A fat tire electric bike is an e-bike equipped with oversized tires—typically 3.8 inches or wider—designed to provide extra stability, traction, and comfort across a wide range of terrain. The combination of powerful electric assist and wide tires allows riders to easily navigate sand, snow, gravel, or rough trails where standard bikes might struggle. These bikes are known for their confidence-inspiring ride, plush feel, and go-anywhere versatility, making them a favorite among adventure seekers, commuters in all-weather conditions, and riders who simply want a smooth, stable ride.
Did you know electric bikes have different "class" ratings? This is a legal classification system that limits how powerful (and fast) an e-bike can be. The exact definition of a Class 1 will vary depending on where you live, but one rule is the same everywhere: Class 1 e-bikes have no throttle, which means the electric motor is activated by pedal-assist only.
- In most of Europe, Class 1 e-bikes are limited to a motor power of 250 watts and a top speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
- In the USA, Class 1 e-bikes are limited to a motor power of 750 watts and a top speed of 25 mph (32 km/h)
Legal distinctions aside, Class 1 e-bikes tend to be more popular with traditional cyclists who prioritize fitness and "enjoying the ride" over speed and convenience. Most Class 1s are manufactured by traditional bicycle brands such as Trek, Giant, and Cannondale.
What makes an electric bike "affordable"? The answer this question will differ from person to person, and where you live is a big determining factor. Dropping a couple thousand bucks on an e-bike makes a lot more financial sense in a city with good cycling infrastructure, where it can become your primary transportation and quickly pay for itself. If you live somewhere with poor cycling infrastructure or "way out in the boonies", then your e-bike may be more of a hobby purchase and the price tag suddenly seems a lot heftier.
For our purposes, we've set our "affordable" threshold at $2,000 USD; if it costs less than that, it's in!
E-bikes in this category provide a good price-to-value ratio, offering good performance while skipping some of the fancy bells and whistles that more premium (and expensive) alternatives offer. While it can be tempting to look for the cheapest e-bike possible, we actually advise against this! A good rule of thumb to follow, at least in the US, is that an e-bike will cost at least $1,200 if it's a product of worthwhile quality.
Yes, there are exceptions, and even in this day and age you can still find electric bikes for less than $1,000 USD, but these brands tend to compromise too much on quality and offer little or no post-purchase support. The lower the price, the more caution you should exercise as a buyer! Research online, read consumer reviews, and (of course) read our expert opinions here to get the Freshly Charged take.
If you're new to electric bikes, you may have noticed that most of them are marketed with a Class designation. If you're wondering "what the heck is that?", wonder no more! Electric bike classes a way to define the power and capabilities of e-bikes. It's important to note that while classes are based on legal definitions and restrictions, these laws are not universal! They vary significantly from country to country, and within smaller regions (such as US states, or even cities) laws often vary widely.
What Class 2 (usually) means for Electric Bikes in the US and Canada:
- Top speed of 20mph (32kph)
- Motor power of 750 watts or less (this is nominal wattage, not peak)
- Motor power can be activated by pedal assist, and/or by throttle
What Class 2 (usually) means for Electric Bikes in Europe:
Who knows? 🤷 Seriously though, this is a matter of much debate in Europe and rules and availability vary widely from place to place. For most European countries, an e-bike must be limited to 250 watts or less and have a top speed of 25kph (15.5mph), with pedal assist only - that's right, no throttles! If an e-bike is more powerful than that, and especially if it has a throttle, it would technically be considered a moped or light motorcycle; this is typically an L1e-A designation, here is an example of the criteria from Ireland.
To further confuse things, enforcement of e-bike regulations tends to vary even more, with many law enforcement officers not even knowing the laws regarding PEV use in their jurisdictions. For example, in Fort Collins CO it's technically illegal to ride e-bikes on many multi-use trails in the city, but as long as you're riding under 20mph and not being a jerk, no one will care.
The moral of the story: Research laws for your area, and if possible talk to local experts. E-bike shop owners are great for this!
A Class 3 Ebike is an electric-assisted bicycle that is capable of reaching 28 MPH when pedalling. Currently, some of these bikes may or may not have throttles that will stop assisting the rider at 20 MPH. The addition of throttles, or the use of them on Class 3 Ebikes is currently a topic of debate, and we will update this description when there are clearer guidelines.
A folding Ebike is exactly how it sounds: a folding Ebike. Usually, they will fold at the stem, and somewhere in the middle of the frame, though bikes equipped with a folding stem may qualify, even though the frame itself doesn't fold. These are ideal for those who want to transport their bike in a car or a smaller SUV, or those who are short on storage space.
While the industry standard often stops at 750W, the true potential of electric mobility begins where the limits end. Our high-power category focuses on Class 4 and 'Off-Road Use Only' ebikes engineered for maximum torque and high-velocity output. We provide rigorous testing on motor heat management, battery discharge rates, and frame durability to help you find a high-output machine that is as safe as it is powerful.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are bicycles equipped with electric motors and rechargeable battery systems that assist the rider’s pedaling effort. They typically feature one of three assist systems: pedal-assist, throttle control, or a hybrid of both. Battery capacity, motor wattage, and sensor types vary across models, allowing riders to choose between lightweight city commuting setups or high-performance configurations built for speed and range. Many e-bikes include features such as integrated lighting, display screens, multiple assist levels, and regenerative braking. Depending on the design, motors may be located in a wheel hub or integrated with the crank system for more natural pedaling dynamics.
These bikes are used for commuting, fitness, cargo transport, off-road riding, and casual recreation. They appeal to riders who want the benefits of cycling with reduced strain, longer range, or easier travel across hills, wind, or long distances. With advancements in battery efficiency, motor design, and frame integration, electric bikes have become a practical transportation solution in cities, suburbs, and rural areas. Their combination of accessibility, efficiency, and versatility has made them one of the fastest-growing categories in personal electric transportation.
Electric scooters are compact, motorized personal transportation devices designed for efficient and convenient travel. They typically feature a standing deck, handlebars for steering, an electric motor, and a rechargeable battery system. Most models include multiple speed modes, electronic or mechanical braking systems, and built-in lighting for visibility. Advanced scooters may also offer suspension, pneumatic tires, app-based customization, GPS tracking, and swappable batteries to extend range.
This category includes seated electric scooters. Some are purpose-built as seated only, such as the iconic Vespa brand. Other scooters feature a removable seat, allowing the rider to switch between seated and standing modes.
These scooters are widely used for commuting, recreational riding, and short-distance urban travel. Their portability, ease of use, and low operating cost make them appealing alternatives to cars, public transit, or walking for trips of a few miles. As cities continue exploring micro-mobility solutions, electric scooters have become a popular choice for individuals seeking fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation that fits into daily life.
Electric skateboards are motorized boards that use electric propulsion systems to assist or fully power rider movement. They typically include one or more hub motors or belt-driven motors, a rechargeable battery pack, and a handheld wireless remote used to control speed and braking. Many models offer regenerative braking, customizable ride modes, and advanced electronics to improve responsiveness or extend range. Designs range from compact boards for portability to longboards built for improved stability, comfort, or higher performance.
These boards are often used for commuting, recreational riding, carving, or long-distance travel. They appeal to riders who want the thrill and maneuverability of traditional skateboarding with added speed, range, and convenience. As the category continues to evolve, improvements in battery chemistry, materials, and motor efficiency have enabled electric skateboards to handle a variety of terrains, rider experience levels, and use cases. They remain a defining part of the broader personal electric vehicle landscape, combining fun with functional urban mobility.
Electric unicycles (EUCs) are single-wheel, self-balancing personal electric vehicles that use gyroscopic sensors and onboard control systems to maintain stability. Riders accelerate, brake, and steer by shifting their body weight rather than using handlebars or mechanical controls. EUCs typically feature a compact design with a built-in motor, rechargeable battery system, and foot platforms on either side of the wheel. Many modern models include suspension systems, high-capacity batteries, powerful motors, advanced lighting, and smart connectivity for monitoring performance or customizing ride settings.
These devices are commonly used for commuting, recreational riding, and long-distance touring thanks to their portability, efficiency, and impressive range. EUCs appeal to riders who want a unique blend of maneuverability, speed, and compact form factor that can navigate both urban and open outdoor environments. As technology evolves, electric unicycles continue to push the boundaries of performance and practicality within the personal electric mobility space.
