If you’re shopping for the fastest electric bike, then you’re focused on a powerful motor, combined with a frame and tires that don’t inhibit your ride. While top speeds will be relative and dependent upon legislation in your state or municipality, it’s possible to find an electric bike that can quickly zip around town or even through challenging terrain.
Of course, another factor is having a quality battery pack that can provide a consistent power supply to your motor. And you’ll also want to consider whether you want a pedal-assist versus throttle motor — assuming there aren’t any restrictions against them in your state. Keep reading our buying guide for the best electric bikes to learn more.
Fastest Electric Bike
#1 Ancheer AM001907 Electric Bike
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This e-bike features a sturdy build for riding in rural settings and cities. The material also resists wear due to weather elements. Heavy-duty tires make it ideal for getting to work fast, regardless of the terrain difficulty.
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- Remarkably easy to assemble
- Pedal assist feature
- Heavy-duty carbon steel material
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- Sub-par battery life
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Featuring impact-resistant carbon steel construction, the Ancheer 26” electric bike is a practical solution for commuting adults looking for a swift form of transportation. With a 21-speed gear, it’s simple to get from point A to point B without wasting time. The LED headlamp on front of this bike allows for convenient riding at night, while the load capacity of this electric bicycle is 265 lbs.
The Ancheer bike is also easy to charge, so that you can reach your destination promptly. Its 250W brushless gear motor delivers a speed of up to 15 mph. You can switch from pedal-assist to electric bike mode by pressing the appropriate key. The efficient brake system also provides safety as you’re darting down steep hills.
#2 Vivi M026TGB Electric Bike
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: An aerodynamic off-road bike that’s lightweight, high-quality, and easy to maneuver on different trails. It’s a suitable option for commuting to work or exercising due to its versatile and compact body design.
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- Amazingly versatile, multi-purpose bike
- Simple to carry
- E-bike, pedal-assist, and bicycle mode
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- Long recharge time
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With an intuitive folding design, the Vivi mountain bike doesn’t take up much space in your storage room or garage. The handlebars and seats are also easy to adjust to your liking, ensuring a comfortable ride. With a 21-speed gear design, bikers can navigate uphill or downhill seamlessly. Since this bike has a premium shock absorber, difficult trails become easier to handle. And for safety, there’s an integrated front and rear disc-brake.
The aluminum alloy build of this bike makes it a fitting choice for active bikers who are used to difficult terrain. As it includes a 350W motor, the Vivi folding bike on pedal-assist offers a range of up to 50 miles, and the e-bike mode gives you up to 25 miles after a 4-6-hour charge. It has a load capacity of 330 lbs.
#3 Jetson JBOLT-BLK` Electric Bike
Award: BEST FOR CARRYING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This e-bike allows workers to get to work quickly and easily. It’s convenient for quick trips around the city due to the space-saving design, and it has a quiet and reliable hub motor.
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- Exceptionally easy to handle
- Heavy-duty frame
- Provides optimal mileage
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- Average quality materials
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The Jetson electric bike has a folding design and a convenient carrying handle, making it very portable. On a single charge, you can ride this bike for up to 15 miles. It has a maximum speed of 15 mph, so you can reach your destination promptly. The 250W motor is also very quiet. Made with an aluminum alloy material, the JBOLT bike will stand up to weather damage for long-term use. This e-bike also comes with 12” wheels and weighs 34 lbs.
This lightweight vehicle features LED lights on front and back to ensure a safe ride at night, while the adjustable seat provides comfort while riding down hills and trails. It also has a twist throttle acceleration feature. Since the Jetson bike has foldable handlebars, it’s very easy to store, thanks to the space-saving design. It supports a weight of up to 250 lbs.
#4 Swagtron EB-6 Electric Bike
Award: BEST FOR OFF-ROAD
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s an e-bike designed for efficient maneuvering under various weather conditions like heavy rain. The hybrid feature gives you an option of pedal, throttle, or both to navigate on difficult terrain.
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- Robust fat-tires are perfect for off-road
- Dual suspension
- Hybrid design for multiple uses
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- So-so battery life
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Rear air-filled 20” tires make this Swagtron bike the perfect vehicle on rugged surfaces. The distinct profile of these tires gives you nice grip and traction to decrease the chances of you falling. Since EB-6 is a hybrid model that lets you choose between pedaling, or using the power assist mode. This 350W hub motor gives you a speed of up to 18.6 mph. After each recharge, which takes less than 5 hours, users can expect a mileage of 20 miles.
With an aluminum alloy body and compact size, this bike is an excellent gift for teens and sports enthusiasts. Removable cables on the body are simple to disconnect to ensure timely maintenance as well. It parks easily, thanks to the kickstand lock keeping it in an upright position. The assembly of the EB-6 bike is also straightforward, so you can start riding in no time and it comes with a manual to ease the setup process.
#5 Heybike Cityscape Electric Bike
Award: BEST FOR COMMUTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This elegant e-bike can accommodate busy lifestyles, enabling comfortable commuting to work. And it doesn’t require much effort to set up and get on the road. The rear rack is ideal for storing items.
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- Extremely practical for commuting
- Comes pre-assembled
- Three working modes
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- Sub-standard customer service
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This Heybike Cityscape e-bike boasts a 350W brushless rear-drive motor, giving you a speed of up to 19 mph. Each recharge gives you a mileage of 40 miles, using the 36V battery. Puncture-resistant tires make this bike excellent for the road, tackling various bumps and small particles on the ground. Three working modes allow convenient switching between throttle and assist pedal functions.
It’s very easy to get on this bike because of the step-thru design. Other features include an integrated rear rack, bikers can store personal items in, dual-disc brakes and the bright lumen beam and LED circle create optimal visibility at night. Conquering steep hills with this bike is also practical due to the Shimano 7-speed gear system.
#6 Sailnovo Y1-14 Electric Bike
Award: BEST BODY DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: An e-vehicle that delivers safety, reliable motor power and comfort every time you hop on it. It’s suitable for riding on the road, daytime or at night. The brake and gear shift system makes riding on various surfaces safer.
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- Exceptionally simple to set up
- Bright LED headlights
- High-comfort riding saddle
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- Not suitable for steep hills
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With the Sailnovo electric bike, you can expect to reach 18.6 mph when in electric mode. This hybrid model can switch from standard bicycle to pedal-assisted or fully electric bike modes. The folding body enables you to save space and store it in the trunk of a car, while the 14” tires are air-filled to improve riding on various road surfaces.
Equipped with a horn and a LED light setup, the Cityscape e-bike is superb for riding at night time. Each charging of this electric vehicle offers a 37-mile max range, thanks to the 36V lithium battery. Braking systems on the front and rear assure a safe ride as well. Even a long ride is comfortable on this bike due to the centralized sponge saddle, which is height-adjustable.
Beginner’s Guide to the Fastest Electric Bikes
What is a Fast Electric Bike?
First, let’s begin by saying that fast is relative. What’s considered fast to one rider might be moderate or slow to another. Additionally, in the United States, most states have legislation that categorizes electric bikes into specific classes depending on the type of assist mode on the electric motor an electric bicycle has and the maximum speed output.
In the U.S., the maximum speed an electric bike can achieve on public streets or bike paths is 28 miles per hour. However, there are three e-bike classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 1 is for pedal-assist bikes with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. These bikes can be ridden on the street or bike trails and paths.
Class 2 covers throttle e-bikes that achieve a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Additionally, Class 2 bikes can also be driven either on the street or bike paths and trails. A class 3 e-bike has pedal-assist motors but can reach top speeds of 28 miles per hour. Note, though, that these bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths.
Based on the criteria above, if you’re focused on the fastest option, you’ll want to prioritize Class 3 bikes. But because any electric bike can feature a pedal-assist motor powerful enough to reach 28 miles per hour, there’s no specific e-bike style that’s dedicated as “the fastest e-bike.”
Technically, you can find throttle and pedal-assist motor e-bikes that exceed the Class 3 speed cap. However, those speeds aren’t street legal, and you can only ride them on race tracks or private property. Usually, these bikes will feature a speed limiter that can be activated to prevent the bike from exceeding the legal cap for its class when you’re riding on the street.
Fast Electric Bikes vs. Other Electric Bikes
The biggest difference between a fast e-bike and other electric bikes is going to be the assistive motor power and the speed. While throttle motors can be fast, these types of bikes are limited to Class 2 and a maximum of 20 miles per hour. In contrast, pedal-assist motors — depending on the class — can reach top speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour for Class 2 and Class 3, respectively.
Aside from the assistive motor and speed output, fast electric bikes are relatively similar to slower e-bikes. You can find speedy bikes across all seven major categories for e-bikes: folding, commuting, racing, mountain, cruiser, fat tire, and comfort.
Unlike regular bikes, where faster models are lighter, faster e-bikes may be heavier. This is because a stronger motor and a powerful removable battery pack can propel you farther — especially up inclines. Additionally, these bikes might offer better maneuverability when compared with lighter or slower bikes.
How Fast Electric Bikes Work
We can’t stress enough that fast is a relative concept and depends upon your riding goals and e-bike experience level. Even though e-bikes with throttle assist motors are capped at 20 miles per hour, some people may find them too fast because of how the power is applied.
However, for this buying guide, we’re strictly focusing on e-bikes with pedal-assist motors as these models are the only ones legally approved as Class 3 electric bicycles to achieve the highest speeds. Also, remember that while we’re discussing Class 3 e-bikes, these may not be legal in your local jurisdiction. So, it’s always best to start your e-bike shopping trip by first checking the e-bike laws in your state and municipality. Note that municipal regulations will always supersede state laws.
Pedal-assist motors are designed to be responsive based on the rider’s pedaling. The motor provides regulated levels of pedal assist support based on your current pedaling speed. However, you need to continue pedaling for the motor to provide support.
Pedal-assist motors are safer because your speed slowly increases and you’re better able to maintain control. They use either torque sensors or cadence sensors to trigger the motor. Experts usually agree that torque sensors are better because they intuitively adjust the motor to match your pedal strokes.
Cadence sensors, on the other hand, don’t automatically adjust output to match your pedaling. Instead, whether you pedal hard or not, the motor releases the same level of power.
Why You Should Buy A Fast Electric Bike
Whether you want to quickly get from point A to B, or you want to minimize your efforts while you’re riding, there are quite a few reasons why you might want high-speed electric bikes. Everything from long commutes to tackling more challenging terrain can prove that a speedy e-bike is an essential form of transportation. One of the best options to consider is the front drive motor electric bike.
Are Fast Electric Bikes Worth Buying?
- You Like to Ride Fast: One of the most obvious reasons for picking a fast e-bike is because you have the need for speed. With maximum outputs of 28 miles per hour, you can easily get around town or tackle bike trails.
- You Want Better Maneuverability: An unexpected side effect of a fast e-bike is that they often tend to be heavier because of the stronger motor and battery pack. But an upside is that they offer enhanced maneuverability which is a plus if you like to travel more advanced paths.
- You’re a Commuter: Even if you have a short commute, that doesn’t mean that you want to be stuck in the slow lane. A fast bike can shave minutes off of your trip — saving you time.
Why a Fast Electric Bike May Not Be for You
- Local Laws Forbid It: Even if you want the world’s fastest e-bike, that doesn’t mean that it’s legal in your state or jurisdiction. We can’t stress enough to always start your search by confirming what e-bike motors and speeds are approved where you live.
- You Don’t Want a Bike That’s Too Powerful: Along the same lines, maybe you’re a beginner e-bike rider. Or, maybe you’re concerned about having a bike that you can’t control at faster speeds. Whichever the reason, you might be better served with a slower bike.
- You Don’t Ride: If you don’t ride, then you don’t need the fastest e-bike. You might not even need an e-bike at all.
How Long Will Fast Electric Bikes Last?
Much like traditional bikes, electric bike frames can last for years if you treat them right. To do that, you need to do routine maintenance, such as checking the motor, brakes, and tires periodically. Additionally, you shouldn’t treat your bike like junk by riding it in risky ways, exposing the motor or battery to water, or purposely damaging the frame.
However, what will dictate how much you can ride are the lithium-ion battery pack and the motor. You can find e-bike batteries in a variety of ranges. And in some cases, you can modify a traditional unpowered bike and upgrade it to an e-bike by purchasing and installing an e-bike conversion kit. And this is one product where quality and longevity go hand in hand.
Factory model e-bikes from reputable brands and vendors will feature quality motors and battery packs. In this case, you can usually expect to get three to five years of use out of both the battery pack and the motor. After this, you may find that the battery doesn’t maintain a charge as well or that the motor isn’t as efficient.
When it’s time to replace your battery pack, don’t be cheap. Lithium-ion is a volatile substance. When you buy battery packs from questionable brands or vendors, manufacturing protocols outlined by United Laboratories (UL) may not always be followed. Cheap and inferior lithium-ion batteries are more prone to malfunction. This includes everything from catching fire and exploding in many cases to more extreme scenarios that result in injury or death.
How to Choose the Best Fast Electric Bikes
Because fast e-bikes are available across all of the various models, you have a lot of criteria to consider before narrowing down your selections. Also, think about your riding style, your comfort level with faster riding, and where you plan to ride your e-bike.
Fast Electric Bike Key Factors to Consider
1. What are the local regulations?
Don’t get your heart set on an e-bike before confirming that it’s approved for use in your state or city. Remember, municipal regulations will always supersede state legislation for e-bike use. Also, the fastest speeds are restricted to Class 3 bikes which reach 28 miles per hour.
2. What kind of e-bike do you want?
There are seven major electric bike types: folding, commuting, racing, mountain, cruiser, fat tire, and comfort. Folding and racing bikes are usually lighter, with folding being a great choice for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited space. Mountain, fat tire, and commuting bikes tend to have larger tires with better suspension and are designed for long-distance rides. Cruiser and comfort bikes are also heavier but are focused more on providing a comfortable ride.
3. What kind of motor do you prefer?
Remember, only pedal-assist motors are approved as Class 3 e-bikes. Still, if you prefer a throttle motor, you can reach street-legal top speeds of 20 miles per hour. Pedal-assist is better for people who prefer a controlled speed increase and don’t mind pedaling even when the motor is activated. Throttle motors are best for people who want to ride without pedaling.
4. Do you want to modify a traditional bike?
It’s possible to upgrade your traditional bike to an e-bike by using a conversion kit that comes with the battery, motor, and wheel kit. While this requires being handy with tools, this can be a cheaper workaround for people that want an e-bike but can’t afford it or don’t want to pay for factory models.
5. Where will you ride your bike?
Not all e-bikes are created equal. Some are designed to be all-terrain, while others are best on smooth pavement. Think about where you’re going to ride and also consider whether you’re going to ride up steep inclines. If so, you’ll want a motor with more power to help propel you with less legwork on your part.
6. Will you ride long distances?
If you want to ride longer on a single charge or only take long rides, opting for an e-bike with an extended-range battery is a good call. Also, note that you can always upgrade the battery pack with an after-market model if the bike you have your heart set on doesn’t offer an extended range.
