How Fast Can an Electric Bike Go? Exploring the Speed Capabilities of E-Bikes
Electric bikes, commonly known as e-bikes, blend traditional biking with the added push of electric power, offering an efficient way to travel without the full exertion of pedal-only bicycles. A crucial question for potential e-bike buyers or enthusiasts is: How fast can these electric bikes go? This article dives deep into the factors affecting e-bike speed, legal restrictions, comparisons with traditional bikes, and the specific benefits of choosing Fiido electric bikes.
Understanding Electric Bike Speed
Key Factors Influencing Speed
Motor Power: The motor is the primary determinant of an e-bike's speed. Typically, e-bike motors range from 250 watts to over 750 watts. The higher the wattage, the more power the motor can deliver, which directly influences the maximum speed. However, local laws often cap the power output to ensure safety.
Battery Capacity: The voltage and amp-hour (Ah) rating of a battery defines how much power it can store and deliver. A higher voltage battery can often help the e-bike achieve higher speeds by providing more power to the motor. For example, a 48V battery will generally enable higher speeds than a 36V battery.
Bike Design: Aerodynamics, tire size, and bike weight also play significant roles. Aerodynamic designs reduce air resistance at higher speeds, larger tires can cover more distance per rotation, and a lighter bike requires less power to move fast.
Legal Speed Limits
In the UK, an electric bike (EAPC) must not provide motor assistance above 15.5 mph (25 km/h), and the motor must cut out once this speed is reached. Any e-bike that can exceed this speed with motor assistance, has a throttle capable of propelling it on its own, or has been modified to remove the speed restriction is no longer classed as an EAPC. Such a bike is treated as a motor vehicle and must be registered, taxed, insured, and ridden only by someone holding a valid driving licence; riding it on public roads without meeting these requirements is illegal.
Real-World E-Bike Speeds: Models and Modifications
Most standard e-bikes come with speed caps as per legal standards, but real-world speeds can vary. For example:
Basic commuter e-bikes typically range between 15 to 20 mph. Higher speeds are usually only reached when riding downhill or through strong pedalling effort, rather than from motor assistance.
More robust models designed for speed can reach the upper limits of 28 mph, especially with pedal assistance.
Modifications to Increase Speed
Modifying an e-bike to increase its speed is a popular option for enthusiasts. This can involve upgrading the motor, installing a higher-capacity battery, or tweaking the controller settings. However, modifications might void warranties and can lead to legal and safety issues.
Comparing E-Bike Speeds with Traditional Bicycles
Traditional bicycles can vary widely in speed depending on the rider’s fitness, terrain, and riding conditions. Typical commuter cyclists on flat terrain usually average 10–15 mph (16–24 km/h), while more experienced riders can reach 15–20 mph (24–32 km/h).
E-bikes, on the other hand, provide a consistent motor-assisted boost. In the UK, legal EAPCs offer assistance up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), making it easier to maintain a steady pace on flats, tackle hills without slowing down, and complete longer journeys with less fatigue. Stronger or high-performance models can feel faster under pedal effort, but assistance will still cut out at the legal limit.
This consistent speed makes e-bikes particularly attractive for commuting and touring, allowing riders to maintain a predictable pace without overexertion.
Safety Tips for High-Speed Electric Biking
Riding an e-bike at higher speeds requires consideration for both personal safety and the safety of others:
Wear protective gear: Always use a certified helmet; gloves and reflective clothing are essential. For speed pedelecs, consider elbow and knee pads.
Check your bike: Brakes should stop the bike within 3–4 metres at 15 mph, tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and electrical connections secure.
Ride smart: Keep a low centre of gravity when cornering, avoid sudden braking, and allow at least 2–3 metres more stopping distance than on a normal bike.
When planning routes for high-speed e-biking, use bike-specific navigation tools such as Google Maps’ “Cycling” mode, Komoot, or Strava to select wide, low-traffic roads. Secondary roads and rural routes, which usually have fewer vehicles and longer straight stretches, are particularly suitable for riding at higher speeds.
Conclusion
Electric bikes offer a fantastic blend of traditional cycling and modern technology, providing a boost to your riding efforts and allowing for faster travel with less fatigue. Whether for commuting, touring, or recreational use, understanding the speed capabilities of e-bikes can help you choose the right model for your needs. Fiido’s range of electric bikes stands out by combining speed, style, and functionality, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their cycling experience. Embrace the future of biking with Fiido, where speed meets innovation.
