How Fast Can E-bikes Go? Are E-bikes Fast
This is probably one of the most asked questions in the e-bike community. Especially when we started, we were told that electric bikes could go really fast, but that wasn’t the case. At least not with all the electric bikes available.
So, how fast can an electric bike go? Electric bikes are generally limited to the top speed allowed to help you, typically 32 mp/h (51 km/h) in the US and 28 mp/h (45 km/h) in most of Europe. It will vary depending on the country you live in and the ebike class.
But don’t worry, you can go faster by pedaling. Most people use e-bikes to support them up hills, traverse parks, and even get the adrenaline rush of going fast.
The Electric Bike class was created to categorize the motors, safety, and functionality of electric bikes. People use e-bikes for a variety of purposes, and it’s valuable to know which e-bike is best for everyone. It could be a morning trip to the grocery store, a daily route to work, or even a fun and exhilarating day of fast cycling with friends. You need the best electric bike for every purpose.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced electric biker, here’s all you need to know in order to enjoy an unforgettable ride and ultimately buy the right electric bike for you. You’ll know the regulations for each country, as well as the exact wattage your motor needs and details of all types.
let’s start……
Categories of Electric Bikes
In case you didn’t know, electric bikes fall into three categories. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, respectively. This system of classifying e-bikes has been adopted by several states and countries as a means of e-bike regulation.
Let’s take a look at each of these classes to understand the speed limit and most of its functionality:
Category 1: These e-bikes are the most passive of the bunch. In fact, they only help you pedal, not your gas pedal, when you ride. Once you start pedalling, a Class 1 e-bike will help you. They will stop helping when you hit 20 mph.
Category 2: They are known in the e-bike world as “low-speed throttle-assisted e-bikes”. These e-bikes have motors that fully propel the rider without pedaling. However, they are also limited to 20 mph. Still, you can reach higher speeds by pedaling with the motor off.
Level 3: These e-bikes are more aerodynamic and faster. They are often referred to as “accelerator pedal assist e-bikes” and provide assistance when the rider is pedalling. Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 32 mph and are usually equipped with a speedometer.
What about the law?
Regulations can spoil the fun and extreme parts of everything, but they are vital to keeping everyone intact and safe. In the US, at least, the Consumer Product Safety Act defines a “low-speed electric bicycle” as a vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 W or less, and a top speed of 20 mph.
So e-bikes with less than 750 watts of motor power and a top speed of 32 km/h are free and safe to ride anywhere you might ride a regular bike.
In Europe, the situation is different and safer compared to the US. In this sense, most European countries restrict their e-bikes from turning off the engine at speeds of up to 25 km/h. Although some countries like Denmark are starting to approve superbikes with speeds of up to 45 km/h.
Another important aspect is that the watt limit in Europe is 250 watts, which is much lower than the 750 watts specified in the US.
Now about speed
how much motor can help you
One of the most frequently asked questions when you buy or build a new e-bike is: Which e-bike power rating is best for me?
Especially when looking at specs, we always find watts, voltages and all sorts of confusing information. But, in reality, what does all this mean? Most people think that the higher the wattage, the faster their bike will be. However, this is far from the truth.
So, have you ever wondered how much the motor will help you during your ride? Well, we need to assess your weight and whether you will ride on a decent hill.
Not surprisingly, the heavier you are, the more power you need to accelerate both you and the e-bike. The same will happen to the hill you are trying to climb. If the hills are steeper and longer than normal then you will need a higher wattage.
Let’s take a 50kg woman who plans to climb a very unremarkable hill. Neither her weight nor her ride needs a ton of power under the hood. In fact, with just 250 watts, the same lady can satisfy all her needs.
As another example, a woman who weighs 70kg wants to ride steeper and longer hills on her electric bike. In this case, a 750-watt e-bike would do better for her!
battery capacity
alculating e-bike range
Most of the modern e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Watt-hours is one way for measuring the energy capacity of an e-bike. Therefore, we are going to use this method to find out what you need to expect from your new e-bike in terms of energy capacity.
Calculating watt-hours is really simple and quick. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert on math. We need to multiply the voltage by the amp hours of the battery pack. Let’s suppose it’s a 36-volt and 10-ah battery pack, (36×10=360).
The result above means you will get up to 18 miles with your 360 watt-hour pack.
Watt-hours will determine the range your electric bike will go, the cost of your new e-bike, and the weight. Really important aspects you need to think about when buying an e-bike because you will need to sacrifice weight for power in some instances.
Another example: a 500-watt motor, which burns through the same pack at full throttle in less than 40 minutes. Of course, the amount of power assisting you while pedaling will be at least twice comparing it with the 250 watts motor.
Pedaling efforts
Depending on your purchase, you will need different pedaling efforts.
Classes will only dictate whether your electric bike will assist you when throttling or/and pedaling. The power explained above is what would make you feel assisted.
Class 1 doesn’t provide assistance while throttling, which means you will need to pedal at first to get your e-bike working and assisting you while pedaling. This class offers a passive assist that will accelerate you once you have started to pedal, so it’s not ”completely automatic”.
Class 2 offers probably the most dynamic setup of them all, as it can adjust to most of the needs. These e-bikes do assist you when throttling and pedaling from start to end. So, if you are looking for a full-assistance e -bike, then you need to buy a class 2 or class 3 e-bikes.
Classes 3 are a little bit different. Yes, they provide you with assistance while throttling and pedaling. But these e-bikes may be a little fast and wild for some people. They are limited in their speed, but normally its power is higher than other classes.
Do you want to have full assistance while riding your electric bike? Classes 2 or 3 are your way to go.
Do you want to have semi-assistance and still work out while riding your e-bike? Class 1 is your way to go.
Type of terrain
E-bikes have taken the bike’s market by storm because they are flexible and you can find a specific model for your needs. Whether it is for commuting, leisure or even to assist your mountain bike sessions, you have an e-bike for everything you need.
Rough trails: Mountain Bikes
Like any traditional bike in the market, you can even find an e-bike adapted and designed for mountains (MTB e-bikes). The addition of a powerful motor on a high-performance mountain bike may give all enthusiasts the adrenaline, assistance, and speed they need.
E-bikes help you to attack trails harder and faster. Plus you can practice or get another lap without getting worn out quickly.
These e-bikes are available as hardtails (front suspension) or full suspension. Hardtails are better on lighter trails and more affordable. The full suspension offers more versatility and allows you to tackle the rougher ground with ease.
Leisure and commuting: any e-bike
Most people just want their e-bikes for commuting to work, or even taking a ride during weekends. Whether you want one for your daily commute to work, to avoid getting sweaty and worn out, or just riding on the weekend with your family, an e-bike will make your life easier and assist you in every single pedal.
You will be provided with power and assistance even in the longest and steeper hills, but just if you’ve chosen the right amount of watts for your weight. Remember, write down how much you weigh and get an electric bike that suits your weight and uses the most.
Related questions
How many charges can I get out of a battery? Most of the e-bikes you will find in the market are powered up by lithium-ion batteries. These are durable and reliable, supporting up to 500 charge cycles, after which the battery will hold up to 80% of the original charge.
One way to maximize your battery life is by simply combining both pedal power and electric power to reach at least 20,000 miles before changing your battery.
What is the distance traveled with a single charge? The answer will depend upon the use you are giving to your e-bike. Whether if you are pedaling all the time or using the throttle alone without pedaling.
If you are looking for a new way of commuting or want a healthier lifestyle, we are here to help you. Visit our website to learn more about electric bikes and electric scooter or please leave information to us.