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We have demo bikes for every model we stock. We encourage every customer to ride before they buy. At this price point, a test ride is not optional as far as we are concerned — thirty seconds on a bike tells you more about fit and feel than any amount of reading.
But a test ride is only useful if you know what to look for. Most people get on a new electric bike, feel the motor kick in and think it is great. That is a good sign but it is not the whole story. Here is what to actually pay attention to.
Fit First
Before anything else — does the bike fit you? Sit on it. Can you reach the handlebars comfortably without being stretched or cramped? Is your back in a natural position? Can you put a foot flat on the ground when stopped, or at least reach the ground with the ball of your foot on both sides? Fat tyre electric bikes have generally upright, accommodating geometry. Most riders 160cm to 190cm find the main models comfortable. If something feels immediately wrong, it will not improve with familiarity.
The Motor — Feel the Assist
Start pedalling slowly and feel how the motor engages. A quality motor should feel smooth and proportional — it amplifies your effort rather than lurching. Try different assist levels. Try a hill if accessible during the ride — this is where real-world motor capability becomes obvious. A motor that struggles or hesitates on a Melbourne hill is one you will be frustrated by in daily use.
The Brakes
The most important safety check. Find a safe stretch and brake firmly from a moderate speed. The bike should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side. The brakes should feel firm and progressive — not spongy or grabby. Hydraulic disc brakes should have firm lever travel with a clear bite point. Spongy lever travel is either a setup issue or a sign of lower-quality components.
The Handling
Ride in a figure-eight pattern if space allows. Does the bike feel stable and predictable through the turn? Check straight-line stability — a well-balanced bike should track straight without requiring constant correction.
The Throttle and Motor Cutoff
If the bike has a throttle, test it — it should engage smoothly and cut off cleanly when you release it. The motor cutoff when you stop pedalling should be immediate and smooth.
The Feel Over Surface Changes
Deliberately ride over a rough section of path if available. The bump should be absorbed by the tyre and feel manageable rather than sharp and jarring. If you can find a gravel section, ride it — the difference between fat tyres and standard tyres on gravel is immediately apparent.
What to Ask After the Ride
Did the fit feel right? Did the motor feel smooth and powerful enough for your use? Did the brakes feel strong and trustworthy? Did the handling feel stable? If any answer is no — say so. Sometimes a different model or a setup adjustment fixes it. We would rather spend twenty minutes finding the right bike than have you leave with the wrong one.
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Last updated: July 2026 | 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121 | 03 9421 2293
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — at this price point a test ride is essential. Thirty seconds on a bike tells you more about fit and feel than any amount of reading. We have demo bikes for every model we stock at our Richmond showroom at 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121. We encourage every customer to ride before they buy. Come in and we will put you on the bikes that suit your use case before you make any decision.
Fit: can you reach the handlebars comfortably without being stretched or cramped? Motor: feel the assist engage — a quality motor should feel smooth and proportional, amplifying your effort rather than lurching. Brakes: brake firmly from moderate speed and check the bike stops straight with a firm, progressive feel. Handling: ride a figure-eight to check stability through turns. Surface changes: ride over a rough section to feel how fat tyres absorb the impact.
A quality motor should feel smooth and proportional — it amplifies your effort rather than lurching into action. The assist should feel natural, like the bike is helping you rather than taking over. Try different assist levels: ECO should feel like modest help, maximum should feel powerful but controlled, not violent. Try a hill if accessible — a motor that hesitates or struggles on a Melbourne hill is one you will be frustrated by in daily use.
Find a safe stretch and brake firmly from a moderate speed. The bike should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side. The brakes should feel firm and progressive — not spongy or grabby. Hydraulic disc brakes, which quality fat tyre electric bikes should have, have a distinctive feel — firm lever travel with a clear bite point and strong, controllable stopping power. Spongy lever travel that requires a long pull is either a setup issue or a sign of lower-quality braking components.
Yes. We have demo bikes available for every model we stock at our showroom at 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121. For a purchase at this price point we consider a test ride essential. Come in during store hours — no appointment needed. If you want to confirm availability of a specific demo model, call ahead on 03 9421 2293.
Fat tyre electric bikes have a generally upright, accommodating geometry. Most riders from 160cm to 190cm find the main models comfortable. Very tall and very short riders may find some models better than others. Come in and we will assess which model fits you properly before you decide — fit is immediately obvious on the bike and different from what you imagine from looking at pictures.
