Key Takeaways:
- The fastest electric bike can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour.
- Electric bikes typically max out at around 20 to 28 miles per hour.
- These maximum speeds are primarily not a fault of motor design, rather a purposeful decision by bike manufacturers to comply with rules and regulations.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, can be a fantastic way to travel around town or in an offroading capacity. Before making an initial purchase, consumers often wonder just how fast these top electric bicycles can go.
What is the Max Speed of an Electric Bike?
The maximum speed of an e-bike can vary wildly, though the fastest electric bike in the world is the PG Bikes BlackTrail. This commercially available bike can hit speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
What Determines the Maximum Speed of Electric Bikes?
In general, the average speed of an electric bike can range from 10 mph to 25 mph, with some models ascending beyond that average. There are a number of factors that determine a bicycle’s maximum speed.
Built-in Motors and Pedal Assist
The maximum speed of an electric bike is primarily determined via its integrated motor and related components. The notions of pedal assistance and throttle also play a role in designating the velocity. These motors generally break down into three classes, each with its own max speed.
- Class 1 – These bikes are pedal-assist only and feature a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 – The maximum speed of class 2 bikes is also 20 miles per hour, but the motor mechanism features throttle assistance instead of a pedal-assist feature.
- Class 3 – These bikes are pedal-assist only, but the motors can handle maximum speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.
- No designated class – Manufacturers do build bikes that can reach speeds above 28 miles per hour, but they may be illegal to ride in your area.
Regional Limitations
Each country, state, town, and municipality boast their own rules and regulations regarding electric bike usage. As a matter of fact, many bikes sold in the United States feature motors that can reach speeds higher than 20 or 28 mph, but they contain a mechanism that limits high speeds so as to comply with these local regulations. These mechanisms can be disabled, but this process can be dangerous and will void any warranty and insurance plans you have in place.
In 17 states, an eBike is considered a moped or some other type of motor-driven cycle under pre-existing laws, and moped rules apply. Before you purchase one of these bikes for personal transportation, be sure to look up the laws in your state.
Tip: As a matter of fact, many bikes sold in the United States feature motors that can reach speeds higher than 20 or 28 mph, but they contain a mechanism that limits high speeds so as to comply with these local regulations
Tip: In 17 states, an eBike is considered a moped or some other type of motor-driven cycle under pre-existing laws, and moped rules apply
STAT:
Most e-bike batteries sold in North America are lithium-ion, which will provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. (Source)
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Electric_bikes_in_education
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146515002768
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214367X20300041
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v_2LuhRQgQ
