best fat tire electric bikes

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When it comes to versatility, fat-tire electric bikes take some beating. Whether it’s tearing up the dunes or ploughing through snow, there’s no doubt that these e-bikes can go almost anywhere! In this article, I have looked at what’s new in 2023 and have selected 14 of the best electric fat bikes currently available.

The 14 best fat tire electric bikes in 2023

  1. Himiway Cruiser
  2. Jeep fat tire e-bike
  3. Cyrusher Ranger
  4. Rad Power RadRover 6
  5. Himiway Cobra Pro
  6. Freesky Alaska
  7. Velowave Ranger
  8. Shengmilo MX04
  9. Fucare Gemini X
  10. Magicycle Cruiser Pro
  11. Wallke H6
  12. Engwe Engine Pro 750w
  13. Ecotric Cheetah
  14. Addmotor M-81

Fat tire electric bikes now account for a massive slice of new e-bike sales in North America. Plus, they’re catching on big in Europe and the UK. They’re perfect for exploring the great outdoors and making great commuter e-bikes. Big tires don’t just look cool; they help with traction, stability and comfort when riding on rougher terrain or uneven road surfaces.

How do we select the best electric fat bikes?

Our selection is based on several key factors. We scour the internet for customer feedback on the bikes and the brand. I have personal experience with some of the brands featured here. Unfortunately, problems will occur with any electricity product, and e-bikes are no exception. We’re looking at the bike specification, warranty, and customer support.

  • Value for Money: Does the bike offer good value for money to the customer? Are the components and general build quality a reflection of the price?
  • Brand: Does the brand have a good reputation? We check out reviews on e-commerce sites like Amazon and eBay to asses overall customer experience.
  • Motor Power and Efficiency: Is the motor used going to last, and will it perform as expected? Fat tire e-bikes are much heavier than regular electric bikes, and the extra weight will increase the motor’s demands. Plus, motor efficiency is another important consideration.
  • Battery Range: Are the cells used from a known brand? What is the realistic range likely to be for the average rider? Manufacturers often use the lowest assist level with lightweight riders on flat roads to achieve their range estimates. These range estimates are likely to be unrealistic for everyday usage.
  • Equipment: Does the e-bike have all the necessary accessories to make day-to-day riding practical? Things like mudguards, pannier racks, etc.

Fat tire e-bike buyer’s guide

If you’re spending your hard-earned cash on a new e-bike, you must spend wisely. Before you commit to buying, make sure you’ve gone over the list below. Are you riding on the flat, or is it hilly where you live? How far will you be riding on average? Do you have storage space?

Which electric motor is best?

There are positives and negatives when choosing a hub motor vs. mid-drive. Most of the fat tire e-bikes featured in this article use geared hub motors – these are generally very reliable, and if they do go wrong, they’re easy enough to fix or replace. Unfortunately, hub motors do have limitations. They’re great on flat or gently rolling terrain but will struggle when the trail turns steep. If you plan on tackling steep, technical ascents, then you’ll need to think about something with a powerful mid-drive motor like the Bafang M615.

cyrusher xf800 fat tire e-bike bafang motor
A Bafang 48v 750w rear hub motor

Brakes

As mentioned above, fat-tire electric bikes are heavy. When flying downhill on an e-bike weighing upwards of 65 lbs, you want to be safe, knowing it can stop you safely. Most of the e-bikes featured here use hydraulic disc brakes. These provide better stopping power and modulation. Brake modulation is the ability to control the braking force applied to a vehicle’s wheels. It’s an important aspect of riding, as it allows the rider to smoothly and effectively bring the bike to a stop without locking up the wheels or skidding.

cyrusher xf800 bafang hub motor
Hydraulic disc brakes

Battery

The type of battery you have fitted will determine the range of your bike. This depends on several factors – for example, a 48v 13ah battery has a total energy capacity of 624 watt-hours. This means at a constant 624 watts, the battery will be depleted in one hour. In real-world terms, this will vary depending on the power level used, rider weight, wind direction and terrain. A larger battery is important on a fat tire e-bike due to the increased power consumption.

cyrusher xf800 battery
A typical 48v battery

Remember, if you want to use your e-bike in the winter, in sub-zero temperatures, these batteries will lose about 20% of their range when cold. Plus, you should always charge these batteries at room temperature.

Tires

Most fat-tire electric bikes have 26″ wheels, except the increasingly popular folding fat-tire e-bikes with 20″ tires. Ideally, you want a tire with a certain degree of puncture resistance. Fat bike tires can typically run at much lower pressures than traditional mountain bike tyres; this helps with traction, especially when riding through snow, sand or mud.

cyrusher xf800 tyres
Panaracer 26″ x 4″ tires

I hope this info helps you make the right decision. If you need further advice, please use the comments section at the bottom of this page, and I’ll be glad to help. And now, on to my list of the 11 best electric fat bikes for 2023. The bikes listed below are just the tip of the iceberg, and hundreds of similar fat e-bikes are available.

Fat tire e-bike benefits and negatives

There are several pros and cons of riding a Fat tire e-bike compared to traditional e-bikes. I have listed all the main points below:

Benefits of riding a fat tire e-bike
  • Improved traction: The wider tires of a fat tire electric bike can help to increase traction, especially on loose or soft terrain such as sand, snow, or mud.
  • Increased stability: Fat tires provide a larger contact patch with the ground, making the bike more stable and easier to ride on uneven or slippery surfaces.
  • Comfort: The larger tires of a fat tire electric bike can absorb more of the shock from rough terrain, making the ride more comfortable.
  • Off-road capabilities: Fat tire electric bikes are designed to handle off-road trails and terrain, making them a good choice for riders riding on various surfaces.
  • Versatility: Fat tire electric bikes can be used for various activities, including commuting, recreational riding, and off-road adventures.
engwe ep-2 pro review
Negatives of riding a fat tire e-bike
  • Heavy-weight: Fat tire electric bikes are very heavy, without exception. Most of the models featured here weigh the wrong side of 65 pounds (30 kg). This can be a problem if you live upstairs and don’t have access to a lift.
  • Hard to pedal without assistance: If you run out of battery miles from your destination, it will be a tough pedal home. Fat tires have high rolling resistance. Plus, the bike’s extra weight will make pedaling on anything but the flattest of surfaces a challenge.
  • Maintenance costs: Electric fat bikes may cost more than your typical e-bike to run over time. Tires can be quite expensive, and inner tubes will cost slightly more. Then, there’s increased wear and tear on components like brake pads that will need changing more frequently (due to the bike’s extra weight). Plus, you have auxiliary components like suspension units to think about.
  • Battery range: A fat tire e-bike won’t have the same range or efficiency as a regular electric bike. Due to the extra weight and rolling resistance, you’ll likely need always to use the assist to compensate.

All in all, the positives outweigh the negatives. But, you need to ask yourself, do you need a fat tire electric bike? Don’t get me wrong, I love these bikes, but if you’re only riding on smooth pavement or asphalt, I don’t see the point in carrying all that extra weight.

velowave ranger fat tire e-bike

And so, on to my selection of the 14 best fat tire e-bikes for 2023. The list below covers a broad range of budgets from under $1000 to over $5000. There’s something to suit all ages and abilities.


1. Himiway Cruiser

Best fat tire e-bike for the price

himiway cruiser best all round fat tire e-bike
Himiway Cruiser

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750-watt (US) 250-watt (UK / EU)
  • Battery: 840Wh 48v 17.5Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph (US) 15.5 mph (UK / EU)
  • Brakes: Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes

The Himiway Cruiser features a 750w (US) or 250w (UK/EU) hub motor and an impressive 840Wh battery; The Himiway is the best-value all-rounder on this list. Power delivery is very smooth and can be configured using the advanced settings on the display. The battery range is respectable – I managed 43 miles with some spare.

I like the Himiway Cruiser. it’s not the fanciest fat tire e-bike on this list, but it’s very good for the price. The range is respectable, and comfort, handling and motor performance all come to scratch. Coming in at around $1599, it’s well worth considering.

Check out my YouTube video review.

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2. Jeep fat tire e-bike

Best full suspension fat tire e-bike

jeep e-bike
Images courtesy of QuietKat

Key features:

  • Motor: Bafang Mid-Drive 1000w
  • Battery: 696Wh
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Tektro 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc Brakes

When an e-bike is associated with the iconic Jeep, you know it will be something special! The Jeep electric bike doesn’t disappoint. This e-bike is designed to handle everything the great outdoors can throw at it and handle it in style!

The centrepiece of this impressive electric bike is the Bafang Ultra mid-drive motor. With over 1000w peak power on tap and a torque-sensing pedal assist system, the Jeep is fast and responsive when the chips are down. Plus, the 696Wh battery will give you enough range for a few hours of riding. If you need an e-bike that will confidently take you over the most challenging terrain, then the Jeep will be the best tool for the job.


3. Cyrusher Ranger

Best newcomer for 2023 

cyrusher ranger fat tire electric bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Bafang rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 52v 20Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

The new Cyrusher Ranger is the brand’s latest flagship model for 2023. The Ranger boasts an all-new frame design and many other features not found on their previous models. The most notable of these new features is the addition of torque-sensing pedal assist.

The 750w Bafang rear hub motor is powered by a 52v 20Ah battery. Cyrusher has claimed a range of 56 miles, which seems reasonable if the bike isn’t used in full power mode. Other features include Shimano 9-speed gearing, hydraulic disc brakes, dual suspension and a very nifty-looking wide-screen color display. the Ranger is competitively priced and offers a lot of for the price.


4. Rad Power RadRover 6

Best-selling fat tire electric bike 

radrover 6 plus fat tire e-bike
Images courtesy of Rad Power Bikes

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750-watt (US) 250-watt (UK and EU)
  • Battery: 672Wh
  • Top Speed: 20 mph (US) and 15.5 mph (UK)
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc

The Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus is one of the company’s best-selling fat tire e-bikes. Featuring a 750-watt rear hub motor, a 672Wh battery, a durable aluminum frame, and 4-inch wide tires. It has a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 20 mph.

The RadRover 6 Plus features include a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, an LCD panel that shows battery life, speed, and other information, and a comfortable saddle with ergonomic handlebars. It is suitable for riders of all skill levels and can be used for various purposes, including commuting, recreational riding, and off-road adventures.


5. Himiway Cobra Pro

Best value mid-drive electric fat bike 

himiway cobra pro fat tire electric bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Bafang Mid-Drive 1000w
  • Battery: 48v 20Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Himiway Cobra Pro is a high-performance mid-drive electric fat bike. Power comes from the excellent Bafang M620 mid-drive motor, which uses a sophisticated torque sensor to measure pedaling force. This provides instant response from the motor and optimum efficiency for battery range.

An integrated 48v 20Ah battery provides up to 80 miles of range (in the lowest assist level), meaning you can have hours of fun on the trails. The battery uses quality Samsung or LG cells, and the bike components are also good. Despite its hefty price tag of $3999, the Himiway Cobra Pro is a whole lot of e-bike for the price. Great performance, combined with a good battery and decent components.


6. Freesky Alaska

Best value fat tire e-bike with dual batteries

freesky alaska fat tire e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 1000w
  • Battery: 998Wh
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Freesky Alaska has not one but two batteries. Total capacity equals 998Wh, giving the Freesky a claimed potential range of up to 100 miles. This is optimistic, as this e-bike is very heavy at 92 lbs. It will be closer to 50 miles, especially if full power is used for extended periods.

It looks like a beast of a bike, and at its regular price of $2199, it is very good value for money. The Freesky Alaska features a 750w or 1000w rear hub motor, hydraulic brakes, dual suspension and Shimano 7-speed gearing.


7. Velowave Ranger

Best budget fat tire electric bike

velowave ranger best budget fat tire e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 48v 15Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Many options are still available if your budget is closer to $1000. One such option is the Velowave Ranger. This fat tire e-bike comes in at a wallet-friendly $1499 and has a really good specification for the price.

It features a reliable 750w Bafang rear hub motor with an impressive 48v 15Ah battery that uses LG cells. Plus, there’s the front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano gearing. What’s not to like at this price?


8. Shengmilo MX04

Best retro-style electric fat bike

shengmilo mx04 best retro style fat tire e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 500w
  • Battery: 48v 15Ah
  • Top Speed: 25 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Shengmilo MX04 is a fat tire e-bike with a retro twist; featuring a Bafang 500w rear hub motor and 48v 15Ah battery, the MX04 has plenty of power. There are also hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 7-speed gearing. The tires are 3″, which just about qualifies it for fat bike status!

What’s unique about the Shengmilo MX04 is the subtle retro styling – swept-back handlebars with brown leather grips and a nice and comfy brown retro saddle. Plus, there’s the big headlight up front. The comfortable riding position makes this an e-bike designed for relaxed cruising and would be ideal for leisure riding or the daily commute to work.


9. Fucare Gemini X

Best fat e-bike with unique styling 

fucare gemini x best fat tire e-bike with unique styling

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 998Wh
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

If you’re looking for a fat tire e-bike with unique styling, the Fucare Gemini X is a break from the norm. The Gemini X is different, featuring a trellis frame design and dual battery set-up. The styling may not appeal to everyone, but I like it.

The specification is very good, too – featuring a 750w rear hub motor with two 48v 10.4Ah batteries, giving the Fucare 998Wh of total battery capacity. With one battery mounted vertically behind the seat tube and the other inside the trellis frame, weight is fairly centralized. Priced under $1800, the Fucare Gemini X is a good option for those looking for a relaxed riding style.


10. Magicycle Cruiser Pro

Best value fat tire e-bike with 52v battery 

magicycle cruiser pro fat tire e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 52v 20Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

There’s a trend with more and more e-bike manufacturers using 52v batteries. Magicycle has been doing it for a while, and their Cruiser Pro is a cracking fat tire e-bike for the price. Featuring a great specification, the Cruiser Pro uses a 52v 20Ah battery (using LG cells) with a 750w rear hub motor and color display.

It’s also catered for in the component department with Tektro hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors and Shimano gearing. Plus, there’s a suspension fork up front to improve comfort and off-road riding. Priced at just under $1900, the Magicycle Cruiser Pro offers excellent value and is available in a step-through frame.


11. Wallke H6

Best folding fat tire e-bike 

wallke h6 best folding fat tire e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 1680Wh
  • Top Speed: 32 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Are you looking for an e-bike but must travel long distances between charges? Look no further! The Wallke H6 fat tire folding e-bike has an unmatched battery capacity of 1680 watt-hours. The use of dual batteries achieves this – the primary battery is 48v 21Ah, which on its own is substantial. Plus, there’s a second 48v 14Ah battery behind the seat. This gives the Wallke H6 a potential maximum range approaching 180 miles (in low assist, flat roads, light rider).

The Wallke H6 looks rugged and can even carry cargo or a passenger on the heavy-duty rear rack. There are hydraulic brakes, 8-speed Shimano gearing and a neat full-color display. There is a suspension fork up front and dual shock absorbers at the rear for comfort and off-road capabilities.


12. Engwe Engine Pro 750w

Best folding fat tire e-bike under $1500

engwe engine pro review
Engwe Engine Pro 750w

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 48v 16Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Engwe Engine Pro 750w offers a lot of e-bike for the price. I had one of these for a few months back in 2022 and covered over 200 miles without problems. It features a 750w rear hub motor, 768Wh battery, color display, dual suspension and hydraulic brakes. Not many folding electric fat bikes boast this amount of features at the price. In addition, the Engwe has a regen feature – when activated, it turns the motor into a big generator and puts some energy back into the battery.

If your budget is below $1500, the Engwe Engine Pro is well worth considering. It’s comfortable, the motor has enough power to hustle you along at 28 mph (on the flat), and the battery will give you a real-world range of 30 – 40 miles.

Watch my YouTube video review.


13. Ecotric Cheetah

Best fat tire e-bike under $1000

ecotric cheetah best fat tire e-bike under $1000

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 500w
  • Battery: 36v 12.5Ah
  • Top Speed: 22 mph
  • Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes

If you want the versatility of a fat tire e-bike but are on a tight budget, then the Ecotric Cheetah is a good option. Currently available for under $900, the Cheetah has everything you need to get going. From a 500w rear hub motor and 36v 12.5Ah battery to the 26″ x 4″ tyres, mechanical disc brakes and Shimano gears.

What I like about the Ecotric Cheetah is its simple design. It’s more like a traditional fat bike – there’s no suspension, and it uses fairly cheap components that will be easy to service and replace over time. If you want an electric bike from A to B and aren’t fussed about all the bells and whistles, then the Cheetah is well worth considering at this price. 


14. Addmotor M-81

Best fat tire electric cargo bike

addmotor m-81 fat tire cargo e-bike

Key features:

  • Motor: Rear hub motor 750w
  • Battery: 48v 20Ah
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

The Addmotor M-81 takes the features of the best electric cargo bikes to another level with the addition of fat tires. Capable of hauling groceries and kids – you can even take your friends down to the beach! It’s also a great-looking bike and is available in a cool choice of colors.

Featuring a powerful 750w rear hub motor (peak power 907w), and a quality 48v 20Ah battery (using Samsung cells). Plus, there are decent components like the hydraulic brakes, suspension fork and Shimano gearing. Addmotor also offers a range of accessories to complement the M-81 – including an additional cargo trailer.


Conclusion

So there you have it, the 13 of the best fat tire electric bikes in 2023. As I’ve stated above, this is just a small selection of hundreds of different makes and models currently available to consumers in the US.

The bottom line is fat tire e-bikes are practical and fun to ride. They may not suit everyone, and they will feel very sluggish to pedal without the assist activated. But when riding on the sand, snow or mud, these e-bikes will go places other bikes won’t.

If I had to choose a winner from the list in this article, it would be the Jeep, simply because of the top-quality components used and that powerful Bafang mid-drive. A cheaper alternative to the Jeep would be the Himiway Cobra Pro, which offers a similar motor and more powerful battery.

All other bikes mentioned in this article have their own merits and are well worth considering if they fit the bill. I’d be tempted with the Wallke H6 at the cheaper end of the scale simply because of its massive battery range and cargo-carrying potential.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ve found this article useful. If you need any advice on buying your next/first fat tire e-bike, please leave a message in the comments section below, and I’ll reply within 24 hours.

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