Given the increasing demand for e-bikes, it is not surprising that there are now numerous special versions of the classic e-bike - such as the so-called e-fat bike , which is characterized by particularly wide tires. These may seem a bit strange at first glance, but they still bring with them a lot of advantages.
But who are they suitable for and what special properties do they have? In the following guide, we will present you with everything you need to know about the topic.
The electric fat bike - a special electric bike
Just like classic fat bikes, modern electric fat bikes are ideal for rough terrain. No matter whether on sand, snow, mud or muddy ground - the particularly thick tires effectively prevent the e-bike from sinking into the ground. But the possible uses are varied and make the e-fat bike a practical companion in other situations too.
Electric Fatbike Video
The thick XXL tires ensure optimal cushioning thanks to their large volume and also increase driving comfort many times over. This makes electric fat bikes very suitable for commuters who travel around the city every day. Obstacles such as curbs or railway crossings can be crossed much more safely and with fewer vibrations, as the tires absorb the bumps excellently.
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What are the advantages of an electric bike with wide tires?
An electric fat bike combines the advantages of two different concepts: on the one hand, they are characterized by thick tires, and on the other hand, they also have high rolling resistance, which in turn is compensated for by the electric motor. The good grip of this design is particularly evident on steep uphill rides.
The advantages of an electric fat bike at a glance:
- High driving comfort
- Good driving experience
- Easy to move in summer and winter
- Greater protection against breakdowns
- Less maintenance required
- Optimal traction
- High-quality design thanks to wide tires
What is the difference to a mountain bike ?
An electric fat bike differs from a conventional mountain bike in several ways. First of all, the wider tire profile is noticeable, which offers greater traction and stability on difficult terrain. This makes it possible to ride in snow or sand. Normal mountain bike tires would simply sink or get stuck in this case.
Another difference is the electric drive, which supports the rider when pedaling and thus enables longer tours. Even inclines are easier to manage and with the support of the motor you can use your strength to keep going longer. Another difference is the electric drive, which supports the rider when pedaling and thus enables longer tours. Even inclines are easier to manage.
An electric fat bike is therefore particularly suitable for off-road tours in challenging terrain - be it in the forest or on the beach.
The areas of application of an electric fat bike
In fact, fat bikes are not a modern invention, but originally come from the US military. At that time, a bike was designed that was suitable for use on any terrain. And because mountain biking is a lot of fun when there are a lot of uneven areas, fat bikes are the ideal companion.
No matter what kind of terrain you're on, a bike like this is definitely worth the money. You can even get around easily on snow, mud and sandy surfaces - normal tires would quickly reach their limits here. There's hardly another bike that's as versatile as an electric fat bike. This means it's very easy to use both in the city and off-road.
Another advantage of the wide tires is - as already mentioned - their very good damping. This is of course partly due to the tires themselves, but also to the air pressure. Unlike with a suspension fork, there is no need to overcome the breakaway torque. Therefore, the wide tires react relatively sensitively to impacts. For this reason, a suspension fork is often not installed at all on an e-fat bike.
However, if you still want more reserves on your electric bike, you can opt for a suspension fork with a relatively short suspension travel. Bikers who value the simplest possible design, on the other hand, are more likely to choose a rigid fork for their electric bike or pedelec.
Tube or tubeless - which option is better for an electric bike?
The majority of e-fat bikes available on the market basically have a tube - there are many reasons for this. On the one hand, there are only a few rims on the market that are suitable for tubeless construction, and on the other hand, very wide rims are often very difficult to seal.
This is mainly due to the fact that there is no suitable rim tape. The rims are often open and therefore visible from the outside, which is why the rim tape is also relatively susceptible to wear from the outside.
In addition, fat bike tires often have thin casings, which is why they are often stamped through directly in tubeless models. If the air pressure is lower on an electric bike such as the E-Fatbike, this can happen more often.
Another important task of the rims is to keep the tires secure. However, this is not so easy with an e-fat bike, as their air pressure alone does not provide sufficient grip. This is why most e-bikes of this type are currently still equipped with a tube.
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The correct air pressure for an electric fat bike
Just like with a Pedelec or e-bike, the right air pressure is particularly important with an electric fat bike. This is because traction, damping, steering behavior and rolling resistance depend on the air pressure in many ways.
Basically, there is no perfect air pressure for an S-Pedelec, Pedelec or electric fat bike. Important factors include the riding style, the rim, the tires and also the weight of the rider. Thicker tires can be ridden without any problems even with a very low air pressure.
Riders with a low body weight can go down to a tire pressure of 0.2 bar. Other tires, however, require more air to be safe to ride. However, it is clear that a fat bike should never have an air pressure higher than 0.8 bar. Otherwise, the damping will suffer greatly - and this is exactly what is responsible for the special riding experience with an electric fat bike.
For beginners, an air pressure of 0.5 bar is ideal. As you gain experience, you can then choose a higher air pressure and experiment until you find the right value.
What you should pay attention to when buying
Before buying, you should think carefully about whether you want to buy an electric fat bike with or without a suspension fork. A suspension fork prevents the wobbling effect of a large tire and ensures more stability. For off-road rides, you should therefore make sure that your e-fat bike has a suspension fork. If you only plan to use your bike in the city or on flat paths, a rigid fork may be sufficient for you.
If you decide to buy an electric fat bike, the battery obviously plays an important role. It is the heart of the e-bike and ensures that you can also cover longer distances on the bike. When buying an electric fat bike, you should therefore pay particular attention to the capacity of the battery. The power is given in watt hours (Wh) and indicates how much energy the battery can store. The higher the watt hour number, the longer the battery lasts and the further you can go on one charge. This is important if you want to cycle to and from work or plan longer tours.
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