When you ride a traditional pedal-powered bike, your speed is directly correlated to the level of effort you put into each pedal stroke. In general, the more wattage (or power) you generate, the faster you’ll go.
The same rules apply when it comes to electric bike speed. How fast you can go on an eBike depends on the power of its electric motor, the terrain and riding it’s designed for, and what Class the bike falls under.
Whether you’re looking at purchasing your first eBike or just curious about how fast they go, the top speed of electric bikes is a common question that comes up.
Electric Bike Speed by Class
How fast an eBike can go depends on the size of its motor. In the United States, electric bikes are categorized into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. It is common to see eBikes categorized based on their speed and capability using this system of three classes. The difference between each class of electric bikes generally dictates how fast the eBike will go.
Class 1 eBike Speed
Class 1: Pedal-Assist Only Up to 20 mph
Class 1 electric bikes are the slowest of all the classes, with top speed assistance of 20 mph. Depending on the model, you can still pedal faster than 20 mph, but that’s that maximum speed based on the motor’s assistance ability.
Class 1 eBikes are also some of the most affordable, making them a great option for those who are just starting out in the world of eBikes. Just keep in mind that these eBikes have a motor that can only function once you push the pedal, so they’re not completely effortless like some models. Yet, another benefit with Class 1 eBikes is that you can enjoy longer mileage and can preserve battery power too.
Class 2 eBike Speed
Class 2: Pedal-Assist and Throttle Up to 20 mph
Class 2 eBikes are a slight level up from Class 1 in that they do not require pedaling and can be ridden effortlessly. Keep in mind this type of electric bicycle has top speed assistance of 20 mph, but that doesn’t mean you can pedal fast without motor assistance.
However, unlike Class 1, these eBikes have a drive system activated by a throttle. That simply means you’ll have both pedal power and electric assist throughout the ride.
Class 2 eBike Speed
Class 3: Pedal-Assist Only Up to 28 mph
Most eBikes under this classification have 750W motors. No doubt that the eBikes are the fastest of all the classes, with a top-speed electric assist of 28 mph.
This makes Class 3 electric bikes a great option for those who want to travel at high speeds or cover longer distances. The main advantage of class three electric bikes for adults is that they are very fast and perfect for long-distance travel.
Keep in mind that the Bureau of Land Management and most local trail networks will use these three eBike classes to regulate what’s allowed on the trails or roadways. Some Class 3 bikes may not be allowed, depending on the trail. Also, be sure to check your state’s resources on electric bikes for class and regulations.
Other Factors Affecting Top eBike Speed
Apart from the eBike’s classification, there are several other factors that will also influence an eBike’s top speed. Some of these factors, which are often associated with the bike’s class, include:
Motor Power
A higher motor power on eBikes provides a greater torque to let you reach and maintain higher speeds. This comes in handy when you’re riding on hilly terrain that requires more motor assistance to scale the slope.
Magicycle 750W high-power motor provides a speed of up to 28 mph. It gives you the power you want and the reliability you demand. The power also lets you take on even the steepest hills with ease, plus you’ll enjoy the quick acceleration when you need it.
Battery Capacity
One of the most important parts of an electric bike is its battery. It determines the power, range, and speed of your bike. If you want more power, range, speed, and higher efficiency, choose eBikes with a higher battery capacity.
Most eBikes only have a 36 or 48 Volt battery. But our eBikes offer you a 52-volt battery capacity. Every Magicycle is equipped with one of the most powerful batteries available. And you will enjoy exceptional power, range, reliability, and a long lifespan.
Pedaling Efforts
The pedal-assist system works by taking power from the motor to boost your speed and take some of the strain off your body as you ride. With Pedaling efforts, you can even reach your maximum speed, but only if you’re riding on the appropriate road within the speed limit.
Magicycle eBikes would provide you with a 7-level of pedal assist. We allow you to customize each of the 7 levels to perfectly suit your abilities and protect your safety. The higher the level, the greater the power and the faster the speed.
Type of Terrain
The nature of the terrain you’re riding the eBike on will also affect the level of top speeds you’re able to reach. Obviously, you will go much faster on flat and smooth tarmac roads than on rough backcountry roads. That’s why it’s so important to choose high-quality tires for your eBike.
When it comes to electric mountain bikes and fat tire electric bikes that ride rugged terrain, Specialized is a good example of a leading brand that uses all-weather, punction-resistant tires to conquer all types of terrain — sand, snow, gravel, prairie, etc.
How to Make eBikes Go Faster?
If you feel that you are not satisfied with the speed of your eBike, there are a lot of things you can do to make it go faster. You can adjust electrical configurations and do some other things to help increase its speed.
The first, and easiest, thing you can do is to adjust the level of pedal assist. Most eBikes will have an LCD display that will display the pedal assist level you are currently on, and they will have “+” and “-” buttons that you can press to adjust through various levels. The higher the pedal assist, the higher the motor will allocate power to your ride.
Another simple adjustment you can do to is to always make sure that your battery stays charged up. A full eBike battery will always go faster than an eBike with a battery running low. When its battery level is low, the eBike won’t deliver as much power and as consistently.
Your Ideal eBike’s Speed Depends on Your Needs
We’ve explained the differences between electric bikes for adults when it comes to speed, class, and more. The answer for which eBike’s speed is best for you depends on your needs. The most important thing to consider is how you will use it.
The better question regarding the speed capabilities of an electric bike is not how high a speed they can reach but how much they can assist you with their speed. Reaching higher speeds can be super fun, but with higher speeds do come higher risks.