Fat tires measure between 3.5” and 5”, and the most common width is around the 4” mark.
How To Choose a Fat Tire Electric Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | August 6, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Fat tire e-Bikes may look similar, but what’s beyond the tread makes all the difference. Here’s how to choose the right one for your ride.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Fat tire e-Bikes are united by their oversized rubber, but there’s plenty of diversity within the category. In fact, the fat tire category is probably one of the most heterogeneous groups since the only feature they have to have in common is tire width— there are cargo, city, all-terrain models, and more. Here’s how to narrow your search and choose the perfect fat tire electric bike.
Types of fat tire e-Bikes
All fat tire electric bikes feature wide tires, but they come in several distinct styles. At Upway, you'll find these popular categories:
- All-terrain: Designed for versatility, these models typically have 3.5” to 4″ tires, front suspension, and durable frames—ideal for tackling sand, pavement, or light off-road trails. Aventon and Rad Power Bikes have many fat tire models that fall into this category.
- Moto-style: With bold designs, high-torque motors, and fixed seats, these bikes are built for riders who want power, speed, and a motorcycle-like feel. The most popular brand is SUPER73.
- Utility/commuter: Burlier than most city e-Bikes but not as big as full-on cargo models. Built to carry more, these tough bikes include cargo racks and are designed to handle heavy loads like groceries, gear, or even passengers. Standard cargo bikes don’t typically have fat tires.
- Folding: Featuring foldable frames for compact storage despite their large tires. They are easier to transport in the trunk of a car or tight spaces at home. The Aventon Sinch and Rad Power RadExpand are good examples.
Remember that the choice isn’t only between standard-width tires and fat tires, though. Some models have so-called “plus-sized” tires between 2.8” - 3.5” in width that offer tons of grip and cushion without treading into fat tire territory.
Beware of cheap, low-quality fat tire e-Bikes
I’ll preface the buying tips in this article with a warning. There are a lot of low-quality fat tire electric bikes out there. But don’t worry— they aren’t hard to spot. They are made by brands you’ve likely never heard of (often with wacky names or spellings) and have lower-end parts and designs compared to the top brands stocked by Upway, for example.
Now, not all of these low-cost models are lemons, but there is a fair share of customer service problems, reliability issues, and less quality control. For whatever reason, new manufacturers (mainly out of China) love to outfit nearly all their bikes with oversized tires, so that’s why we see so many fat tire models from these brands. Instead, always buy from trusted brands or certified marketplaces like Upway, which carry quality brands and fully inspect, repair, and provide a warranty on every electric bike.
Motor, drivetrain, suspension, wheel size
Depending on your riding style and needs, you’ll want a certain setup on your fat tire e-Bike. Most fat tire models come with rear hub motors, but a few select ones come with mid-drive units. There are single-speed and geared options and different wheel sizes, though the most common diameter is 26”— the fat tire effectively increases the outer wheel diameter anyway.
I always prefer models with holes in the rim to save weight since the rim is so wide to accommodate the fat tire. This feature also typically means that the wheel is made of better quality materials since it is designed to have those holes and still be plenty strong. Fat tire e-Bikes can get really heavy, so I appreciate brands that pay attention to the small stuff to improve ride feel.
I always prefer models with holes in the rim to save weight since the rim is so wide to accommodate the fat tire. This feature also typically means that the wheel is made of better quality materials since it is designed to have those holes and still be plenty strong. Fat tire e-Bikes can get really heavy, so I appreciate brands that pay attention to the small stuff to improve ride feel.
Recommended fat tire e-Bikes from Upway
Fat tires are generally designed for recreation and versatility rather than all-out performance, and are typically more affordable than other types of e-Bikes. The relaxed and comfortable geometry is often only available in one or two frame sizes, though it’s designed to accommodate a range of rider heights. I recently wrote about my top fat tire e-Bike picks for summer and the best fat tire electric bikes of 2025.
Here are a few recommended models available on Upway:
Here are a few recommended models available on Upway:
- Aventon Aventure
- Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus
- Velotric Nomad 1
- SUPER73 S2 or R
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide are fat tires?
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Do you need a license for an electric bike?
In nearly all states, riders do not need a license to operate an electric bike. However, riders of Class 3 e-Bikes in New Jersey need a license, and e-Bike users in Hawaii will need to pay a $30 registration fee.
Key Takeaways
- Fat tire e-Bikes come in multiple styles—from all-terrain and moto-style to commuter and folding models, each built for different needs.
- Avoid cheap off-brand models with poor components and reliability issues—stick to trusted names like Aventon, Rad Power, and SUPER73.
- Match motor, drivetrain, and wheel size to your riding style—details like mid-drive motors or lightweight rims can improve your ride quality.
