Sand Bike - Rungu vs EVO Big Bud AWD

[megake]

I'm deciding between the Rungu Juggernaut and the EVO Big Bud AWD for beach riding with a large surf board on a trailer which will require traversing some deep, soft sand. The Rungu was pretty much designed specifically for this task, but it has the following cons:
- Cost (the Big Bud is $700 less)
- Local e-bike laws - I would have to have Rungu reduce the power to 750w which they can do, but I'd be paying for the higher output motor regardless
- More difficult to transport
- I'm not handy at all (although I will be diligent about cleaning and lubing) and the Big Bud is likely easier to maintain at the LBS

But the Rungu seems to be superior for deep sand riding because a single front tire tends to get squirrely in those conditions... I've read several reviews for both and watched dozens of YouTube videos. I won't be able to demo either under the conditions under which I will be using it.

Any opinions if the Rungu would be so superior in deep sand vs an AWD fatbike that it would be worth the extra cost and inconvenience?

 

[rich c]

I test rode an AWD Big Bud and was not impressed. It wasn't on sand though, but felt short on climbing power. The Brose mid drive Big Bud had more climbing power. You need floatation and horsepower, not all wheel drive. For all the hype about fat tired bikes on the beach, you don't see anyone having fun until they get to the wet pack. Same goes for the hype about riding in the snow. Around here we get too many ice days and warm and cold that freezes the snow. It feels like about 10% of my snow rides were fun, the rest were misery!

 

[megake]

I test rode an AWD Big Bud and was not impressed. It wasn't on sand though, but felt short on climbing power. The Brose mid drive Big Bud had more climbing power. You need floatation and horsepower, not all wheel drive. For all the hype about fat tired bikes on the beach, you don't see anyone having fun until they get to the wet pack. Same goes for the hype about riding in the snow. Around here we get too many ice days and warm and cold that freezes the snow. It feels like about 10% of my snow rides were fun, the rest were misery!

Thanks so much for posting your opinion. The youtube video below showing an AWD bike in deep sand is less than impressive as the front tire is still very squirrely. And the AWD bike in the video is lighter and more powerful than the Big Bud.

For what I need, sounds like the Rungu is probably the winner even though it has a few cons. Everything I've researched indicates what you're saying - fat bikes (motorized or not) work great on hardpack sand or snow, but not so great in deep sand or snow. I thought maybe the AWD would be helpful, but probably not helpful enough. California state park rangers that patrol beaches use Rungus so that seems to be a good endorsement that it's capable on the sand.