ItStands RX30 Review: AWD Fat-Tire Power That Actually Changes How You Ride
September 30, 2024
The ItStands RX30 is one of those e-bikes you can understand in about five seconds of looking at it: big frame, big tires, big suspension, and an even bigger “let’s go anywhere” attitude.
What makes it different (and honestly, the whole reason I wanted to try it) is the dual hub motor setup with selectable drive modes. Rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive. And all-wheel drive. That changes the personality of the bike in a way you don’t really get with a typical single-motor fat-tire e-bike.
After putting it through parking-lot launches, a little grass and hill work, and some general comfort and brake testing, here’s how the RX30 felt in the real world.
First look: it’s a big, beefy e-bike
The RX30 looks and feels like a full-size, heavy-duty fat-tire e-bike. It’s not compact, it’s not subtle, and it’s not the kind of bike I’d want to carry up stairs on a regular basis.
It rides on 26x4-inch fat tires with a dual-sport style tread that makes sense for streets and light off-road. The bike also includes integrated fenders and a large integrated rear rack, which immediately makes it feel more practical than a lot of “mountain-style” fat bikes that forget people might want to haul stuff.
One quick fit note from my own ride: I’m about 5'5" and I couldn’t flat-foot the bike. I was more on a tippy-toe, one-leg balance when stopped. For me it was still rideable and comfortable once moving, but if you’re shorter, the RX30 is going to feel tall and substantial.
The headline feature: switchable front, rear, and all-wheel drive
My bike was the dual hub motor version: a 750W rated hub motor up front and a 1,000W hub motor in the rear, with the bike claiming about 2,000W peak output.
What matters more than the number is how it changes the ride:
Rear-wheel drive: familiar, natural push
In rear-wheel drive, the RX30 felt the most like a “normal” powerful e-bike. The bike is heavy, so initial launch is a little slower than you might expect if you’re coming from a lighter commuter, but once it’s rolling it feels strong and stable.
Pedal assist level 3 was calm and manageable. Bumping up to pedal assist level 5 brought the fun back quickly.
Front-wheel drive: the pull is real
Front-wheel drive is a weird sensation at first because you feel the bike pulling you forward instead of pushing from behind. For climbing, that pull can be really useful, and it makes sense as an option for certain terrain.
On my ride, it felt a bit more delayed compared to rear-wheel drive. Not unusable—just different.
All-wheel drive: instant torque, and it wants to climb
All-wheel drive is the mode that makes the RX30 feel special.
Torque off the line jumps up immediately, and the bike feels eager in a way that surprised me the first time I clicked it on. On hills and on the grassy section I rode, it climbed without drama. The traction and forward drive feel more confident, and if you live somewhere hilly, this is the mode that makes the RX30 make sense.
The tradeoff is that it’s part of why the bike feels heavy. Dual motors are fun, but they add mass, and the RX30 definitely isn’t pretending to be lightweight.
Comfort: full suspension + fat tires is the cheat code
The RX30’s comfort is a real highlight.
Between the 26x4 tires and the full suspension (dual crown fork up front and a center-mounted rear shock), it smoothed out rough pavement and sloppy parking-lot patchwork better than I expected.
I could feel the rear shock working under the saddle, and overall the ride stayed controlled instead of harsh. On grass and small bumps, it did what a fat-tire full-suspension bike should do: keep me moving without beating me up.
The saddle itself is plush and comfortable, and the bike has a moped-style headlight up front that’s legitimately bright.
Braking and control
The RX30 comes with hydraulic disc brakes, and in my quick top-speed-and-brake test they felt strong and confidence-inspiring.
With a bike that can surge forward in AWD, I want brakes that feel decisive—and these did.
Controls are straightforward: a center-mounted color LCD display, Shimano 7-speed shifting, and a right-hand half-twist throttle that felt responsive.
I’ll be honest: with this much power on tap, it’s easy to rely on throttle more than gears. The gears are still useful, but the motors are the story here.
Range and battery thoughts
The RX30 has a removable 48V 30Ah battery. A battery that size is the kind of thing that encourages longer rides and less range anxiety.
Just keep in mind: riding in all-wheel drive is the fun option, but it’s also the option that’s going to draw more power.
Practical details I noticed
The rear rack is a win
That large integrated rear rack makes this bike feel like it can actually be used for errands, commuting, and cargo—not just weekend rides.
The tail light is battery operated
The RX30’s tail light has flashing and solid modes, but it’s battery operated rather than wired in. It works, but it’s one more thing to maintain over time.
Storage and transport are the real “cost” of a big e-bike
At around 80 lb, this is not the bike I’d want to regularly lift into a car trunk or carry up stairs. For me, it’s a garage/shed-style e-bike—something you roll out and ride, not something you constantly move around.
What We Like
All-wheel drive is genuinely fun and makes hill climbs feel easy
Full suspension + fat tires deliver a smooth, comfortable ride
High-capacity 30Ah battery is built for longer adventures
Integrated rear rack adds real utility for cargo and commuting
Hydraulic disc brakes felt solid in testing
Things To Consider
It’s heavy (about 80 lb), which affects carrying, transport, and storage
The bike feels physically large; shorter riders may have fit/standover challenges
Battery-operated tail light means replacing batteries instead of relying on the main battery
The “ItStands” branding is… memorable. If you care about naming/branding, you’ll notice it
Final Thoughts
The ItStands RX30 is the kind of e-bike I’d recommend to someone who values capability over convenience.
If you want a powerful fat-tire bike that’s comfortable, ready for rougher surfaces, and has a drive mode for basically any situation, the RX30 delivers—especially in all-wheel drive, where it feels like it just flattens hills and turns sketchy terrain into a non-issue.
But the weight and size are real. If you’re in an apartment, if you’re regularly lifting a bike, or if you’re on the shorter side and want an easy stop-and-go fit, this might not be the most practical choice.
If you’ve got the space for it, though, the RX30’s AWD punch is the kind of feature that keeps you taking the long way home.
Links
ItStands RX30 (use promo code Rik50 for $50 off): https://www.itstandsbike.com/products/rx30
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