get away with a 250W motor somewhere flat, though a fat-tire e-bike will likely be heavy enough that it will still struggle to get going,” he says. “For a fat e-bike, 400W to 500W should ensure a good user experience—and if you live on a hill, get the most powerful motor you can afford.”
Senior Test Editor, Matt Phillips, has a different and more complicated take. “The biggest differences are probably marketing,” he says. “Most e-bike motors have two wattage ratings: a constant rating (how much power the motor can consume for an essentially infinite time period without burning up) and a peak. Many brands will use a motor’s peak rating in their marketing because it’s bigger and therefore sexier than the constant rating. Two things about the peak rating, though: One, the motor can only hit that for a very short period of time before damage occurs, so it’s not really relevant to day-to-day use; and two, watts are a unit of consumption, which means that an inefficient motor will use more watts than an efficient motor, even if—for practical purposes—they produced the same assistance. So, a 350-watt motor sounds more powerful than a 250-watt motor, but it just might mean that it’s shittier. As far as how much you need, as far as I’m concerned, get the most powerful motor and biggest battery you can find/afford. You can always turn down the assist on a more powerful bike.”
Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy, has a similarly nuanced take about wattage numbers. “Not all wattage is marketed equally—there is a difference between “peak” wattage and “sustained” wattage,” she says. So a 750W motor from brand X might be more powerful than a 750W motor from brand Y. For example, the Aventon Aventure’s 750W motor has a 750W sustained/1,040W peak wattage.” As for your wattage needs, that depends on your intended usage of the bike, she says. “If you are a heavier-weight rider, if the bike is heavier, if you live in a hilly area, or if you intend to ride the bike off paved surfaces, a higher wattage system is important,” she says. “Wattage needs are also different for hub-motor vs. mid-motor bikes. A mid-drive bike with 250W motor can feel significantly more powerful than a hub-drive bike with a 750W motor.”
FAQ: Where and when can I legally ride an e-bike that goes over 20mph?
Bicycling: This can vary by state, and by city, and even by type of road surface. For example, in Durango, Colorado, where Phillips lives, “it is or was legal to ride a Class 3 e-bike on the roads, but it was prohibited on the bike paths and multiuse trails,” Phillips says. You’ll want to check into your local restrictions, which are constantly being updated to reflect changes in bikes and rider usage. But first you should understand the e-bike classification system. E-bikes are grouped into a system that categorizes them as Class 1, or pedal-assist bikes only, with no throttle, with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph; Class 2, or bikes that have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted; and Class 3, or bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. Many areas base their restrictions on those classifications—and though there are some national CPSC guidelines, according to Phillips, it’s tough to make any blanket statements about legality. QuietKat’s website has this useful summary of state-by-state regulations.
FAQ: Can you get an e-bike repaired at a regular bike shop?
Bicycling: On this, Chabanov, Phillips, and Seplavy agree that it depends on the shop. “Some places don’t have a repair stand that can sustain the weight of some e-bikes, but most should be able to do normal bike repairs, like gear adjustments and flat fixes,” says Chabonov.
Seplavy elaborates on this. “These bikes are heavy and can be difficult to work on for even very experienced mechanics,” she says. “If you’re not confident doing your own repairs, call around to find a shop that will repair e-bikes before you find yourself stuck needing something fixed. Some shops will not or cannot work on them due to insurance liability issues, while others might only work on the mechanical parts (or even require you to remove the battery before dropping it off). Repairs on e-bikes (especially hub-motor e-bikes) will generally cost more as the bikes are more difficult to work on. The shops aren’t being snobby or dismissive, the bikes really do take much longer to fix than non-assist bikes.”
Phillips adds that it’s best to check in with the motor manufacturer (example: https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/service/dealer-search#) or the bike brand to see what shops are certified to work on their equipment.
FAQ: How many miles can you usually get on a single battery charge? And where can I charge my e-bike?
Bicycling: “This will vary greatly based on your weight, the bike’s weight, the level of assist you use, how hilly your route is, and how big your battery is—but bikes should be capable of somewhere between 20 and 45 miles,” Chabanov says. Seplavy adds one thing: “Using that throttle is a lot of fun, but use it wisely if you intend to ride long distances as it will quickly drain your battery.
As far as where to charge it, Phillips says “all e-bikes that I know have chargers that plug into a standard household outlet.” “I don’t know of any commercial e-bike charging stations similar to the Tesla Supercharger network. Not that e-bikes need that because they can be charged easily and fairly quickly off household current.” And if the bike’s battery is removable, it’s even easier to take it inside with you and charge at any outlet.
