How We Chose The Best Bikes
Bicycles can be a very serious investment and here at Forbes Vetted, we want to help you find the best possible ride for whatever your needs and goals may be. To achieve this, we work with industry experts to identify the determinants every rider should consider to choose the proper style of bike, along with the features that constitute a great bike, regardless of the category. We then weigh various factors considered most important to specific use cases, including how and when you plan to use your bicycle, to zero in on top-tier options.
We also scour the internet far and wide to source real reviews from verified customers when determining the pros and cons of each model. After all, real customer feedback is far more reliable than any manufacturer-made description on their website. Finally, we also love riding bikes so we rely on our own first-hand experience. Many of the bikes on our list were extensively tested by Forbes Vetted staffers and contributors and we even own a few picks. The bikes featured in this article are those weve deemed the best of the best.
Pedal Assist & Throttle
Get where you want to go with throttle on demand and pedal assist functions! The throttle is there for when you need it, or when you just want to enjoy the scenery, whilst the five levels of pedal assist allow you to manage your energy expenditure so you can always make it to the top! Top speed can be adjusted on pedal assist.
Radrover Fat Tire Electric Bikes
Whether its trips around the neighborhood or long, off-road adventures, enjoy a confident and comfortable ride with the RadRover. Our flagship fat-tire electric bike comes with a 750-watt motor, throttle, and pedal assist to take you on any adventure big or small.
Electric Fat Tire Bike
The ebike model that started it all: Hop on our flagship fat tire and you may never want to leave. Now in its sixth version, the RadRover 6 Plus powers through all types of weather and terrain, with the technology and design to make it your best ebike ride yet.
For riders 5’4″ – 6’2″
Electric Fat Tire Bike
The ebike model that started it all: Hop on our flagship fat tire and you may never want to leave. Now in its sixth version, the RadRover 6 Step-Thru makes it easy to step on and power through all types of weather and terrain, with the technology and design to make it your best ebike ride yet.
For riders 5’2″ – 6’2″
High-Step Frame
Step-Thru Frame
Mid-Step Frame
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How Do I Choose The Right Fat Tire Electric Bike
Finding the best fat tire electric bike for you largely depends on your riding style and weight. For example, if you’re lighter and plan on using the bike mostly for urban riding and flat commutes, you can get away with a lower wattage bike. A typical output for this type of bike is around 250 watts. These affordable fat tire electric bikes can be a solid value if you need basic transportation in bad weather.
Heavier riders and those who tend to tackle hills on a regular basis will want to go with a more powerful bike. According to electrek, bikes within the 350- to 500-watt range can easily power lighter riders up steeper inclines, and can generally get heavier riders up smaller hills.
You’ll want to step up to a higher 750- to 1,000-watt range for even more power and performance. If you’re looking for even more power and performance, consider a bike with an output of at least 1,500 watts.
Electra Townie Go 7d Electric Beach Cruiser Bike
Award:MOST COMFORTABLE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Includes a number of comfort-forward features, including patented Flat Foot technology that promotes an upright seating position and proper leg extension, with an ergonomic saddle and grips.
- No integrated headlight or taillight
- LCD display offers limited information
The Electra Townie Go! 7D Electric Beach Cruiser Bike is built for comfort during long riding sessions, with patented Flat Foot technology that promotes an upright seating position and allows for a natural leg extension when not pedaling. This bike also includes an ergonomically designed cushioned saddle, which we found to be highly comfortable, and ergonomic anti-slip grips. We loved the massive 27.5 tires, which excel on a variety of surface types, and the 180mm mechanical disc brakes, which offer a smooth stop even on wet roads.
This electric beach cruiser lacks any form of external light, however, including a front-facing headlight and taillight, though both can be purchased separately. Also, the LCD display is rather limited, as it does not relay information such as range and speed. Take a look at the best electric bike for seniors, a great gift for those who are a bit older.
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Fewer But More Inconvenient Flat Tires
Fat-bike tires can go flat for a variety of reasons, but one advantage to the construction is their resistance to pinch flats: The tire sidewall is so tall that its more difficult to compress it fully and pinch the tube against the rim. Still, youre susceptible to punctures and tears from off-road and urban riding, and carrying a fat-tire tube is more inconvenient than a normal tube. If you flat on the wheel with the hub motor , youll have to unplug the motor to disconnect the wheel and change the flat. Wed recommend practicing this at home so you know how to do it on the road, and carry an extra tube, flat kit, and pump. If youre plagued by punctures where you live, consider investing in a pair of tire liners to fortify your rubber.
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Micargi Cyclone Electric Beach Cruiser Bike
Award:BEST AESTHETICS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Aesthetically pleasing fat tire design, with 5 pedal assist levels, a 500w Bafang motor and a Panasonic 48V 11.6AH lithium battery that gets nearly 40 miles on a single charge.
Read Full Review: Micargi Cyclone
Pros
- Somewhat heavy, at 83 lb
- Max speed 20 MPH
The Micargi Cyclone Electric Beach Cruiser Bike is extremely attractive and offers a unique aesthetic, with a matte black finish and your choice of red or black rims. The Panasonic 48V 11.6AH lithium-ion battery pack can ride up to 40 miles on a single charge, and we found the recharge to be on the faster side. We also loved the five pedal assist levels, to suit a variety of experience levels, and the shock-absorbing 26 fat tires, helping to make this the best fat tire beach cruiser electric bike.
The durable hi-ten steel frame is certainly easy on the eyes but does contribute to increasing this electric bikes overall weight, as it clocks in at 83 pounds. Additionally, the Bafang motor is great at steep inclines, but can only go up to 20 miles per hour. Also, consider the best e bikes for women.
Read Also: Bike Size For 5 2 Woman
Juiced Scrambler Electric Beach Cruiser Bike
Award:TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-speed motor can reach 28 MPH and the 20 spoke tire design excels on sandy beaches and other difficult terrain types, with a 7-speed freewheel Shimano transmission and an easy-to-use twist throttle.
- Requires assembly, though tools are included
- Weight capacity 275 lb
The Juiced Scrambler Electric Beach Cruiser Bike features 20 spoke wheels that effortlessly glide across sandy beaches, in addition to functioning nicely during off-road pursuits. We loved the Bafang 750w motor, which can easily reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, and the 7-speed Shimano transmission system, which makes for easy gear shifting as you encounter a multitude of terrains and inclines. We also found the front-facing LED headlamp to be excellent and perfect for night riding.
This electric bicycle does require a fair bit of assembly, however, though all of the tools are included in the package and the handlebars come attached. All told, it took us around two hours to get it roadworthy. Additionally, the max load capacity here is 275 pounds, which could impact consumers of certain body types. You could also consider the best adult tricycles that hold a bigger capacity, up to 300 pounds, and more.
Shimano 7 Speed Derailleur
When its time to exercise or just stretch your legs a little, the professional thumbshifters on each handlebar keep gear changes fast and simple, offering more speed or torque right at your fingertips as you fly through straightaways or backwoods trails.
The Half-Twist Throttle Helps Prevent Accidental Activation, Protecting You From Inadvertent Injuries.
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Speedrid 350w Electric Bike
| Whats Unique? | 350 W removable battery |
- It has a 350W high-speed motor, which is more than enough to power your everyday journey.
- It includes a 36V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery with a range of 25-40 kilometers per full charge.
- The frame of this electric bicycle is made of aluminum alloy, which is lightweight but durable.
- The front and rear disc brakes and front shock absorption ensure safe driving and comfort.
If you are looking for an excellent mountain on a relatively low budget, this is the right product for you. The 350W high-speed motor on the Speedrid electric bike is more than enough to power your everyday commute. It has a peak speed of 15-20mph and a 15° climb with little pressure.
The aluminum alloy frame of the Speedrid electric bicycle is ultra-lightweight but solidly built. 26 magnesium alloy integrated wheels with anti-slip air tires that are suitable for trails, gravel, city streets, and back roads. Tires that are strong and provide excellent grip on all conditions.
A 36V lithium-ion battery powers it. This bike cover has a 25-40 mile range per full charge, making it the perfect choice for everyday commutes and long-distance trips. The front and rear disc brakes and front shock absorption ensure safe driving and comfort.
Pros
- 25-40 mile range per full charge
- Three working modes
- Front rack mounts too high
How Powerful Is A Fat Tire E
Most cyclists take a quick glance at the bike’s wattage, a number that gives you an idea of how powerful the bike is. However, these numbers can be a bit misleading. For starters, the actual wattage is the bike’s voltage multiplied by the current, according to Ebike School. These numbers are displayed in volts and amps. If you plan on riding the bike up hills and off-road, a higher peak power, or maximum output, is essential.
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Ecotric Fat Tire Folding Bike
Cheap fat tire electric bike
MSRP:
Here is another well-priced and comfortable electric fat bike, this time by Ecotric.Folding electric bikes, in general, have become in high demand due to their sheer fun factor, convenience, and portability.
Ecotric has been producing a wide range of e-Bikes for recreational cyclists, and this is their fully-equipped mini fat bike with fenders and a super-low step-through frame. The 500W rear hub motor, fold-down handlebar, and mechanical disc brakes are nice additions to a basic model.
In addition to a max load capacity of 200lbs and top-speed limited to 20mp/h, the bike has been positively reviewed online by owners.
Range: 18-23mi | 20×4| 500W | 7-Speed
MSRP: from $1,699Wing Bikes
Wing Bikes is an urban electric bike brand, but they also have a fat bike, the Freedom Fatty 2. The bike is a unique design for an electric fat bike while having urban-centric components and a lighter overall build.
The Wing Bikes Freedom Fatty 2 has a 7-speed Shimano Tourney derailleur, a Class 1 motor, and a 500W rear hub motor. The higher price comes from the versatility of the bike which includes compatibility with a rear rack and fenders.
At 39lbs, it is a great choice for anyone who needs a fat e-bike thats easy to carry. There are also lots of accessories that can be added to the bike.
Weight: 39lbs | Class 1 | Shimano 7-speed | 20×4
Opeak Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike
Cons:
- Warranty is only one year
- Only available in one size
Snow, sand and other obstacles are no match for the powerful Opeak Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike, which features a 750-watt motor. The motor has a maximum 1,000-watt output to get through nearly anything.
Whether youre facing a steep climb or taking off from a stop, the bikes half-twist throttle is an especially useful feature. You can even use the twist throttle to power the bike instead of pedaling. Its also integrated into the handlebars for maximum comfort and efficiency.
With five available pedal assist levels, you can customize and adapt as you ride. The lowest level saves battery and offers a maximum speed of nine miles per hour. An integrated LCD display shows your current power level, battery charge and other useful indicators.
From loose sand and rocks to muddy terrain, this bikes beefy 26 x 4.0-inch fat tires securely grip nearly any surface. A lockable front suspension fork cushions bumps and vibrations for smoother rides along your favorite trails and paved surfaces.
Powerful motors require compatible batteries, such as the removable 48V battery on this bike. You can cruise up to 46 miles on PAS mode and 34 miles on throttle mode. Once you reach home or your destination you can remove the battery or leave it on the bike to charge. This bikes maximum speed is 32 miles per hour.
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Fabricated In The Usa All Wheel Drive Active Traction Control Hunting E
We are one of the only remaining USA Fabricators of E-Bikes. We still design, cut, weld, heat treat, powder coat, and final assemble our 6061 Aluminum AWD bikes in Philadelphia, PA! Add Bafangs powerhouse mid drive to our active traction control AWD system and you have the most versatile, powerful, off-road E-Bike on the market.
HOW IT WORKS
It is well known what all wheel drive does for a sport utility vehicle just imagine what AWD can do for a mountain bike. Think traction control for your rear wheel!
Monday-Friday: 10am to 5pm
COPYRIGHT 2022 ©CHRISTINI BICYCLES
CHRISTINI BICYCLES
We are the only company in the world with a production AWD bike with true Traction Control. Nothing can compare when it comes to the control and traction of our bikes. If youre looking for a truly exceptional and unique bike that will take you to places you thought were impossible to reach or just too technical, our bike is the solution. Trail, Snow, Sand or all of the above, our bikes wont disappoint.
Wave Tidal Wave Electric Beach Cruiser Bike
Award:BEST STEP-THRU DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: Convenient step-thru design allows for easy mounting and dismounting, making it a fine choice for those with persistent injuries, in addition to featuring a battery that can get more than 40 miles on a single charge.
Pros
- Weight limit of 270 lb
- Height limit of 62
This Wave Electric Bike Beach Cruiser boasts a highly useful step-thru design, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting. This can be a boon for those with disabilities or those suffering from long-lasting injuries. We loved the 750-watt brushless hub motor, which can reach speeds of 25 miles per hour, and the Samsung 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack, which can ride up to 40 miles on pedal assist mode. The front Shimano disc brakes and rear Tektro V-brake are each of an extremely high-quality, increasing this bikes safety rating.
Though the motor has plenty of power to reach high speeds, Wave recommends that users be under 270 pounds in order to go for a ride. Additionally, the seat and handlebar are both highly adjustable, but only accommodate users up to 62, which could be an issue for some. And also read our buying guide on the best electric trike.
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Ecotric Lark Electric City Bike For Women
- Battery takes a while to fully charge
- Stock brakes aren’t the highest quality
- Only comes in one color
Step-through electric bikes are more accommodating for women, but Ecotric takes it a step further with its Lark electric city bike. Not only does this e-bike look sharp, it has many small details that women riders will appreciate.
Dresses, skirts and bikes rarely go hand-in-hand, but Ecotric addresses this issue with an innovative battery shield. The shield sports a wing-like design that prevents flowy materials from getting caught in the rear wheel. Many women also appreciate the functional and stylish front rattan basket. This bike basket is spacious enough for groceries and personal belongings.
The powerful 36V 500-watt rear hub motor is suitable for riding around town and commuting to work. Its supplied by a 36V 10Ah battery that runs up to 35 miles per charge depending on rider weight, terrain and other factors. This battery recharges in six and eight hours and has an estimated lifespan between 400 and 600 cycles.
While this bike is recommended more for urban riding than off-road adventures, its designed for various challenges. A seven-speed Shimano derailleur offers smooth and precise shifting. Youll also find on-demand pedal-assist throttle and throttle-only modes. Bumps and jolts are absorbed by the suspension comfort seatpost for a smoother ride.
Ecotric Fat Tire Electric Bike
Best under $1,000 fat tire electric bike
MSRP:
The Ecotric Fat Tire Electric Bike is a budget electric fat bike with all the essentials needed for a recreational rider. Cheaper e-bike motors typically have a slight kick to the power, as the torque is not as powerful as pricier models, which means they are not as smooth. However, they still perform in hilly areas as an eBike should!
Equipped with a big motor, a large ergonomic saddle, and mechanical disc brakes, this bike is well-suited to fit its price range. Available with either blue, black, or orange wheels, this is a great entry-level fat electric bike for a rider on a low budget.
Weight: 60lbs | 26×4
MSRP: from $3,499QuietKat
Available with a 750W or 1,000W rear-hub motor, the QuietKat Ranger is a solid beast to consider for your next fat eBike.
With a front suspension, an integrated rear rack, and a side stand, it is more than just any other electric fat bike. QuietKats Ranger feels at home on light trails and forests. Initially designed to be used by hunters, there are a lot of extras you can add to the bike to make it a convenient tool for your outdoor pursuits.
Youll also find chunky tires, mechanical disc brakes, and a coil suspension fork. The camo paint job also makes the bike stand out .
Range: Up to 48mi | Weight: 65lbs | 26×4.5| Load Capacity: 325lbs
MSRP:
Range: 30-55mi | 26x.2.35 | Weight: 66lbs | 7-Speed Shimano
MSRP:
Weight: 75lbs | 26×4| Range: 25-45mi
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