Question 1

What are electric fat tire bikes?

Accepted Answer

Electric fat tire bikes are sturdy and robust, with wide, high-volume tires that provide superior traction and stability on all terrains, from sand and snow to dirt trails and city streets. An electric motor adds effortless power for conquering inclines and extending your range. Some models, like our Valen Rev+, also have a plush, motorcycle-style flat brat seat, adding both comfort and style.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a fat tire electric bike?

Accepted Answer

A fat tire electric bike is designed to provide comfort and stability while floating over terrain that skinnier tires would sink into. Their oversized, puncture-resistant tires make it possible to ride off-road on mud, gravel, sand, and more. Not only riders go over rougher terrain with a fat tire electric bike, but the beefy tires also help to soak up bumps and cracks in the road, allowing for a smoother experience overall.

Question 3

Why do electric bikes have fat tires?

Accepted Answer

Electric bikes have fat tires to increase grip and traction and provide shock absorption. The wider a tire, the more surface area comes into contact with the ground, which means increased grip and traction. A bigger tire also means more air volume. This provides better shock absorption, soaking up roots, rocks, cracks, and other obstacles. Electric fat tire bikes are designed for riding on varied terrain, like mud, sand, and gravel, as well as normal pavement riding.

Question 4

Are fat tire ebikes good for seniors?

Accepted Answer

Fat tire ebikes are great for seniors looking to stay active! The wider tires on a fat bike will add grip and traction on uneven terrain, and absorb minor bumps and divots in the road for increased comfort while riding. The electric motor can also provide both throttle and pedal assist options, so seniors can pedal as much or as little as they want, riding long distances, up hills, and over varied surfaces without breaking a sweat. (If you’re looking for significantly increased stability, you could also consider an e-trike.)

Question 5

Is it easier to balance on a fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It’s much easier to balance on a fat tire bike than a regular bike, due to the wider tires. Fat tires have a larger “contact patch” with the ground, which gives them better grip and traction. This also reduces wobbling on both the pavement and off-road surfaces. Fat tire ebikes like our Koa Rev 2 and Valen Rev+ also have push-to-go throttles, so you can ride smoothly without wobbling during the push-off. No pedaling needed at all!

Question 6

Are fat tire ebikes good on the pavement?

Accepted Answer

Fat tire ebikes can be ridden on pavement, but they’re really designed for off-road riding. Their larger tires, while grippier and more shock-absorbing, are also heavier, and can make the bike feel sluggish on tarmac. For urban riding on pavement, check out electric city bikes or beach cruiser bikes.

Question 7

Can you take a fat tire electric bike on dirt?

Accepted Answer

Totally! Fat tire ebikes are made to ride on dirt, mud, gravel, and other rough terrain. Their wide, puncture-resistant tires swallow up obstacles, cushioning your ride through bumps and divots. With a wider “contact patch” with the ground, they also have vastly superior grip and traction compared to normal bike tires. Robust suspension forks like those found on Koa Rev+ 2 offer 80mm of travel, further enhancing off-road capabilities and ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough terrains.

Question 8

How fast do electric fat tire bikes go?

Accepted Answer

Our most powerful fat tire ebikes—like Koa Rev+ 2 and Valen Rev+—can reach speeds up to 28 mph. Other models, like Valen Rev 2, max out around 20 mph. With six levels of pedal assist with torque sensor and touch-to-go throttle, you can reach these speeds under a bit of your own pedal power or with the flick of a thumb. Remember to always wear a helmet!

Question 9

What is the range of an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Fat tire electric bike ranges vary based on the model, and will depend on how much pedal assist and throttle you use. Most of our fat tire ebikes have a maximum range from 50 to 65 miles. On the high end, Koa Rev+ 2 can travel up to 72 miles on a single charge! The ability to charge the battery both on and off the bike makes it easy to ensure your bike is juiced up and ready to rip every day!

Question 10

Do I need a license to operate an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, electric bicycle regulations vary by state. In most states, such as California, electric bikes (including fat tire ebikes) are classified as bicycles and require no special license. In a few states, however, ebikes are classified as motor vehicles and can require registration, license, and/or insurance to ride. Check your state’s electric bike laws on PeopleForBikes.org.

Question 11

What are the benefits of electric fat tire bikes?

Accepted Answer

Electric fat tire bikes offer unmatched stability, allowing you to explore challenging terrains with confidence. Wide, grippy tires, plush seats, and aggressive suspension forks provide superior grip and shock-absorption for a comfortable ride on all terrains. On top of that, the electric motor, with six levels of pedal assist and full-throttle capabilities makes rides less strenuous and extends your exploration range.

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of electric fat tire bikes?

Accepted Answer

Electric fat tire bikes have few of the disadvantages of normal fat tire bikes, because the powerful motor makes pedaling and riding effortless! Our electric fat tire bikes like Koa Rev+ 2 Step-Through and Step-Over offer the same range (72 miles) and top speed (28 mph) as our fastest, strongest ebikes. However, due to the wider tires, a fat tire bike will always be a little less nimble and maneuverable than a normal bike (whether electric or not).

When you buy an electric fat tire bike with retrospec, the only drawback compared to another class of ebike is the slightly heavier, bulkier build, which makes the bike take up slightly more storage space, and can make it harder to pick up by hand.

Question 13

Are electric fat tire bikes hard to ride?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Electric fat tire bikes are designed to be extremely easy to ride. Wide, plush, fat tires offer exceptional stability and shock absorption, and the electric motor makes pedaling a breeze. A moto-style flatback seat on models like Valen Rev+ makes for extra comfortable riding, too!

Question 14

What size electric fat tire bike do I need?

Accepted Answer

You size an electric fat tire bike just like a traditional bicycle, by measuring your inseam (the distance between the bottom of the foot and the top inside of the leg). Your inseam measurement should be one inch more than the bike’s standover height. If you try an electric fat tire bike in person, this means that when you stand over it, you should have around one inch of clearance from the bike’s top tube. At the bottom of every ebike page, you’ll find a “Sizing” tab with more info.

Question 15

Do electric fat tire bikes have gears?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in addition to powerful motors, most electric fat tire bikes also come equipped with gears to tackle hills or provide pedaling resistance for exercise. Gears and pedal assist levels vary. Our popular Koa Rev+ 2 and Valen Rev+ have eight speeds, Koa Rev 2 has seven speeds, and all three sport six levels of pedal assist in addition to a push-to-go throttle.

Question 16

Do electric fat tire bikes have fenders?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most electric fat tire bikes—including most retrospec models—come with front and rear fenders to keep you free of grit, grime, and water spray as you ride on varied terrain.

Question 17

Do electric fat tire bikes have step-through frames?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many do! Most retrospec electric bike models come with both step-through and step-over frame options. Step-through frames make it easier to hop on and off the bike, and allow for easier riding in a dress or skirt, while step-over frames have a top tube for additional support and stability. 
This is true of our high-range models like Koa Rev+ 2 (Step-Through & Step-Over), flat brat moto-style models like Valen Rev+ (Step-Through & Step-Over), and standard models like Koa Rev 2 (Step-Through & Step-Over).

Question 18

Do electric fat tire bikes have lights?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most fat tire ebikes, like Koa Rev+ 2, have integrated front and rear lights to illuminate your path and help keep you safe while riding in the early morning or at night. To further improve your visibility, our headlights also have a side illuminator and the rear light incorporates a brake indicator. A handlebar-mounted button pod means it’s easy to control everything on the bike, including lights.

Question 19

Where can I ride an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Technically, you can ride an electric fat tire bike on nearly any surface. The beefy, puncture-resistant tires, robust suspension, cushioned seats, and bulletproof frames on these bikes are designed to take you from muddy farm roads to sandy beaches, gravel paths, paved streets, and more. “Legally” is another question. In the United States, the legal status of electric fat tire bikes—i.e. where you can ride them—varies based on city and state.

Some states classify ebikes as regular bicycles, others consider them a motor vehicle, akin to a moped or electric scooter. In Alabama, for example, you can ride an ebike on roads, but not on sidewalks and bike paths. In Arizona you can ride your electric fat tire bike on sidewalks and bikeways, as well as on roads. Be sure to check the laws in your city and state before you ride.

Question 20

What is the certification for a fat tire ebike battery?

Accepted Answer

The gold-standard electric system certification for ebike batteries is UL 2271. This certifies that the battery has passed rigorous testing for electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety. 
This certification—currently the Accredited National Safety Standard for ebikes—was developed and administered by UL Solutions, an international independent safety science company. All of our electric bikes have a UL 2271-certified battery, meaning they’ve been tested and approved by a UL-accredited lab.

Question 21

What is the difference between UL 2849 and UL 2271?

Accepted Answer

UL 2849 and UL 2271 are electric system certifications provided by the independent safety science company UL Solutions. UL 2849 is a certification for the entire ebike. It “provides fire safety certification by examining the electrical drive train, battery, and charger system combinations in ebikes, evaluating components including the drive unit, battery, battery management system (BMS), interconnecting wiring, and power inlet.” 
UL 2271, meanwhile, is focused specifically on the lithium-ion batteries within the bike. All current-gen retrospec electric bikes are UL 2849 and UL 2271 certified, meaning they’ve been tested and approved by a UL-accredited lab.

Question 22

Do I need to wear a helmet to ride an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While it’s not legally required in most U.S. states, you should always wear a helmet when riding a bike, especially an ebike. Electric bikes, including fat tire bikes, reach much higher speeds than traditional bicycles (up to 28 mph). As a result, improper use of an ebike can result in injury or death, and there is always the chance of an accident caused by another cyclist, car driver, or pedestrian. Wearing a helmet dramatically mitigates the risk of severe injury or death when riding an ebike.

Question 23

What type of battery do electric fat tire bikes use?

Accepted Answer

Our electric fat tire bikes use top-end 48V lithium-ion batteries, known for their lightweight design, high power, and long lifespan. Most of our ebike batteries are Samsung Cells, and all are UL 2271 certified, meaning the battery has passed rigorous testing for electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety.

Question 24

How long does it take to charge an electric fat tire bike battery?

Accepted Answer

Charging times vary depending on your ebike model's battery size and charger, but will typically take somewhere between 2 and 6 hours.

Question 25

What should I do to maintain the battery life of my electric bike?

Accepted Answer

Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations on maximizing battery life. In general, avoid storing the battery in extreme temperatures, moist environments, or direct sunlight, and try not to completely drain it before recharging. Other tips include storing batteries with a partial charge (and maintaining this charge periodically) and keeping batteries clean and dry.

Question 26

How much maintenance do electric fat tire bikes require?

Accepted Answer

Electric fat tire bikes require minimal maintenance compared to gas-powered vehicles. Regular checks on tires, brakes, and chain tension are important. Beyond this, your ebike’s battery is the primary thing you should care for. Consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations, but be sure to store your battery in a cool, dry place, and if storing for long periods, try to maintain a charge between 30% and 60%. Leaving a battery dead for long periods of time can reduce its lifespan.

Question 27

How much does an electric fat tire bike cost?

Accepted Answer

Our electric fat tire bikes are priced competitively and comparably to traditional ebikes, with prices generally ranging between $1,000 and $2,000. On the lower end, models like Valen Rev 2 cost $1,299. Fat tire ebikes with longer ranges and higher top speeds, like Koa Rev+ 2, go for up to $1,899.

Question 28

Are electric fat tire bikes worth the price?

Accepted Answer

For riders seeking adventure, electric fat tire bikes offer unparalleled versatility and capability. They are certainly worth the price if you’re looking for power, performance, and comfort on all-terrains. It’s like having a dual-sport motorcycle without the licensing and insurance requirements or carbon emissions, and you can pedal as much as you want for exercise, too.

Question 29

Can I customize an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Of course! From rear racks to handlebar baskets to trailers, retrospec offers plenty of ebike accessories to personalize your electric fat tire bike. You can also choose from step-through or step-over frames for almost all models, and pick from a wide variety of colors.

Question 30

Where can I buy an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase electric fat tire bikes from local bike shops or directly from us here at retrospec. If you aren’t sure if you prefer a fat tire model, there are plenty of other electric bike options to explore! We offer over 20 unique electric bike models, and have an intuitive online quiz to help you decide which electric bike is best for your needs and goals. Try it out! It’s free and only takes 30 seconds.

Question 31

Are electric fat tire bikes eco-friendly?

Accepted Answer

It’s a complicated question, one that demands the modifier “compared to what?” Electric fat tire bikes are generally considered eco-friendly compared to gas-powered vehicles, because they produce zero carbon emissions during operation. However, mining for the lithium used in ebike batteries—as well as the source of the electricity used to charge the batteries—does have environmental costs. 
The underlooked environmental bonus of electric fat tire bikes like Koa Rev+ 2 is they use far less resources than a car (even an electric one) to transport a rider from place to place. From the frame to the brakes to the battery to the tires, an electric bike is overwhelmingly less intensive to build and maintain than a car. For perspective, the average American car consists of about 3,000 pounds of raw material. By comparison, even the heaviest ebikes don’t crack 100 pounds.

Question 32

What should I consider before buying an electric fat tire bike?

Accepted Answer

Before you purchase a fat tire ebike, consider your goals. These bikes are designed primarily for comfort and versatility on varied terrain. So if you need an ebike to ride on trails, wet surfaces, at the beach, or on gravel, then a fat tire ebike is for you! Like electric tricycles, they’re also a good choice for the elderly or disabled, because the wider tires provide increased stability compared to normal ebikes. 
If you’re focused primarily on fitness, then consider a hybrid fitness ebike. If you want to ride your ebike long distances to work, check out commuter ebikes. If storage is a concern, a folding ebike might be a good choice, and if you only plan on urban riding, check out electric city bikes! Still not sure? Try our 30-second online quiz to make your decision easier.

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