Between $2,500 and $3,000 hits the sweet spot for entry- to mid-tier electric mountain bikes. That price range opens up the range of e-MTBs from top brands like Trek, Giant, Specialized, and others with innovative designs and quality parts. Models that fall into that price range are typically hardtail mountain e-bikes or pre-owned full-suspension models.
Spending less than $2,000 means the e-bike will likely come with a rear hub motor, less premium mid-drive unit, or an external battery. Riders can browse the best mountain bikes for under $2,000 designed for recreational riding and lighter mountain biking.
Types of Fat Tire Electric Bikes: Why Wide Tires Help
Written by: Rémy Rossi | July 7, 2025 | Time to read 4 min
Fat tire e-Bikes can be fun and super functional. Find out why going wide might be your smartest idea yet.
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 tires can come with some pretty plump benefits. Having extra-wide tires on your electric bike can help you navigate tricky terrain and increase comfort, but is bigger always better? I’ll discuss the advantages of fat tires and the different types of fat tire e-Bikes you can choose from.
The benefits of extra-wide tires
It seems like everyone is talking about tires these days— wider tires and lower tire pressures provide serious comfort, and aren’t as slow as we once thought. Fat tires— or tires that measure more than 3.8” wide— take width to the extreme. And that wildly wide measurement means a few things:
- Better traction: Wider tires have a larger contact patch with the riding surface, delivering additional grip and traction.
- Extra comfort: Fat tires can be run at very low tire pressures, between 5 to 30 PSI. Such soft-feeling tires and high air volume absorb impacts and vibrations, offering a more comfortable ride.
- Suitable for loose, soft terrain: Fat tires are especially useful for loose, soft trail surfaces such as sand, snow, or mud where traction is difficult. The combination of knobby tread, low pressure, and wide tires helps achieve enough grip.
- High stability: Wide tires can also feel more stable. Too wide and they may feel cumbersome to handle, but many tires enjoy the stable, almost motorcycle-like feel of fat tires on electric bikes.
Types of Fat Tire Electric Bikes
All-terrain e-Bikes
All-terrain electric bikes are a curious breed, combining elements of mountain e-Bikes with a splash of inspiration from city e-Bikes. The most accurate description I could muster up is that all-terrain e-Bikes are value-oriented models with fat tires. They lack the premium suspension and fancier parts seen on mountain bikes, but the wide tires allow plenty of off-road exploration. And, of course, you can rip these e-Bike around city streets or paved routes.
Popular models include the Aventon Aventure, Rad Power RadRover, Pedego Trail Tracker, Himiway Cruiser, and Velotric Nomad. All-terrain electric bikes are designed for recreational riding and versatility. They typically cost much less than e-MTBs, opting for rear hub motors instead of mid-drive motors and simpler gearing.
Popular models include the Aventon Aventure, Rad Power RadRover, Pedego Trail Tracker, Himiway Cruiser, and Velotric Nomad. All-terrain electric bikes are designed for recreational riding and versatility. They typically cost much less than e-MTBs, opting for rear hub motors instead of mid-drive motors and simpler gearing.
Moto-style e-Bikes
Another category of fat tire electric bikes is so-called “moto-style” e-Bikes, or moped-style e-Bikes. The biggest name in this group is SUPER73, the brand that popularized this type of fat tire bike that mixed retro motorcycle styling with fat tires and rugged features.
SUPER73 e-Bikes are perfect for West Coast riding because of their mixture of style and comfortable cruise, often coming with a throttle mode for pedal-free riding. The fat tires imitate the wider tires of motorcycles, and the frames and large battery packs are also designed to be reminiscent of classic motorcycles.
Utility electric bikes
Last but not least, there are many utility electric bikes with fat tires. Utility e-Bikes can be described as compact cargo e-Bikes— there’s a shorter wheelbase and smaller frame, but they’re still built to carry cargo. The fat tires help boost the stability and multi-purpose design of these practical bikes.
Popular models in this category include the Rad Power RadExpand, Lectric XPremium, and Himiway Big Dog— similar to all-terrain bikes, they are also typically more budget-friendly than purebred electric cargo bikes. There are also utility e-Bikes that can fold in half, allowing you to fit them inside a car for easier transport, even with the wide tires.
Popular models in this category include the Rad Power RadExpand, Lectric XPremium, and Himiway Big Dog— similar to all-terrain bikes, they are also typically more budget-friendly than purebred electric cargo bikes. There are also utility e-Bikes that can fold in half, allowing you to fit them inside a car for easier transport, even with the wide tires.
Are fat tire electric bikes worth it?
If you prioritize comfort and control on your rides, fat tire e-Bikes can be a great option. Most premium models— even enduro or downhill mountain bikes— don’t dare go as wide, but fat tire e-Bikes are built for recreational fun rather than all-out performance. Of course, the disadvantage of fat tires is their large size and weight. Fat tire e-Bikes tend to be on the more affordable end of the spectrum and can offer great value for different types of riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should you spend on an electric mountain bike?
When is the best time to buy an electric mountain bike?
Many deals are going on as popular brands continue to offload stock, meaning you can get more bike for your budget. Another great strategy when purchasing an e-MTB is searching for a used electric mountain bike— they are always on sale! Refurbished and used e-Bikes help riders save even more cash on premium models, letting you snag your dream e-MTB for a fraction of the original price.
Does weather affect tire pressure?
Weather and temperature can affect tire pressure since warm air expands and colder air takes up less volume. You may need to add extra air during colder months if you notice underinflation.
Key Takeaways
- Fat tires offer superior grip, comfort, and control across rough or soft terrain thanks to their wide footprint and lower tire pressure.
- Different types of fat tire e-Bikes—like all-terrain, moto-inspired, and utility models—offer specialized features for every kind of rider, from urban explorers to weekend adventurers.
- Despite their bulky look, fat tire electric bikes are budget-friendly and beginner-welcoming, providing a fun, stable, and versatile riding experience.
