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With winter fast approaching, if you live in an area prone to snowfall, then a fat tyre e-bike might be worth considering. But are they really practical for commuting? In this article, I’ll critically examine this type of e-bike and recommend 8 of the best folding electric fat bikes available in the UK and the US.
- Engwe Engine Pro
- Himo ZB20 Max
- Heybike Mars
- Rad Power RadExpand 5
- Fiido M1 Pro
- Engwe EP-2 Pro
- Ado A20F
- Cyrusher XF690
Folding electric fat bike guide
The main component that defines this e-bike is the oversized 4-inch tyres. There’s much debate about the benefits of having such a big tyre on an electric bike, but one thing is for sure – they’re incredibly popular. The best folding electric fat bikes should have strong motors and decent batteries to deal with the extra weight.
- Tyres: The size is usually 20″ x 4″ wide, although full-size folding fat e-bikes have the more traditional 26″ wheel size.
- Motor: Rear hub motors are exclusively used with common power outputs ranging from 250w up to 1000w+. You need to consider the e-bike laws in your country, as the UK and EU have much more restrictive laws than the US.
- Battery: Most e-bikes in this class use 48-volt batteries ranging from 10Ah to 16Ah. The greater the Ah (amp hour) rating, the better the range. **It should be noted that manufacturer-quoted ranges are not based on real-world conditions and should be taken with a pinch of salt!
- Top speed: This depends on the power output. A typical 750w folding e-bike will get you to around 28mph on the assist. Most 250w e-bikes are limited to 15.5mph (25km/h).
- Suspension: Most of the e-bikes featured below have front suspension. Some of the more expensive models also have rear suspension. This adds to the weight but improves rider comfort, giving them a ‘magic carpet’ ride.
- Accessories: Most folding electric fat bikes I’ve tested have accessories like mudguards, headlights, kickstands and pannier racks.
Folding Electric Fat Bike Pros and Cons
There are several advantages (and disadvantages) to owning and riding a folding fat tyre e-bike. Below, I’ve listed some pros and cons so you can decide whether this type of e-bike suits your needs.
Pros
- Great versatility – can be ridden on snow, sand and mud. Plus, they can tackle urban obstacles like steps and high pavements.
- Extra riding comfort from oversized tyres.
- Looks cool (depending on your opinion).
- Can be folded up for easier storage or transportation.
Cons
- Weight: Folding electric fat bikes are usually very heavy (25kg+)
- Road noise when riding on tarmac (from tyres).
- Sluggish handling at low speed / tight turns.
- Harder to pedal without e-assist – they usually have limited gear range, plus the extra weight and high rolling resistance of the fat tyres make it unrealistic to use these e-bikes without help from the motor.
A folding electric fat bike isn’t going to be for everyone. They’re too heavy to take on public transport, and pedalling these bikes without electric assist requires much more effort than on a regular bike. If you’re looking for an e-bike to help on the hills, you would be much better with a lightweight option like the Fiido X.
Where they come into their own is in the snow. With a big contact area, the 4-inch wide tyres can be run at pressures of around 10 psi, making them great for winter riding.
The Best Folding Electric Fat Bikes for 2023
My list below features 8 of the best folding electric fat bikes currently available in 2023. My selection is based on personal experience, specification, value for money, brand awareness and positive customer feedback.
1. Engwe Engine Pro 750w
Key Specifications
- Motor: 750-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 48v 16Ah
- Range: 40 – 50 miles / 64 – 80 km (tested)
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Brakes: Hydraulic
- Gears: Shimano 8-Speed
- Weight: 34 kg
Pros
- The powerful and responsive pedal assist
- Regen feature
- Very nice and clear colour display
Cons
- Too heavy to be truly portable
- Not legal in some countries
The Engwe Engine Pro features a 750w rear hub motor with a top speed of around 28mph. Other features include a 48v 16Ah battery, hydraulic disc brakes and a full-colour display. There’s also a sturdy pannier rack, metal mudguards, a headlight, and rear brake/stop lights.
If you’re after a featured-packed commuter e-bike, the Engwe Engine Pro is one of the best folding electric fat bikes available for the price and well worth considering.
2. Himo ZB20 Max
Key Specifications
- Motor: 250-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 48v 10Ah / 480Wh
- Range: 20 – 30 miles / 32 – 48 km (tested)
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph / 25 km/h
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Weight: 28 kg
Pros
- Smooth motor and responsive motor
- Comfortable
- Legal in the EU and UK
Cons
- Underpowered on steeper hills
- Mechanical disc brakes lack bite
- The handlebars felt a little too narrow
If you live in the UK or EU and are looking for a road-legal folding fat tyre e-bike, the Himo ZB20 fits the bill perfectly. With a 250w motor limited to 15.5mph (25km/h), you can safely ride the Himo without fear of persecution from the law.
I was sent a Himo ZB20 to review last year, and it’s great fun to ride. Plus, it goes surprisingly well for a 250w e-bike. It features a 48v 10Ah battery with mechanical disc brakes, front suspension and 7-speed Shimano gearing. The bike also includes metal mudguards, a headlight, and a kickstand.
3. Heybike Mars
Key Specifications
- Motor: 500-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 48v 12.5Ah
- Range: Up to 48 miles (claimed)
- Top Speed: 20 mph
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Weight: 30 kg
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- 48v 500w hub motor
- Decent battery range
Cons
- Heavy
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Only available in the US
The Heybike Mars is a great budget option if you live in the US and don’t want to spend much more than $1000. Powered by a 48v 500w rear hub motor and 12.5Ah battery, the Heybike has excellent reviews on Amazon US.
It has a respectable top speed of 20mph and an assisted range of up to 48 miles, and the Heybike Mars represents excellent value for money. It’s the best Amazon seller in the folding electric bikes category!
4. Rad Power RadExpand 5
Key Specifications
- Motor: 250-watt or 750-watt (US) Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 672Wh
- Range: 25 – 45 miles / 40 – 72 km
- Top Speed: 15.5mph / 25 km/h (UK and EU) or 20 mph (US)
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Weight: 28 kg
Pros
- Road legal version for EU and UK +
- Very stylish
- Rigid frame design
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Mechanical disc brakes
Rad Power is the largest independent e-bike manufacturer in the States and now sell most of its range in the EU and UK market (with appropriate speed and power limits). Although their range of e-bikes uses ‘no frills’ components, they’re well thought out and offer excellent value for money.
The RadExpand 5 has a 48v 250w motor (750w US version) powered by a decent 674Wh battery and offers a good all-around package. If you’re after a road-legal fat tyre folding e-bike that’s not too heavy and has all the features you’d need, then the RadExpand is well worth the money.
5. Fiido M1 Pro
Key Specifications
- Motor: 500-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 614Wh
- Range: Up to 130 km (claimed)
- Top Speed: 25 mph / 40 km/h
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Weight: 25 kg (claimed)
Pros
- A legal 250w version is available.
- Very good value for money
- Well-established brand
Cons
- Heavy
- Mechanical disc brakes
The Fiido M1 Pro is another great value folding electric fat bike that’s proven popular with consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. Fiido is a well-established brand and has built up a good support network in the EU and US. The Fiido M1 Pro uses a 500w motor with a 48v 12.5Ah battery.
Nothing about the M1 Pro sets it apart from the competition, but it’s a good all-rounder, and if you are after a folding fat tyre e-bike, it is worth a look.
6. Engwe EP-2 Pro
Key Specifications
- Motor: 750-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 48v 12.8Ah
- Range: 20 – 30 miles (tested)
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-Speed
- Weight: 32 kg
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Powerful 750w hub motor
- Minimal resistance when unassisted
Cons
- Very heavy
- Noisy brakes
- Not road legal in some countries
If you’re looking for a fat tyre folding e-bike but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Engine Pro, the Engwe EP-2 Pro is a great alternative. The performance of a 48v 12.8Ah battery and 750w geared rear hub motor is excellent. Stopping power is provided by mechanical disc brakes, and the EP-2 Pro has 7-speed Shimano gearing.
This is a great budget option and offers a lot for the money. If you want a reliable daily commuter or leisure bike, the Engwe EP-2 Pro is worth considering – Check out the customer reviews; it’s got some great feedback.
7. Ado A20F
Key Specifications
- Motor: 250-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 36v 10.4Ah
- Range: 20 – 30 miles
- Top Speed: 15.5 mph / 25 km/h
- Brakes: Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Gears: 7-speed
- Weight: 28 kg
Pros
- 250w version available for EU and UK +
- Responsive pedal assist
- Minimal resistance when unassisted
Cons
- Smaller capacity battery
- Heavy
The Ado A20F is another great option if you’re looking for a road-legal folding fat tyre e-bike (in the EU and UK). Power is provided by a 250w geared rear hub motor and 36v 10.4Ah battery. Components include a front suspension fork, mechanical disc brakes and 7-speed Shimano gearing.
Ado e-bikes have a great reputation and a good support network. If you’re looking for a budget-fat tyre e-bike, the A20F is worth a look.
8. Cyrusher XF690
Key Specifications
- Motor: 750-watt Rear Hub Motor
- Battery: 48v 15Ah
- Range: 30 – 50 miles
- Top Speed: 28 mph
- Brakes: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Gears: 27-speed
- Weight: 34 kg
Pros
- Very powerful Bafang hub motor
- Front and rear suspension
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Cons
- Will be too heavy and bulky for some
- Not road legal in some countries
The Cyrusher XF690 is a full-sized folding fat tyre electric bike with a 750w Bafang hub motor with a 48v 15Ah battery (the XF800 uses a 13Ah). It’s also available in a road-legal 250w version called the ‘Max’.
It’s the most expensive e-bike featured here but has the best specifications. If you want a full-sized e-bike that can be easily folded for storage/transportation, then the Cyrusher XF690 is one of the best available.
Hola Tony, gracias por tus revisiones y artículos. Son completos y con información detallada, lo que nos ayuda mucho a los que no somos expertos y queremos no desperdiciar el dinero en la compra de una bici.
Quiero preguntarte, porque quisiera un fat bike, me ha gustado mucho la Engwe Pro, por sus características y precio, pero yo no soy alta de estatura, mido 1.58m y no se si se ajustará la talla.
Actualmente tengo una bici MTB CUBE ACCESS WLS talla S, pero quisiera algo que ya me ayudase por la edad que voy teniendo y que me permita seguir con la bicicleta por carriles, caminos de montaña, etc.
Me gustan bastante las fat bikes, por la posibilidad de caminar también por la arena de la playa.
¿Puedes recomendarme algún modelo de fat bike que se ajuste a mi altura (158cm)?
¿Crees que me iría bien con la Engwe Pro?
Muchas gracias y saludos.
Angie
Hola Angie,
Creo que el Engwe puede ser demasiado grande para ti. Mi amigo se montó recientemente en él y mide 1,7 metros de altura. Hizo bajar el asiento y encontró que el alcance era bastante largo. También es una bicicleta muy pesada. Engwe tiene una recomendación de altura mínima de 1,6 metros. El nivel del manillar ajustable también es bastante alto, incluso en la configuración más baja.
Si puede encontrar uno en su área, le recomendaría probar el tamaño antes de comprometerse a comprar uno. Es una bicicleta divertida de manejar y tiene mucha potencia.
El Fiido M1 Pro puede ser una mejor opción. Es un poco más pequeño y tiene una altura mínima de 1,55 metros. También es una bicicleta eléctrica muy buena con mucha potencia y neumáticos grandes para andar en arena.
Espero que esto ayude, avísame si tienes más preguntas.
Atentamente,
Tony
This is a great well detailed article.
Would appreciate your thoughts on the Hygge folding bike.
It looks good value. I like the fact it’s a Danish brand, and the motor is UK/EU spec. The bike itself looks fairly generic in design, and the components are of decent quality. If you’re looking for a road-legal option, then it’s worth considering. With the battery spec, you will get around 20 miles from a charge, maybe a bit more if you don’t use the higher levels of assist. The motor should be fine on moderate hills, but may struggle on steep hills.
Thank-you so much for getting back to me. Between the Hygge and the Rad which one would you prefer? My main concern is the repair service after sale should I ever encounter any issues. Neither have service centers nearby to where I am. Not sure if I should be concerned with regards to this. Also on the Rad website there is no mention of a warranty.
If you had to choose between the Rad 5 and Hygge folding bike which one would you choose?
I would personally go with the RadExpand 5 – it has more battery power and comes from a major brand with a lot of financial support. Rad Power have promised to up their game in 2023, regarding customer service support. There have been mixed reviews regarding after sales service in the past. I personally know of four owners of Rad bikes who’ve been very pleased and found the bikes to be reliable.