Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
This type of electric bike has tires that are wider than 2.8-inches, often 4″ or 4.9″ wide! The increased surface area improves traction, but also increases friction, drag, and noise. Some fat tires are knobby for off-road use and others are slick and smooth for cruising on-road. In general fat tire electric bikes are very stable and comfortable. The air inside can squish to act as a shock absorber and be lowered to help the tire spread out and “float” over soft terrain. Fat bikes began as a niche product for traditional cyclists who wanted to ride in loamy, sandy, or packed snow conditions. Some fat tires can even be used with metal spikes for grip in slippery icy conditions. With the introduction of electric bike technology, the niche has become much more mainstream because motor systems more than offset the weight and drag of fat tires, making them more enjoyable for less athletic riders.
The Sonders Ebike (formerly the Storm Electric Bike) is an ultra-affordable fat tire ebike that was launched through Indiegogo in February of 2015. The name change was a result of conflict with ProdecoTech which offers two Storm electric bike models of their own including the Storm 500. The Sondors, still named for it’s creator “Storm […]
The 2015 Pedego Trail Tracker builds on the original Trail Tracker design which was launched in 2013. It was one of the very first electric powered fat bikes that I saw in the US and it offered the same power, quality build and customer support that Pedego has built its reputation on. The downside was […]
This is the review for the 2015 E3 Sumo, in 2016 an updated model arrived with sturdy thru-axles, an optional $50 boost mode that acts like a throttle and a slightly altered paint job… it also costs a lot less! Check it out in the full review here. The E3 Sumo is one of the […]
The Felt OUTFITTER is a cargo-oriented fat style electric bike that captivated my imagination and seems to challenge the stereotype for what an ebike should or could be. This ebike is ready for dirt trails, sand dunes or even snow fields as demonstrated in the video review. I did get stuck once as my momentum […]
UPDATE! It appears that Polaris is no longer working with the manufacturer who designed and built these electric bikes, but that company is now selling their own line as PIM (Power in Motion) and you can connect with them through their official website at www.pimbicycles.com to possibly get replacement batteries, chargers, and other hardware. The […]
At under $1,500 the Sand Viper is the most affordable electric fat bike I’ve ever tested… but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features, or even quality. I found out about this ebike while researching the Indiegogo Storm electric bike which is dubbed as being ultra affordable. I rushed to test the Sand Viper because […]
The Haibike XDURO Fatsix arrives in America Spring 2015… just after the snow melts. The good news is, this bike delivers a couple things that are really unique in the world of fat style electric bikes; a premium mid-drive motor system for power and efficiency in sand or snow as well as a light-weight air […]
The Motiv Stout is a fat-tire electric bike that’s very simple and easy to ride. That’s because it only has six gears, a basic twist throttle to activate the motor and a balanced frame with the battery positioned low and center on the frame. There are several little things I appreciate with this bike including […]
The Felt LEBOWSKe is the best fat style electric bike I’ve ridden to date. I mean that in terms of frame construction, component quality, drive system power and efficiency, balance and overall performance. Surprise! It’s also the most expensive… Felt was started in 1994 and has steadily earned a reputation in the time trials and […]
The Element Electric fat tire ebike from Surface 604 is one of the most complete and well priced electric bikes I’ve tested. Fat tires aside… this thing rides well, offers a clean and quiet drive system with enough power and gears to overcome off-road obstacles and hills. Whether you’re just interested in riding it like […]
