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Are you thinking about increasing the speed of your electric bike? If so, this article is for you. In this guide, we review the most common ways to give your bike more speed. On the other hand, if you’re eager to look at a speedy model, read our Eahora X7 review.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, Allen wrench, tuning kit, battery, motor
One of the best things about electric bicycles is their increased speeds, especially when compared to traditional bikes. However, the actual speed you get out of your e-bike can vary depending on a wide variety of factors. As you begin to understand your e-bike, you can better understand how to increase its speed. But just in case you’re looking to purchase a new one, have a look at the top-rated e-bikes on the market today. Additionally, as with any big purchase, you may also want to look into getting electric bike insurance to cover yourself in case of an accident or theft. Alternatively, if you are curious, you can read about the differences between electric bikes vs scooters if you haven’t decided which type of electric ride you want.
Three main e-bike components are responsible for speed.
Your electric bike’s motor is the primary source of power and speed. Essentially, the motor acts as the engine for your e-bike, providing power to the wheels. Most e-bikes feature either a hub motor or a mid-drive motor. Hub motors sit in the center of either the front or back wheel, while mid-drive motors are placed within the pedal assembly. Also, keep in mind that the type of motor will also determine the e-bike’s ambient noise levels. And, if you’re merely replacing the motor, you’ll want to look into pre-owned e-bikes for sale, since there’s a chance you can snag a lightly used one for your bike.
While your e-bike’s motor is the central component responsible for power, it can’t work alone. The battery acts as a power source for your motor. As such, differences in battery voltage can change how much speed your e-bike can produce. Batteries with higher voltages can give motors more juice and thus produce more speed. Similarly, batteries with lower voltages aren’t capable of producing as much speed. For instance, after you read our Pedego Comfort cruiser review, you’ll find a model with a battery that can last 45 miles before needing a charge.
If you want to look at a top bike model, then you’ll want to check out the Swagtron EB8.
Finally, your electric bike’s onboard computer is responsible for managing the relationship between the bike’s motor and battery. The computer is the brain of your bike and can also monitor your bike’s overall performance.
Before you move on to learning about the different steps you can take to increase the speed of your electric bike, there are a few warnings to consider. Remember that most e-bikes are restricted to a top speed of 20 miles per hour. If you increase your speed, you may be subject to legal problems. Be sure to read about your local regulations and laws on electric bikes. If you are curious, you can read the ebike regulation in the EU and UK to ensure you won’t face a penalty. It’s also important to remember that increasing your e-bike’s speed can also increase the amount of danger you face while riding.
Follow these steps to increase your e-bike’s speed:
Most electric bikes have built-in speed limiters, controlled via the onboard computer. By making adjustments to specific settings like wheel size, you can “trick” the computer into thinking you’re going a slower speed than you are. This way, you’ll be able to push your bike to faster speeds.
You may also be able to remove the limiter entirely by disconnecting the limiter wire. This will likely void your e-bike’s warranty.
Many online retailers offer tuning kits to increase the speed of your e-bike. These tuning kits can cost upwards of $300 and are fairly easy to install. If you choose to install a tuning kit, remember that the resulting increase in speed can make your bike too fast for public roads and thus may not be street legal.
Since your e-bike’s battery produces power for the motor, you can increase your bike’s overall speed by installing a new battery with a higher voltage. If you choose to go this route, we recommend checking your motor to ensure it can handle the added power.
You can also choose to install a new, more powerful motor on your electric bike. Bigger motors are more powerful and will provide more speed. However, you’ll also need to make sure your battery can provide enough juice for a bigger motor. Another option may be to follow this DIY on how to install an electric motor on your standard bicycle.
If you’ve ever looked at a professional racing bike, you’ll notice that they have thinner tires than traditional bicycles. This is because slimmer tires increase your bike’s overall speed. This is a more reliable and safer speed increase. Remember that slimmer tires are only good for biking on the road but won’t work for electric mountain bikes.
STAT: Most states limit an electric bike’s speed to 20 miles per hour. (source)
If you’re not comfortable installing aftermarket parts on your bike, you can also adjust your riding style. You can bend your body forward to increase your aerodynamics and decrease your overall air resistance. Also, with more practice, you’ll be able to ride more comfortably to achieve maximum speeds.
Can you derestrict an electric bike?
Yes, there are several ways to derestrict an electric bike. However, by doing so, you will likely void your e-bike’s manufacturer warranty. You may also make it, so your bike isn’t legal to ride on public roads any longer. Proceed at your own risk.
What does e-tuning actually achieve?
For the most part, e-tuning is made specifically to increase your e-bike’s speed. It won’t create a whole new e-biking experience, but it can improve performance if you install your tuning kit correctly.
What’s the best way to increase speed on an electric bike?
The best way to increase your e-bike’s speed is to use a battery with a higher voltage and a bigger motor. These are mechanical improvements that will provide guaranteed results.
Should the speed limits on e-bikes be increased?
Many e-bike riders are advocating for the e-bike speed limits to be increased, but they face opposition from lawmakers. One thing is for sure, an increase in e-bike speed should be carefully considered to make it happen safely.
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