Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes 2024 | 17 Expert-Tested Options
From stable and user-friendly bike path cruisers to high-powered bruisers built for hunting and heavy off-road use, e-bikes with fat tires are enjoying some time in the limelight. Whatever your reason for wanting a fat tire e-bike, the Electric Bike Report staff of experts & bike geeks have tested some of the best fat tire electric bikes money can buy.
Birthed from Alaskan snow and New Mexican sand, the ancestors of modern fat bikes first emerged in the 1990s as a means to explore (and race) in terrain unkind to a typical bicycle tire.
Fat tire bikes have had high points of popularity in recent years, but it wasn’t until the rise of the electric bike that they were used by the masses. Motors made the heavy, relatively inefficient bikes more friendly to ride.
Riders like the big tires because they add a feeling of confidence and stability. That’s not to mention that many think they just look cool. As their popularity has exploded, fat tires have been adopted into nearly every category of e-bike.
So, which fat tire e-bike is best for you? That’s a tough question with an answer that differs from person to person. We’ve compiled this list of our picks for the best fat tire electric bikes to help you find the best option based on your specific needs.
While this list is comprised of electric bikes that check in with no less than 3″ wide tires, you can also check out our picks for the best overall e-bikes of 2024 if you want a little more variety in tire size.
Our Best Fat-tire Electric Bikes for 2024
- Best All-Around Top Choice: Aventon Aventure 2
- Best All-Around Handling: Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
- Best All-Around Camping: Mokwheel Basalt
- Best All-Around Value: Lectric XPeak
- Best All Around Moped/Moto: Ride1UP Revv1
- Best Folding for Medium-Large Riders: Lectric XP 3.0
- Best Folding for Small-Medium Riders: Ride1UP Portola
- Best Moped/Moto Dirt Bike: Himiway C5
- Best All Around Fat Tire Cruiser: Electric Bike Company Model R
- Most Colorful All-Around: Velotric Nomad 1 Plus
- Best Value Utility: RadRunner Plus
- Best Premium Utility: Specialized Globe Haul ST
- Best All-Terrain Full Suspension Camping: Mokwheel Obsidian
- Best Fat Tire eMTB: Borealis Keystone
- Best All-Terrain Full Suspension Mid-Drive: Himiway D7 Pro/Cobra Pro
- Best Handling / Most Comfortable On a Budget: Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
- Best for Speed & Range On a Budget: Himiway Cruiser
*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
Aventon Aventure
Best All-Around Top Choice
When it first entered the fat-tire e-bike world, the Aventon Aventure was a disruptive model that set a new high bar for what consumers could expect from a sub-$2,000 electric fat bike. The follow-up Aventure.2 built upon that legacy. While many of its contemporaries have caught up in certain aspects, the Aventure.2 still stands head and shoulders above the rest.
It’s not just the 750W Bafang rear hub motor or the fully integrated 720 Wh battery that have us so enamored with this electric fatty; it’s also that Aventon managed to chock it full of little features and extras that are still somewhat uncommon on many e-bikes in this category.
For example, the Aventure.2 has a torque sensor, which allows for a more natural feel and also gives it better battery efficiency. Better efficiency equals better range, allowing you to go further without the need for a larger, heavier battery. Aventon also included a full-color LCD display, metal fenders, a full Shimano Altus drivetrain, and Tektro hydraulic brakes.
To top that off, it’s just a nice bike to ride. The Aventure.2’s handling is sporty without being overly athletic, and though it is a bit heavy, it handles multi-use trails and OHV roads surprisingly well.
It also comes available in step-over and step-through frames with a selection of appealing colors (a standout feature in a sea of black and white fat bikes).
The Aventure.2 ships as a Class 2 e-bike, but like most of the bikes on this list, it’s easily convertible to Class 3 through the Aventon app, which gives it a top pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph. We’ve tested and compared this bike head-to-head against some of its biggest competitors, and the results don’t lie: the Aventure.2 offers excellent performance, comfort, and value for the buck.
To put it simply, we’re huge fans of the Aventure.2, which is why it is our choice for the best fat tire electric bike of 2024.
- Unlocked to Class 3, this is an extremely fast and torquey e-bike
- The full-color LCD display is great and features a percentage-based battery readout
- The 720Wh battery is efficiently used for great range thanks to the torque sensor
- It’s got a unique styling for a fat e-bike that reminds us of another Aventon we really liked, the Level.
- At 77lbs (we reviewed a large with the optional front and included rear racks), the Aventure is slightly heavier than many of its peers.
Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail
Best All-Around Handling
If you’re looking for a powerful and surprisingly versatile fat tire e-bike, the 2024 Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail deserves your attention. With a new, beefy 750W motor, a full package of commuting accessories, and the ability to head off-road on light trails, the Radster Trail offers plenty of fun and flexibility for where—and how—it can be used.
The Radster Trail’s “Rad Tuned” 750W motor delivers a quick ride with class 1, 2, and 3 pedal assist modes. Combined with its 720 Wh battery, it offers a seriously long 75-mile range for all-day adventures.
And with 100 Nm of torque, this bike grins at even the steepest climbs.
The Radster Trail’s versatility shines when tackling varied terrain. It rides confidently thanks to its wide (but not TOO wide) 3-inch tires and Suntour SR front suspension fork. These features provide stability, traction, and comfort without feeling bulky or adding a lot of cost.
Features like turn signals, lights, fenders, and a rear rack make it a winner for commuters, errand runners, and even the more daring weekend warriors.
- One word: Versatility. The Radster Trail handles diverse terrain comfortably, making it suitable for different types of riders and environments.
- Powerful hill-climbing assistance with the 750W motor and its 100 Nm of torque.
- Enhanced battery safety with Rad Power’s Safe Shield Battery, designed to minimize fire risks.
- Equipped for daily commutes with practical features like turn signals, lights, fenders, and a rear rack.
- Added theft protection: Includes a proximity key fob or backup password for an extra layer of security.
- We found the front fender to be on the short side; a full front fender would help more on rainy rides.
Mokwheel Basalt
Best All-Around Camping
A fat tire electric bike that isn’t afraid to flex its muscles, the Mokwheel Basalt isn’t shy when it comes to letting it rip. With a massive 940 Wh battery to compliment the brushless 750W rear hub motor – why not?
The Basalt’s motor can turn 90Nm of torque, making it suitable for riding steep hills, whether paved or not. It’s also capable of Class 3 speeds up to 28 mph, offering riders thrilling speeds with a natural feel thanks to its torque sensor.
The bike’s 110mm-travel suspension fork improves control on bumpy terrain. Hydraulic disc brakes offer stopping power even on steep downhills, and Chaoyang 26 x 4-in. tires provide the necessary cushion and traction for exploring the backcountry or making your roads more comfortable.
If that’s not enough, the Mokwheel Basalt further stands out thanks to some of its cool accessories. A 1000W power inverter that has the ability to run such essentials as phone chargers, coffee makers, electric grills, and laptops.
Planning to be gone more than a day or two? Mokwheel also offers a solar charger to keep the juice running those essentials. It’ll make campers happy knowing they won’t need an outlet to keep the fun going.
We think larger riders, campers, and overlanders will appreciate the 450-lb. payload capacity. Riders can also choose between a traditional frame and a step-thru design.
The bottom line is that the Basalt is a great bike at a great price.
- The 750W motor has the power and torque necessary to climb hills and deliver riders to a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph for spirited riding
- It comes in both a traditional frame and a step-thru to fit a broad range of riders
- The bike’s battery can power a number of electric appliances while camping with the help of the optional 1000W power inverter
- 4-in.-wide tires and a front suspension fork make for a very comfortable ride
- A 450-lb. payload capacity makes it terrific for hunters wanting to bring home their game
- We would like to see a drivetrain with more than 7-speeds to better handle technical terrain.
Lectric XPeak
Best All-Around Value
Prior to the release of the Lectric XPeak, the $1500 mark was generally accepted as the starting price point for a quality fat tire e-bike. In true Lectric fashion, however, the brand pushed the limits of what was considered possible with its first full-size, non-folding fat-tire model that carries an MSRP of just $1299.
This makes the XPeak one of – if not THE – most affordable fat tire e-bikes on the market that earned our stamp of approval.
The XPeak has the basics covered with UL 2849 certification, a 48V, 692 Wh battery, and a 750W geared hub motor with up to 1300W of peak power. It includes a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. It also features integrated lights, a cargo rack, and a throttle. And, of course, it rolls on 26″x4″ Chaoyang fat tires.
In addition to those expected basics, Lectric included a few awesome bonuses.
First, the XPeak has a more natural and responsive feel than we have typically experienced on e-bikes with cadence sensors. This benefit comes from the brand’s signature PWR system that limits the motor’s wattage output instead of the more traditional approach of limiting speed.
Second, the bike includes an impressive RST Renegade suspension fork with 100mm of travel; it’s a higher-end component than we typically see on bikes in the $1500 price range. This fork helped the XPeak to earn an ISO 4210-10 rating for safety – a rating typically applied only to electric mountain bikes, and one that is uncommon among similarly-priced models.
With its high-quality fork, powerful motor, and stable off-road tires, we enjoyed the XPeak’s feel and function when riding in rougher terrain. It performed every bit as well as higher-priced fat bikes, making it a great overall purchase and one of the best fat tire e-bikes on the market.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best affordable electric bikes
- Great off-road and speed potential from the 750W motor that peaks over 1300W
- It feels more natural than bikes with traditional cadence sensors with Lectric’s PWR system
- The bike features gearing appropriate for Class 3 speeds with the 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain
- It has solid stopping power from the hydraulic brake system
- UL 2849 certified
- We’d like to see more than one frame size to fit shorter or taller riders more precisely.
Ride1UP Revv 1
Best All Around Moped/Moto
We’d be remiss not to include some type of moto-style e-bike on this best fat tire list: gaze upon the absolute badassery that is the Ride1UP Revv 1.
This is a bike that provides an adrenaline rush with every ride thanks in no small part to its punchy motor and big ol’ 20”X4” CST tires.
The Revv 1 delivers a thrilling ride thanks to its 750w hub motor capable of 90 Nm of torque. You’ll get pretty good range when kept to the class 2 settings it ships in, but if you want more speed with a little less range, it includes class 3 and unrestricted modes, too (where permitted).
The bike’s moped-style tires will thrive in city settings, but their blocky tread pattern does surprisingly well on dirt. The included double crown suspension with 120mm travel and rear mono-shock will keep you comfortable enough to take on the challenge of some less-than-smooth terrain.
Moped-styled e-bikes are all the rage thanks to the likes of Super73 and a handful of other companies, but we think you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that delivers all the fun you’re hoping for at a price as friendly as the Revv 1.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best moped style electric bikes
- A flat-out blast to ride. It’s not easy to pedal (no moped-style is), but with light effort or heavy throttle, you’ll love going places on the Revv 1.
- The bike has great aesthetics. It’s available in three color options as well as hardtail (HT) and full-suspension (FS) designs.
- The fat tires smoothly roll over surfaces with ease.
- It has a respectable range of 36 – 52 miles from our testing (class 2 settings), which is better than many bikes in this style that are notoriously battery-hungry.
- The CST Scout tires are great for flat protection, but if the rear wheel gets flat, it’s a bit involved to fix.
Lectric XP 3.0
Best Folding Fat Tire for Medium-Large Riders
When it was released, the Lectric XP 2.0 proved to be a quality folding bike with a solid spread of features at a very reasonable price. The combined package of integrated features such as the rear cargo rack, lights, suspension, and fenders is something you would only expect to see on more expensive models.
Now, Lectric has raised the bar even further by packing the XP 3.0, which is full of upgrades and new features, while keeping the bike at the same price of around a thousand dollars.
The Lectric XP 3.0 features a motor with increased peak wattage and torque for better hill climbing, a better gear ratio for ease of pedaling, larger brake rotors for improved stopping power, an improved suspension for a more comfortable ride, and optional accessories for increased passenger capacity. Whew! Talk about upgrades!
At 3″ wide, the tires qualify for what we’d call fat, and their tread is chunky enough to encourage the occasional foray into unpaved places. It adds to what’s already an impressive amount of versatility for one of the most affordable e-bikes you’ll find anywhere.
All of that capability on a bike that can fold up and fit behind a seat or in a trunk? The Lectric XP 3.0 was an easy choice for one of the best fat tire e-bikes of 2024!
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Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best electric folding bikes
- The XP 3.0 only adds to the already great value of the previous model. For the same price, it offers plenty of upgrades and even adds new features.
- While the XP 3.0’s motor is still a 500W rear hub, it now features an increased 55Nm of torque and 1000W peak output.
- An improved gear ratio and larger high gear result in a more efficient application of rider input.
- Lectric raised the bar by adding hydraulic disc brakes (previously unheard-of on a $1k e-bike).
- The 3.0’s suspension fork has an increased travel distance of 50mm, making for a smoother ride on- and off-road.
- The rear rack’s weight capacity doubled to a max of 150 lbs, allowing for additional passenger capacity.
- We’d have loved the option to operate the XP 3.0 without its key in the bike.
Ride1UP Portola
Best Folding Fat Tire for Small-Medium Riders
With a folding frame and a starting price of just under $1k, the Portola is a direct competitor of the Lectric XP 3.0. We think the Portola’s slightly more compact size makes it better suited for shorter riders.
We liked many of the bike’s distinguishing features, including its zippy and powerful 750W rear-hub motor. Not many folding bikes spec a motor of this size, and the power difference was clear. As a result of this added muscle, the Portola had quick acceleration in higher assist levels and the ability to reach Class 3 speeds.
The Portola’s ride feels fun and energized! Its 3” wide tires were an excellent pairing for its size, as they allowed it to move and corner sharply. When compared to the wider 4” (or larger) tires on most of the other bikes on this list, these felt noticeably slimmer, lighter, and more maneuverable without sacrificing stability.
We were shocked when Ride1UP announced the bike’s price; the Portola offers excellent value for the money. Features such as its 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, 8-speed drivetrain, and passenger-capable cargo rack are not often included in similar models in this price range.
We consider the Portola to be a great entry level e-bike for just about anyone based on its value and performance.
- The 750W motor with 65Nm of torque is uncommon on folding bikes – especially at this price!
- Ride1UP offers two battery size options. The larger 643Wh battery option is reasonably priced.
- Includes commuter-friendly accessories like a cargo rack, fenders, and lights.
- The 130-lb rated cargo rack can carry passengers and fits child seats.
- The suspension fork offers a respectable 80mm of travel for comfort.
- Taller riders may need to rely on higher assist levels or the throttle since leg extension is limited.
Himiway C5
Best Moped/Moto Dirt Bike
As part of Himiway’s refreshing new lineup of e-bikes, the C5 is arguably one of the most unique in appearance. This off-road monster boasts the look of a dirt bike, a powerful 750W rear hub, and a massive battery to keep the bike scrambling over hilly off-road terrain for ages.
We liked the cushy ride provided by the bike’s supportive saddle and full suspension. With 147 mm of travel on its fork and 47mm of travel on its rear shock, this bike isn’t messing around. This much cushion gave our testers a comfortable feel even when romping in rocky OHV areas in the desert.
The bike handled off-road environments well, thanks largely to its motor and custom tires. Himiway and Kenda partnered to create effective, knobby 20×4” fat tires with plenty of grip for loose ground and great all-around handling. We were also satisfied with the C5’s brakes, which held up well in our off-road testing and stopped the bike effectively.
The bike’s gigantic 960 Wh battery gave us 30 miles of range in our throttle-only range test, which is one of the longest distances we’ve traveled using this method to date. We found the bike’s power, battery capacity, comfort, and overall performance to be a solid deal at this price point.
- Great acceleration and climbing power thanks to the 750W rear hub motor with 86Nm of torque.
- Comfortable in extreme terrain with a cushy full suspension and dirt-bike-style saddle.
- Excellent traction in loose dirt from the “Himiway X Kenda” tires.
- It includes a cup holder!
- Undeniably cool looks with moto styling.
- A massive 960 Wh battery for long-range rides.
- Most riders will likely throttle, but we found the bike’s torque sensor to be somewhat of a mismatch when pedaling.
Electric Bike Company Model R
Best All Around Fat Tire Cruiser
There are fat tire e-bikes for tall riders, short riders, experienced riders, and novices, but it can be challenging to find a bike you can tailor to your preferences – unless you’re looking at the Electric Bike Company Model R, that is.
While Electric Bike Company is most famous for being cruiser-oriented, its rugged Model R is touted as a hybrid model that’s not quite so straightforward. Depending on how you choose to outfit the bike, it can be either your balloon-tired comfort cruiser, your sporty off-roader, or something in between.
EBC offers a base model to start with, but the brand’s customization options are nearly endless.
You can pick between 26” or 24” wheels with 3” tires, MTB, chopper, or curved beach cruiser handlebars. You can give it sport fenders or low-profile fenders to cover the black or brown tires.
Do you prefer thumb throttles or twist grips? Choose your favorite.
Need more cushion? Pick your saddle, suspension, and more.
There’s little here they don’t let you pick, with options extending to the very paint colors of the frame, rack, baskets, and the like. Their paint technicians can even mix custom colors as long as you provide a sample.
If you’re hunting for a fat tire electric bike that you can truly make your own, the Electric Bike Company Model R undoubtedly offers more options than any other e-bike.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best electric cruiser bikes
- Limitless options on how it looks and rides.
- Comfort comes standard with an included suspension fork, saddle, tires, and more.
- The 750W motor provides a fun and stable riding experience.
- A great option for larger riders with a payload over 400Lbs.
- Our test model (standard battery with optional front basket) weighed in at 78 lbs, putting it on the heavier side.
Velotric Nomad 1 Plus
Most Colorful All-Around
Velotric is one of only a handful of manufacturers that offers their bikes in an assortment of options outside the standard black, white, and grey. The Nomad 1 Plus is sure to turn heads with refreshing color options, including Mango, Cyan, and Forrest. We think it will satisfy anyone seeking a bike to match their colorful personality.
The Nomad 1 Plus doesn’t just look good; we selected it for a variety of reasons including its range, uphill power, and user interface.
In terms of range, we were impressed by the bike’s efficiency. With its 691 Wh battery, riders should expect between 26 to 52 miles from a single charge, depending on assist level.
With its proprietary 750W rear-hub motor, the Nomad 1 Plus is a bike for those who don’t want to put in much effort when it comes to hills. Compared to other fat tire bikes we’ve tested with rear hub motors, the Nomad 1 Plus is tied in third place for its pedal results in our Hill Test, and it’s currently fourth overall with its throttle.
We also found the Nomad 1 Plus to be extremely user-friendly. Its control panel, throttle, and black-and-white display felt accessible and easy to operate. We appreciated its range of power levels, including three lower assist levels with steady increases in speed – and two high power settings for those who want some added punch behind the ride.
- Options range from modest hues like Sand to the vibrant and eye-catching Mango.
- Capable of extended rides (or longer between charges) thanks to its efficient motor and 691 Wh battery.
- Power levels for everyone: 3 gradually building settings and two spicy ones with some extra punch.
- Able to easily conquer steep hills thanks to its proprietary 750W motor.
- Awesome value for its price between $1,000 and $1,500.
- The bike performed well overall, but we can’t speak to the longevity of some unbranded components.
Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus
Best Value Utility
We’ve long loved the RadRunner line of utility e-bikes. With three models to choose from at different price points and spec levels, there’s an option for everyone.
Specifically, we find the mid-level RadRunner Plus to be among the most versatile and easy-to-recommend e-bikes, as it’s a great catch-all for use cases and riders. The standard buddy package with a rear seat and foot pegs makes it a fun option, and Rad sells a staggering amount of accessories to help you adapt the bike to any other needs.
The RadRunner Plus can fit just about anyone. Rad recommends it for a wide range of folks from 4’11” to 6’2”. The lower step-over height of merely 16.5” means most anybody from teens to seniors will have an easy time hopping on.
The Runner’s 750W hub motor is capable of steady hill-climbing and provides dialed-in acceleration when getting up to speed. The unique checkerboard pattern of the custom 20”x3.3” Kenda tires provides great grip into turns and good puncture protection for off-road rides. The BMX handlebar is comfortable and easy to navigate with.
Rad offers a less-expensive RadRunner 2 and a newer and improved RadRunner 3 Plus, but we find the RadRunner Plus is the sweet spot in terms of features and price amongst the three options.
Read Full Review | Watch Our Video Review
Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best electric cargo bikes
- A simple, fun ride. The low step-over height combined with a trusty motor makes for a great experience for everybody.
- The RunnerPlus has a nice variety of features. The passenger seat and pegs, wheel guard, 7-speed drivetrain, and suspension fork you get on this vs the Runner 2 feel like worthwhile upgrades.
- Rad offers a ton of accessories to outfit the bike with, so you can make this a viable “leave the car at home” option.
- The bike has great handling thanks to its overall low center of gravity and grippy tires.
- As a “Plus” model, we hoped to see hydraulic brakes, although the mechanical ones do work well.
Specialized Globe Haul ST
Best Premium Utility
It isn’t a rule, but we often associate fat tire e-bikes with powerful motors and bikes capable of carrying larger riders or payloads. It just so happens that one of the most powerful and strongest heavy-haulers comes from a bike with ‘short’ in its name.
The Specialized Globe Haul ST (short-tail) has the ability to carry a 419 lbs payload and a 700W hub motor that’s amongst the most powerful you’ll find anywhere. It was a surprisingly easy choice for one of the year’s best fat tire e-bikes!
The bike’s torque sensor and hub motor combo are among the best we’ve tested; this combination gives the bike an incredibly responsive feel. Speed and hill-climbing power are easily accessible when needed/wanted, but the Globe Haul can also give you a mellow ride if that’s more your style.
The 20”x3.5” Carless Whisper tires are stable and puncture-resistant. By lowering the bike’s center of gravity, the tires also enhance its nimble handling.
With incredibly well-designed geometry, the Haul fits a surprising range of riders between 4’5” and 6’4”. Taller, shorter, thinner, or larger riders all alike will find something to enjoy!
Despite its smaller size, the bike has a striking appearance. The matte paint colors give it a sharp appearance, while the battery placement looks great without screaming, “Steal me!”
The Globe Haul ST debuted to a lot of expectations, but it delivered on them—and then some.
- The bike has shockingly good performance. Speed, climbing, braking, and handling were all top-tier.
- A 419-lb weight capacity and 700W motor make hauling things pretty easy.
- The frame is designed to fit nearly any rider. People 4’5” – 6’4” can comfortably ride the Globe Haul ST.
- It’s easy to balance on and handle thanks to its 20”x3.5” fat tires and low center of gravity.
- There is no shortage of accessories to make this bike adapt to whatever you need an e-bike for.
- The throttle made the ride easier and was quite useful, but it doesn’t come standard. One can be added at checkout (which we suggest to get).
Mokwheel Obsidian
Best All-Terrain Full Suspension Camping
The Mokwheel Obsidian shares much with the Basalt (also on this list) but features a more powerful motor and a full suspension – both of which lend the bike all-terrain capabilities.
We appreciated the Obsidian’s outdoorsy look and feel, but it also offers a great deal of value for its price. It remains one of the most affordable full-suspension, all-terrain e-bikes we’ve tested, offering comfort, off-road performance, range, and impressive climbing power.
In our testing, the Obsidian’s 1000W rear-hub motor was both fast and mighty. We were able to go beyond Class 3 speeds and tear through rough desert terrain with ease. The proof is in the pudding: the Obsidian is first among fat tire e-bikes with rear hub motors in both portions of our Hill Test.
Like its hardtail cousin, the Obsidian is a “Power Station E-Bike,” meaning that it is compatible with optional accessories like Mokwheel’s solar charging kit and power inverter.
With the ability to recharge on the go and use the battery as a power source for other devices, we think the Obsidian is a clear winner for any wilderness adventure. Whether camping, hunting, or overlanding, it can keep you on the move as long as you have food and water!
- The Obsidian reaches up to (and beyond) Class 3 speeds and climbs hills easily thanks to its 1000W rear hub motor
- It feels extremely comfortable even in rough terrain with a full suspension
- The bike is compatible with solar panels and a power inverter to recharge or fuel other devices anywhere
- It comes in either highly visible or stealthy camo paint options
- The display offers customization settings, including motor engagement intensity, throttle speed, and more.
- Depending on where you live, it may need to be registered if operating on the street.
Borealis Keystone
Best Fat Tire eMTB
While many fat tire e-bikes are marketed as mountain bikes, the Borealis Keystone actually lives up to the name. The bike’s lightweight alloy frame features comfortable and practical geometry, and it is specced to the nines with a responsive mid-drive motor and other high-performance components from top to bottom.
Case in point: the Keystone hosts a smooth and quiet 250W Shimano EP8 motor with 85 Nm of torque for handling steep climbs.
It boasts a SRAM Eagle GX T-Type wireless 12-speed transmission with instantaneous electronic shifting and powerful SRAM G2 RS 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes to keep the bike firmly under control.
On top of that, the bike rocks a stout Manitou Mastodon Pro Ext suspension fork with 120 mm of travel and a KS Lev Integra dropper post with 125 mm of travel.
With a weight of 59 lbs, the Keystone is relatively light for its size; the bike’s aluminum construction gives it crisp, precise handling that makes it feel like a smaller machine.
Add in the cushion and grip of the bike’s Terrene Johnny 5.0” fat tires, and it can extend the riding season for singletrack or enable overlanding adventures through snow, sand, mud, and anything else Mother Nature can throw your way.
The bike is outfitted exceptionally well and bears a price to match, but it’s a beast that can handle any terrain nearly any time of year.
- The Shimano EP8 motor is powerful, quiet, smooth, and extremely responsive.
- The SRAM Eagle GX drivetrain features a 520% gearing range to maximize efficiency when climbing or descending
- We liked the grip and stability of the 26×5 Terrene Johnny 5 tires
- It has impressive handling thanks to a lightweight frame, tires, and robust Manitou suspension fork.
- The smoothness of the electronic shifting is something to be experienced!
- The bike was lighter than we expected based on its size, but we’d still like to see a full carbon option.
Himiway D7 Pro/Cobra Pro
Best All-Terrain Full Suspension Mid-Drive
While many fat tire e-bikes are labeled and marketed as all-terrain machines, few actually come with the equipment to back that up.
The Himiway Cobra Pro, however, boasts a full suspension that allows it to handle rough terrain that riders on hardtail fat bikes would find jarring and difficult.
In fact, the bike comes with all the features you’d expect for off-road capability: a torquey 1000W mid-drive motor with a responsive torque sensor, a massive 960 Wh battery for extended range, 4.8” CST tires for loose terrain, and 180mm hydraulic disc brakes for effective stopping power.
For what it offers, the Cobra Pro is priced well, but it’s important to remember that it is meant as a “gateway” to off-roading, allowing its rider to approach exploring and adventuring worry-free.
Think Jeep trails, double-track and fire roads.
As a fat tire e-bike with the ability to ride just about anywhere – and a relatively affordable price tag – the Himiway Cobra Pro is somewhat in a league of its own, which is why it’s our top pick for best all-terrain fat tire e-bike!
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Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best mid drive electric bikes
- For its price of around $3999, the Himiway Cobra Pro offers off-road performance comparable to more expensive, more dedicated e-bikes.
- Even with Himiway’s first attempt at a four-bar suspension, the Cobra Pro is surprisingly functional on more technical surfaces.
- The Cobra performs great on doubletrack and feels comfortable in rougher, off-road environments.
- The 1000W motor’s torque sensors make it appropriately responsive and precise for the bike’s natural habitat.
- The (extra) fat 4.8” tires feel super stable when engaging with loose or slippery ground.
- No real performance issues from the brakes in our testing, but given the bike’s weight and power, 203mm rotors would be nice vs the 180mm it has now.
Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus
Best Handling / Most Comfortable On a Budget
Many e-bikes on this list owe some thanks to the Rad Power Bikes RadRover for helping to popularize fat tires. While there was plenty to appreciate with past iterations of the Rover, the RadRover 6 Plus was (and is) a marked upgrade over its predecessors.
In a category that’s often singularly focused on speed and raw power, the Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus takes a different, more measured approach. Simply put, the RadRover 6 Plus raised the bar in such a way that it’s still one of the best fat tire e-bikes on the market.
There is a noticeable aesthetic overhaul compared to previous models thanks to the semi-integrated battery, which is housed in a more modern, angular frame. There is also a unique dual display in the center and left of the cockpit that’s functional and just plain cool!
The Rover has a 750W rear hub motor that’s very similar to what you’ll find on many other bikes on this list, but its power delivery is much more gentle, particularly at low speeds.
This gives the bike a predictable, controlled power delivery that’s friendly to new riders (or just those who want a bike that’s easy to ride), all while still being plenty torquey to help summit hilly areas.
Rad also added hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors to bolster the stopping power and keep riders more in control when needing to come to a stop.
If you want easily controllable power from a bike that’s backed by an industry-leading e-bike company, the RadRover 6 Plus may be the best choice for you!
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Still Confused with your choices? Check out our best electric bikes under $1000
- The 750W motor feels refined – it’s got plenty of torque, but it delivers power smoothly.
- The 672Wh battery delivers impressive range even for its size.
- The hydraulic disc brakes performed very well in our testing.
- While it may be subjective, we really love the new look of the redesigned RadRover.
- The LED screen on the left is noticeably less bright than the one in the center.
Himiway Cruiser
Best for Speed & Range On a Budget
If any bike on this list has earned a cult following, it’s the Himiway Cruiser.
Loved for its sheer power and massive 840Wh battery, the Cruiser is the brute of the fat-tire e-bike category. While many 750W bikes curb power at low speeds (like when you’re starting from a stop) and ramp it up as you accelerate, the Himiway seemingly gives you access to all 750W from the gun.
If you’re looking for speed, you will not be disappointed.
A larger-than-average 840Wh battery backs up that power, giving the Cruiser a great range on a single charge. Case in point: our Max PAS range test yielded a 44-mile ride before the battery gave out. Simply put, that’s a pretty impressive number.
To be clear, you can find larger batteries (or even dual batteries) on other fat tire e-bikes, but most of those bikes with larger standard batteries will run over $2,000. With a price under $1500, the Cruiser hits a sweet spot for us in terms of value – and the ability to provide long rides.
The Cruiser also comes specced with a Shimano Altus drivetrain, Tektro Aires mechanical brakes, front and rear fenders, and lights, making it comparable to other bikes in this category. It also comes stock with a rear cargo rack and it’s backed up by a 2-year warranty.
Like most others, the HImiway Cruiser ships as a Class 2 e-bike, but it can easily be adjusted to Class 3. If you’re in the market for a “rocket ship” of an e-bike, the Himiway Cruiser might be worth a look.
- The 48V 17.5Ah battery provides plenty of range. Even for a bigger, stronger e-bike, you can expect many miles on a single charge.
- The Cruiser is a super powerful e-bike that you feel the moment you start pedaling. If you like punchy acceleration, you are going to like this e-bike!
- The fat tires smoothly roll over surfaces with ease.
- The bike was very stable, even at high speeds, with great traction on nearly every surface.
- There’s a slight delay (about a full second) in pedal assistance when you start pedaling.
How We Chose the Best Fat Tire Electric Bikes
To make this list, we evaluated fat-tire e-bikes based on a few key criteria. Mainly:
- Range: It takes a lot of power to spin tires this big, so does the bike have a battery to back up its tread? There’s a reason fat bikes saw a boom in popularity after e-bikes came around: without motors, they’re inefficient and not super pleasant to pedal. To avoid this, bikes that make this list need to have batteries that will last.
- Quality and affordability: The market for this category of e-bikes is flush with affordable options designed to maximize performance without draining your wallet. It’s also a category where we see lots of first-time buyers. We chose options that give you lots of bang for your buck—and more importantly, they’re built to last.
- Speed and power: Fat bikes are the brutes of the e-bike world. They typically have some of the larger motors among their peers, and all that power raises some important questions. Exactly how fast can the bike go? What does that power feel like when you’re riding? Is it delivered in a safe and measured way, or does the bike leap from underneath you? We chose bikes that were fun but also safe.
- Comfort and efficiency: Because of the sheer size and the weight of their tires, fat e-bikes run the risk of being uncomfortable or downright difficult to ride. These bikes need to have balanced handling, geometry that’s comfortable but pedaling-friendly and a motor strong enough to keep everything rolling.
- Usefulness: Do the fat tires add something to the bike other than looks? In our opinion, a well-executed fat-tire e-bike needs to be more stable, more capable, more comfortable, or preferably all three.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best fat-tire e-bikes; considering how many options are out there, a comprehensive list would be very, very long. Instead, this list is a compilation of the best fat bikes we’ve tested, but there are many more yet that we haven’t yet gotten the chance to swing a leg over. As such, this list will continue to evolve as we test more bikes!
Bottom Line: Fat Tires Have Made E-Bikes More Approachable
The hunting, trail-ready, and all-terrain e-bikes are exceptions to that statement, but by and large, your average fat-tire e-bike rider probably isn’t picturing slop, sand, and snow as their riding environment. Most of these bikes will live their lives putting in miles on paved paths, gravel roads, and maybe some very light-duty trails.
So why choose fat tires over a traditional bicycle tire? The answer is simple: Because they feel more stable and are more confidence-inspiring, especially to newer riders or those venturing off-road for the first time.
E-bikes made bicycles far more accessible and appealing to people who had never before thought of swinging a leg over a human-powered machine, and that’s a wonderful thing. But new bike riders might be concerned about whether or not they’ve got enough contact with the ground to keep themselves tire-side-down at all times. Fat tires help with that.
Whether you’re a backcountry enthusiast, a rider looking for stability, or a person who just thinks the big tires look cool, there is something for you here on this list of the best fat-tire electric bikes!
Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best fat tire electric bike page? Let us know in the comment section below.
Richard Dewey says
Great article! I’m also in Utah and agree with you – it’s great to support businesses here – some great people are here and of course everywhere, but especially here. You mentioned the good rear suspension of the Rockshock Monarch Shock on the Bakcou. I’ve got a custom-made fat tire ebike (1k watt Bafang middrive, 52 v battery, rigid frame yet soft Cloud 9 seat) but am looking for the right suspension to handle bone-jarring pot holes, one of which I hit a few days ago, and my teeth are still rattling. What would you recommend to help with that — a particular suspension seat post? (Have read good things about Thudbuster ST online but I don’t know what to get — I’d like to get the very best for that price range similar to the Thudbuster ST, but could use some guidance. This is my first time back on bikes in many years. My buddy is about to get a fat tire ebike and wants the same answers.) Also would you recommend front end suspension of some kind? I’m an older rider looking for stability, not off-road as much, but the potholes and occasional roads in disrepair are hazards I need to prepare for better. Thanks!
Don Gerhardt says
Thanks for an excellent article on Fat Tire bikes. I recommend that you include the E-Cells 2 wheel drive Fat Tire bike in your next review. I recently tested the E-Cells bike in the mountains of WV on a 3 day tour. It handled steep terrain very well. I sometimes loose traction with a single wheel drive fat tire bike going up steep hills in the winter with snow. The 2 wheel drive is good for pulling a trailer with a deer stand, hauling deer, trail maintenance and rescue work.
I also have a BH Big Bud 2 wheel drive Fat Tire bike. The BH bike is no longer available in the USA. Don Gerhardt
F. Kearney says
Why not a three wheeler fat tire with front and back suspension for us riders over 70! Maybe get rid of the derailleur and substitute in new internal hub and sometimes motor? This would be a great electric bike for me!!! Maybe put on more suspension than I need making for smooth ride on dirt pot hole roads?
Just putting dreams together here. Thanks.
JJ says
Good for YOU – Just starting research – in my late sixties – probably a step thru – proud male.
Dirt McGirt says
All chinese hub motor internet direct to consumer BS.
I guess nobody reputable makes a good fat bike these days? What happened to the Norco Bigfoot?? That sucker would trounce the rest of these in all categories except class 3.
charles Mugler says
I owned an aventure and found it to be dangerous for riding on trails because of the delayed throttle response, not sure why you never acknowledge that in your review
Andreas Saurwein says
I am missing the 50rebel bikes here.
James Hill says
I am curious as to why no mention of the Juiced RipCurrent S. It is innovative with its “torque sensor”, and seems to be an excellent bike (I have a Radmini4, so I do like your list). For a while I was set on the Aventon Aventure, but I am now seriously considering the RipCurrent S step-through for my next bike. FYI, I am 73, 5’5″, and 210 pounds.
Allen Bassiett says
A dime a dozen huh? Wow
I know inflation is a little crazy right now but i wouldn’t call $5000 – $7500 ” a dime a dozen” .
Bill S says
Why not include Ariel Riders Kepler 52V Electric Fat Tire Bike?
It’s 1000 watt motor, long battery life and specs are well ahead of many on this list. This should really be on your test competition list.
Justin says
Any update on when the IGO Outland OKA review will be done? Sounds like a very interesting bike, with an air fork and Torque sensor!
Christopher Sullivan says
I purchased an ultra trx e2 terminator about a month back and am still waiting for it. Have you tested one before? I’m curious what your opinion is on it. I hope I wasn’t fleeced $5,438.