How fast can an electric bike go? This is one of the common questions many e-bike enthusiasts have. In reality, the top speed of an e-bike will be determined by several factors, such as the class of the e-bike, how much you pedal, the size of the motor, the size of the battery, the level of assistance you use, and the weight of your weight and the weight of the cargo you carry. Also, it is impossible to pursue high speed of electric bicycle's, but also need to be within the legal range.
Because individual riding habits and loads are variable, leaving that aside, we'll focus on e-bike ratings, legislation, and the effect of motor power on e-bike speed.
E-bike classes
Electric bicycles are divided into the following three categories.
- Class 1 e-bike: pedal assist only up to 20 mph
A Class 1 e-bike is an e-bike that provides pedal assist only. It has no throttle and has a maximum speed of 20 mph. The assist stops when the bike reaches 20 mph. Pedal assist e-bikes have a drive system that only turns on when the rider starts pedaling.
- Class 2 e-bike: pedal assist and throttle up to 20 mph
The Class 2 e-bike also has a top speed of 20 mph. however, it has a throttle mode. Its throttle is a thumb button or a twist grip. The rider does not need to pedal and the bike will move forward. This is very similar to a motorcycle.
- Class 3 e-bike: pedal assist only up to 28 mph
Class 3 e-bikes are e-bikes that offer pedal assist only, which is similar to Class 1 e-bikes, but with a maximum speed of 28 mph. The assist stops when the bike reaches 28 mph. The extra speed allows the rider to cover a given distance in less time.
Power of the motor
The biggest difference of an electric bike compared to a regular bike is that it has the help of a motor. It can reach higher speeds than without pedal assistance. Therefore, the speed that can be achieved by an electric bike depends on the electric motor. A more powerful motor will produce higher speeds in similar conditions such as flat terrain.
A 250W motor can produce 20 mph.
A 500W motor can produce 25 mph.
A 750W motor can produce 28 mph.
A 1000W motor can produce 35 mph.
A 1500W motor can produce 40 mph.
E-bike legislation
In addition to "how fast can an e-bike go", there is also a need to look at "how fast is it allowed to go". These legal constraints are different globally.
The U.S. CPSC requires that low-speed electric bicycles or tricycles manufactured for commercial use must be equipped with pedals that can be pedaled, an electric motor with an output of no more than 750 watts, a speed of up to 20 mph, and an overall weight of no more than 50 kg. Compared to other countries, the U.S. regulations and restrictions for electric bicycle products are arguably the most lenient, although the definition and specifications for electric bicycles vary from state to state.
The latest EU standard on electric bicycles, EN15194 directive, stipulates that the maximum voltage of electric assisted bicycles is 48v (DC) and the maximum continuous rated power is 250w; when the speed reaches 25km/h, the output power must be gradually reduced and finally cut off.
Conclusion
The speed of an electric bike depends on how well it is configured by the manufacturer, how much you pedal and how much load you put on it, within the limits set by law. The important thing about the speed of e-bikes is not how fast they can go, but that they help the rider increase their speed within safe limits. Reaching higher speeds can be fun, but the higher the speed the greater the risk. From a safety standpoint, it makes sense to control speed. If you want to go faster, pedal harder!
