You can identify a fatbike by its roughly 4-inch-wide tires. At low air pressure, these tires offer plenty of grip on gravel, forest floors, sand, and snow, and they noticeably absorb bumps like cobblestones. With an e-fatbike, you also have the support of an electric motor, which provides assistance up to 25 km/h. All models in this category are pedelecs, which you can ride in Austria without a driver's license or license plate. You can order online and pick up your bike for free at our store in Vienna or have it delivered within Vienna at no cost.
Fatbike as an e-bike: How it differs from a standard e-bike
The difference lies primarily in the tires. The large contact area distributes weight, and the low air pressure absorbs bumps before the suspension even has to kick in. This keeps an e-fatbike stable on loose or slippery surfaces where narrow tires might sink or slide. The downside: higher weight and greater rolling resistance. Anyone riding almost exclusively on smooth asphalt will find it easier and more economical to ride a classic model from our e-bikes up to 25 km/h category.
Buying an e-fatbike: What you should look out for
Wheel size: 20 or 26 inches
A fatbike with 20-inch wheels is more compact and has a lower center of gravity. It is easier to maneuver in city traffic and takes up less space when parked. Models with 26-inch wheels roll more smoothly, roll over roots and curbs more easily, and are better suited for longer tours and off-road riding.
Suspension: Hardtail or full-suspension
Part of the shock absorption in a fatbike is already provided by the large tire volume. A hardtail with a suspension fork is sufficient for the city and paved paths. Full suspension is worth it if you regularly ride over forest paths and gravel or cover long distances at a stretch.
Battery and range
The range cannot be derived solely from the battery capacity. Terrain, assistance level, weight of the rider and luggage, temperature, tire pressure, wind, and riding style all significantly influence it. Wide tires also require more energy than narrow ones. Manufacturer specifications are determined under favorable conditions. Therefore, plan for a reserve in your daily use.
Weight, payload, and brakes
An e-fatbike is significantly heavier than a city e-bike. Before buying, check whether you can carry the bike into the basement, up the stairwell, or into an elevator, and pay attention to the permissible total weight if you regularly transport luggage or goods. Hydraulic disc brakes can be modulated more precisely and require less hand force, which is a clear advantage at this weight.
E-fatbike for off-road, snow, city, and delivery services
Which design suits you best depends primarily on where you mainly use the e-fatbike.
| Usage |
Appropriate design |
What you should look out for |
| Gravel and forest paths |
26 inch, ideally full-suspension |
Tire tread, suspension travel, hydraulic disc brakes |
| Winter and snow |
20 or 26 inch with coarse tread |
Rather low air pressure, lower range in the cold, charge and store battery at room temperature |
| City and commuting |
20 inch, hardtail |
Weight when carrying, parking space, lights, fenders, luggage rack |
| Delivery services and transport |
Robust design with high payload |
Permissible total weight, load capacity of the luggage rack, battery capacity for a full shift |
Electric fatbike in Austria: No driver's license needed as a pedelec
In Austria, an electric fatbike is legally considered a bicycle if the motor has a maximum rated continuous power of 250 watts, only provides assistance while pedaling, and pedal assistance cuts off at 25 km/h. In that case, you do not need a driver's license, registration, license plate, or liability insurance. Since May 1, 2026, children and adolescents under 14 are required to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike. You can find suitable helmets in our e-bike helmets category.
E-mopeds, on the other hand, are subject to the rules applicable to mopeds: you need at least a Class AM driver's license, registration, license plate, liability insurance, and a helmet. If you intentionally want to ride faster, you will find these vehicles in our e-mopeds at 45 km/h category.
Status: September 2026. This overview does not constitute legal advice.
Buy a fatbike at Fadu Bike in Vienna
- Free pickup after online ordering at our store at Weyringergasse 37, 1040 Vienna
- Free delivery within Vienna; shipping throughout Austria for a fee
- Test ride in the store so you can assess sitting position, weight, and riding feel before buying
- Six months of warranty in addition to the statutory guarantee
- Service and repair in our workshop in Vienna
- Suitable accessories such as bicycle tires and tubes as well as sturdy bicycle locks for your fatbike
Frequently asked questions about the fatbike
Do I need a driver's license for an e-fatbike?
No. All e-fatbikes in this category are pedelecs with assistance up to 25 km/h. They are considered bicycles in Austria, so you do not need a driver's license, registration, license plate, or liability insurance. Helmet use is mandatory for children and adolescents under 14.
Is a fatbike practical for everyday use and in the city?
Yes. Especially on cobblestones, when riding over tram tracks and curbs, as well as in winter, the wide tires increase safety and comfort. However, consider the higher weight if you have to carry the bike often, and plan for a sufficiently wide parking space.
Are there e-fatbikes with 45 km/h?
Vehicles with a design speed over 25 km/h are no longer bicycles in Austria. As mopeds, they require type approval, registration, a license plate, liability insurance, and at least a Class AM driver's license. In this category, we only carry pedelecs up to 25 km/h.
Can I try out a fatbike before buying?
Yes. You can take an e-fatbike for a test ride at our store in Vienna before you buy. If you would like to test an e-fatbike for longer in everyday life, you can rent an e-bike.
When purchasing spare parts, it is important to pay attention to compatibility. Use our filters to search for specific parts.
