Electric fat bikes are a category of electric bikes highly favored by cycling enthusiasts. Just like other electric bikes, they are experiencing rapid success, and the number of enthusiasts keeps increasing. Electric fat bikes are an alternative that many cyclists adopt for various reasons. Here, we tell you everything you need to know about an electric fat bike.
The best fat bikes of the moment
What is an electric fat bike?
Previously, mountain biking was the only type of bike that could ride on all types of terrain. The electric fat bike is now the e-bike that allows such feats. The origins of this bike date back to the 2000s in the state of Alaska in the United States.
This bike played an important role in the mobility and research of the population when we know their difficulty to travel in the snow. It is equipped with large wheels that give it the ability to move on any type of terrain, even the most challenging ones.
Electric versions of these bikes will appear later and further increase its popularity.
The specifics of the electric fat bike
The first known feature of the electric fat bike is the oversized size of its tires, even though there are many other things that set it apart. Compared to a traditional bike, the fat bike is equipped with a relatively simple geometry frame and a fixed fork.
The frame
The performance of this e-bike is not exclusively linked to its wheels, but also to its frame which has similarities with that of the electric mountain bike. It consists of a tilted top tube to promote better handling during jumps. Fat bike frames are made either of aluminum or carbon fiber for more resistance but also to reduce weight.
The handlebars
For quality control and good visibility while riding, electric fat bikes are equipped with double-height handlebars or straight-shaped models. The latter impose a semi-upright position on the cyclist, which is recommended on rough terrain.
The speeds
Electric fat bikes have a wide range of speeds coupled with small gears. This allows the electric bike to adapt more quickly to the type of terrain it is ridden on. In general, electric fat bikes are equipped with 2 to 3 speeds, but models with 8 to 9 speeds are also found.
How to choose your electric fat bike?
Choosing the ideal electric fat bike involves taking into account certain elements whose study will protect you from unpleasant surprises.
The motor
It is one of the main elements to study when choosing the electric fat bike since it is the one that provides the necessary power to help you on difficult terrains. In France, it is limited to 250 W even though some 1000 W models are available only for use on private land.
Its placement is also not to be overlooked as it could affect the balance of the electric bike. They are found either in the rear wheel hub or in the bike crankset.
Autonomy
An electric bike would lose all its usefulness if it did not give its user the ability to travel the distance for which it was chosen. Most electric fat bikes have an average autonomy of 40 km even though other models go beyond 100 km.
Electric assistance
Designed to facilitate the task for e-bike riders, electric assistance varies depending on the bike model. The higher the number of levels, the more efficient the bike will be, and it will be able to move on difficult terrains.
The braking system
It is an element that deserves your attention as it contributes to your safety by helping you stop sooner. The hydraulic disc braking system is increasingly popular and found on many electric bikes in this category.
An electric fat bike waterproof?
The waterproofness of the bike should not be overlooked if you want to have the ability to ride your electric bike during rainy periods. Models that pass the IP54 waterproofing standard test without any issues are thus found.
The weight
It’s a criterion that factors into determining the possibility of transporting the electric bike or not. It should therefore have a reasonable weight so as not to burden the user. A lightweight e-bike is considered to be a bike whose overall weight does not exceed 20 kg.
A foldable fat bike?
Just like other types of electric bikes, fat bikes also come in foldable models. This quality gives them the advantage of being easier to transport and taking up less space.
The price of an electric fat bike
It’s a key criterion during any purchase. Should you wait for a larger budget or opt for a cheaper alternative? This is the question many buyers ask themselves. These bikes are classified by range according to cost, and every buyer should find a bike that fits their budget. It is estimated that an average budget of 1000 euros is needed to acquire an entry-level fat bike.
What are the advantages of an electric fat bike?
The criteria for choosing the electric fat bike being addressed, it is also useful to mention its advantages so that new buyers can decide. The electric bike with big wheels offers many advantages worth mentioning:
Versatility
An electric bike that can be ridden on any type of terrain represents a significant advantage for its purchaser. No need to acquire a bike based on your needs since it will meet your expectations on many points.
Strength
It is one of the qualities that sets the electric fat bike apart. Compared to other models of electric bikes, the fat bike tires are much more resistant to the roughness of the ground, and the risk of puncture is greatly reduced. This durability is also beneficial for your wheel which will last longer.
Simplicity and lightness
The electric fat bike has a simple overall configuration. This simplicity coupled with the electric assistance of its motor considerably cancels out its weight and makes it manageable in every way.
Grip
Thanks to the fat bike, previously difficult terrains become a playground. Additionally, its oversized tires conquer any surface. It is recommended to inflate them to a lower pressure than that of classic bikes. This way, they are less affected by the ground while absorbing shocks.
What is the wheel size of an electric fat bike?
The majority of electric fat bikes come with wheels ranging from 26 to 27.5 inches. This choice varies according to the type of terrain on which you plan to use your fat bike.
For riding on rough terrain, it is recommended to use 27.5-inch wheels. Moderately inflated, they dampen shocks and are less prone to vibrations.
For cyclists who plan to ride on flat courses, 26-inch wheels appear ideal. As for the rims of this category of e-bikes, rims ranging from 60 to 100 mm are found.
The principle to follow when choosing wheels is as follows: a larger tire automatically implies a wider rim. It is therefore discouraged for balance reasons to pair large tires with smaller rims even though the latter have the advantage of reducing the bike’s weight.
Why buy electric fat bikes of 1000W?
Besides standard electric bike models with 250 W, there are also electric fat bikes with power reaching 1000 W. These models generally have 8 to 9 speeds.
These fat bike models are mostly equipped with a 48V battery with a charging time of 7 hours. To go faster, they are the electric ally you need. The 1000W electric fat bikes can reach speeds of 45km/h and can cover distances up to 100 km. With its range of features, the driver can adapt their riding to any environment.
A final advantage of the 1000W electric fat bike that we mention here is the equipment that comes with it. Some come with an extra battery, mudguards, a maintenance kit, a pump, and many other accessories.
Can you find a folding electric fat bike?
For those who wonder about the existence or not of folding electric fat bike models, note that they are available in the market and also come in various ranges.
The folding electric fat bikes have the advantage of being lighter than simple models. They generally have the following strong points:
- A quick folding system
- An average autonomy of 50 km
- A frame made of a light and resistant material
- They are versatile just like non-folding models
- They offer excellent driving ease
- They reach speeds up to 40km/h
Electric fat bikes are a category of electric bikes whose performance and versatility are no longer in doubt. Even though they have a relatively higher cost than some electric bike models, the enthusiast who chooses one will not regret their investment, whether it is foldable or not. Electric fat bikes are the ideal compromise for cyclists looking for an electric bike that can adapt to all situations.
