How Fast Can Your Ebike Go?

Electric bicycles are becoming more and more popular all over the world. There are good reasons for such popularity. The pedaling assistance provided by an electric bike expands cycling to a wider audience. Practically anyone can enjoy long rides with this type of vehicle. One doesn’t have to be necessarily fit to explore the countryside on two wheels. Also, this is an effective and healthy commuting alternative in cities where traffic jams are the norm.

But, how fast is an electric bike? Many people interested in purchasing their first e-bike often ask this question. Also, many wonder whether the speed e-bikes reach is within safe and legal limits. The answers to these questions are not so straightforward. Electric bicycles are permitted to reach up to 20 mph (32 km/h) in the US, whereas it is 15.5 mph (25 km/h) in Europe. The local legislation in each region imposes these limits. But some of these vehicles can go faster depending on the type of motor they use.

Thus, in this article, we discuss the speed topic in more detail. We will discuss some technical aspects that determine it. As an electric bike owner, you have to always be informed about the local legislation that regulates the use of such vehicles. Complying with the legal speed limits will make your rides safer and more enjoyable.

The Impact of Motor Power on Speed

When you ride an e-bike, you count on the assistance of a motor. As such, one can expect that the speed you can achieve is higher than pedaling without any assistance. On average, cyclists can reach between 7.5 and 9.5 mph (12-15 km/h) using solely the power of their legs. Thus, an electric bike can easily double that speed.

The speed of an e-bike depends on the electric motor. In similar conditions like flat terrain, a more powerful motor will yield higher speed. However, the relation between electric power and speed is not linear. Let’s take a look at the following approximate speed values on flat terrain:

• A 250 W motor yields 20 mph;
• A 500 W motor yields 25 mph;
• A 750 W motor yields 28 mph;
• A 1000 W motor yields 35 mph;
• A 1500 W motor yields 40 mph.

250-W-power motors are the most powerful motors that can be mounted on electric bicycles are 250 W. This ensures that the speed on flat terrain doesn’t exceed the legal limit. However, not all e-bikes can reach the speed limit.

The Classification of e-Bikes

For the sake of regulation, electric bicycles have been put into three different classes. However, this classification hasn’t been adopted in all of the US. In some states, e-bikes are treated as conventional bicycles. No license or age limit is required to ride one. Whereas some regulations apply to e-bikes like to other motor vehicles.

Class 1: Pedal-Assist Only Up to 20 mph

These vehicles are a pedal-assist only. The e-bike will assist you throughout your ride. When you reach 20 mph, the assistance ceases.

Class 2: Pedal-Assist and Throttle Up to 20 mph

This type of electric bicycle has a top speed of 20 mph also. However, they include a throttle mode. The most common throttles are of the twist type or a thumb throttle on the handlebars. When the cyclist activates the throttle, the e-bike is propelled without the need for pedaling. This is quite similar to riding a motorcycle. Despite the throttle, a class 2 vehicle is not the fastest electric bike that you can buy.

Class 3: Pedal-Assist Only Up to 28 mph

These vehicles function like class 1 e-bikes but are capable of reaching a top speed of 28 mph. The additional speed allows the rider to cover a given distance in a shorter time. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to ride at the maximum speed. However, it is good to have the technical capability to ride faster when you need it.

Race Track Mode: Unlimited Speed

If you are a fan of high speed, you can ride a fast electric bike without any speed limits on a race track. You can also push the speed limit of your electric bicycle on private property. Electric bicycles with a race track mode can provide pedal assist above the speed limit of 28 mph. Other e-bikes such as the Delfast Top 3.0, allows for the use of throttle to reach the maximum speed provided by the electric motor.

Forbes has recognized the Top 3.0 as the fastest electric bike in the world. With a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h), the Top 3.0 is significantly much faster than any of its competitors. This is the result of using a 3000 W electric motor, powered by a high-end battery.

Delfast Top 3.0 can be used as an off-road and commuting vehicle. You can easily control the speed of this electric bike to comply with the legal speed limits in Europe and America. Besides a race track mode, the Top 3.0 also has a pedal-assist mode for lower speed.

Should You Opt for Low or High Speed?

For leisure, you will probably enjoy riding at a low speed. Take your e-bike to explore and discover paths you haven’t seen before. You can have a great time pedaling at your own pace. However, you may need to ride faster in other situations. For example, if you ride your e-bike to work and you are already late, going at top speed is a big plus.

But if you are a speed enthusiast, then you should get a superfast e-bike. Bear in mind, however, that you probably won’t be able to ride it at top speed on the roads and streets of your city. This is why a highly versatile vehicle such as the Delfast Top 3.0 is your best option. With such an electric bicycle, you have a wide span of speed alternatives at your disposal. Whether you want it for leisure cycling, commuting, or to feel the adrenaline of race-track riding, the Delfast Top 3.0 will deliver the right speed.