The days of working from home have completely changed our daily lives in terms of work, attitudes and actions. Home offices, travel restrictions and Zoom meetings have forced us to retreat into our private lives without compromise. Paradoxically, or perhaps precisely because of this, the demand for a different type of mobility away from cars and trains is growing.
The ebike market in particular is being overwhelmed by high demand. More and more people are looking for a healthy, sustainable alternative for commuting, in which the motor support of the bicycle plays an increasingly important role. But the market is just as confusing as the legal regulations that come with individual e-bike models. Basically, "normal" e-bikes that can travel up to 25 km/h with the support of a motor are usually called ebikes.
Although the ebike market is growing and more and more people are turning to e-bikes, there is still uncertainty about legal issues. How fast can my moped electric bike go? What type of e-bike do I need to get around fast enough in everyday life? In our article, you will find out about the maximum speed that an e-bike can reach and the legal conditions that apply. After all, you should be able to safely cross the street with an e-bike.
Top speed of e-bikes: differences and regulations
The top speed of an e-bike is determined by legal requirements and the performance of the motor.
In the United States, regulations for riding electric bikes vary from state to state, but there are some general rules. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), electric bikes are divided into three categories:
- Class 1 electric bikes: These electric bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when you pedal, and have a top speed of 20 miles per hour (about 32 kilometers). In most states, these electric bikes are considered regular bicycles and do not require special licenses or insurance.
- Class 2 electric bikes: These electric bikes have a twist throttle that provides assistance without pedaling, but also have a top speed of 20 miles per hour (about 32 kilometers). Like Class 1, they are also considered regular bicycles in most states and do not require special licenses or insurance.
- Class 3 electric bikes: These electric bikes have a motor that provides assistance when you pedal, and can reach a top speed of 28 miles per hour (about 45 kilometers). Some states require that riders of these electric bikes be at least 16 years old and wear helmets. In addition, these electric bikes may require special marking or registration in some cases.
Most states in the U.S. do not have mandatory helmet requirements for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, but it is strongly recommended that everyone wear a helmet when riding to ensure safety. For Class 3 e-bikes, many states require helmets.
Overall, electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in the United States because they are an environmentally friendly and convenient way to get around. Although regulations vary from state to state, it is important to understand and follow the specific local regulations to ensure safe and legal riding. No matter what type of e-bike you ride, wearing a helmet is always a wise choice to better protect yourself.
Foreign e-bike speed
Are European laws on e-bikes and e-bike speed limits quite strict? It looks similar in other countries. Only the United States and Canada allow you to drive slightly faster than the European Union. There you can go up to 32 km/h
Canada: 32 km/h；China: 25 km/h；Australia: 25 km/h；Japan: 24 km/h；
7 facts that affect the top speed of electric bikes
The speed of an electric bike depends on a variety of factors and can vary depending on the environment, model and conditions. If you want to know how fast an e-bike can go, you should consider the following influencing factors:
Engine performance
The engine performance is a key factor affecting the speed of an e-bike. We have already explained to you which laws and regulations apply in US. So pay attention to the maximum power and speed limits.
Level of support
With most e-bikes, you can choose different levels of assistance when riding. The higher the level you choose, the more electric support you get when pedaling. Therefore, the level of support directly affects the speed you reach with your e-bike.
Cadence and your own power
Cadence, that is, how often you pedal, also affects the speed of your e-bike. If you pedal hard and keep your cadence high, the speed will increase in addition to the motor support. Your e-bike reacts to your own power, the more you pedal, the faster you go.
Weight
The total weight, including possible additional load, also affects the maximum speed of your e-bike. A lighter smart e-bike can usually achieve higher speeds than a heavier one because it moves less mass.
Terrain and slope
E-bikes can easily master flat routes and can reach high speeds even on flat roads. Going uphill, on the other hand, requires more power and will reduce speed, especially if the motor assistance is not enough to easily overcome the uphill.
Wind and Weather
Strong headwinds can create additional drag while riding, which can also affect riding conditions and reduce the speed of your e-bike.
Tire Pressure and Wheel Condition
Adequate tire pressure and good e-bike condition help achieve optimal performance. Low tire pressure can reduce speed and affect driving.
Increasing the Speed of Your E-Bike: What You Should Know About Tuning
Think your e-bike isn't fast enough and want to modify it to go faster? Before you do, we strongly recommend that you think twice. In the United States, each state has different regulations for e-bikes, but almost all states have restrictions on e-bike speed and motor power.
If you modify your e-bike to make it faster than the regulations allow, it may bring a series of legal issues. For example, e-bikes are considered regular bicycles within a maximum speed of 20 mph (about 32 km/h), but once they exceed this speed, they may need to be regulated according to the regulations for mopeds. In this case, you may need to obtain a driver's license and purchase insurance for your e-bike.
In some states, illegally modifying an e-bike can result in not only a hefty fine, but also points and even jail time. For example, California has very strict regulations, and owners who modify an e-bike without permission may be fined and may even have to appear in court.
In addition, modifying an e-bike may void its original warranty, increase maintenance costs and safety risks. Manufacturers design e-bikes with safety and stability in mind, and random modifications may affect these designs and increase the risk of accidents.
if you feel that your existing e-bike is not fast enough, the safest and legal thing to do is to buy a legal speed pedelec and make sure to comply with local traffic laws. This way you can enjoy higher speeds while avoiding unnecessary legal and safety issues. Regardless, always wear a helmet to ensure your safety.
Remember: an e-bike should get you from A to B safely, economically and environmentally friendly. It is not a toy and should be used responsibly.
See also 7 DIY Tips for Customizing an Electric Bike
Which e-bike is right for you?
Choosing between an e-bike and a speed pedelec depends entirely on your personal needs and lifestyle. If you already have a driver's license, a speed pedelec may be attractive. For those who need to commute long distances, powerful motor support can get you from point A to point B faster.
However, if you live in the city, there are usually few opportunities to travel at speeds of 28 mph (about 45 km/h). City traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the street, and congested traffic conditions make safety more important than speed. Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes may be more suitable for urban needs and fully meet your daily commuting needs.
According to statistics, most American city residents commute between 5 and 10 miles. For this distance, Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes are completely sufficient and you don’t need to buy a high-speed electric bike.
Although in theory a high-speed electric bike can get you to your destination faster, this is usually an ideal situation assuming no traffic obstacles. In reality, urban traffic is complex and congested, and high speed does not guarantee a faster commute time.
In short, choose the right type of electric bike according to your specific needs, whether it is city commuting or long-distance riding, make sure to comply with local regulations, and always wear a helmet to ensure safety.
E-bike speed: speed and safety
Get out there fast and safely - we'll give you tips on how to protect yourself and other road users when riding an e-bike.
Always keep an eye on your e-bike speed - for greater road safety
Do you live in the city and ride mainly on bike paths? Then a classic e-bike is for you. This means you can ride on bike paths and save on insurance. 25 km/h is quite a high speed in the city and more than enough to get you to work comfortably.
However, do you travel far away for work and life away from home? Then an e-bike may not be enough for you. A high-speed e-bike is an ideal alternative to a car, protecting the environment and getting you to your destination quickly.
Equipment
Even if you prefer to ride too slowly rather than too fast, you and your e-bike can end up in a dangerous situation. It's even more important that you are well protected on the road and can rely on your e-bike brakes in an emergency. A helmet, arm and leg protectors and good brakes are a must on an e-bike.
Braking distance
Adequate acceleration followed by fast braking? Even if you "only" ride an e-bike, you should never underestimate the stopping distance, which includes the reaction distance and the braking distance. The stopping distance tells you how far you can travel on an e-bike before you have to stop at full speed.
The reaction time between seeing an obstacle and braking is two seconds on average.
Example: If you are travelling at 20 km/h on an e-bike and have to brake on flat ground, the stopping distance is about 14 metres. You can find a chart and formula for calculating the braking and stopping distances in the Bicycle Guide .
Important: Never underestimate the stopping distance, which can be several metres long. Pay special attention to your e-bike speed in chaotic traffic, bad road conditions or downhill so that you can brake in time in an emergency. You can also practice safe braking with an e-bike driving safety training course.
When driving
- Ride your e-bike at high speeds but still safely – you can do this with the following tips on riding tips:
- Always pay attention to your speed. Use your e-bike display to do this.
- Watch out for other road users. This is especially true on roads with a lot of children.
- Pay attention to traffic signs for speed limits.
- If you are not familiar with a new route, it is best to drive slowly at first so you can get used to the route.
- Be careful on slopes and curves, and always slow down slightly when going downhill.
- Be especially careful when driving in wet conditions, as braking distances may be longer.
Conclusion
The growing demand for e-bikes is transforming the way people commute, driven by the need for healthy, sustainable, and efficient transportation alternatives. E-bikes, classified into three categories based on speed and motor assistance, offer diverse options for urban and long-distance commuters.
While Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are suitable for city travel with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), Class 3 e-bikes can reach up to 28 mph (45 km/h) and may require additional regulations. Moped ebikes to exceed legal speed limits can lead to legal and safety issues, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right e-bike for one's specific needs and environment.
FAQs
What is the maximum speed of electric mopeds?
Electric mopeds can reach speeds up to 28 mph, depending on the model and local regulations.
What factors affect the speed of an electric moped?
Factors include motor power, battery capacity, terrain, and rider weight.
Are there speed limits for electric mopeds?
Yes, speed limits vary by country and state, often ranging from 20 to 28 mph. Check local laws for specifics.
