Electric Fat Bikes: The Ultimate Off-Road Machine

Electric Fat Bikes: The Ultimate Off-Road Machine

What Are Electric Fat Bikes?

Electric fat bikes, also referred to as eFat bikes, are a hybrid between electric bicycles and fat tire mountain bikes. They utilize:

• Oversized tires – Typically 3.8-5 inches wide to float on loose terrain.
• Electric motor – Usually a mid-drive unit powered by a rechargeable battery.
• ** Sturdy frame and parts** – Built to handle the torque and stresses of off-road use.

This combination allows riding on snow, sand, mud and other soft surfaces where regular mountain bikes would struggle and sink. The power assist overcomes the huge rolling resistance of the wide tires.

Electric fat bikes open up a whole new world of adventure on terrain not efficiently rideable on human power alone.

Benefits of Electric Fat Bikes

Go Anywhere Traction and Float

With their colossal tires inflated to low PSI, electric fat bikes can traverse loose, uneven terrain that would swallow normal wheels.

The large tire contact patch essentially floats across surfaces like snow, sand, or mud that cause minimal rolling resistance.

Power to Overcome Drag

The wide tires required for flotation create huge drag forces. This makes momentum and acceleration very sluggish on a standard pedal fat bike.

Electric power gives the ability to overcome this drag and achieve decent speeds over any surface. Riders can enjoy flats and hills rather than just grinding along slowly.

Extend Your Adventure Range

Fat bikes allow accessing remote areas, but distance range is limited by the effort required. E-assist enables riding longer distances in these far-flung places.

Exploring based out of a single campsite or cabin is more feasible when you can ride all day on electric power rather than just a couple of hours.

Smooth Out Rough Terrain

Not only can fat e-bikes traverse rugged terrain, but the fat tires and electric suspension smooth out the bumps exceptionally well.

Roots, rocks, and other obstacles get absorbed, letting you experience the scenery instead of getting rattled to pieces.

Go Farther in Less Time

Between the traction advantage and power boost, an electric fat bike can cover ground significantly faster than a traditional fat bike.

Riders can choose to go longer distances or simply return home sooner while still enjoying the full journey.

Where Can You Ride an Electric Fat Bike?

Electric fat bikes truly open up a world of unique riding possibilities:

Snow Riding

Carving fresh powder on a fat eBike is an incredible winter experience. The tires float on top rather than sink in deep.

Beaches and Sand Dunes

Rolling long distances on sand requires lots of power – electricity makes it possible to keep riding all day.

Mountain Biking in Loose Conditions

In loose dirt, mud, or snow, fat eBikes offer unprecedented levels of control and grip.

Remote Backcountry and Winter Camping Excursions

The combo of flotation and extended range allows accessing extremely remote areas.

Hunting and Fishing Spots Off the Beaten Path

Easily carry gear to distant spots through untouched terrain.

Rural Farm and Ranch Duties

Fat tires traction helps with chores like moving feed on loose dirt or winter ice.

Electric fat bikes make previously unrideable conditions and remote destinations totally attainable!

Types of Electric Fat Bike Motors

Electric assist helps bring fat bike adventures to life. Here are some of the top motors used:

Mid-Drive Motors

The most common type seen on electric fat bikes are mid-mounted motors at the bike’s center. Popular options include motors from Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha, and Brose. The mid-drive provides great traction on loose surfaces thanks to its central weight distribution and gearing transmission.

Rear Hub Motors

Some fat eBikes utilize a rear hub drive motor built directly into the wheel hub. Rear hub drive options from Bafang and TranzX are common in the fat eBike realm. Hubs provide good power and are less complex, but the weight distribution is less optimal compared to mid-drives.

Ultra-Powerful Direct Drive Motors

To maximize capabilities over huge snow drifts, deep sand, and the most rugged conditions, a few electric fat bike models use ultra-high torque direct drive motors. These spin the rear wheel directly with extreme power output specifically designed for the demands of wild fat bike terrain.

Considerations When Choosing an Electric Fat Bike

Tire Size

Consider what conditions you plan to tackle and at what level of performance. Larger 5″ tires excel in deep snow but require more power. Smaller 3.8-4″ tires still float well with less drag.

Range Needed

Will you take long remote expeditions or stick to shorter local routes? The battery capacity greatly affects range. Look for 700Wh or greater for all-day rides.

Power Level

Mid-drive motors around 750W provide ample assist for most conditions. Direct drive hubs over 1000W excel in deep terrain but cost more.

Suspension

Dual suspension smooths out rugged terrain, but rigid frame fat eBikes are lighter and simpler. Choose based on your comfort needs.

Drivetrain Type

High quality 10-12 speed drivetrains better accommodate power delivery. Single speed or hub gear models are lower maintenance options.

Prioritize tire size, battery range, motor power, and suspension to match the type of riding you plan to do. Test rides can help assess models before committing.

Top Electric Fat Bike Brands

Here are some of the leading electric fat bike manufacturers offering high performance, feature-rich models:

###Specialized The Specialized Turbo Levo Fat pioneered modern electric fat bikes. Its custom motor provides a perfectly integrated experience.

Trek

Trek’s Farley eFat bikes meld their suspension expertise with smooth Bosch motors to create a premium snow and sand riding machine.

Ride1Up

Ride1Up offers very affordable yet well-equipped electric fat bike models in partnership with leading suppliers.

Bulls

Bulls uses Brose mid-drive systems tuned for outstanding handling across various Monster eFat bike models.

Salsa

Salsa’s legendary Mukluk fat bike gets a motor assist boost in the Mukluk Deore NX eBike model.

Surly

Surly’s Ice Cream Truck model becomes an all-terrain crusher as the Ice Cream Truck Troll with Bafang ultra-power hub drive motor and big 5″ tires.

With the surge in popularity, most major bike brands now offer electric fat bike options. Focus on reputable companies using quality components.

Building a DIY Electric Fat Bike

Want to electrify your existing fat bike? It’s feasible using a DIY conversion kit:

Selecting the Right Kit

Look for a kit specifically designed for fat bikes, with enough motor power and battery capacity. Mid-drive kits around 750W work well.

Ensure Proper Fit

Measure frame dimensions and component specs carefully to get a kit matching your bike. The wheels, drivetrain, brakes, and accessories must be compatible.

Installation Complexity

Factor in your mechanical skill level. Mid-drive kits require some disassembly while hub motors are simpler. Allow several hours for install and tuning.

Fat Bike-Specific Considerations

Double check that very wide tires will have proper chainline clearance and battery placement fits with ample room.

Be Wary of Added Stress

The significant extra weight and forces of a motor kit can overstress a frame or wheels not designed for it. Take care not to damage your fat bike when adding electric power.

With some care and mechanical skill, select conversion kits can successfully add battery-powered assist to a standard fat tire bike.

Winter Riding Tips for Electric Fat Bikes

Riding an eFat bike in snowy conditions calls for some special winter precautions:

• Lower tire pressure further, down to just a few PSI, to increase flotation on fresh powder.
• Install studded tires for added grip on packed snow and ice. Exercise caution turning and braking.
• Insulate battery cells and electronics to prevent extreme cold from sapping power or shutting off the motor.
• Frequently clean and lube the drivetrain to prevent freeze up in wet, muddy conditions.
• Equip fenders to keep snow spray off motor components and protect from salt exposure.
• Attach bright safety flags for visibility above deep snow banks.
• Carry a battery charger and spare tubes/tires in case repairs are needed far from home.
• Use handlebar pogies, thick gloves, and ski goggles to protect from wind and freezing temperatures.

Embrace winter fun but take steps to prevent issues and keep running strong in freezing, wet eFat biking conditions.

Why Electric Fat Bikes Are Better for Snow Than Normal eBikes

Beyond their ability to simply stay atop the snow, electric fat bikes outperform standard eBikes in many snow-specific ways:

• Increased Stability – The wide footprint prevents tipping sideways into deep snow banks.
• Reduced Risk of High Centering – Large volume tires prevent bottoming out when crossing over drifts.
• More Steering Precision – The oversized contact patch allows accurately steering a line in fresh powder.
• Enhanced Braking Traction – Low pressure tires conform to the terrain, allowing brakes to grip well.
• Decreased Damage if Submerged – The sealed hubs can withstand full submersion without immediately failing.
• Easier to Lift Out If Stuck – Large tires provide more leverage if needing to carry the bike out of a hole.
• Ability to Run Lower Tire Pressures – The wide tire profile supports riding at just a few PSI to increase flotation.

While standard eBikes can occasionally ride over packed snow, real winter exploration requires true electric fat bikes.

Electric Fat Bike vs Standard eBike

While both utilize electric pedal assist, electric fat bikes differ from standard eBikes in several ways:

• Tires – Fat bikes use 3.8-5″ wide tires to standard 1.5-3″ tires on regular eBikes.
• Motor Power – More powerful mid-drives and hub motors compensate for fat tire drag.
• Intended Terrain – Sand, snow, and mud vs pavement and groomed trails.
• Frame Geometry – Longer and slacker for stability compared to quicker handling trail frames.
• Gearing – Greater low-end gear reduction to overcome resistance and climb inclines.
• Fenders – Fat bikes more commonly include full fenders to manage debris and moisture.
• Suspension – Fat eBikes favor rigid forks or dual suspension for optimal flex over obstacles.

While they share electric assist, fat eBikes differ significantly to excel in specific conditions regular eBikes can’t handle.

Why Are Electric Fat Bikes so Expensive?

Quality electric fat bikes typically range from $3500 up to $7000 or more. What makes them so costly compared to standard eBikes?

• Powerful Mid-Drive Motors – More powerful motors add cost but are required to spin huge tires.
• Large Battery Capacity – Long range is essential, so larger batteries around 750Wh raise the price.
• Strong Frame and Wheels – Capable of handling the torque of mid-drives and impacts of rough terrain.
• Wide Rims & Tires – High volume 4-5″ tires glued to 100mm wide rims are an eFat bike specialty component.
• Suspension Forks – Suspension units robust enough for fat bike loads cost more.
• All-Weather Components – Waterproof motors, corrosion resistant contacts, and sealed bearings.
• Niche Market – The relative rarity of electric fat bikes restricts economies of scale in manufacturing.
• New Technology – As a cutting edge bike genre, the R&D costs are still being recouped.

The optimal parts for extreme rides in harsh environments come at a premium cost. But the experiences unlocked are often priceless.

Are Electric Fat BikesStreet Legal?

The legality of electric fat bikes on public roads depends on their motor power:

• Under 750w – Fat eBikes with motors 750w and lower are generally street legal on roads and bike paths. But local ordinances vary in restrictiveness.
• Over 750w – Higher power motors over 750w blur the definition of an electric bike vs electric motorcycle. These may not be street legal in many areas.
• Off-Road Use Only – Some ultra-powered direct drive fat eBikes are intended solely for private land use, not roads.

In many regions, most standard electric fat bikes can be operated legally on streets, just like other pedal assist eBikes. But always check your local regulations to be sure.

Riding sensibly will minimize hassles – don’t rocket downroads at excessive speeds!

Electric Fat Bike vs Electric Moped

With their chunky tires and powered acceleration, electric fat bikes share some superficial similarities with electric mopeds. But they differ in key ways:

• Mopeds typically use throttle-activated motors rather than pedal assist. Fat eBikes rely primarily on human power input.
• Mopeds can often reach higher speeds of 30-40 mph whereas eFat bikes usually max out around 20 mph.
• Mopeds are designed for paved roads. Fat eBikes focus on off-road flotation and traction.
• Mopeds may not be allowed on bike paths. Electric fat bikes are generally granted bike path access when ridden responsibly.
• Mopeds require registration and licensing in most regions. Fat eBikes simply need a basic cycling proficiency.

While both electric, mopeds and eFat bikes suit different purposes and have distinct legal classifications in most areas.

Are Electric Fat Bikes Good Exercise?

While the electric motor does provide power, riding an eFat bike still constitutes solid exercise:

• Pedaling is Still Required – The rider’s legs power the crank rotation to trigger motor propulsion. Freewheeling turns off the motor.
• Higher Exertion Than Regular eBikes – The rolling resistance of fat tires makes pedaling noticeably more strenuous, even with the same motor assist level.
• Long Ride Durations Burn Calories – Riders are enticed to stay moving longer, covering more distance and elevation than on a standard bike. 1-2 hour rides are readily achievable.
• Standing Climbing is Common – Riders often stand and power up steep dunes and inclines, raising heart rates.
• Core Workout – Maintaining balance through shifting weight on the fat tires engages core stabilizer muscles.

While not as intense as unassisted cycling, fat eBiking certainly provides healthy exercise, especially over long distances. The difficulty can be dialed up or down by adjusting power assist levels.

Conclusion

For bikers seeking endless adventure, electric fat bikes provide unmatched flotation and traction capabilities to explore remote areas and ride over any terrain. Their beach cruising, dune tackling, and deep snow riding abilities make easy work of surfaces that stop other bikes in their tracks. With robust frames, mid-drive power, and extended range, the possibilities are truly endless aboard an eFat bike! Just pick a direction and let the explorations unfold.

Electric Fat Bike FAQs

What tire pressure should I run for snow riding?

Around 3-7psi works well for floating on top of fresh powder rather than sinking in. The lower, the better for flotation.

How much farther can you ride vs a standard fat bike?

E-assist enables 2-3x the distance vs pedaling alone on a fat bike before hitting exhaustion. Extended adventures become possible.

Can electric fat bikes damage trails?

When ridden responsibly, eFat bikes don’t cause more trail damage than a standard MTB. But irresponsible riding can certainly damage any trail.

Where are eFat bikes banned?

Regulations vary greatly. Many protected land areas prohibit any motorized trail use, including electric fat bikes. Always check local rules first.

How fast do electric fat bikes go?

With lower pressure tires, expect 8-12mph average speeds on loose terrain, or 15-20mph on firm dirt. Maximum speeds generally reach 20-28mph.