Denago Fat Tire Step-Thru E-Bike Review, 2024

The range test is used to determine the actual range where the battery provides sufficient power for pedal assistance. We stick to the same bike paths for every e-bike we test so there is consistency. The course is mostly flat, with some occasional short inclines and downhill sections.

I rode at PAS 2 because the motor was more engaged at that level. The motor was less engaged when I rode at PAS 1, meaning I was doing more of the pedaling. Our test requires near-continual engagement between the motor and pedaler.

While riding the Minimum PAS test, I began to wonder if maybe the battery gauge was faulty. It took me 11 miles before the gauge dropped to 89 percent, implying I had a range of 100 miles. The bike company range claim was 70 miles. Of course, the battery level reading dropped more quickly as my ride continued.

After riding this e-bike a total of five hours fifteen minutes (5:15), I came just shy of 65 miles before the battery ceased providing meaningful power for the motor to assist my pedaling. If I had run the test in PAS 1 – and accepted the role of doing more of the pedaling – then I could probably do closer to 70 miles in PAS 1. Something to keep in mind if you have a lot of miles to tackle, and no ability to stop and charge the battery.

Riding the maximum PAS test, I reached a range of 32.44 miles before the battery power became insignificant. I was a little surprised when this happened. The battery level reading had just dropped below 10 percent, and I thought I could ride at least one or two more miles. I managed to ride about half a mile and then the display unit turned off. So much for that. I thought I would at least see a flashing light before the bike shut down. It was just as well. Riding at PAS 5, I had to move from the bike path to the city streets, and it was rush hour by that time (and I was ready to go home).

Important note about battery level readings on this bike, and most other e-bikes. E-bikes tend to use more battery power after they reach the 50 percentile. I don’t know why and will be glad when I find some science to explain this so we can post it on the EBR site. While doing the max PAS ride, the display listed the battery life at 33% after 25 miles. That meant I should’ve had enough battery to go 12 more miles. This bike went seven more miles. This is not unusual for any e-bike, but serves as a good reminder to learn the battery limits on your commute as it may vary with your route, weight, etc..

The graph above explains the hill climb test and the Denago’s results in comparison with similar fat tire e-bikes.

Posting an impressive climbing performance, the Denago proved its moxie in making it to the top with better-than-average results. This will be of great importance to riders who will be facing inclines often when they ride this e-bike. While pedaling up Hell Hole Trail, not once did I have to exert more effort to compensate for the motor. The torque sensor did a fabulous job managing how much power the motor should supply.

Stopping the Denago is the Zoom HB875 hydraulic braking system. Using the dual piston design and 180mm rotors, this system looks like most other braking systems we’ve tested on fat bikes like this; but the results of the brake test impressed us more than the others.

The hydraulic brakes slowed me and the bike quickly and without demanding too much effort or skill. Safety is a big priority to me (I’ve had three concussions from crashing), so I take a long look at brake performance. Given the fact that e-bikes tend to travel 10 – 12 mph faster than regular bikes, riders will want something that slows the bike down equally well..

The brakes on this bike performed remarkably well under a variety of conditions. The EBR brake test takes place on a closed course we use for testing all the e-bikes we review. We get the bike traveling at 20 mph before quickly hitting the brakes to stop the bike as quickly as possible. Most fat bikes we’ve tested stop in 22 – 24 feet. So, we were happily surprised to see the Denago stop at an average distance of 18’4”.

The Zoom braking system on this fat bike also performed well on my road tests. On each of the long downhills, I used a method of consistently tapping the front and rear brakes to gradually slow the bike. On some bikes this method does not work so well because the brakes heat up and lose their ability to slow the bike. But the Denago Fat Tire’s brakes hung in there all the way on each hill.

Turning is another riding function where consistent braking is important. The more you know your bike and how it responds, the more you know how to tailor your riding style to your bike. After riding the Denago over 100 miles, I came away feeling this bike has reliable stopping power and that I can ride this with confidence knowing how the brakes will perform.

One last note on the brakes: like cars, motorcycles and bicycles, e-bike brakes need to be regularly serviced for optimum safety. Since many of the popular e-bikes of today are shipped directly to consumers, new riders might not have a good mechanic to service their e-bike. Some e-bikers are do-it-yourselfers, but if that isn’t you then I strongly recommend you ask around and find yourself a competent bike mechanic to complete the necessary maintenance and repairs.

Overall, the Denago Fat Tire Step-thru e-bike has a lot going for it. The motor provided loads of acceleration when I needed it, as well as good top speeds when my riding conditions allowed it. The battery extended the range closer to the 70-mile mark. The torque sensor was solid in dispensing the power when I needed it. The brakes provided great safety with its stopping power, and all the other goodies I mentioned made my experience on the bike a happy one. The more the bike delivered, the more I felt confident in its abilities.

The only issues I found with this bike, as mentioned earlier, were the seat and the speed at the PAS 5 level. I hope to see Denago (and other e-bike companies) ship and sell these 750-watt bikes as Class 2 (20 mph) bikes, with an option for riders to modify it to a 28 mph Class 3. Average riders have average riding skills, so traveling at 20 mph on a bicycle with a motor is fast enough for most.

Putting that aside, I think riders who buy this bike will be happy. This bike meets a lot of needs of many riders, and I think fat bikes like these will encourage more people to get into e-biking. So, as you have fun pedaling around on your new fat bike, remember to use good judgment about your riding capabilities in all riding conditions, and make the safety of you and others a top priority. Please click the link below for prices and availability on this very rideable e-bike.

‘Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Denago Fat Tire Step-thru e-bike Tire Step-thru e-bike.