Electric bikes are more sustainable transportation, but are they faster than regular bikes?
As a potential buyer of an e-bike, one of your key questions might be: how fast can an electric bike go? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of motor and battery used in your electric bike.
Let’s dive into more detail below and answer all your questions.
Depending On Motor
Most e-bikes have either 500 to 750-watt hub motors or mid-drive motors, these motors provide enough power for you to reach speeds of up to 28 mph – depending on the terrain, your weight and the type of motor you have.
Generally, the motor sizes of electric bikes range from 250w to 1000w. 750w fat tire e-bike like SOLETAN M-66X Cruiser Bike from Addmotors is a popular option in the market, which is enough for you to drive faster than average. More powerful 1000-watt motors are for electric bikes that have high uphill performance and allow riders to drive in rough mountainous terrains.
The general rule you should remember is that the more powerful the motor, the faster is ebike.
Depending on Battery
The battery capacity affects the speed of the bike too. With a 48V 12Ah or larger capacity battery, you can get more power from your motor and thus higher speeds. Additionally, pedaling increases the speed of an electric bike since it adds extra force to its drive system.
The rule here is the same as for motors; the higher the voltage of the battery, the faster electric bikes go. That’s because more powerful batteries can provide more power to the motor, propelling the bike faster.
Most electric bikes from Addmotors have a 48V * 20Ah battery, which are usually considered more than enough for the riders.
What Is the Accepted Speed for Electric Bikes?
Most states in the USA classify electric bikes into the same three categories, all of which have a top throttle speed of 20mph. This speed is selected as it’s the most comfortable for average ebikers and a safe option for everyone around. 20mph is the speed that regular bikes can easily achieve and electric bikes can reach even faster.
The three key categories of electric bikes include pedal assist only and two different types of pedal assist and throttle options. Here are the top speeds for each of the categories:
Class 1: Pedal assist only – maximum speed of 20mph
Class 2: Pedal assist and throttle options – maximum speed of 20mph
Class 3: Pedal assist and throttle options – maximum speed of 28mph for pedal assist and 20mph for throttle
Why Is The Maximum Speed Set at 28mph?
To give riders the opportunity to drive safely, manufacturers adjust the speed of electric bikes to comply with state regulations. The 28mph is set as it’s close enough to match speeds a regular bike can achieve, and also makes commuting faster for ebikers.
This speed is also considered safe for public roads since, at this rate, most people can react quickly to any hazards that could appear ahead.
Do You Necessarily Need a High-Speed eBike to Enjoy the Ride?
Well, while it’s true that higher-speed electric bikes can help you to get from point A to point B quicker, it doesn’t mean that you have to opt for a high-speed ebike if you don’t want to. Regular ebikes with a lower maximum speed are just as fun and enjoyable to ride – they just require a little extra effort when it comes to pedaling.
The important thing is to find the right balance between speed and range for you. Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, so think about what use case you need your bike for before making a decision.
In Conclusion
To sum up, electric bikes are not only eco-friendly transportation but also a fast and efficient way of commuting. The speed of an ebike mainly depends on the motor size and battery, but you can also consider some other factors like terrain, wind speed, and pedaling effort.
It’s also important to remember that most states in the USA set the maximum speed for electric bikes at 28mph – so make sure you know your local regulations before purchasing an ebike. Happy riding!
