I don't know about you but I have been drawn towards fat tire electric bikes ever since I first saw them a few years back. When they first came out they were quite expensive but prices have dropped and today there are a number of great fat tire bikes available for a reasonable price. Electric bikes have also caught my eye and over the last few years, E-bikes have been becoming much more popular.
The best part is there are now a number of new fat tires electric bikes introduced to the market many under $2000 and a number under $1000. Some fat tires electric bikes are often designed for off-roading are have larger motors that are above regulations and are not permitted on some trails and streets.
It is best to understand regulations in your area before purchasing an electric bike that may be in a class rating that is not permitted and will require a license, registration, and insurance to operate on city streets.
Generally, many E-bikes are designed for riders weighing less than 225 pounds. If a person is much over this weight battery range on an E-bike can be greatly reduced. In this post I will show you some of the best electric bike for heavy riders, I have selected a few E-bikes that are built to handle people that are up to 300 lb or more. Most are priced under $2000 and are a good value compared to many others that cost more.
In this post, I will list some of the best E-bikes for heavy riders available for the money coming from overseas and the US and Canada. Here are the best fat tire electric bikes for 200 pounds and over. Fat tire electric bikes are often the best bike for heavy riders.
E-bike Classification
Class 1: under 750W, limited 20 mph, PAS
Class 2 : under 750W, limited 20 mph, PAS + throttle
Class 3: under 750W, limited 20 mph by throttle, 28 mph by PAS
Class 4: over 750W, over 28 mph, throttle or PAS
Check regulations in your area before purchasing an E-bike if you want to legally ride it on the streets.
| Bike Class | Pedal operation | Maximum motor-assisted speed | Minimum Age | Drivers License | License plate Registration | Helmet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bike | Yes | N/A | N/A | No | No | 17 and under |
| Class 1 E-bike | Yes | 20 mph | N/A | No | No | 17 and under |
| Class 2 E-bike | No | 20 mph | N/A | No | No | 17 and under |
| Class 3 E-bike | Yes | 28 mph | 16 | No | No | Yes |
| Class 4 moped | No | N/A | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why buy a fat tire electric bike?
Great for heavier people
A fat tire Electric bike sounds like the perfect bike for me. I weigh in at around 200 lbs and many E-bikes are designed for lighter people. A heaver person on an E-bike with under-inflated tires can eat up battery power pretty quickly as opposed to a lighter person with properly inflated tires.
Fat tire Electric bike are generally built strong with a sturdy frame that can handle more weight. The large fat tires give a larger person a much smoother ride. The tire absorbs more bumps than on a small tire bike and gives you a safer feeling when riding.
I think why the ratings on many E-bikes are for smaller people is because the leader in E-bike use and manufacturing is in Japan and are not designed for larger people like there are in North America. I think the fat tire electric bike can be the right solution for large people. Many E-bikes come from China or Japan but there are a number of new manufacturers cropping up in the US and Canada that have introduced a number of Fat Tire E-Bikes.
Smooth ride and better traction
The bigger tires on a fat tire bike give you more tracking with the increased size you will have more rubber on the road to greatly reduces side skidding that easily happens with smaller tires. The large tire diameter also absorbs bumps and make it an all-around smoother ride especially when going over rougher terrane.
Good in snow
Although your typical fat tire E-bike is more expensive than most conventional bikes. A fat tire E-bike can pay for itself even faster and almost double your seasonal riding time. Unlike smaller tire bikes that virtually have no traction and can be downright dangers to ride in the snow a fat tire bike with lower air pressure can be just the traction you need to get around in winter.
If you live up north in Canada like me some months when it is very cold and when there is a major snowstorm you might want to leave your e-bike at home. But it may be fun if no one is on the roads.
Keep in mind battery power decreases in very cold temperatures so your range may not be as far as during summer months. Battery power can be reduced also by excessive temperatures and also will decrease range. Batteries like moderate temperatures best. Kind of like me.
Beefy cool look
I don't know about you but I find the fat tires look is cool. That fat tires stand out from other bikes. When I first saw a fat tire bike a few years back I like it immediately. It gives you that feeling and looks like your heading to the beach. If you take a look at the Voltbike Yukon 750 with fenders on it has that Harley look to it. See my full Voltbike Yukon 750 limited edition review.
So now you have a few good reasons to buy an E-bike here is our list of some of the better fat Tire E-bikes being offered some from Amazon.
1. Cyrusher XF660 Fat Tire Bike Snow Bike Mountain Bike
This bike is shipped to you 90% assembled, so it is not difficult to put together. But if you are not technically inclined it may be best to get someone to help with the instructions that come with it are not that great. One issue to be aware of North American riders that are used to the right lever controlling the front brake.
The Cyrusher XF660 comes assembled with the right lever controlling the rear brake. This is an easy fix, just switch the cables at the lever and your good to go. This bike does come from China and is made of quality parts, many of the same components that more expensive bikes use on their bikes. Feedback from many owners has been very positive.
Quality can be comparable to E-bike costing as much as $4000 but without the big brand name. For larger people that want an excellent E-bike for Under $2000, the Cyrusher XF660 could be a good choice for you. See Amazon for latest pricing.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by 500W 48V High Power designed for snow bike
- Battery Samsung cell 48V 10.4AH hiding battery in frame.
- Top Speed of up to 25 mph.
- Range distance of 30-40 miles under full-electric power
- Charge Time 5-7 hours full charge from a dead battery
- Pedal and power assist
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 55 lbs
- Mechanical dual disc brakes
- Shimano 7 Speed Freewheel
- TY300D Rear Derailleur
- Max. User Weight: 330 lbs
- Under $2000
Cyrusher XF660 Fat Tire Bike
Cyrusher Fat Tire Bike Snow Bike Mountain Bike
Pros
- Overall cool looking bike with big bright tire rims to stand out on the road.
- Great for larger people that want an E-bike
- Smooth ride
- Reasonable price compared to many others
Cons
- Customer service and assembly instructions are poor
- May not be street legal where you are located
2. Addmotor MOTAN Electric Bike Bafang 1000W
The Addmotor Moton is another E-bike that comes from Japan. The Motan is a new design for 2018. This E-bike is a solidly built with a sleek modern design. Bright colored rim options make this bike stand out. This bike is great for men or women and is ideal for heavier people up to 300 lbs.
The Addmotor Motan is built with a good solid aluminum frame with Shimano 7 speeds TX55 gears with adjustable lockout front fork suspension. This bike can handle a person up to 300 lbs, and an overall load capacity of 360 lbs provide you with a smooth ride that will get you around traffic safely.
Comes in many different color combinations that make this E-bike stand out. Priced under around $2800 less if you keep an eye out. The Addmotor Motan is another e-bike from japan that is a good value for the money and comparable to more expensive fat-tire E-bike cost up-to double the price.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered 48V 500W Brushless Rear Hub-Motor
- Hidden 48V*10.4AH Samsung Lithium Batteries
- Top Speed of up to 23 mph.
- Range distance of about 55 miles using peddle assist and 30-40 miles under full-electric power
- Charge Time 5-6 hours full charge from a dead battery
- Pedal and power assist
- Center hub motor
- Bike weight 58 lbs
- Mechanical dual disc brakes
- Rear Gears: Shimano 7 Speeds TX55 Gears
- Front Fork: MOZO Suspension Fork With Lockout
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Under $2899
Addmotor MOTAN
Addmotor MOTAN M-560 Electric Bicycles Mountain Fat Tire
Pros
- Overall cool looking bike with big bright tire rims to stand out on the road with a number of color options
- Great for larger people that want an E-bike
- Smooth ride
- Reasonable price compared to many others
Cons
- Customer service and assembly instructions are poor
- May not be street legal where you are located
3. Extrbici Electric Bike Cruiser Bicycle XF660 1000W Motor 48V
The Extrbici Electric Bike is a China import that is a good value. Priced at $2100 the Extrbici Electric Bike comes in priced a little higher than a few others in my selection But that few dollars more gets you a powerful 1000 watt motor for excellent torque and power uphills especially for big guys. This is an excellent bike for down at the beach or off-roading.
The 1000 watt motor puts it into class 4 that requires licensing registration and insurance your drive on the roads. So if you plan to use this bike to commute it may not be your best choice. The Extrbici XF660 when tested got the suggested range of over 60 miles when using peddle assist on a single charge, and the battery takes about 6 hrs to charge from dead.
The bike comes about 80% assembled. You will need to put on the front light, front tire, seat, and handlebars. Instructions are dodgy, but it is not that difficult if you have a little mechanical skills. It may take a little adjusting to get everything right.
Finding a local bike shop to help you may be difficult as many bike shops are still not carrying E-bikes and technical service is limited especially on the electronics. It is probably best to try to be self-sufficient as possible and service your bike yourself regularly. See my complete Electric Bike Maintenance Guide help you get started.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by 48*1000w brushless hub motor speed
- Removable 48V 16AH, Panasonic Lithium-Ion Battery with the Smart Protection System-
- Top Speed of up to 28mph.
- Range distance of 30-70 miles depending on how much you peddle
- Charge Time 5-7 hours full charge from a dead battery
- Pedal & power assisted or Twist throttle or turn off power & pedal only.
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 48 lbs
- Mechanical dual disc brakes
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Little over $2000
Extrbici XF660 Electric Bike Cruiser
Extrbici Electric Bike Cruiser Bicycle XF660
Pros
- Cool looking bike with many color options
- Great for larger people that want an E-bike
- Great for off-roading on hilly trails
- Assemble is not that difficult comes 80% assembled
Cons
- Instructions are poor as with most bike imported from China
- Most likely not be street legal where you are located
4. NAKTO 26″ 500W Fat Tire Snow Mountain E-Bike Cruiser
The Nakto E-bike company is a company that is selling E-bikes from China, but they have a warehouse and service in the US. Nakto E-bikes overall come in at a price much lower than many other brands on the market with the added benefit of excellent support.
The Nakto Cruiser comes 95% complete, and unlike many of the other fat E-bikes mentioned in this post, Nakto has good assembly instructions with helpful videos and information readily available, makes setting up the Nakto 26″ 500w cruiser and servicing it much easier. They even have a phone number to call if you need to talk to a person.
The Nakto Cruiser is the heaviest bike on my list with the least range. The bike has a high-strength carbon steel frame; the front forks are also made of high-strength carbon steel and gives the bike premium comfort shock absorption.
The lower price and better customer service make Nakto 26″ 500W Fat Tire Snow Cruiser and an excellent choice for a fat tire electric bike for a heavier person. Have a look at the assemble video below to get a close-up view of the components.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by 48V 500W Rear Hub Brushless Motor
- Removable 48V10AH Lithium Battery/ 48V 12AH Lithium Battery
- Speed of up to 28-30 mph
- Range distance of 25-30 miles
- Charge Time 4-6 hours full charge
- Pedal and power assist
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 75 lbs
- Mechanical dual disc brakes
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Around $1400
NAKTO 26″ 500W Fat Tire Snow Mountain E-Bike Cruiser Assemble
NAKTO 26″ 500W Fat Tire Snow Mountain E-Bike Cruiser
Pros
- Great price compared to many other E-bikes on the market.
- Good for larger people that want an E-bike
- Great riding bike
- Good assembly instructions and videos are available.
- Located in North America
Cons
- Very heavy bike
- Not as flashy as other E-bikes and only comes in black
5. Surface 604 Boar E350 Electric Fat Bike
A new trend in E-bikes is the emergence of E-bikes designed for hunting. The quiet motor and range are ideal to get to the backcountry quickly and quietly, and there is no noisy motor or odor to scare animals away. The Surface 604 Boar comes in a number of colors like black, white and even comes in a full green camouflage color ideal for hunters.
The Surface 604 E-bike is priced a little higher than some of the other E-bikes on this list, but its $2500 price tag makes it comparable to E-bikes costing much more. Surface 660 is a great bike to commute to work all week and on the weekends take advantage of its off-road capabilities. As with most fat-tire bikes the Surface 660 handles excellent down at the beach in the sand and in the snow.
Depend on the how severe the winter is in your area the bike will allow your bike year-round. The sturdy aluminum alloy high-step frame with extra fat 4 and a half in tires gives the Surface 604 great traction and ride on the road or off-road conditions.
This e-bike is made and sold in Canada and has been around for a few years, so warranty service and assembly instructions are much better than manufacturers in China. The Surface 604 Boar is based on the previous model with a better paint job and extra racks for a lower price than the original.
I think the few hundred dollar premium is worth it for the additional warranty service especially for people that are not comfortable working on their bikes.
For a good solid e-bike at a reasonable price, the Surface 604 gives you a quality e-bike for less than many others E-bikes on the market.
Basic Specs and Features
- Powered by 350w+ (peaks at 750w); brushless hub motor provides silent peddle assist
- Removable 36V13.3 Ah/478Wh Samsung lithium-ion battery
- Speed of up to 20 mph
- Range distance up to 45 miles
- Charge Time 6 hours. 2 hours at 80%
- Pedal and power assist
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 57 lbs
- Mechanical dual disk brakes
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Under $2500
Surface 604 Boar E350 Electric Fat Bike
The Surface 604 above with the racks mounted comes in at 66.5 lbs.
Surface 604 Boar E350 Electric Fat Bike Assemble
Surface 604 Boar E350 Electric Fat Bike
Pros
- Good solid E-bike build
- Great for larger people that want an E-bike
- Extra fat 4 and a half in tires gives it great traction and a smooth ride.
- Reasonable price compared to many others
- Good customer service based in Canada
Cons
- No chain or derailed guard
- The front rack can affect handling.
For someone who is not comfortable repairing there own E-bike finding an E-bike that can be serviced locally will be very important to keep your E-bike running properly. See Average cost of servicing an E-bike to get a better idea of the cost.
6. Prodecotech Rebel X Suspension Mountain Bike
The Prodecotech Rebel X Fat Tire Electric Bike is a well put together bike and is even more attractive with the $900 price drop. This sleek-looking E-bike covers all the feature that is important. The frame is a minimalist style aluminum frame.
With the integrated 36 v battery mounted in the downtube giving the Rebel X a lower center of gravity providing a more confide handling and more natural feel. The Rebel X is built very solid with many new upgrades. They beef up many essential components.
Adding oversized KMC K 810 Kool Chain that can handle a lot of peddling torque. It has powerful 600-watt direct-drive rear hub motor and Vee Rubber Devist8er 26 X 4-inch tires for great tracking even in snow.
This bike overall has been built with higher quality components than many other competitors. Making this an E-bike that is built to last. The Rebel comes with front hydraulic shocks providing a nice smooth ride and 3 piston hydraulic brakes that will stop you on a dime.
The Velo Plush saddle is quite comfortable as you lean into the Truvativ Hussefelt handlebar and stem. The handles have a nice quality rubber feel with the NuVinci N380 continuously variable hub drivetrain shifter. Go to E-bike Generation
Basic Specs and Features
- SRAM E-Matic 2 Speed automatic motor
- Removable 36V 14.25Ah Samsung lithium battery
- Speed of up to 20 mph
- Range distance up to 18-25 miles
- Charge Time 6 hours. 2 hours at 80%
- Pedal and power assist
- Rear hub motor
- Bike weight 66 lbs
- SRAM Guide 4 Piston hydraulic brakes
- Max. User Weight: 300 lbs
- Save $900 $3499 reduced to $2599
ProdecoTech Rebel X Suspension Mountain Bike
ProdecoTech Rebel X Suspension Mountain Bike
Pros
- Good solid E-bike build and handling
- Great for larger people that want an E-bike
- Extra fat 4 and a half inch tires give it great traction and a smooth ride.
- Nice clean look
- Good customer service based
Cons
- A little pricey but worth the cost.
- Fenders would be nice
Conclusion: Best fat tire electric bike
So there you have it these are a few of the best fat tire electric bikes for 200 pounds and over available for a reasonable price. Buying directly from China may save you a few dollars at first but if problems do occur repairs and service may be more difficult to obtain.
This is not as much of a problem if you are a person that has some repair and maintenance knowledge but for someone who is not comfortable doing this finding a bike that can be serviced local will be very important to keep your E-bike running properly.
Buying from North American manufacture generally gets you better service and support and makes it worth the few hundred dollars more on the sticker price. If you are a manufacturer or have a suggestion for the list, please comment below, and I will further investigate your product.
Share your experience
Do you love your new fat-tire electric bike? Have you had some good times on it or maybe bad? Do you have a special accessory or component that deserves special notice?
Here at Geargadgetsandgizmos.com and, more importantly, my readers would love to hear about your fat-tire E-bike experiences. Drop me a line at [email protected] and I will share it with my readers.
