If you want to make your e-bike feel faster, start with the simple wins: pump your tires to the higher end of the recommended range so they roll quicker, ride in the highest legal assist mode while keeping your cadence high, clean and lube the chain regularly, and strip off any heavy racks or accessories you don’t really use. Most riders notice a clear difference in speed and “zip” just from tire pressure, gearing and basic maintenance—before touching the motor, controller or battery. Only after these easy fixes should you consider legal upgrades that stay within your local e-bike speed limits.
This guide will cover everything from optimizing tire pressure to upgrading your motor—all within legal limits.
Ready to transform your ride? Let’s dive in!
Optimize Tire Pressure: Pump It Up!
Want to feel an immediate speed boost? Start with your tire pressure.
Under-inflated tires are like running in sand—tough, slow, and exhausting.
Grab a tire gauge and check the sidewall of your tires for the recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).
Aim for the higher end of that range for less rolling resistance and a faster ride. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll feel the difference right away.
Upgrade Your Tires: Tailor Your Ride
Tires play a huge role in how fast your e-bike can go. The right choice depends on your riding style:
- City Commuters: Switch to narrower, slick tires for less friction and more speed on pavement.
- Off-Road Adventurers: Stick with knobby tires but opt for ones that balance grip with lower rolling resistance.
- All-Around Riders: Go for hybrid tires that offer smooth rolling on roads with enough tread for occasional off-road paths.
Pick the right tires, and you'll notice a significant speed boost suited to your riding environment.
Reduce Weight: Lighten the Load for Speed
The heavier your e-bike, the harder it is to hit top speeds.
Start by shedding unnecessary weight.
Ditch heavy accessories or replace them with lighter options. Carrying bags?
Opt for a lightweight backpack or a streamlined frame bag.
Consider upgrading to a lighter battery, seat, or handlebars.
The less your e-bike has to carry, the faster it’ll go.
Travel light, ride fast!
Improve Aerodynamics: Cut Through the Wind
Wind resistance is your enemy when it comes to speed. Here’s how to beat it:
- Lower Your Handlebars: This reduces your surface area, helping you cut through the air more efficiently.
- Tuck in Your Elbows: Keep them close to your body to minimize drag.
- Streamline Your Gear: Swap bulky gear for sleek, tight-fitting clothes and consider an aerodynamic helmet.
- Trim the Extras: Replace wide baskets or panniers with more aerodynamic alternatives.
Make these changes, and you’ll glide through your rides with less effort and more speed.
Check the Legal Limits: Stay Fast and Legal
Before making any speed-enhancing modifications, check the legal speed limits for e-bikes in your area.
Exceeding these limits could lead to fines or even having your bike confiscated. Stick to the rules to enjoy your faster ride without any legal.
Adjust the Motor Settings: Unleash the Power
Ready to tap into more power? Here’s how:
- Check for a Speed Limiter: If your e-bike has a speed limiter, and it’s legal in your area, you might be able to remove or adjust it through the settings.
- Boost the Power Output: Some e-bikes let you tweak current or voltage settings to increase power. Just be mindful of battery life and motor strain.
- Upgrade the Controller: A better motor controller can provide smoother, more consistent power, resulting in a faster ride.
These tweaks can make a significant difference in your e-bike’s speed, but always stay within legal and safety limits.
If you’re tempted to remove your e-bike’s speed limiter completely, remember that this can change how the bike is classified in your area and may void your warranty or insurance. For a deeper look at the risks, legal issues and safer alternatives, see our full guide to removing your e-bike’s speed limiter before you change any settings.
Upgrade the Battery: Power Up for More Speed
For a noticeable speed boost, consider upgrading your battery.
A higher voltage battery can deliver more power to your motor, leading to faster acceleration and a higher top speed.
Just ensure the new battery is compatible with your bike’s setup, and you’re good to go.
Upgrade the Motor: Push the Limits
If you’re serious about speed, upgrading the motor can make a big difference.
A more powerful motor can handle higher speeds and tougher conditions.
Whether you swap out your existing motor for a more powerful one or consider a dual-motor setup, this upgrade will give you the speed and strength you’re looking for, especially if you’re riding an ebike motorcycle style.
Use a Pedal Assist Mode: Get the Best of Both Worlds
Pedal assist mode is your best friend for combining your power with the motor’s boost.
Start with a lower assist level on flat terrain and bump it up when you need extra power, like on hills or when accelerating.
Just remember, higher assist levels drain your battery faster, so use it strategically to get the most out of your ride.
Regular Maintenance: Keep It Running Smoothly
A well-maintained e-bike runs smoother and faster.
Regularly clean and lubricate the chain, check tire pressure, and make sure your brakes are in top condition.
This not only ensures a faster ride but also prevents breakdowns that could leave you stranded.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered ten practical tips to make your ebike motorcycle style or any e-bike faster, all while keeping safety and legality in check.
From optimizing tire pressure to upgrading key components like the battery and motor, each strategy offers a way to unlock more speed and performance.
Whether you’re looking to cut down your commute time or just enjoy a faster, more exhilarating ride, these tips will help you take your e-bike to the next level.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to make my e-bike feel faster?
Start with the basics: pump your tires to the higher end of the recommended range, use the fastest legal assist mode, keep your chain clean and lubed, and remove heavy accessories you don’t really need. These simple changes often make a bigger difference than expensive upgrades.
Can I just remove the speed limiter to make my e-bike faster?
Technically, many e-bikes can be modified to go faster, but removing the speed limiter may make the bike illegal on public roads, void your warranty and increase your crash risk. It’s safer to stay within your local e-bike class limits and look for legal upgrades instead.
Will a bigger or higher-voltage battery make my e-bike faster?
A larger-capacity battery (more Ah) mainly increases range, not speed. A higher-voltage battery can deliver more power, which may improve acceleration and top speed, but only if your motor and controller are designed to handle that voltage safely.
Do I need to upgrade the motor to ride faster?
Not always. Many riders get all the speed they need by optimizing tire pressure, aerodynamics, gearing, assist settings and maintenance. A motor upgrade is best reserved for bikes that are already well set up and still struggle with hills or heavy loads—and any upgrade must stay within local power and speed laws.
