What should I look out for when buying a fat bike?

Looking for a fat bike? Are you hesitating between several models? To help you make the right choice, we've put together a guide highlighting the key elements to consider.

Before choosing a fat bike, it's important to identify what you're going to use it for. Is it for its design? Will you use it as an electric city bike for strolling the streets, or are you also looking for adventure on rough terrain? If so, an MTB electric might be more suitable. The environment in which you ride will directly influence your choice of fat bike.

Want to ride together? Choose a fat bike with a long seat. Then you can explore the city together on this superb electric bike! If you're looking for a safer way to transport small children, have a look at our range of electric cargo bikes.

Once you've determined how you'll use your bike, you can also identify the important features of your e-fat bike.

If you're planning to use your e-fat bike for long trips, it's essential to pay attention to its range. This determines how far you can travel before you need to recharge your e-bike. For off-road use, we recommend a higher range (80-120 km) because of the limited options for recharging on the move. If you use your electric bike mainly in town, a medium range (40-65 km) may be sufficient.

At Upway, we generally recommend an electric bike equipped with a central motor. The main advantage of a central motor is the control and modulation of electric assistance. A central motor is often equipped with rotation and pedal force sensors, which adjust the speed according to the effort expended, which is particularly useful on slopes or bridges.

However, most fat bikes are equipped with a rear-wheel motor, often from Bafang. Bafang motors are renowned for their availability in spare parts, which facilitates maintenance. What's more, these motors can be combined with batteries and screens from other brands, unlike those from Bosch. Choosing a fat bike with a rear-wheel motor can therefore be an economical and upgradeable option.

If possible, opt for a fat bike with a rear wheel motor that also includes pedal force sensors. If you're considering a model with a private-label motor, be sure to check motor quality, parts availability and repair times, as a delay in supply could be problematic in the event of a breakdown.

Now that you have an idea of the type of bike you want, it's time to choose the tires. If you're planning to go off-road, choose tires with large studs for better grip. For urban use, tires with small studs are more suitable.

Make sure the frame size matches your body type for optimum comfort. Although sizes are often unisex, it's crucial to check this before you buy.

When buying a fat bike, it's crucial to choose a model that has been approved in Europe and has passed the test benches, ensuring that it meets European safety and quality standards. This not only avoids compliance problems, but also ensures a safe and reliable fat bike. As an electric bike, a fat bike must not exceed a speed of 25 km/h, nor have a power rating exceeding 250 watts. Make sure your fat bike meets these criteria.

It's also important to buy your electric fat bike from a reliable manufacturer or retailer who guarantees quality, to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are a few points to check:

• Maintenance and overhaul: Make sure spare parts are available, and find out about delivery times and parts availability, even after your model has gone out of production.
• Warranty: In the event of a problem, it's essential to be able to rely on the manufacturer or retailer. Upway offers a comprehensive warranty and support to ensure your peace of mind.
• Test ride: A test ride lets you test the fat bike's performance and comfort before you buy.

Now you're ready to find the perfect fat bike. Discover the electric fat bikes in the Upway range!

It's important to choose a recognized brand when buying a fat bike. This ensures that parts will always be available and that the bike will meet high quality standards. Reputable brands often guarantee the reliability and durability of their products.

Here are three of the main brands of fat bikes offered by Upway :

• Super73: With an elegant design inspired by the Scrambler bikes of the 70s, models like the Super73-S2 and Super73-R offer a range of up to 120 km thanks to batteries from brands such as Samsung and Panasonic.
• Knaap Knaap: Known for its comfortable seats and powerful motor, Knaap offers electric bikes equipped with Bafang motors rated at up to 750 W, for impressive acceleration and high speeds.
• Ruff Cycles: Offering a robust frame and advanced technologies such as the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, Bosch PowerPack battery and Intuvia display, Ruff Cycles guarantees excellent quality.

These brands are renowned for their exceptional performance and durability. Find out more about the best electric fat bikes here.

It's essential to insure your fat bike after purchase. The fat bike insurance market has evolved recently, with major insurers such as ANWB and Univé ceasing to offer policies due to the increase in theft and illegal modifications. Fortunately, alternatives exist, such as the comprehensive insurance offered by Upway, which covers theft and damage with no deductible, and worldwide coverage.

Want to know more about fat bike insurance? Check out our blog: Electric fat bike insurance.

Once you've bought and insured your fat bike, it's important to maintain it properly. Here are a few essential points to prolong its life:

Battery care / Battery life :

Proper care and maintenance of your battery is crucial. Charge it at room temperature and avoid complete discharges. This preserves the battery's capacity and extends its life. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, avoid extreme temperatures and use only the recommended charger. For more information, see our blog : Extend the life of your (used) electric bike battery.

Periodically check the pressure of tires :

Maintaining the correct pressure on tires is essential to avoid premature wear and ensure a comfortable ride, especially on rough terrain. Use a reliable pressure gauge to regularly check the pressure, which should be between 0.5 and 1.5 bar (7-22 psi), depending on the type of surface.

Store your bike in a dry place:

Always store your fat bike in a dry place to avoid corrosion and electrical problems. A suitable cover or covered space is recommended.

Lubricate your chains and sprockets:

Regular cleaning and lubrication of your fat bike's chain is essential to prevent wear and rust. Use a suitable lubricant to extend chain life and maintain optimum performance.

Engine maintenance :

The motor of an electric fat bike requires special care. Make sure it is regularly cleaned to prevent dust build-up, and that the wiring is well protected from the elements. This will help extend motor life and prevent breakdowns.

To find out more about common problems with electric bikes, read our blog : how to detect faults on your electric bike?