When researching the world of electric bikes, we run into some really interesting choices, one of them is fat tire electric bikes. Such a bike is perfect for country trails, mountain biking, and riding on difficult terrain. But did you know that you can also ride your fat e-bike on a regular pavement? Let's explore this possibility further.
Why Would I Want A Fat Electric Bike?
When we describe a fat electric bike, we actually refer to an electric bike with fat tires. The term "fat bikes" is just a part of the electric bike community vocabulary, and it has gotten more popular as fat tire bikes became a hit. However, the name already suggests what we're talking about - electric bicycles with tires about twice the thickness of a normal one.
Many wonder whether they should get a fat tire electric bike, and this is a legitimate question since such models are quite pricier than regular ones. When we discuss fat tires, we talk about 4-inch or 4.5-inch models. Sometimes, if you get an extreme mountain bike, we even talk about 4.8-inch tires. It's also beneficial to know that you can inflate these fat tires anywhere from 5 PSI to 30 PSI, which is great for those who ride in changeable conditions. In addition, lowering the PSI helps you ride on softer and more flexible surfaces, such as wet sand or snow.
So, what are some of the benefits of a fat e-bike? Such bikes can ride in all weather conditions, mostly because the fat tires are more adaptable and make your riding journey safer. As we said before, the larger the tire, the more versatile the use can be. Fat tires can do things that regular tires can't, but vice versa does not apply. These tires are also so dense that they make the riding experience much more comfortable, as the elasticity of the rubber absorbs the vibrations and provides suspension. These tires are also pretty low maintenance, they last a long time, and you can have tons of fun with them.
Can I Ride My Fat Tires On A Pavement?
The short answer is yes - you absolutely can. Nothing could stop you from riding your fat electric bike on a regular pavement or a city road. Fat tires do well in all sorts of conditions, and while buying fat tires to ride on pavements might be an overkill, and over your budget, it won't hurt to buy them, especially if you decide to switch to some more adventurous biking.
The short answer is yes, you can, but you should consider whether you really want to. Most bikes with fat tires are made for mountain biking or riding on difficult terrain. Such bikes usually do not have the best pedal-assist for city commuting, and you might not get the best performance in such mundane conditions.
You can think of riding a fat tire electric bike on a city pavement the same way you'd think about driving a Lamborghini at a slow speed. You can definitely do it, and it definitely works, but you are not using the full potential of the ride, and it's simply too expensive to be used just for city commuting.
There is one condition where electric bikes with fat tires can be better at city commuting than regular electric bikes, though - riding in the snow. This is because fat tires do much better with such wet, soft surfaces. So even if you are using your bike for city rides and you're not planning on doing anything too adventurous, as soon as the weather conditions turn bad, you might want to get some fat tires.
Read next: How to ride on e-bike in rainy days?
FAQ
Will I Use Up More Of My Battery If I Ride With Fat Tires?
This is a really interesting question that many people ask themselves when they start looking for a new bike. People wonder whether there is any difference in the distance you can reach with a regular bike and a fat tire bike. It's only natural that you want to use your battery in the best way possible, but losing battery potential over fat tires is something you will not have to worry about. There is no direct correlation between what type of tires you have and how much battery power you use.
There are too many things that you have to consider in this case, such as the motor, the battery, the derailleur system, the gear you are using, the terrain you are riding on, as well as the chosen pedal assist. You shouldn't worry about the battery if you have already bought an electric bike with fat tires, as those are usually made for more adventurous riding, meaning the battery is almost always better than a regular city bike battery.
Are Fat Tires Really Worth The Extra Cost?
Generally speaking, fat tires really have many benefits for those who ride on difficult terrain. The extra cost is justified, but that doesn't mean you need to make the investment. Think about the type of terrain you'll be riding on, the weather conditions you'll encounter, as well as how much versatility you need in your riding. If you are thinking of turning to a more adventurous riding style, we definitely think you should invest in a slightly thinner model of fat tires - you don't have to go all the way to the thickest model right away.
Can Using Fat Tires On Pavements Ruin Them?
No! The only way you can destroy your tires, whether they are regular tires or fat tires, is by riding your bike while the pressure in the tires is too low or too high. You have to check out PSI limits for each tire model, and staying in the range is very important. If you don't pay attention to this, you can easily puncture the tires when riding terrain with lots of texture.
How Do I Maintain My Fat Tire Bike?
Fat tires are actually pretty low maintenance, and the only serious thing to worry about is the tire pressure. When you buy the tires, you have to check it regularly to keep it at an optimal level throughout the bike's lifetime. Some of the other ways to maintain your tires would be to clean them with a wet cloth and some mild detergent and do some basic inspections after very adventurous rides. Experts can give guidance on tube sealants and tire liners, but beginners shouldn't worry about this.
Can I Use A Mountain Bike For Daily Commutes?
Remember the Lamborghini analogy? Yes, you can use a mountain bike for daily commutes, but it's probably unnecessary unless you're going to use the bike for more adventurous biking too. We suggest saving money and getting a regular city bike if you're never going to encounter difficult terrain or bad weather conditions.
Conclusion
You can definitely ride a fat tire electric bike on regular pavement, but having fat tires is purely optional for this type of riding. If you don't live in rainy, snowy areas, you might as well save some cash unless you are going to bike on difficult terrain and explore the beauty of the mountains. And no, using fat tires on regular pavement won't ruin them unless the pressure in your tires isn't right.