As electric bikes (e-bikes) become increasingly popular, they’re quickly transforming how individuals commute, providing an environmentally friendly, quicker, and more comfortable means of getting around than a standard bicycle. How fast are electric bikes? This frequent question is asked by both prospective buyers, and enthusiasts. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the speed of an e-bike depends on multiple factors including the motor, battery, and regulations. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know regarding e-bike speed — including different classes of e-bikes, speed limitations, and factors affecting e-bike performance.
Understanding the Basics—How Do Electric Bikes Work?
Before exploring how fast electric bikes can go, it’s important to understand the basic mechanics that power these machines. Electric bikes have a motor that helps the rider pedal, providing an easy way to ride longer distances or up steep climbs. A battery, which is rechargeable, powers the motor, and its assistance level varies according to the e-bike settings.
The electric bike systems can be classified into two major groups:
- Pedal-Assist: The motor only kicks in when the cyclist is pedaling, assisting the rider to travel faster and with less physical work.
- Throttle-Controlled: The rider is able to control the motor easily through a throttle and does not have to pedal at all.
Now that we know how e-bikes work, let’s answer the burning question: speed.
Electric Bike Classes and Their Speed Classifications
Motor power certainly contributes to how fast an e-bike can go, but there are laws in place in many countries that restrict top speeds for safety. For instance, in the U.S., e-bikes fall into three main classifications: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 E-Bikes: Pedal-Assist; 20 mph Maximum Speed
Class 1 e-bikes include the most standard variety of the electric bike. These bikes provide motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling, and the motor cuts out once the rider hits 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Motor power: 250W (750W for better performance in some cases)
- Legality: Most bike paths and roads allow Class 1 e-bikes without any special restrictions.
Class 1 e-bikes have a 20 mph top speed, which makes them the all-purpose favorite for urban commuting and recreational rides. So while riders can still travel quickly with the help of the motor, they likely won’t be able to exceed the 20 mph threshold unless they pedal harder.
In simplest terms, class 2 E-bikes come with a throttle-assist.
Class 2 e-bikes feature a throttle that the rider can use to control the motor without pedaling, while Class 1 do not. These bikes are a popular choice for riders that wanna take it easy on those long rides or for those who may not want to push themselves too hard.
- Top Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
- Motor Power: Usually 250W, but some models get 500W
- Legal considerations: Class 2 e-bikes are most often treated the same as Class 1 e-bikes regarding where they can ride — with a 20 mph limit on paths.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes differ in whether they have a throttle or not, but they are still subject to the same speed limit. Both options are great for city commuting or a casual cruise: the speed is fast enough for general everyday use.
Class 3 E-Bikes: Fast-Pedaling Assist
Class 3 e-bikes are the high-performance models, for those who want more power and speed. These bikes feature pedal-assist, but also have a greater speed limit, allowing for a faster and more exhilarating ride. Commuters who have longer distances to cover fast and efficiently will like Class 3 e-bikes.
- Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Power motor: usually 750W or more
- Legal: Class 3 e-bikes are normally restricted for use on roadways, and many places do not allow their use on bike paths. Class 3 bikes often require helmet wearing when riding.
If a Class 2 e-bike is at the top of your price range, you should also consider Class 3 e-bikes, which are known to be the fastest e-bike legally allowed in most urban environments, giving them a top speed of up to 28 mph, which, in some cases, makes it illegal for them to share the bike lanes with regular bikes. Their increased speed makes them better for longer commutes, or even recreational rides that need speed and power.
What Are the Factors That Affect Electric Bike Speed
There are a number of variables that can determine how fast an electric bike can go in practice, although it is legally classified as belonging to a certain class. In this article, we cover the major factors that impact your e-bike speed:
Motor Power
The wattage of the motor is also a major contributor to the speed of your electric bike. A 250W motor (typical for most e-bikes) offers modest assistance, while a 500W or 750W motor can give you a stronger push to help you go faster.
Battery Capacity
Speed and range are also determined by the same power. Higher capacity batteries generally take you farther at full chat. You might lose some top speed if your battery runs low, since you won’t have as much motor assistance.
Rider Weight
Rider weight can also affect bike speed. A heavier rider will be a little slower since the motor will work a little harder to push more weight.
Terrain and Wind Conditions
The terrain you’re riding over has a major impact on speed. E-bikes can maintain higher speeds on flat ground; steep hills may slow you down. On top of that, stiff headwinds can also limit the ability of your bike to achieve its top speed.
Legal Restrictions
And, as we mentioned earlier, e-bikes are limited in speed, depending on which region of the world you find yourself in. Some countries or states may enforce lower speed limits, restricting e-bikes to the lower speeds even if the motor can do more.
Can You Make Your E-Bike Go Faster?
A question we see often is whether you can make your e-bike faster. Although, technically, the motor and/or throttle could be modified to allow the bike to reach a higher top speed, this would probably make the bike illegal to ride on the road, particularly in regions with strict speed regulations in place. Also, tampering with the motor or battery might invalidate warranties and even reduce safety.
As always, it is wise to check local laws before making any changes. If speed is in your sights, the safest course is to find an e-bike that meets your desires — from the get-go, like a Class 3 vapor, rather than jury-rigging a class one or two model to your liking.
How fast are electric bikes? Conclusion
In conclusion, electric bike speed depends on their class and some other stated factors. Q: How fast are electric bikes? the answer varies depending on whether you own a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike. The majority of e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph, and some higher-end models can reach 28 mph. The actual speed will vary depending on your motor power, rider weight, terrain and legal limits.
E-bikes provide an amazing option for getting around faster and more efficiently, whether commuting, recreational riding, or even long-range travel. Knowing what speeds to expect from your e-bike will allow you to make a more informed choice about what bike would suit your needs the best. Keep in mind that local laws on the speed of e-bikes can vary from place to place.
Ride fast (and safe) and may your e-bike experiences be wonderful!
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Best regards,
~Team BikeBicycler