ebike fat tires

Choosing the Right Tires for Your VoltBike

Your VoltBike, and eBikes in general, have revolutionized the way we commute, explore trails, and enjoy outdoor adventures.

At the heart of any great eBike experience lies a crucial component: the tires. Tires not only determine how your bike handles different terrains but also impact comfort, efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Whether you're cruising city streets, tackling rugged off-road paths, or navigating mixed trails, selecting the right tires can make all the difference.

At VoltBike, we specialize in high-quality eBikes designed for Canadian riders, and our tire collection reflects our commitment to versatility and durability. We offer a range of tires tailored to various riding styles, from narrow options ideal for smooth pavement and light trails to wider fat tires built for challenging off-road conditions. In this article, we'll dive into the world of eBike tires, explain key considerations, and highlight the specific tires available in our shop.

By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which tires suit your needs and why VoltBike's selections stand out. 

Understanding eBike Tires: The Basics

Before exploring our products, let's cover the fundamentals. eBike tires differ from traditional bicycle tires due to the added weight of the motor, battery, and frame, which can exceed 80 pounds. This extra load demands tires with reinforced sidewalls, puncture resistance, and optimal tread patterns to handle higher speeds and varied surfaces.

We offer a wide selection of Kenda tires, and also stock some Maxxis and CST tires as well. Also, many of our customers switch to other brands of tires post-purchase, just make sure they're a proper fit for the rim and suspension fork of your bike to ensure trouble-free use.

Key Factors in Tire Selection

  • Width: Narrower tires (typically 1.8”-2.25” inches) are efficient for street and trail riding. They offer lower rolling resistance, making pedalling (or using pedal-assist) easier on paved roads, and they provide quick handling for urban commutes. Wider tires (3-4+ inches), often called fat tires, excel in off-road, snow, gravel and trail use. Their larger air volume allows for lower tire pressures (around 5-30 PSI), absorbing shocks like a natural suspension and providing superior traction on sand, snow, mud, or loose gravel.
  • Tread Pattern: Smooth or semi-slick treads roll fast on pavement, while knobby patterns grip uneven terrain. Hybrid designs like the Kenda Havok balance both.
  • Puncture Protection: Some tires, like the Kenda Juggernaut include layers like K-Shield to guard against thorns, glass, or debris—essential for longer rides where flats be a big problem.
  • Comfort and Pressure: Wide tires shine in comfort thanks to their high air volume. Running them at low pressure creates a cushioned ride, reducing vibrations and fatigue. Narrower tires, inflated to 30-50 PSI, prioritize speed over plushness.
  • Compatibility: Ensure tires match your wheel size (e.g., 26", 27.5", or 20") and eBike model. VoltBike tires are designed for our popular models like the Yukon, Outback, Enduro, Bravo, and Urban series.


According to industry experts, wider tires can increase comfort by up to 30% on rough surfaces due to better shock absorption, while narrower ones can boost efficiency by reducing energy loss. VoltBike's recommendations align with this: opt for narrower tires for street and light trail riding, and wider ones for off-road adventures or all-season use in Canada's diverse landscapes.

VoltBike's Tire Collection: Options for Every Rider

Our tire collection features premium brands like Kenda and CST, known for durability and performance. These tires are available as replacements or upgrades, ensuring your eBike stays in top shape. We've curated options that cater to different widths, terrains, and budgets, with prices starting as low as $65 CAD. Here's a breakdown of our key offerings, including their specs, uses, and real rider feedback.

Narrow Tires: Ideal for Street and Trail Efficiency

For riders focused on commuting, paved paths, or light trails, our narrower tires provide speed and agility without sacrificing grip.

  • Kenda 27.5x2.1" Tire (Small Block Eight) - Priced at $69 CAD, this tire is compatible with models like the Bravo, Bravo V2, Bravo Core, Venture, and Enduro. Its small block tread pattern offers low rolling resistance on pavement while providing enough bite for compacted dirt or gravel trails. The 2.1-inch width strikes a balance between efficiency and stability, making it perfect for urban explorers or weekend trail riders. Features include wire bead construction and 30 TPI casing for durability. Riders love its versatility: one Bravo owner noted, "These tires handle city streets smoothly and grip well on light off-road paths—great for my daily commute."
  • Kenda Tire 26x2.1" - At $65 CAD, this is a budget-friendly option for 26-inch wheels, similar to the 27.5" version. It's suited for street riding and mixed trails, with a tread that rolls fast on asphalt but holds up on loose surfaces. Compatible with various VoltBike models, it's a go-to for urban commuters seeking puncture resistance via K-Shield technology. A reviewer shared, "Swapped these on my older VoltBike, and the ride feels quicker and more responsive on pavement."
  • Kenda 20x2.25" Tire - Designed for compact models like the Urban Step-Thru and Urban V2, this $65 CAD tire (approx.) emphasizes puncture protection with K-Shield. The 2.25-inch width is slightly wider than standard narrow tires, offering extra comfort for city streets and bike paths. It's ideal for shorter riders or foldable eBikes, providing a stable, efficient ride. Feedback highlights its reliability: "No flats after months of city riding—super comfortable at moderate pressures."

These narrower tires are recommended for street and trail use, where efficiency matters. They operate best at higher pressures for minimal drag, making them energy-savers on pedal-assist modes.

Wide and Fat Tires: Built for Off-Road Adventures and Comfort

For off-road enthusiasts, snowy commutes, or those prioritizing plush rides, our wider tires deliver unmatched traction and cushioning.

  • Kenda Juggernaut 26x4" Fat Tire - Our flagship fat tire at $89 CAD, this beast features K-Shield puncture resistance and a reflective liner for nighttime visibility. Compatible with fat bike models like the Yukon 750 Limited, Yukon V2, and Yukon Core, its 4-inch width conquers sand, snow, and mud with ease. The aggressive tread provides superior grip, while low-pressure operation (8-12 PSI) ensures comfort over bumps. One rider reported, "After 2,300 km, these tires show normal wear but have handled everything from trails to winter roads without issue." Another praised, "Great product—early delivery and perfect for my Yukon 750!"
  • CST Fat Tire White 26x4" - Priced at $79 ($10 less than the Juggernaut tire), this stylish whitewall variant offers the same 4-inch width as the Juggernaut but with a unique aesthetic. Engineered for exceptional puncture protection (EPS), it's compatible with all VoltBike fat bike models with a 26x4” rim. The tread pattern mirrors high-performance designs, blending speed on hardpack with grip on loose terrain. Riders appreciate the look and feel: "These white walls make my Yukon stand out, and the performance is top-notch for off-road fun."
  • Kenda Kiniption 26x3" Tire - At around $70 CAD, this 3-inch wide tire bridges narrow and fat categories. Its diamond tread rolls swiftly on smooth roads while gripping compacted dirt. Ideal for the VoltBike Kodiak or Outback (Medium frame only), it's great for trail riding with some street capability. Features include wire bead and 30 TPI for toughness. A user commented, "Excellent for gravel and pavement—versatile and comfortable at low pressures."
  • Kenda Havok Tire 3” Wide - Available in a 20”, 26” and 27.5” size, this 3” tire is a blend of comfort and versatility. This tire is a "chubby" option, being a nice in between of an off-road fat tire and a narrower road tire. The 3-inch width provides volume for comfort and traction on off-road conditions, with a tread combining speed, grip, and durability. It's perfect for most situations, and is arguably the most useful tire in most circumstances. Reviews note, "Handles corners stably and absorbs shocks well—ideal for my daily errands on varied terrain."
  • Maxxis Minion or Kenda Navegal - Perfect for off-road and for more challenging terrain. These similar 27.5x2.35" tires are perfect for our Enduro bike, and also fit on models such as the Outback, Venture and Bravo bikes. They're made of a softer compound that grips better, which is perfect for dirt, mud and trails, but they will wear out faster if ridden on pavement.

Wide tires like these are our top picks for off-road and trail use. Their large air volume allows low pressures for a pillow-like ride, reducing strain on your body during long adventures. In Canada's winters, fat tires excel on snow, as evidenced by Yukon owners who rave about all-season performance

Recommendations: Matching Tires to Your Riding Style

Always pair tires with quality inner tubes (we offer 26x4" tubes for $23 CAD) and consider slime sealants for flat prevention, or a product such as Tannus Armor which are puncture resistant inserts.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To maximize your tires' life, check pressure weekly, inspect for wear, and rotate them every 1,000-2,000 km. Make sure to check tire pressure regularly, as it will fluctuate over time, and is also sensitive to temperature swings. It’s good to keep an extra Inner Tube handy a well, in case a flat happens. 

Why Choose VoltBike Tires?

Our tires aren't just products—they're engineered for real-world Canadian riding. Backed by positive reviews (e.g., "Great set of tires!" and "Worth every penny"), they offer value, durability, and compatibility with our bikes. Plus, with $9.99 flat-rate shipping, getting a new set of tires delivered is easy. 

Ready to enhance your VoltBike? Head to https://voltbike.com/collections/tires to browse our full selection. Whether you're seeking comfort, speed, or adventure, VoltBike has the perfect tire to elevate your ride. Happy cycling!

Please see our guide on how to replace tires yourself: 

https://voltbike.com/a/support/support-repairs-and-service/tube-and-tire-service-for-rear-motor-wheels

 

Back to blog