How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go
A practical step-by-step guide to how fast do electric bikes go, including preparation, instructions, common issues, tips, and next steps.
How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go
This guide explains how to approach how fast do electric bikes go, including the preparation, practical steps, common mistakes, and final checks that help you finish with confidence.
Before You Start
Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Reference
Common Problems When Determining How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go
"My e-bike feels slow, even on higher assist levels."
This is a common feeling, especially for new e-bike riders. First, remember the legal limit of 15.5 mph (25 km/h) for motor assistance in Great Britain. If you're hitting this speed, the motor is doing its job, and any feeling of slowing down is because the assistance has stopped. Your own pedalling effort then becomes the sole driver of additional speed.
"My battery drains too fast when I'm trying to go fast."
This is expected behaviour. The faster you want to go (and the less effort you want to put in), the more the motor has to work, and the more power it consumes from the battery.
"The motor isn't assisting me at all."
If you're getting no assist, it's certainly a problem impacting how fast your electric bike can go with help.
Advanced Tips for Optimising Your E-bike Speed
While the legal speed limit for motor assistance is fixed, there are ways to ride your e-bike more efficiently and potentially achieve higher *overall* speeds through better technique and maintenance.
How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about e-bike speeds in Great Britain.
Q: Can I legally modify my e-bike to go faster than 15.5 mph with motor assistance?
A: No, in Great Britain, modifying an EAPC to provide motor assistance above 15.5 mph (25 km/h) makes it illegal for use on public roads. It would then be classified as a moped or motorbike, requiring specific licensing, insurance, and registration, which your e-bike is not designed for.
Q: Does a higher motor wattage mean a faster e-bike?
A: Not in terms of top motor-assisted speed in GB. Legal EAPCs are capped at 250W continuous power and 15.5 mph assistance. A 250W motor will affect how quickly and easily you reach that 15.5 mph limit, especially on hills or when accelerating, but it won't push you beyond the legal speed. Outside of regulated markets, higher wattage motors do allow for higher assisted speeds, but they are not street legal as EAPCs in the UK.
Q: How much faster can I go by pedalling alone once the motor assistance cuts out?
A: As fast as your legs can carry you! Once you hit 15.5 mph, the motor stops assisting. From that point, your speed is entirely dependent on your pedalling power, gear choice, terrain, and aerodynamics, just like riding a regular bicycle. Many fit riders can easily sustain speeds of 20 mph or more on flat ground with an e-bike, even without motor assistance.
Q: Are there different speed limits for different types of e-bikes in Great Britain?
A: No, for an e-bike to be legally classified as an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) in Great Britain, it must adhere to the 15.5 mph (25 km/h) motor assistance limit and 250W continuous power output. There are no different "classes" of e-bikes with varying legal speed limits on public roads in the UK, unlike in some other countries.
Q: Does the weight of the e-bike affect its speed?
A: Yes, generally speaking, a heavier e-bike will require more power from the motor (and more effort from you) to accelerate and maintain speed, especially on inclines. While it might still reach the 15.5 mph limit, it could take longer to get there and drain the battery faster compared to a lighter model.
Final Checklist for How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go
Before you head out, make sure you've considered these points to safely and effectively manage your e-bike's speed:
By understanding these factors, you can enjoy your e-bike to its fullest, moving efficiently and legally on every journey.
