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Fatbikes… Electric bikes with extra-wide tires are very popular and are creating a whole new segment within electric bikes… But just like with all new things, there are pros and cons, good and bad products. There is a clear need for more information.
Officially, they are also e-bikes. Even though they look different, they fully comply with the e-bike legislation… and perhaps this is where the first question should be raised. Fatbikes started as unbranded models coming from China. Meanwhile, several recognized brands have included fatbikes in their range, and many genuine fatbike brands have emerged on the market.
Dutch Fatbike Brands
Phatfour
Phatfour, founded in the Netherlands, is a standout brand in the fatbike world. The brand quickly distinguished itself with its unique design and robust quality. Phatfour fatbikes are designed with Dutch cycling culture in mind, resulting in bikes that are both stylish and functional. We saw this again at Eurobike2024 where they showcased a barbecue trailer.
Phatfour aims to produce bikes that are not only practical but also make a statement. Their designs are minimalist yet robust, with a focus on durability and ease of use. Each model features a strong aluminum frame and high-quality components that ensure a long lifespan and reliable performance.
Phatfour continues to innovate, with new models and technologies constantly being introduced to enhance the riding experience. They are also committed to positively influencing opinions and legislation around fatbikes.
Stoer
Stoer is a Dutch brand known for its tough (of course) fatbikes. The brand focuses on providing bikes that are both powerful and stylish, perfect for adventurers and city cyclists looking for something extra.
Innovation is a core value for Stoer. In 2024, they are introducing a new, entirely in-house designed fatbike. Stoer aims to show that the complaints about fatbikes are justified and that they want to contribute to improving this market. Like Phatfour, they target the premium segment.
They also provide a lot of support for their users. From insurance to roadside assistance.
Knaap
Knaap Bikes is a very popular fatbike brand that has grown rapidly. Knaap’s flagship model was the Knaap AMS, one of the first fatbikes that became extremely popular (especially in Amsterdam). Since then, many similar models have appeared.
Today, Knaap also creates its own designs, as seen in the new NYC or LAX models.
Astonic
Astonic E-Rides, also Dutch, specializes in electric fatbikes and e-scooters. The company is known for its innovative approach to mobility, focusing on comfort, durability, and style. The founders, a couple, started the brand out of dissatisfaction. For Astonic, fatbikes were unsafe, too easy to modify, and simply too small for Dutch people. With Astonic, they wanted to provide alternatives.
Astonic E-Rides YouTube Channel
La Souris
La Souris has been around for a while but primarily focused on e-scooters. Suddenly, a helmet requirement came into effect in the Netherlands, and they all shifted to an e-fatbike that could reach 25 km/h, without a helmet requirement. La Souris saw this happening and thought, with our experience, we can do that too. Today, La Souris offers various models, some with their own original design.
The brand targets a wide audience with a competitive price range, making their fatbikes accessible to both beginners and experienced riders. La Souris also offers a range of accessories and customization options, allowing each rider to tailor the bike to their specific needs and style.
Brekr
Brekr is even more unique than the aforementioned fatbike brands. Although they are mainly known for their e-fatbikes, Brekr also offers a selection of e-bikes, without pedals and with speeds up to 70 km/h.
Brekr has made a name for itself with its futuristic and minimalist designs, which are not only attractive but also practical and durable. Their e-mopeds and e-motorcycles combine powerful performance with a long range, making them ideal for both urban and rural environments.
Kuiperbelt
The brand is named after the Kuiper Belt, a region of our solar system known for its diversity and mystery, reflecting the pioneering spirit of the brand.
Kuiperbelt fatbikes are designed for the adventurous rider seeking both style and functionality. These fatbikes are equipped with wide tires and adequate suspension, offering grip and stability on various surfaces, from city roads to rugged trails.
Doppio
Another Dutch fatbike brand. They also focus on improving the reputation, regulations, and quality of fatbikes in the Netherlands. The company was founded by Peter Eiselin, a mountain biker from Amsterdam, who was looking for solutions to mobility issues in busy cities.
Doppio fatbikes look simple but are robust. Their design is tailored for Dutch (or European) riders, making them slightly larger than typical Asian fatbikes, and they can also accommodate two riders.
Well-Known Fatbike Brands
Super73
Super73’s fatbikes are recognizable by their retro motorcycle-like appearance, thick tires, and powerful electric motors. This unique mix ensures a smooth riding experience regardless of the terrain. Super73’s models range from entry-level to high-performance bikes, all designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind.
Super73 aims for durability and ease of use, with high-quality frames and advanced battery technology that enables long-distance travel. Their electric bikes are not just a mode of transport but also a lifestyle statement, evident from their strong presence on social media and community events.
The price range of Super73 is broad, offering a model suitable for various budgets and needs. They have also recently introduced electric balance bikes (without pedals).
Ruff Cycles
Founded in 2012 in Regensburg, Germany, Ruff Cycles is a brand known for its unique fatbikes. The brand combines German precision and quality with distinctive designs reminiscent of classic choppers and cruisers. They draw inspiration from West Coast hip-hop culture.
The bikes from Ruff Cycles are built with a focus on durability and individuality. Each model is designed to stand out, with thick tires, low frames, and a bold appearance. Ruff Cycles’ electric motors provide powerful performance, and they are also one of the few brands that make fatbikes with a Bosch mid-drive motor.
Ruff Cycles’ price range is average to high. Their best-selling fatbike, the Lil’Buddy, is available with a Bosch mid-drive motor or with a Bafang rear hub motor if you want to lower the price. The brand continues to innovate with new technologies and designs, making it a significant player in the fatbike market.
Ruff Cycles has a strong online presence and a vibrant community of fans and riders, contributing to their growing popularity worldwide.
Ape Ryder
Ape Ryder is a new brand in the fatbike world, hailing from Turkey. The brand focuses on offering quality electric fatbikes with a rugged, scooter-like design. Ape Ryder also keeps pricing in mind, ensuring their fatbikes remain affordable while providing a good price/quality ratio.
The electric fatbikes from Ape Ryder are equipped with durable lithium-ion batteries, providing significant range for long rides without recharging. Their frames are made from strong aluminum, ensuring a robust construction that can withstand intensive use.
RKS
RKS is a Turkish bike brand known for its wide range of bicycles, including fatbikes. The brand focuses on delivering affordable and reliable bikes, with a strong emphasis on innovation and quality. The RKS fatbikes are designed to perform well both in the city and off-road, with thick tires providing stability and grip on various surfaces.
RKS positions itself in the low to mid-price segment, making its bikes accessible to a broad range of customers. The brand continuously works on improving its designs and technologies to meet market demands.
Monkeybike
Monkeybike is a Belgian brand known for its innovative designs and the use of high-quality materials, making their bikes both durable and reliable.
Monkeybike aims to stand out through attention to detail and meticulous finishing of each model. The frames are usually made of steel, and the bikes feature powerful motors and durable batteries for electric assistance. They are also fairly priced, with a Monkeytail longtail being less expensive than other good longtails.
Ouxi
Ouxi is a brand known for its inexpensive fatbikes, often of lower quality and easily modifiable. The brand focuses on offering powerful but affordable fatbikes. Ouxi bikes are usually made with cheaper materials and components, resulting in lower durability and reliability compared to more expensive brands.
Ouxi offers several models that aim to provide basic functionality without extras or advanced technologies. Designed for a different market, it is also often the case that the motor is actually too powerful. It is usually limited to comply with regulations but can easily be unlocked and increased.
Brands with Fatbikes in their Range
Electra
Electra, known for its stylish and comfortable bikes, offers the Electra Cruiser Go! as its sole fatbike model. This electric cruiser is designed with a retro aesthetic and modern technology, making it an appealing choice for riders seeking both style and functionality. The wide tires and electric drive make the Cruiser Go! suitable for various terrains while maintaining comfort and ease of use.
Electra’s Cruiser Go! combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of an electric bike and the classic charm of a cruiser, making it a unique addition to the brand’s lineup. Electra is part of the same group as Trek Bicycles.
Hercules
Hercules, a German bike brand with a rich history, offers the Prima 5E as their fatbike model. This electric fatbike is designed for versatility and performance, featuring a powerful motor and durable components.
The Prima 5E from Hercules combines functionality with ruggedness, making it an excellent choice for riders who want a fatbike that can handle rough conditions while remaining comfortable.
GasGas
GasGas, a brand known for its motocross and enduro bikes, has recently expanded its lineup with the introduction of the MOTO 2 fatbike. This electric fatbike combines the rugged characteristics of motorcycles with the versatility of a fatbike. The MOTO 2 is equipped with a powerful Bafang H550 motor and a 672 Wh battery, providing excellent performance and a long range.
The MOTO 2 features a unique design inspired by supermoto motorcycles, with 20โ wheels and a steel frame that offers durability and style. The model is ideal for both urban rides and off-road adventures, thanks to the thick tires that ensure stability and comfort across various terrains.
Benno Bikes
With the Remi Demi and RemiDemi XL, Benno has just missed having fatbikes in its lineup – the tires are only 3.5 inches wide instead of 4 inches. However, since this theory isn’t official, we include Benno in this list.
Yamaha
Yamaha, a brand with a strong reputation in the motor world, has extended its expertise to the electric bike market with the introduction of the Yamaha Booster Easy. This electric fatbike is designed for urban mobility and offers a robust and enjoyable riding experience.
The Yamaha Booster Easy is equipped with the Yamaha PW Series S2 motor, which provides 75 Nm of torque and pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. The bike is built around a low frame with a distinctive cast front and rides on 20-inch wheels with 4-inch wide tires, ensuring stability and comfort on various terrains. With a battery capacity of 630 Wh, the Booster Easy can travel up to 120 km on a single charge in Eco mode.
Our Opinion on Fatbike Brands
Fatbikes began their rise in Asia and made their way to the Netherlands as an alternative to gasoline-powered scooters, which were required to wear helmets even at speeds of 25 km/h. This regulation gave the fatbike market in Europe a significant boost. However, upon arriving in Europe, the original fatbikes proved to be of insufficient quality and posed safety risks. The low quality, the ease with which they could be modified, and the lack of regulation made these bikes problematic.
Dutch brands saw an opportunity in this. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, they began developing higher-quality fatbikes that better met European standards and requirements. However, this development started relatively late. As the popularity of fatbikes grew, larger, well-known brands also began making serious investments in this market. Brands like Yamaha, Benno, and Hercules are now introducing fatbikes with mid-drive motors from renowned manufacturers like Yamaha and Bosch, known for their safety, quality, and advanced technology.
The advantage of these motors is that they are better protected against tampering, which contributes to safety. Dutch brands often opted for a closed circuit system, which is a good step but may not always be the best solution. This exposes these brands to the risk of being overtaken by larger manufacturers.
Fortunately, many big brands still see fatbikes as a gimmick or novelty, which gives Dutch manufacturers time to strengthen their position in the market. The future of fatbikes in the Netherlands and Europe looks promising, with a growing diversity of brands and models catering to the needs of modern cyclists.
