How Fast Can Your Electric Bike Go?

Traditional bikes rely totally on cyclists and how they pedal to calculate pace and movement. Ebikes are intended to make pedaling easy and allow you to travel quicker while exerting less effort. Riding slowly or quickly is solely dependent on power output. The wattage of an electric bike motor and the current it consumes from the battery determine its speed. Let us discuss the e-bike classes and the factors that affect an electric bike’s speed.

What Determines the Top Speed of an Electric Bike?

Power Rating

An electric bike’s top speed depends on many elements, including power. When it comes to the motor of an e-bike, pay attention to the number of Watts (W). A higher W power rating indicates that the e-bike can draw more weight, which, depending on other factors, can help you travel quickly. For example, a 750W motor accelerates from 0 to 20 mph faster and easier than a 250W motor hauling the same weight over the same terrain.

Terrain

The terrain you ride on impacts your speed and acceleration. A smooth, paved road will let you accelerate and ride faster than a loose, gravelly trail. In addition, an incline or descent has a similar effect: gravity works against your e-bike motor while climbing a hill and in its favor when descending, just as it would for your legs pedaling a traditional bike.

Weather Conditions

The weather you ride impacts an e-bike's range. A tailwind can propel you forward while increasing the battery's range, whereas a headwind does the opposite, making the e-bike work harder to assist while decreasing your riding range.
Wet, rain-covered roads have less grip than dry roads, requiring more energy from the battery. Yet muddy roads, snow-covered surfaces, and paved roads demand additional support from the e-bike to propel you forward.

Rider Weighs

Aside from other factors, the rider's weight can influence how fast an electric bike can travel. Heavy riders may need to choose a more powerful motor with a higher wattage rating to accomplish their targeted speeds.

The more weight you have, the harder the motor has to work to push you, and the more battery power you use in a given ride. For example, it is easier for the motor to accelerate from 0 to 20mph fast and reach top speed if it is moving 50kg rather than 100kg.

Electric Bike Classes

Electric bikes are classified into three classes in the United States: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. It is usual to see ebikes classified according to their speed and functionality using a three-class system.

Class1 - 20 mph with pedal-assist only

Class 1 electric bikes have a motor that starts only when you begin pedaling. These bikes have a pedal-assist mode. It means the bike cannot run purely on electricity, and you must pedal to get it moving.

Electric bikes in this category have a top speed of 20 mph and a maximum motor output of 750W. Class 1 electric bikes allow you to ride for a long time before recharging the battery because of their efficiency.

Class2 - 20 mph with pedal assist and a powerful throttle function

Class 2 ebikes have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. The drive system of Class 2 ebikes, can be engaged by either pushing a button or twisting the throttle, which is usually positioned on the handlebars.

Class 2 bikes are those that have both pedal assist and throttles. You can ride at 15 miles per hour on pure electric power or increase your pace to 24 miles per hour with pedal assist. Class 2 ebikes are widespread and beneficial for riders who need extra power on lengthy rides, hilly hills, or muddy routes.

Class3 - 28 mph with pedal-assist only

Although these electric motorcycles do not require throttles, they have more powerful engines. Class 3 ebikes typically use a 750W motor and reach up to 28 mph speed.

Because Class 3 ebikes can reach high speeds, only people aged 17 and over can ride them. You may also need a motor license or other requirements to ride a Class 3 electric bike.

How Fast Can an E-bike Go Legally?

The legal speed limit for electric bikes in the United States varies depending on the class of your ebike. In general, Class 1 and 2 bikes have a top speed of 20 mph, whereas Class 3 ebikes have a top speed of 28 mph. Some states allow Class 3 e-bikes on bike paths, while others restrict them to roads.

European electric bicycle laws prohibit manufacturers from allowing pedelecs (pedal electric cycles) to travel faster than 25 km/h (15.5 mph). After reaching that speed, the bike won’t accelerate any more without pedaling because the motor stops working. Any extra speed is only available by pedal force.

When it comes to how fast you can legally ride an ebike, keep in mind that these limits are in place for your protection and the safety of others around you. Before riding an electric bike, check your local legislation and always wear protective gear to avoid risks of injury.

Which Class Should You Choose?

Most pedal-assisted e-bikes provide varying degrees of motor assistance. The power for the lowest assistance setting comes primarily from your legs. This setting is often appropriate for easy, flat terrain or if you want to get more out of your ride. Higher levels of assistance can help you achieve your goal faster and with less effort. If you have a big climb ahead or do not want to sweat too much, use a higher assistance level for a smoother ride.

The more assistance you receive from the e-bike's motor, the faster the battery will discharge. But remember that even if the battery dies, you can cycle the rest of the way until your next charge.

Final Thought

E-bikes are not only speedier than traditional bicycles, but they also require less work from riders. You can travel to your destination swiftly and easily on an electric bike, and enjoy the fitness benefits of biking. Remember to follow the authorized speed restrictions for your bike's class and obey relative rules and regulations to keep yourself safe.