Fat tire electric bikes are (as the name suggests) equipped with wider-than-average tires. Fatter tires offer greater stability and puncture protection, making them ideal for cycling on unpaved surfaces like gravel and dirt. However, fat tires produce more friction on the riding surface, slowing them down.

If you dream of tackling the rugged outdoors on two wheels, an electric mountain bike (eMTB) is for you. These bikes have even fatter and wider tires than a fat tire bike. They’re also more rigid and offer a lot of traction, improving grip on surfaces like rocks, grass, and sand. Mountain e-bikes may also have more robust suspension systems. The suspension in an e-bike is what absorbs shock. Since mountain cyclists may jump over roots and other obstacles, they need a stronger suspension system.

Performance road bikes are built for speed. When you picture cyclists in road races, this is likely what they’re using. These bikes have super-thin tires, usually no more than 1 inch wide — about 23 to 25 mm. Because they don’t have a lot of contact with the road, these bikes don’t create a lot of friction as they move ahead. This means cyclists can go faster. However, road bikes lack tread and traction, which can make them a less appealing choice for everyday users who prioritize practicality and safety over speed.

Commuter e-bikes are intended for everyday use — for example, getting to and from work. They have tires that are about 28 to 42 millimeters (mm) in width, a little thicker than those of a performance road bike (we’ll talk about those below). While this means they aren’t as speedy, the larger tires provide more stability and better traction. This can be a big help when cycling on slick surfaces.