The Best Fat-Tire Electric Bikes of 2024 | The Inertia

Out for a spin, testing the range and speed of some of our top pick fat-tire electric bikes. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Electric bikes or “ebikes” have been around for years, but recently there have been some great additions to the market that result in lower cost to consumers, better range, and better features. Add in a fat tire, and suddenly you can go places that were otherwise out of reach.

We have been testing a wide range of fat-tire electric bikes over the past few years to share our favorite models. From low-cost cruisers to more premium options, there will be something below that suits whoever is in the market for an adventure-ready fat-tire ebike. For a top-tier classic fat tire electric bike, we recommend the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail. If you’re on a budget, take a look at the Engwe L20 2.0.

Navigate To: Buyer’s Guide | How We Tested | Comparison Table | Best Cargo Ebikes

Best All-Around Fat-Tire Electric Bike: Radster TrailRunner-Up Best All-Around: Aventon Aventure.2Best Value Fat-Tire Electric Bike: Lectric XPBest Budget Fat-Tire Electric Bike: Engwe L20 2.0Best Foldable Fat-Tire Electric Bike: Ride1Up PortolaBest Moped-Style Electric Bike: Ride1Up Revv1Best Cargo Fat-Tire Electric Bike: RadWagon 5

Payload: 375 lbsRange: 65 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 3″Weight: 77.5 lbs

Pros: Intuitive acceleration with torque-sensing motor, tons of features, two frame sizesCons: 3-inch tires are fat, but not the fattest, small front fender

The Radster Trail combines top-tier features worthy of a $4,000 ebike at half the price. And coming from one of the USA’s most reliable ebike companies, we’re left with almost nothing to complain about.

Stylish and versatile, the Radster Trail is ready to tackle dirt roads and gravel trails with ease, but also doesn’t look out of place ripping through the city streets. Features-wise, the bike comes equipped with a torque-sensing motor that responds to your effort on the pedals, making for much smoother acceleration and more efficient power delivery than bikes with a cadence sensor. See our buyer’s guide for the full breakdown there. The battery also has a smart defense system for peace of mind during storage or charging. Speaking of safety, the bike comes equipped with (surprisingly bright) turn signals for city riding, and an RFID keycard-locking system for the controls that makes the bike harder to steal. And it’s rated to IPX6 weather resistance for (nearly) all-weather riding. A motorcycle-style twist-throttle, rather than a thumb throttle comes standard on all Rad Power electric bikes. Two frame sizes accommodate a wide range of rider heights, as does the step-through design.

Bright lights, rugged tires, and an included rear rack, what more could you ask for? Well, let’s be clear about the fact that the Radster Trail is not a premium mountain bike so you wouldn’t want to do any gnarly downhill mountain biking on it. But for cruisy off-road pursuits, this bike ripped through anything we threw its way. And while it comes with a rear rack, it’s not integrated into the bike frame to support a second passenger if doubled-up riding is a priority. Finally, the fat tires are a 3″ design rather than the classic 4″ fat tires that we see on bikes like the Aventon Aventure or Lectric Xpeak, below. That provides better handling and efficiency on paved roads, but won’t perform as well in truly offroad conditions, snow or sand.

Naming a “Best All-Around” in this category was a tight race, with the Aventon Aventure.2 and the Lectric Xpeak clocking in at a close second and third depending on your preferences for a torque sensor, extra features, etc. Also noteworthy, the Aventure.2 and XPeak have 4″ tires while the Radster Trail’s tires are 3″. Read our full review of the Radster Trail here.

Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Payload: 400 lbsRange: 60 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 4″Weight: 77 lbs

Pros: Defining bike in the fat-tire electric bike category, truly fat 4-inch tires, two frame sizes, step-over and step-through optionsCons: Heavy, IPX4 waterproofing protects from drizzle and splashes but not heavy rain

The Aventon Aventure.2 throws a premium twist on the classic fat tire ebike with features like a torque sensor, turn signals, and Aventon’s reputation for high-quality construction and support. And all for (technically) under 2k. When it comes to electric bicycles, that’s a screamin’ deal. With true 4-inch fat tires and a 750-watt motor, The Aventure.2 is well-equipped to deal with any kind of terrain, including sand and snow.

With a torque sensor, the bike has a smoother, more natural-feeling acceleration than those equipped with a cadence sensor. It also offers a more efficient ride for longer-lasting battery life. However, as with any torque sensor-equipped electric bike (including the Radster Trail, above), you’ll have to put in some effort to reach the top speed of 28mph, a plus for those looking for more of a bike-feeling experience. However, a cadence sensor will be a better fit if you’re simply looking for the lowest-effort riding experience.

As we stated above, it was a tough decision between the Aventure.2 and the Radster Trail, above, for Best All-Around Fat-Tire Ebike. The Radster costs about $200 more, and with that, you get features like RFID keycard locking, a SafeShield battery, and better water resistance (IPX6 vs IPX4). The Radster also comes equipped with 3″ tires, which will perform better on pavement, at the cost of some off-road performance, while the Aventure.2’s 4″ tires will provide full offroad capability at the cost of some efficiency and handling on paved surfaces.

For mixed paved/offroad riding, we’d choose the Radster Trail, and for mostly offroad riding, we’d prefer the Aventure.2. Both bikes come in two frame sizes, with the Aventure.2 also coming in step-over and step-through versions. For a quality classic fat tire ebike with a lower pricetag, check out the Lectric XPeak, below, which comes equipped with a cadence sensor.

Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Payload: 330 lbsRange: 25-65 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 3″Weight: 64 lbs

Pros: Speedy, reliable, compact, tons of accessoriesCons: Not the most powerful motor

Lectric’s XP has long been a leader in the wide market of folding electric bikes, doing everything and almost anything particularly well. The bike is excellent, with solid components like a giant headlight, an integrated rear rack that can take a second passenger, and recently upgraded hydraulic disc brakes. For under a grand, that’s quite impressive.

And under the hood, the bike is no slouch either, with a 28 mph top speed, decently powerful motor, and two battery sizes (10.4AH and 14AH for $200 extra) that, with Lectric’s more efficient PWR power delivery system, provide ranges of 45 and 65 miles, respectively. Tack on the fact that Lectric is a consumer-friendly, U.S.-based brand, and there’s little to stop you from ripping around with a smile on your face.

Another area where the XP (and Lectric as a brand) really shines is in all the available bonus accessories to customize your ride. Included in the purchase is your choice of accessory packages (two to three are often offered with your purchase, sometimes more during sale periods), allowing you to tailor the bike to specific needs. Surfboard rack? Sure. Hand protection for winter riding? Yep. Cargo racks? Of course. They even have a trailer for your dog to go the distance with your best friend. The XP is also available in both step-over and step-through versions, as well as the XP Lite ($799) which forgoes the integrated rear rack and weighs just 49 lbs.

For the awards of Best Value and Best Folding in this review, we were fairly stuck between two options: the Lectric XP, here, and the Ride1UP Portola, below. They’re both very similar bikes (see the Portola description below for the full breakdown), but what we’ve boiled things down to is if you’re looking for better range, go with the XP, and for a bit more power, choose the Portola. The Portola also has a bit smaller of a frame compared to the XP.

If you’re interested in a value-oriented but more classic fat tire ebike (larger, non-folding frame and bigger wheels/tires) look no further than the Lectric XPeak, in our Best of the Rest section, below.

CHECK PRICE ON Lectric CHECK PRICE ON Amazon

Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Payload: 265 lbsRange: Up to 60 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 20″Weight: 68 lbs

Pros: Compact, sleek design, front and rear racks, affordableCons: Less of a premium feel, non-US-based support

Last year, we reviewed the L20 by Engwe, an electric bike company that we have tested several bikes from and were impressed with their value and performance for a more budget-friendly electric bike. This year they have redesigned the bike from the ground up and released the L20 2.0. It’s pretty much a full overhaul with a much smaller frame, and the biggest change being the bike is now foldable. This gives a whole range of new options for those who don’t have a truck or a heavy bike rack, and can now fold the bike up and put it in the trunk of a car. While this is convenient, it still makes for awkward space, and you won’t be able to pack much else unless it’s moldable to fit around the bike.

Performance-wise, the bike has great acceleration, braking, and range. This is the trifecta of what’s important in a good electric bike. While the fat tires made it ok for going off-road, the suspension wasn’t anything to write home about and this bike is probably best for those who occasionally go off-road but spend most of their time on pavement. You can’t argue with the price, though, and the bike offers incredible value with a front and rear rack, a 750W motor, and a bright headlight to take you to some fun places in all weather conditions. Ultimately, what won out for us this year in choosing bikes like the Ride1UP Portola and Lectric XP over the L20 2.0 are the integrated rear racks that let you take a second passenger, and the brand authority of Ride1UP and Lectric with their reputations for durable, long-lasting quality as well as great customer service should anything go wrong. Read our full review of the Engwe L20 2.0 here.

Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Payload: 300 lbsRange: 20-40 miles, 25-45 with larger 13.4AH batteryTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 3″Weight: 60 lbs

Pros: Powerful for its size, integrated rear rack can take a second passenger, great valueCons: Smaller frame may feel a bit too compact for larger riders, not the fattest tires (3″)

The Ride1Up Portola stands out amongst the wide field of foldable fat tire ebikes thanks to its powerful internals, stylish looks, and extras like an integrated rear rack sturdy enough to support a second rider.

The bike only comes in one frame size, which will feel a little small for riders over six feet tall, but is surprisingly light and easy to maneuver. The bike comes in two versions with two battery sizes. The 10.4AH battery version retails at $995 with a range of 20-40 miles, and the 13.4AH version of the bike retails at $1,195 with a 25-45 mile range. That’s a pretty short range, compared to most other ebikes on this list, and especially compared to the Lectric XP, which is the near-identical runner-up here and has a stated range of 45 miles with its 10.4AH battery, 65 miles with their long-range 14AH battery.

The difference is in the motor, with the Portola having a bit more “oomph” under the hood for steep hill climbs and faster acceleration – that’s simply going to chew through the battery quicker no matter how you slice it. Lectric’s XP also benefits from the brand’s PWR improved power delivery system that blurs the line (somewhat) between a cadence and a torque sensor – it’s still the more basic cadence sensor under the hood, but with smoother power delivery and increased efficiency for longer range riding.

If you’re sitting here trying to decide between the Portola and the Lectric XP, you’re in good company. Our editors have spent hours scratching their heads here, and have come up with this quick and easy comparison. If overall range is what you prioritize, choose the XP, and it’s also likely worth upgrading to the larger battery for an extra $199. If you prefer to have a bit more power under the hood for hill-climbing and taking a second rider, the Portola will be the best choice for you. One other consideration is rider height/size. The Portola feels a bit small for riders over six feet tall. Not terribly so, but if you’re still undecided and over 6′, we’d likely push you towards the XP.

Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Payload: 375 lbsRange: 60 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 3.3″Weight: 86 lbs

Pros: Powerful, solid acceleration and hill-climbingCons: Long frame makes storage/transport more difficult, not a standout in offroad conditions

Cargo ebikes might be the greatest thing since sliced bread for city dwellers looking for a way to get around town and run errands without looking for parking. But what if your trip to the grocery store involves some off-road riding? Well, in that case you might be interested in a fat-tire cargo electric bike. While most cargo ebikes come with tires on the wider side to support heavier loads, not all cargo ebikes are created equally when it comes to offroad riding.

In naming a best overall fat-tire cargo ebike, it was a tough call between the Radwagon 5 and our Best Overall Electric Cargo Bike, the Specialized Globe Haul LT. Both have mid-fat tires of 3.3″ and 3.5″, respectively, plenty of power, cargo space, and fun, useful extras. What gave the Radwagon 5 the edge for us is the Haul LT’s lack of a front suspension fork. No doubt, cargo ebikes are best suited to replacing cars in urban environments, but with the offroad focus in this article which looks at fat-tire ebikes in particular, the lack of front suspension was a major ding in our estimation for truly offroad conditions.

Neither bike will be a standout in offroad conditions due to the extra long wheelbases, but if we were to choose a cargo bike for a grocery run or ride to school that involves some trail riding, it would be the Radwagon 5 thanks to the larger tires, front suspension, and powerful motor. To see how it stacks up to other cargo ebikes on the market, check out our Best Cargo Ebikes review.

Photo: Matt Medendorp//The Inertia

Payload: 350 lbsRange: 30-60 milesTop Speed: 30+ unlockedTire Size: 4″Weight: 93 lbs

Pros: Fast and powerful cafe racer/moped-style electric bikeCons: Might get some dirty looks on bike paths, difficult to mount a rack on, but we’ve been promised compatible accessories are coming soon

To be honest, we’re wary of even calling this thing an electric bike. Big and powerful, the only thing that makes the Ride1Up Revv1 an electric bike are the relatively useless pedals. However, if you came here looking for a fat-tire electric bike, perhaps a bike with relatively useless pedals is what you are looking for. If you prefer to use the throttle over pedaling, this is the bike for you.

The Revv1 is as close to a moped as you can get while still being an electric bike, with turn signals, a powerful headlight, full suspension, cafe-racer styling, and a twist throttle. Of note is the off-road mode, which can hit speeds of up to 35 mph, though is illegal for use on all but private property, and requires contacting Ride1Up customer support for the unlocking password. The bike was produced by Revv1 in a direct response to the popularity of moped-style electric bikes like the Super73 bikes, featured below, and dare we say they’ve set a new bar with their powerful and stylish Revv1.

Photo: Skyler Fitzmaurice//The Inertia

Payload: 330 lbRange: 20-55 miles (depending on PAS level)Top Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 4″Weight: 67 lbs

Pros: Great power, smooth ride off-roadCons: Bulky with the large wheels

Once you start venturing into the off-road category of ebikes, the price climbs quite dramatically. Larger, more solid frames and wheels command a price tag to match the strength needed to withstand all the bumps and bruises that offroad-riding dictates. But Lectric has been able to produce an electric bike that performs impressively well off-road for a respectable price point.

Lectric has built a reputation for great-performing electric bikes with incredible value for the money. The new Xpeak is no exception and offers riders full-sized 26″ fat wheels and a solid frame that can withstand a bit of abuse. We took it through some sketchy overgrown backroads with logs strewn across them and the bike had no issue riding over whatever was in its way. This is in part thanks to its impressive 1310W peak motor that can give the bike a huge boost when it’s needed the most.

While the Xpeak does have a front suspension, the 3″ of travel and lack of rear suspension isn’t necessarily something you want to be taking on some big descents. But non-technical singletrack wasn’t an issue, and of course, it handled like a champ on the pavement with a smooth, steady ride with plenty of power.

It’s probably the most comparable to our top pick, the Radster Trail, when you look at the geometry and frame size. Yet it comes at a much lower price point for those watching their cash. You will miss out on the better menu, battery, and torque sensing, but none of those are necessities if you just want something to get you around while at the same time being budget-conscious. If you’re just city riding it might be too much bike, but if you like taking your ebike offroad, but don’t exactly want to be doing steep downhill descents, you can’t go wrong with the value in the Xpeak. Read our full review of the Lectric Xpeak here.

Payload: 350 lbsRange: 45+ milesTop Speed: 20 mphTire Size: 3.3″Weight: 75.5 lbs

Pros: Insane utility, endless customization options for add-onsCons: Lower top speed than other models tested

Cargo ebikes are awesome, but for those of us without a couple of small kids or the need to run a $200+ bill at Trader Joe’s in one go, all that extra length can be cumbersome, to say the least.

Enter the utility-style ebike, which features an integrated rear rack for a couple of bags of groceries, a single passenger, beach gear, or whatever else you might need. And leading the charge in this category is none other than Rad Power Bikes’ impressive line of Rad Runner ebikes. One of the most popular ebikes in the U.S. thanks to their insane utility and laundry list of add-ons and customization options, the Rad Runner 3+ is the latest and most advanced version of the bike.

The Rad Runner 3 Plus gives you a bike that can work in a whole host of circumstances thanks to the multitude of customization options to fit board racks, outdoor gear, an extra passenger, and more. Add on mid-fat tires that provide a great mix of offroad capability and smooth handling on paved roads, front suspension, and you get a comfortable ride to boot. Of note, the Rad Runner series of bikes top out at 20mph as class 2 ebikes. The Rad Runner 2 is still available as well with a more entry-level price tag, sacrificing that front suspension, a larger battery, and a slightly more powerful motor.

Payload: 420 lbsRange: 25-45 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 2.35″Weight: 56 lbs

Pros: Shipped ready to ride, Endless customization options, made in the USACons: Add-ons start to add up pretty fast

In a world of mass-produced everything, it’s nice to make your own mark on something that will most likely become a part of your everyday routine. The Electric Bike Company gives consumers that ability by offering a completely custom-built bike from the ground up. It starts by being able to choose the color of everything from the frame to the rims, fenders, and chain guards. But you also get to decide the handlebar style, motor drive, storage options, and nearly every other part that makes an electric bike. The whole process is seamless and, dare we say, even fun to decide what goes into the bike.

When it arrives, it comes fully assembled minus a few adjustments to the seat and handlebars. This alone is worth some extra credit after we’ve spent countless hours with finicky assembly on most other bikes averaging well over an hour each time. But this is ready to ride with over a half charge on the battery, letting you break in your chariot at first go.

A stylish bike will only go so far, though. To make the cut it also has to perform well and we can happily report that these made-in-America bikes ride like a dream. The R series has 3″ tires and a front suspension to give them a bit of a boost to a traditional cruiser bike. It’s a fun bike to do big sweeping turns and just enjoy some soul riding, while at the same time getting where you need to go efficiently. While it can go a lot of places, it’s not as versatile as the Radster, our top pick, yet is in a class of its own for being a cruiser that can go more places than just the bike path.

Payload: 325 lbsRange: 40+ milesTop Speed: 30+ unlockedTire Size: 4″Weight: 73 lbs

Pros: Rugged e-moped looks, powerful motorCons: If you were hoping to pedal, this isn’t the bike for you

Super73 was one of the first to do the “electric moped” style of electric bike, and the Super73-R Series takes the “electric bike” concept and stretches it as far along the spectrum towards “electric motorcycle” as possible. With a powerful headlight, big tires, and moto-esque looks, this electric bike was made for stylin’ not pedalin’. The bike ships as a class 2, with throttle and pedal assist up to 20mph, but through the app, you can crank things up to class 3 (which will take you to 28mph on pedal assist only) or the “unlocked mode” which opens up the throttle and pedal assist to achieve speeds of 30+, but is only intended for off-road use.

A powerful motor provides smooth acceleration, and the ability to take a second rider on the back of the extended (and quite comfortable) seat. Another huge plus is the highly accurate battery monitoring. Battery percentage levels aren’t always the most accurate on ebikes and tend to drop quickly as they reach the end of their charge, but not these bikes, which is a huge boon for a ride that, under no circumstances, do you want to find yourself pedaling home without electrical assistance.

However, we found the Super73-R lacking in a few features that elevated the Ride1Up Revv1 to our top-pick e-moped bike. For starters, the Revv1 is about $1,000 bucks cheaper, and you end up with a lot more bang for your buck as well, with turning signals and a bit more oomph when it comes to acceleration. Furthermore, the screen on the Super73 is quite limited, so for additional ride-tracking, as well as swapping between classes/modes, you’ll need a smartphone with the Super73 app. And if you want to use the unlocked mode, you’ll need to activate it in the app whenever you turn the bike on (and it has a 5-minute automatic turn-off to preserve battery, which also triggers the need to re-activate offroad mode). That said, there are plenty of other options as well from Super73 that make great fat-tire electric bikes for just about anything, both bikes that take the moto concept even further, and those that tone it down a bit. Check them out here.

Payload: 400 lbsRange: 55 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 4″Weight: 77 lbs

Pros: Super-powerful, full-suspension folding electric bikeCons: The bike is awkward to carry/move when folded up

The Heybike Tyson is a foldable, magnesium-alloy ebike that won Best of CES for 2023. Considering the stiff competition for this trade show of the latest and greatest tech, this is no small feat. With a sleek design and multiple color options, it’s an eye-catching yet practical ride that gets you where you need to go. The Tyson is perfect for tackling rough terrain with its rugged tires, hydraulic suspension, and 400-pound load limit, making it ideal for short trips, such as grocery runs or picking up kids from school.

Equipped with a 48V 15Ah battery, the Tyson boasts a 55-mile range with pedal assist, a top speed of 28 mph, and useful features like turn signals, a bright headlight, and a smartphone-compatible display. Some minor drawbacks include a slight lag in acceleration and slightly rickety plastic fenders. But compared to other bikes with similar specs, it’s a solid, dependable ride that is well worth the price of admission. Read the full review here.

Payload: Not listedRange: 30-50 milesTop Speed: 28 mphTire Size: 4″Weight: 70 lbs

Pros: Beach-cruiser style, with powerful electric bike components built for the beachCons: Pricey

Murf electric bikes have been making a name for themselves in the surf world. Specifically geared towards life by the ocean, the brand’s beach cruiser-inspired designs have become a common sighting on the trail down to Lower Trestles as well as other breaks up and down the California coast. While a bit pricier than other options on this list, with premium components and two years of full servicing and warranty, you can’t go wrong with a Murf if you’re located in Southern California, where Murf is based.

Payload: 300 lbsRange: 40 milesTop Speed: 20 mphTire Size: 4″Weight: 68 lbs

Pros: Sleek design and premium feel for a great priceCons: Tops out at 20mph, expensive

The Aventon Sinch ST is an electric bike for the city folk. With extreme foldability for ease of storage, sleek looks, and a respectable price point, this bike will get you to the break and back without breaking a sweat. A throttle gives on-demand power with plenty of oomph up to 20 mph, while rugged tires let you take on pavement, gravel, and sand with ease.

What kept this bike out of the running for a top spot was that the bike can only reach class 2 speeds of 20mph, which may be all you want, but for the price, other folding bikes like the Ride1UP Portola offer a better deal (and you can always set the speed limit to 20mph if you don’t want the extra juice on the Portola). However, Aventon’s reputation and the stylish good looks of this bike cannot be denied. With a step-tho=rough design, this is an approachable bike with high quality components that those looking for a user-friendly ride should certainly take a second look at.

Fat tire ebikes are often equipped with extra power, perfect for the hilly streets of San Francisco. Photo: Skyler Fitzmaurice//The Inertia

We’ve also tested the Heybike Brawn with an incredible 1400W peak-power motor for zippy acceleration. However, we found it to be very similar to the Lectric XP, and being a bit pricier we gave the nod to the XP.

The Himiway Zebra is another fat tire ebike we’ve tested and were quite impressed with, boasting an 80-mile range on pedal assist. While no ebike will truly attain the full advertised range in real-world conditions, testing has proven the Zebra to be a true long-range ebike. However, the torque sensor on this bike wasn’t our favorite among all the models we tested.

The Heybike Mars 2.0 is another bike we’ve tested with awesome bang-for-buck value. However, with some ghost-pedaling at higher speeds, and extras on the Lectric XP and Ride1UP Portola like an integrated rear rack, we opted to include these options over the Heybike Mars.

Ride1Up’s Cafe Cruiser rides the edge of what we’d consider to be a fat tire ebike. With three-inch tires, it certainly qualifies as such, but with an upright pedaling stance and swept-back handlebars, we found this bike to be better suited to city streets than off-road activities.

Nothing like an effortless surf check on an ebike. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Getting out for a testing day in sunny San Francisco. Photo: Sam Schultz//The Inertia

As surfers and outdoors adventurers, we at The Inertia have been hip to the ebike trend long before the pandemic showed us just how useful such micro-mobility could be. As ebike adoption became more mainstream in the U.S. in 2020, we launched the first edition of this review, narrowly focused on fat tire ebikes for surfers, giving special consideration to extras like racks and super-fat tires and powerful motors designed to take on loose sand. In 2022, we expanded the scope of this review, taking a look at fat tire bikes overall, instead of just those intended for the beach.

Our lead testers for this review are Will Sileo and Steve Andrews. Will, based in San Francisco, has the perfect urban testing conditions to test out electric bikes. With plenty of hills, parks, and beaches to put the bikes’ range and power to the test (as well as the wilds of Marin and Pacific just a short drive away), it’s not hard for him to determine which bikes are worth including here in this guide, and which ones are not. He’s put in hundreds of miles on electric bikes over the years, and continues to pit the latest and greatest ebikes against each other in his testing environment.

Steve, putting the Radster Trail through her paces in British Columbia. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia

Steve, based in British Columbia, Canada, has his own ideal testing grounds – a mix of country roads and offroad riding conditions in and around Squamish, BC, as well as urban riding environments in the city of Vancouver. He’s put in hundreds of miles himself in testing these bikes, and the two testers frequently collaborate to ensure they’re on the same page in terms of comparisons, top picks, and more.

Over the past three years, they have kept a close watch on the rapidly expanding ebike market, getting their hands on the latest and greatest fat-tire ebikes to hit the market. In this most recent update, we added four new bikes, and removed some discontinued models after extensive testing this summer. We tested all the ebikes here based on a set of criteria that will hopefully help you dial down your decision a bit better to find the perfect fat-tire electric bike for you.

The Electric Bike Co. Model R and its endless customization options were one of our favorites in the style department. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Speed: Not just top speed, but acceleration, especially up a hill, is important here. Not only can it reach a good speed, but can it maintain it? Lighter bikes with a larger motor will invariably be faster, so if speed is what you’re after try for that combo. Newer ebikes such as the Radster Trail or the Aventon Aventure.2 have a torque-sensing motor to help with smoother acceleration, but those won’t be as quick or easy to hit top speed as with a cadence-sensing ebike like the Lectric XPeak.

Style: Yes, style points do matter in life and these electric bikes are no exception. Sure it’s based on opinion, but most of us know a good-looking bike from one that looks better under a paper bag.

4″ fat tires and beefy suspension make for a smooth ride on the Aventon Aventure.2. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Components: We’re talking shifters, brakes, drivetrain, etc. If these aren’t held to a standard of high quality, the bike won’t work properly in the long term. Especially since electric bikes are generally much heavier than a standard pedal bike, having good components to withstand the extra wear is important. Here, we took into account what type of wheels, fork, and brakes can make the difference in an ebike being something that holds up over time or cause grief after a just a few rides.

Battery: Does the battery hold a charge for long enough to be useful? Does it charge in a reasonable amount of time? These are important questions when thinking of the long-term regular use of an electric bike. Newer tech is coming out such as in Rad’s intelligent battery on the Radster Trail made to safeguard against spontaneous combustion, which is a positive step forward to addressing the safety concerns that, although infrequent, are certainly valid concerns.

An integrated rear rack on the Ride1UP Portola allows for doubled-up riding. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Racks and Add-Ons: To be a proper adventure mobile, you need to be able to bring extra gear along for the ride. Beyond racks, some companies offer additional features that you can add to the kit like integrated lights, passenger seats, baskets, and more, making it much more than just a bike to get from point A to point B. Our favorite here is an integrated rack, like those on the Ride1UP Portola and Lectric XP that allows for a second rider to hop on board.

Off-road: Since these are fat-tire electric bikes, chances are you’ll want to take it off the pavement. So we took into account how well the electric bikes actually perform when the asphalt turns to gravel, dirt, or sand. If your main goal is to have a bike that will deal with sand, you’ll want to choose the fattest tires possible, and a strong motor, like the Radster Trail, Lectric XPeak, or Aventon Aventure.2.

On your marks… Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

With so many options to choose from, finding the best fat-tire electric bike for your needs may seem daunting. Fear not, as we have distilled the most important factors to consider when buying the ideal ebike for your needs.

How your electric bike senses rider input (aka pedaling) is one of the most impactful aspects/features of the electric bike experience. Torque sensors like those on the Radster Trail and Aventon Aventure.2 deliver a more natural pedaling experience, applying power based on how much torque you’re applying to the pedals. Pedal harder, and more power gets delivered. Torque sensors feel more like riding a traditional bike, with a bit of extra oomph to back you up. Since they provide power based on how hard you pedal, they’re more efficient with their battery usage as well. However, some might find themselves preferring the easy-going and consistent power delivery of a cadence sensor.

The Aventon Aventure.2 comes in a step-through model for ease of use. Photo: Sam Schultz//The Inertia

Cadence sensors like those on the Lectric XP and Ride1Up Portola are simpler, working off of the speed at which you are pedaling. Basically, as long as the pedals are moving at a minimum cadence, the motor applies consistent power depending on the level of pedal assist that was chosen. The pros of this are that, as long as you are pedaling, you’ll get smooth consistent power, regardless of how much effort you’re putting in. In fact, you’ll often find yourself pedaling with no effort at all, especially at higher pedal assist levels. On a Class 3 cadence-sensor ebike at full pedal assist, start pedaling, and the motor will kick in with full power until you reach the 28 mph speed limit of the bike. And unless the bike has a very wide range of gears, at that speed you’ll likely find your pedaling does little to nothing at all except to keep the motor going.

This is less efficient than a torque sensor, but some might prefer the “effortless” feeling of a cadence sensor rather than the intuitive bike-assist feeling of a torque sensor. Thrill-seekers who want to achieve the highest speeds their bike can manage will be happier with a cadence sensor, while fitness enthusiasts and those who don’t want to deal with jumpy acceleration will likely prefer a torque sensor. In general, torque sensors are more expensive, and so tend to be reserved for more premium ebike models.

4″ fat tires on the Aventon Aventure.2 (left) compared to 3″ tires on the Ride1Up Portola (right). Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

believe it or not, not all “fat tire” ebike tires are the same. For the purposes of this review, we only considered bikes with tires 3″ or wider. 3″ tires are fat enough to handle some offroad use, but where they truly shine is mixed terrain, with better handling and efficiency on paved roads than a 4″ fat tire, but still maintaining the ability to hit unpaved conditions now and again. For true offroad conditions – think sand, snow, and rocky uphill scrambles – 4″ tires (like those on the Aventure.2) are the way to go.

New Safe Shield batteries on most Rad Power Bikes ensure peace of mind against an ebike fire, as unlikely as they are to begin with. Photo: Rad Power Bikes

Life: The battery is the heart and soul of your electric bike. A quality battery not only ensures longevity but also reliable power when you need it. Check the battery’s voltage and watt-hour – higher values will give you more power and range.

Quality: The Radster Trail stands out here thanks to its Safeshield technology, helping to keep it from overheating, which is safer for you and everyone around you.

All of the bikes in this review make use of a rear-hub motor. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Placement: Motor placement affects the bike’s balance and ride feel. Hub motors are common and provide good power, but mid-drive motors offer better balance and efficiency, especially in hilly terrain. All the bikes featured here offer a rear hub motor, which is the most common.

Power: Ebike motors are not created equally – some being more powerful than others. And with a few different ways to describe the power of a motor, it’s not always an apples-to-apples comparison. In general, the power of an ebike’s motor is expressed in Watts, typically falling within the range of 500W-1000W. The “sustained” power of the motor, aka the output it can maintain over an extended period of time, is the most commonly listed number.

Some bikes also list their “peak” power, the power they can achieve for quick bursts, say, to help you get up a hill. Another metric of motor power is how many Newton-meters (Nm) of torque the bike can put out. This number speaks less to how fast the motor can run, and more so to how much grunt it’s got under the hood for heavy loads, etc.

Consider how far you plan to travel on a single charge. Ebike ranges can vary greatly, so choose a bike that exceeds your typical ride distance, keeping in mind that factors like terrain and rider weight can impact the actual range. Riding at higher speeds will also chew through battery life faster than riding at lower pedal assist levels. Torque sensors are also more efficient than their cadence sensor counterparts. Some bikes allow you to add on a second battery like on the Model R, guaranteeing a few extra miles.

The Radster Trail has one of the nicest displays we’ve tested, with lots of fun extras like RFID locking. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Ensure the bike’s controls are user-friendly, and it’s easy to monitor battery life, switch power modes, and manage other functionalities. We were big fans of the menu and display on the Radster Trail.

Fat-tire electric bikes are usually heavier than what people are used to, especially if it’s your first ebike. Larger, moped-style bikes such as the Revv1 weigh over 90 lbs, while smaller bikes such as the Ride1UP Portola are closer to 50 lbs. Make sure you can handle the weight, especially if you’ll be carrying it up stairs or storing it in elevated places.

Make sure your bike is sized properly. Riders more than 6′ tall may feel more comfortable on a full-frame electric bike. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

When first riding the ebike, sit down, put your hands on the handlebars, and really give it a feel. Pay attention to the seat, handlebar height, and the overall riding experience. Ideally, you’ll be riding for long periods at a time, so any small annoyance will only grow with time on the bike. If you plan on going off-road, extras like suspension will make a huge difference in the long run for a comfortable ride. This is a huge differentiator in a lower-priced ebike vs. more premium models like our top pick the Radster Trail with higher-quality components and front suspension. Another thing to pay attention to in the riding comfort department is the bike’s size – some bikes offer multiple frame sizes for larger and smaller riders.

A solid warranty and accessible customer support signify the manufacturer’s confidence in their ebike and their commitment to your satisfaction. American companies such as Rad Power Bikes, Lectric, and The Electric Bike Co. seem to have a bit more invested in customer service, knowing that a bit of friendly service can make all the difference.

Assembly is another thing to pay attention to. How will your ebike arrive? Will it come pre-built and ready to ride, or will you need to do some assembly yourself? Are there instructions or will you be searching YouTube for a backyard assembly video? Ebike manufacturers like Rad, Aventon, and Lectric are leaders in the instructions game, with helpful videos produced by the brand, detailed instructions, and all the tools you need to get your bike ready to ride.

Integrated rear racks are welded to the bike’s frame, providing a stable platform for a second rider to hop on. Photo: Sam Schultz//The Inertia

Don’t overlook the availability and compatibility of accessories like fenders, racks, and lights, which add functionality and safety to your rides. We found Lectric to have a wide range of options for good value. Electric Bike Co takes it a step further and allows you to customize the bike from the ground up.

Do you want to hide the fact that you’re riding an electric bike or shout it from the rooftops? Some traditional-styled electric bikes hardly look like an electric bike at all, until you start gliding uphill that is. Scrambler-style electric bikes harken back to the 1960s era of motorcycles, and despite the electric motor (and pedals) ebikes like the Revv1 and Super73-R are often more motorcycle than they are bike. Heavy, but with a powerful motor, these are sure to turn heads.

Style is always important, especially when you’re taking the plunge on an electric bike. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

There are three classifications for electric bikes. As with any fun new invention, regulation varies state by state, so be sure to check local laws to make sure your electric bike is compliant where you live.

Class 1 electric bikes go up to 20 mph on pedal assist only, meaning they don’t have a throttle, and can be taken anywhere you can ride a regular, non-electric bicycle. None of the bikes we feature here are exclusively class 1, however some give you the option to implement it for areas where classes 2 and 3 aren’t allowed.

The RadRunner 3+ tops out at Class 2 while the RadWagon 5 is a class 3 ebike. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Class 2 also tops out at 20 mph, but with a throttle. You can take a Class 2 electric bike almost anywhere you can take a Class 1, but are often restricted from single-track mountain bike trails due to the damage the instant torque of a throttle can produce. A couple of the bikes listed here are exclusively class 2: the Rad Runner 3+, and the Aventon Sinch ST.

Class 3 is a bit confusing, considered to top out at 28 mph, but on pedal assist only, with the throttle only taking you up to 20mph. These are often only allowed on roads and are restricted from bike trails and multi-use pathways. Bikes that can be configured to class 3 include the Radster Trail, Lectric Xpeak and XP, and Aventon Aventure.2.

Some electric bikes can reach speeds even higher than 28 mph, often accessed by a specific mode on the bike, which is only supposed to be used on private land, as a sort of honor system, although we’re sure the temptation to whiz around town at high speed is hard to ignore for most. Bikes on this list with an “unlocked mode” for high-powered riding include the Ride1UP Revv1 and Super73-R.

Folding ebikes are great for packability and storage. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

For most of us, shelling out hard-earned money for an electric bike isn’t taken lightly. So the best way to ensure that the purchase is a smart one is to make sure you’re taking care of your investment. Nothing is too difficult but there are a few pointers we’d like to share to help ensure your electric bike has a long and healthy life, and that your relationship to your bike is one of mutual respect.

Comfortable Storage: Treat your electric bike to a safe haven away from the elements, ideally indoors or under a protective cover. This will keep it snug and protected from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, preserving its good looks and performance.

Battery Care: Ensure your battery leads a long and happy life by charging it regularly and avoiding extreme temperatures. Remember to unplug it once it’s fully charged and store it separately if you won’t be using your electric bike for an extended period.

Keep it Clean: Give your electric bike a gentle wipe down with a soft cloth, removing dirt and grime without scratching its surface. Pay special attention to the electrical components, keeping them clean and dry for optimal functionality.

The Electric Bike Co. was the only company to ship their bike fully assembled, which was a welcome treat. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia

Chain TLC: Show your electric bike’s chain some love by lubricating it regularly and ensuring it’s properly tensioned. This will keep it running smoothly and prevent any unexpected hiccups during your ride.

Brake Check: Since electric bikes usually weigh significantly more than standard bikes, their brakes have to work much harder to stop quickly. As such, they tend to wear out faster. Make sure your brakes are always in tip-top shape, adjusting them as needed and replacing worn pads or cables. This way, you can trust your ebike to stop on a dime when things get hectic out there.

Good Tires: Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure and check them for wear and tear. This will not only provide you with a smoother ride but also reduce the risk of punctures or other issues that could leave you stranded.

Regular Checkups: Just like any dependable sidekick, your electric bike deserves regular check-ins. Perform routine inspections and maintenance to keep it running at its best, addressing any issues before they become major problems.

Treat your bike well, and it will take you to some pretty awesome places. Photo: Will Sileo//The Inertia

Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

Return to Comparison Table | Return to Buyer’s Guide | View Top Picks