How fast do electric bikes go? The truth about e-bikes’ speed

The electric bike, whose use continues to grow, is a gentle means of transport. It is practical for avoiding traffic jams and the constraints of public transport and allows you to combine business with pleasure; a little exercise without having to make a significant effort is always good.

On the other hand, less emphasis is placed on the speed that can be achieved with such a machine. Speed is not a neutral factor since it allows you to evaluate the time that it will take in the context of a trip.

If you use an electric mountain bike, you will be primarily engaged in a leisure activity with a quest for sensations, and, again, speed plays a role. Finally, who says speed says caution should be taken to avoid accidents?

However, one key element when purchasing an electric bike is speed: “How fast do electric bikes go in the UK?”

How fast do electric bikes go in the UK?

The average speed of city cyclists using simple muscle-powered bicycles reaches 15-20 km/h (9 to 12 mph). In comparison, e-bikes with pedal-assisted bicycles have a factory block at a maximum speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) and e-scooters at 20 km/h (12 mph).

Therefore, they are all suitable means and naturally compliant with the speed legislation, obviously on condition that they respect the rules of the code and other road users.

When they seem to “speed over the limit”, it may be because they are new vehicles that we are not used to on the road, but in reality, they are lighter and slower than cars and motorbikes.

Of course, these vehicles must also respect all traffic rules, not endanger pedestrians, children, older people, or people with disabilities, and moderate their speed when required by the driving regulations. The Local Police have the mandate to ascertain the violations of all road users.

Electric bike average speed km/h

The maximum speed of an e-bike is 25 km/h (15.5 mph) as per the road regulations. After reaching this speed limit, the assisted pedalling is automatically turned off, and you can continue to ride at higher speeds using your own muscle power.

However, some bikes offer more powerful batteries and motors, which allow riders to reach higher speeds once the e-bike is set up to do so.

Speed Increase Modifications

E-bike enthusiasts commonly modify their vehicles to increase their speed. This process includes motor upgrades, controller setting modifications, and battery capacity increases.

However, modifications may void warranties and may lead to legal and safety issues.

Electric bikes: how fast do they go?

Here is an overview of the top speed that e-bikes can reach when received with factory settings on:

Once fully unlocked, the full and top speed of electric bikes can go higher and reach high top speeds.

How fast do electric bikes go downhill?

On mountain descents, the best riders can exceed 600 mph (100 km/h) in certain conditions (straight, steep roads), but what is most impressive is their speed when cornering, which is unmeasured and only possible because ‘the roads are protected’, so don't try this at home!

How fast do electric mountain bikes go?

UK and European laws establish a maximum speed of 25 km/h for electric bicycles (e-bikes). Speed bikes allow users to surpass this limit, enabling them to reach speeds of 45 km/h.

How much faster is an e-bike really?

The speed capabilities of electric bikes surpass those of pedal-assist bikes and traditional bicycles. The motor allows the bike to reach speeds between 25 and 45 km/h (15.5 to 28 mph) while requiring minimal physical effort.

A pedal-assist bike (pedelec) requires continuous pedalling for motor activation at speeds below 25 km/h (15.5 mph).

The electric bike travels faster than a standard bicycle yet slower than a high-powered electric bike. A traditional bicycle requires riders to use their physical strength to reach its top speed, which ranges from 15 to 20 km/h (9 to 12.5 mph).

The electric bike offers the quickest mode of transportation for urban areas and extended distances, while the pedal-assist bike ranks second, and the classic bicycle remains the slowest.

The table below shows you the theoretical journey times if you maintain a constant speed of 25 or 45 km/hour.

How Far Can Electric Bikes Go?

The range of an electric bike with pedal assistance is good: it is approximately between 70 and 100 kilometres using a 500-watt-hour battery, which is reduced to between 50 and 80 kilometres if the battery has a capacity of 250 watt hours.

The autonomy of an electric bike depends on:

• the weight of the bike, the weight of the cyclist and the equipment you will be carrying (panniers, baby carrier, etc.).

• the type of route you will be taking, if there is a difference in altitude the battery will discharge more quickly. If the terrain is uneven as well.

• the weather conditions: wind (with a headwind you put more strain on the battery and consume more energy), rain, temperatures (if it is too hot or too cold the battery will lose autonomy).

• the condition of your bike: tyre pressure, the condition of the transmission. Indeed, inflated tyres and a regularly cleaned chain are elements that will contribute to ensuring better battery autonomy.

• your way of pedalling: pedalling cadence, frequency of starts and stops, more or less excessive braking, etc.

• the type of assistance selected

• the electronic devices connected to the bike (lamp, GPS, etc.)

What’s the fastest electric bike?

The fastest bike on the market can reach a top speed of 100 km/h (60 mph), but you will have to spend over 7000 pounds to get an e-bike closer to a motocross bike than an e-bike.

If you are looking for the best value dielectric bikes at a reasonable speed and great price, head to Finbike website! Here are some iconic models offering some of the best characterises and ratio speed/autonomy/price:

Finbike U2 Commuter Step-Thru Electric Bike

The U2 step-through combines precision engineering to deliver a stylish, practical, and affordable product. The bike includes a low step-through frame for easy access, a removable battery for hassle-free charging, and front suspension and seat shock absorbers that absorb bumps with ease. When sophistication meets functionality, every ride becomes a pleasant journey through the city.