The idea of electric bikes was born out of the need for tires that could easily navigate terrains like mud or snow, which were difficult for normal-sized tires. It was discovered that the extra surface area provided more traction, making them suitable for slippery surfaces. Although these electric mountain bikes with larger tires have been around for the longest, their popularity has only grown more with the rise of electric bikes.
In the fascinating world of e-bikes, fat tire ebikes are precisely what the name implies. They are those with around twice the tire size of regular ebike tires. Bigger tires provide a more stable ride making them perfect for beginner riders.
Himiway’s fat tires come with industry-leading extra-elastic rubber construction and low pressure that adds to the shock and vibration absorption, providing added suspension and making your rides more effortless and more comfortable. This article will explore how fast fat tire electric bike can go, how fast you can legally travel with them, and what can affect their speed.
What are Fat Tire Electric Bikes?
Simply put, this refers to electronic bikes with tires that are over four inches wide. They are usually between 4 inches and 4.5 inches, however, they are rarely fitted with up to 4.8-inch wide tires also known as super fat tires.
Although fat tires are generally slower than slimmer tires, they do have many benefits over them.
- Firstly, they provide more traction for soft and slippery surfaces. Meaning they are a better option for muddy, wet and snowy terrains
- Thanks to their width, they have a lower centre of gravity ensuring more stable rides
Bikes with fatter tires are heavier than conventional ones thanks to the extra weight in the tire. This weight isn’t felt when riding, it however might be a problem to lift unto a rack or carry it up a flight of stairs.
How Fast are Fat Tire Electric Bicycles?
Many believe that e-bikes with fatter tires are slower than those fitted with regular or slimmer tires. This reasoning needs to be corrected. Because of the different terrains that electrical bicycles with fatter tires are built for, they are stronger and faster than many expect. The speed of these bicycles depends on several factors, including the make of the long range electric bike.
The Long Range Fat Tire Electric Bike from Himiway (Cruiser) is an excellent option for new and experienced riders. This all terrain bike perfectly combines the ability of fatter tires to navigate diverse terrains and the comfort of regular e-bicycles even more. For instance, Himiway Fat Tire bikes can go up to 60 miles on a single charge with pedal assistance and sustain speeds of up to 15.5 mph. The Himiway Cruiser also uses high-quality aluminium for the bike’s frame, which gives the long range e bike more durability and makes it possible for the bike to handle more weight and pressure.
The speed of these electric bicycles also depends on the class they belong to, as ebikes in the United States are separated into categories based on their performances or their speed.
Fat-tire electric bicycles are divided into three categories:
Class 1- This category of electric bicycles can be ridden in the same areas as regular e-bikes. The motor of these bikes is activated through pedalling and can reach up to 20 miles per hour.
Class 2- Although this category of ebikes can also reach up to 20 miles per hour, their motors are activated with a throttle instead.
Class 3- This third category of these long range e bikes can reach up to 28 miles per hour. However, unlike the two first classes, being able to ride these bicycles is dependent on the rules of the location they are.
Pedal-assist and throttle-assist are the two primary categories of fat tire electrical bikes. Pedal-assist bicycles contain a sensor that recognizes when the rider is pedaling and adjusts the motor’s output to the wheels in response. On the other hand, with electric bicycles with throttle assistance, the rider can adjust how much power is transmitted to the wheels by using a hand throttle.
E-bikes with these tires are much like standard bicycles, but unlike regular bikes, they have an electric motor to help the rider. The motor, which generally sits in the front or back wheel, aids in moving the bike ahead. When fully charged, electric bikes with fat tires typically range from 20 to 50 miles and have a top speed of 30 mph. Almost all electric bicycles include disc brakes, either mechanical or hydraulic.
How Fast Can I Legally Travel with Fat Tire Electric Bikes?
With fat tire electric bikes on the rise, it is more crucial than ever to be aware of the laws concerning them. However, you need to know that the rules regarding these electric bicycles differ from place to place, and because these laws are relatively new, many of them still need to be fully decided upon. The primary reason why many countries have different laws concerning these bicycles is that some see fat tire ebikes as a means of exercise, while others see them as an actual means of transportation.
Although there isn’t a formal ruling on this, 20 miles per hour is usually considered the legal speed limit for electric bikes. This is because it is deemed equal to the speeds ordinary riders attain on roads, trails, and bike paths. It is essential to mention that both the Himiway Cruiser and Himiway Cruiser Step-Thru belong to class 2 all terrain electric bike, and among other bikes in this class, these two are some of the most affordable and reliable.
What Affects the Speed of Fat Tire Electric Bikes?
Your fat tire e-bike being fast is one thing; knowing how to maximize its full potential is another. No matter how fast it is, there are definitely a few things that can slow it down and take away from the whole experience of owning a fat tire electric bike.
The primary reason your long range electric bike’s speed is affected or not at full potential is not knowing how to work it. Before investing in a fat tire ebike, you need to ensure that it is beginner-friendly if you are a beginner and that you can easily reach out to the manufacturers if you have any questions.
Your terrain of choice also affects the speed of your long range electric bike. Suppose you decide to go on rougher terrain. In that case, you might reach slower than you usually would on smoother terrain. This happens mostly with rocky landscapes, which is why it is recommended, especially for beginners, to stick to slippery terrains until they get the hang of cycling. Other things that could affect your speed are your bike’s battery power, the state of your tires, speed limits, etc.
Summary
Fat-tire e-bikes have tires that are twice as wide as those seen on standard all terrain electric bikes. The greater grip is achieved through a larger footprint. Because of the increased stability that their larger tires provide, they are ideal for riders just getting started.
Himiway fat tire e-bikes have all the advantages of fat tires and have made some improvements to the fat tire tech to reduce the cons. They have made up for the speed difference by using state-of-the-art motors to propel the all terrain electric bike at great speeds.
Also read: How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Bike?
