How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go?

Key Takeaways:

• The fastest electric bike can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour.
• Electric bikes typically max out at around 20 to 28 miles per hour.
• These maximum speeds are primarily not a fault of motor design, but rather a purposeful decision by bike manufacturers to comply with rules and regulations.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, can be a fantastic way to travel around town or in an offroading capacity. Before making an initial purchase, consumers often wonder just how fast these top electric bicycles can go.

What is the Max Speed of an Electric Bike?

The maximum speed of an e-bike can vary wildly, though the fastest electric bike in the world is the PG Bikes BlackTrail. This commercially available bike can hit speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

What Determines the Maximum Speed of Electric Bikes?

In general, the average speed of an electric bike can range from 10 mph to 25 mph, with some models ascending beyond that average. There are a number of factors that determine a bicycle’s maximum speed. A few examples are the terrain you are riding over, the maximum power of the motor, the pedal-assist mode or use of the throttle, and the rider’s weight. There are two types of throttle that are common, thumb throttle, and twist throttle. While normal bikes rely strictly on pedal power, ebikes can use pedal power as well as motor assistance to achieve faster speeds.

Built-in Motors and Pedal Assist

The maximum speed of an electric bike is primarily determined via its integrated motor and related components. One of the most popular types of motor for an e-bike is the hub motor. You can read our article on how an electric bike motor works to learn more about this. The notions of pedal assistance and throttle also play a role in designating the velocity. These motors generally break down into three classes, each with its own max speed.

1. Class 1 E-Bikes – These bikes are pedal-assist only and feature a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
2. Class 2 E-Bikes – The maximum speed of class 2 bikes is also 20 miles per hour, but the motor mechanism features throttle assistance instead of a pedal-assist feature.
3. Class 3 E-Bikes – These bikes are pedal-assist only, but the motors can handle maximum speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.
4. No designated class – Manufacturers do build bikes that can reach speeds above 28 miles per hour, but they may be illegal to ride in your area.

Regional Limitations

Each country, state, town, and municipality boast its own rules and regulations regarding electric bike usage. As a matter of fact, many bikes sold in the United States feature powerful motors that can reach speeds higher than 20 or 28 mph, but they contain a mechanism that limits high speeds so as to comply with these local regulations. So while you may wonder how fast a 1000w electric bike can go, you need to remember these limits will affect its maximum speed. These mechanisms can be disabled, but this process can be dangerous and will void any warranty and insurance plans you have in place.

In 17 states, an eBike is considered a moped or some other type of motor-driven cycle under pre-existing laws, and moped rules apply. Before you purchase one of these bikes for personal transportation, be sure to look up the laws in your state.

Sources:

http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Electric_bikes_in_education

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v_2LuhRQgQ