Is it very hard to ride a fat bike?
If you're wondering how complicated it is to ride a modern ebike with fat tires, you are going to understand that it's easy like pedaling with a standard bicycle!
In fact, ebike with fat tires are even more stable and easy to control, thanks to the extra grip and traction provided by the wide section wheels. The rubber tire has a wide contact area with the ground that provides extra safety and plenty of comfort.
Fat tires are more practical to be driven on roads, in streets with rough terrain, unpaved trails and even into the wild off-road. The extra volume of air works as a suspension and absorbs vibrations and small impacts that are coming from the ground.
Fat tires have been invented in the past to deal with hard terrains like the snow and sand, thanks to the wide tires you can easily float over soft terrains, exploring lands that aren't accessible with a standard bicycle. Plus, you have an electric motor that supports you, so you can do even farther and faster!
So, as you have seen, it is very easy to ride a fat bike. But, how to ride a fat bike correctly? Let's see some tips and advice.
Safety first: drive following road rules
It doesn't matter whether you are a novice or a hardened veteran of the bike, failure to comply with safety rules and laws can lead to serious consequences, injuries and potentially fatal accidents. Therefore, you must always ride your bicycle in full compliance with the signs, speed limits and your own safety and that of other road users.
Whether you are riding on a traditional bike or on an e-bike, cycling requires a great deal of knowledge on safety and how to behave while on the road. In fact, we remind you that electric bicycles are required to behave exactly like all other vehicles, in compliance with road signs and rules.
If you have a driving license it will not be new to you, and you know exactly how to drive on the road in full compliance with the rules, otherwise make sure to know the basics about road signs and the respect of rules before going on the road. In addition to this, you must use the necessary safety equipment such as a helmet and reflective vest if you drive at sunset or with poor ambient lighting.
The bicycle must then have two lights, front and rear, and the set of reflectors on wheels and pedals. In addition, the bell (manual or electric) is also used to safely signal to other road users and pedestrians.
Wear helmet: e-bikes are more powerful than standard bikes
Keep in mind that ebikes are heavier and more powerful than a traditional bicycle, this has different consequences in the event of an impact or a fall.
In fact, electric bikes have extra power to propel you forward to reach higher speeds than you would reach pedaling alone. While this can be a lot of fun, remember that impacts can have more serious and potentially fatal implications as speed increases.
For those who ride an ebike, we strongly recommend the use of a helmet, a precious device that can save the cyclist from serious and unpleasant consequences. At first it might seem uncomfortable and not convenient, but we assure you that it is fundamental and precious to safeguard your integrity in the event of a fall or accident, allowing you to minimize any trauma.
How to use brakes
Braking is very important; you need to learn how to manage your system to avoid falls and accidents from your electric bike. The brakes must always be used in pairs, in a controlled and preventive manner: it is better to anticipate braking more delicately, rather than braking quickly at the last moment.
Suddenly braking can cause you to lose control and fall. Furthermore, braking too hard or often will cause premature wear of your e-bike's brake pads, and would also reduce the overall range of your electric bike, as you will use more energy to pick up speed after braking.
Therefore, to optimize safety and consumption, it is best to use the brakes only when necessary and gently. When you see a stop sign or need to stop, try to slowly reduce your speed, continuing and applying the brakes only as hard as necessary to achieve a smooth stop.
The harder you brake, the harder it will be for the brakes and other components of your electric bike.
How to approach a curve: beware of pedals
There is no doubt that e-bikes are extremely fun to ride, especially since they allow cyclists to reach higher speeds with minimal effort. For this reason, it is very important to keep in mind the personal safety of the cyclist, at all times.
A well-known problem in the world of electric bikes is that many inexperienced and novice cyclists end up falling and damaging themselves and the bike. In the worst cases they even end up causing accidents with other people.
A common cause can be that of pedaling during a curve, this maneuver can lead to a dangerous accident, scraping and banging the pedal on the ground. The pedal tends to block on impact causing a disastrous fall.
While doing a curve the pedal that's in the same cure direction must be UP with the foot, far from the ground. If you keep it low, it will be easier to have an impact with the ground. Pay attention to that small detail that can save you from a fall.
Cyclists can easily avoid this problem with a little attention, caution and foresight, which are necessary when pedaling an electric bicycle.
So, drive safe and enjoy your electric fat bike! Still haven't bought one? Look at the brand new Meebike Gallop, a performing electric fat bike packed with a 750W motor and a full set of urban accessories.