How Fast Can An Ebike Go - Maximum Speed Of An Ebike

Navigation

One of the primary reasons why more people are embracing ebikes is their remarkable speed. They are the ideal choice for moving around in a world where people seek a more convenient and quicker means of commuting.

As a result of their electrical components - battery and motor- you cycle them at an impeccable speed compared to a conventional bicycle. But, how fast an ebike can go depends on the ebike laws in your locality. Next, we take a look at the maximum speed of electric bicycles.

What Is The Maximum Speed Of An Electric Bike?

The maximum speed of an ebike differs from country to country. Stipulated laws in each region restrict bikes from exceeding a particular speed limit. Whenever an ebike goes beyond that speed limit, it is no longer entitled to the privilege an ebike has; therefore, the law regards them as normal automobiles.

In the United Kingdom, your ebike must not exceed speeds of 15.5 m/h (25 km/h). Also, the ebike motor's capacity should not exceed 250 watts. Such bikes are classified as electrically assisted pedal cycles (EPAC).

Electric Bikes in most states in the United States have slightly different speed limits. They vary between 20 to 28 mph, depending on the ebike class.

Classification Of Ebikes, mopeds and motorcycles

Based on their speed and type of assistance, ebikes fall into two classes. They include EPAC and mopeds or motorcycles, and these e-bikes are beyond the standard of EPAC rules. You can ride faster on the road, but you have to register and pay tax for them; driver's training courses and licenses are also compulsive.

If you want to ride mopeds or motorcycles, the minimum age should be 16. This speed ranges from 25km/h to 45km/h, and you also have to complete compulsory basic training and pass the test.

If you want to ride a moped at speeds from 25km/h to 45km/h, you should have a provisional driving licence for 16 years old, complete the training course and get a license. Or you can ride these high-speed mopeds on the road when you got a full car license.

There are four full UK bike licenses for motorcycle driving, following different driver ages and top speeds of the motorcycle. All these regulations have been active since January 2013.

• AM Moped License, age above 16, max engine up to 50cc, max speed 45km/h
• A1 Light Motorbike License, age above 17, max engine up to 125cc, max output to 11kW
• A2 Motorbike License, age above 19, max engine up to 500cc, max output to 35kW
• A Unrestricted Motorbike License, age above 21 and held a full A2 license for 2 years; or above 24. you can ride any motorcycle on the road.

Factors Affecting The Speed Of An Ebike

· Motor: Most regions regulate the power ebike generates to control the bike's maximum speed. That is because the power of an electric bike is directly proportional to its speed. Hence increasing electric motor power can impart the ebike momentum.

· Voltage and Battery: The quality and voltage of your ebike battery pack are essential to its speed and efficiency. If you want an excellent riding experience, you should purchase an ebike with a great battery voltage. Generally, the higher the voltage of an ebike, the higher its speed. A conventional ebike has a voltage between 36 - 48 Volts. High-voltage batteries are more adaptable, tolerant to extreme weather conditions, and last longer.

· Tyre Pressure: Your ebike tyre pressure is another factor you should pay attention to. It determines the speed and stability of an ebike, which is essential to its speed. Moderate pressure is ideal for stability and maintaining an incredible pace while riding.

· Wheel Size: There are many different ebike wheel sizes today; however, the most commonly used are the 16, 20, and 26,27-inch diameter wheels. Larger wheels offer stability when riding at high speed due to the surface area between the rubber and the cycling surface.

They help the ebike maintain momentum when coasting portholes, bumps, or barricades. As long as you can attain speed with wide tyres, you need minimal power to maintain speed.

· Terrain: Where you choose to ride your ebike can also determine its speed and acceleration. It is much easier to attain maximum speed when riding on a smooth paved road. You can't have a similar riding experience on bumpy, hilly, and rough terrains, as every small obstacle will always interrupt your momentum. In addition, the need to be careful while riding on uneven paths makes one reduce their speed.

· Ebike and Rider's Weight: The overall weight of your ebike has a very significant effect on its speed. Riding a heavy bike requires more energy from the motor than riding a less weighty one. Subsequently, this affects the ebike speed and efficiency. For instance, it is easier for an ebike to attain its maximum speed when it's moving 40 kg compared to 80kg. The rider's weight also affects the bike's speed. It adds to the bike's weight, making the motor work harder to achieve a particular speed.

· Weather Conditions: Riding your ebike in extreme weather affects its speed and efficiency. Harsh weather conditions significantly increase the demand for energy from the battery, reducing the power and speed the motor provides.

Should You Increase Your Ebike Speed?

If you want to increase your ebike speed, you should first look into the ebike laws in your community. Most countries don't categorise bikes with a higher speed limit than the speculated ones as ebikes; hence, they treat them like other automobiles. Such riders must pay their bikes' taxes and get insurance coverage.

Another essential factor to consider before increasing your ebike speed is your cycling need. Ebikes used for sport and more sophisticated functions - for instance, mountain ebikes - require more power. Therefore, it is ideal to go for better speed in such situations. You can get a battery with better voltage and a motor with a higher KV rating.

On the contrary, if you use your ebike mainly for commuting purposes, you might not need the same speed as you would for mountain climbing. In such a case, it becomes unnecessary to increase your ebike speed.

Conclusion

While riding ebikes at an impeccable speed is fun, it is important to know your local ebike laws regarding speed. We have outlined the maximum speed of electric bicycles in the UK above. Should you require more information, visit our help centre.