Best all-terrain electric Fatbike

This category of electric bike is already mature, offering motor types, suspensions, tires and equipment for every profile and riding style. We guide you to understand which is the best electric fatbike for your needs.

The tires wide tires also have thicker sidewalls, increasing cushioning and adding extra comfort. They are also less prone to punctures than the MTB electric bike on rough roads. Finally, the electric fatbike is a type of soft mobility, i.e. more sustainable transport than a motorcycle or quad.

Performance is intimately linked to electric assistance. A central motor is more natural to pedaling than a rear hub motor, while a larger battery allows greater maximum distances per charge. Don't forget the drivetrain: more speed means more versatility on gradients.

The large tires degrades the range of an electric bike. As a result, fatbikes cover fewer kilometers per charge for the same battery capacity. That's why these models are equipped with 500 to 1000 Wh batteries, for a maximum range of 70 to 150 km per charge (in eco mode).

If you're using a fatbike on urban terrain or open roads, you need to comply with European law. The latter stipulates that the motor's continuous output must not exceed 250 W, but is free to peak. Otherwise, the electric fatbike becomes a speedbike, requiring, among other things, registration, insurance and mandatory equipment.

If you're aiming to use your fatbike only on paths or private land, it's possible to climb higher without approval. A Bafang motor - for example - rated at 350 to 500 W is sufficient for moderate gradients, but on surfaces with little grip or steep slopes, 500 to 750 W is advisable.

Another value to keep an eye on is torque, which reflects the fatbike's pulling power in the most difficult situations. Expressed in Nm, it ranges from 50 to 100 Nm on a fatbike-type electric bike.

When you ride in the mountains, you ride up hills and down steep paths. The poor rigid fatbike has had it, and it's time to switch to a semi-rigid VTTAE fatbike for greater stability and riding comfort. The motor must also be able to climb the steepest slopes, with a higher power rating (500 or even 750 W). Beware: beyond 250 W, road homologation is only possible for speedbikes. A second motor driving the front wheel is also a guarantee of better traction and driveability.

A bike's worst enemy is undoubtedly sand. The small surface area of tires means that you quickly sink and fall in the first few metres. No miracle, so you need to increase the width of tires, above 4 inches for a minimum of stability. Their superior puncture resistance is also suitable for branches, pebbles and shells.

An electric fatbike designed for snow requires a wide tires for perfect grip and optimum performance below 0°C. The assistance must also be able to withstand winter riding, whether it's the motor or the battery, so as not to lose too much autonomy.

A fat bike can have various suspension configurations:

• Rigid: fork and fixed seat, sufficient on sand or snow as the large tires dampen the impact.
• Hardtail telescopic front fork for stability on trails
• Double suspension: extra rear damping to cope with the roughest terrain

In addition to stability and cushioning, riding a fatbike doesn't have to be a punishment. Choose a suspended seatpost (spring, telescopic, parallelogram) if the saddle is not fixed. Otherwise, adapt the saddle to your needs: wide or not for your buttocks, not too soft for long rides, not too firm for discomfort.

Sitting properly is also a question of geometry! A low saddle with adjustable handlebars is generally more upright and therefore more comfortable. On the other hand, a saddle level with the handlebars makes riding a mountain fatbike more precise. Ergonomic grips are also preferable for long trips.

Because they weigh more than a conventional bike, hydraulic disc brakes are your best bet for safety. 4-piston calipers and large discs (200 mm and over) are also indicators of reliable, high-performance braking.

Front and rear lighting should not be neglected. Obligatory at night or in low light to be seen on the road, the fatbike must light up properly when riding off-road and in the wild. A light intensity of 500 lumens is a minimum on trails.

A low-power, short-range rigid fatbike with a basic 7-speed transmission can start at under 1,000 euros at refurbished. Expect to pay between 1,500 and 2,500 euros for a more powerful intermediate model with decent range and front suspension. Aim for more than 2,500 euros for a top-of-the-range model (better Shimano transmission, Bosch or powerful Bafang motor, Fox/Rockshox fork, large battery, etc.).

An adventurous electric fat bike is an enhanced electric bike that needs to be equipped! Some models require additional equipment:

• Front or rear luggage rack and mudguards: between 50 and 100 euros
• Accessories such as bags or baskets: 50 to 200 euros
• Protective cover: approx. 50 euros
• Secondary battery: 300 to 600 euros

A fatbike is still an electric bike, so the conditions for a longer service life are very similar. Here are our tips for extending battery life:

• Don't load at extremes (prefer between 20% and 80%)
• Charge as slowly as possible (2 or 4 A, no more)
• Do not expose the battery to sunlight, water or extreme temperatures.
• In the event of prolonged storage (>1 month), leave a charge higher than 60% and charge every month.
• Use the assistance mode best suited to your situation, as driving only in turbo or sport mode increases stress on the battery.

As a fatbike is subject to more stress than a conventional electric bike, you need to check the pressure of your tires regularly. This guarantees good grip and comfort.

Cleaning mud, sand or snow is another must for your fatbike. It preserves the life and, above all, the smooth running of your chain, transmission and engine. Equally important but less regular, brake maintenance is imperative for safety.

Here's a selection of 4 of the best electric fat bikes and their main advantages, each suited to a particular type of riding.