Most hub‑motor e‑bikes are limited by their battery voltage, controller settings and safety regulations, but you can often squeeze out more speed.
Increasing voltage gives the motor more rpm, removing factory speed limits unleashes extra mph, reducing weight and wind resistance helps the bike accelerate faster, and properly charged batteries and pumped tires cut losses.
The following sections explain how to make a hub motor go faster on ebike without burning it out or breaking the law.
Basic Principles of Hub‑Motor Speed
A hub motor’s top speed is determined by multiple components. Motor power (expressed in watts) affects how quickly it can turn the wheel, but higher wattage draws more battery power.
Battery voltage determines the motor’s rpm; upgrading from 48 V to 52 V gives more speed. The controller regulates power delivery and often enforces speed limits.
Wheel size also matters—larger wheels increase top‑end speed but reduce torque and slow acceleration. Rider and bike weight, tire pressure and aerodynamics further influence how fast your e‑bike feels.
Beginner‑friendly maintenance
Before modifying hardware, ensure the bike is running efficiently. Keep the motor clean, aligned and well‑lubricated.
Charge the battery fully before each ride and avoid deep discharges, storing it in a cool place to prevent power loss.
Check tire pressure regularly; higher pressure reduces rolling resistance and allows the bike to maintain speed more easily.
Inspect and clean the drivetrain; mis‑aligned gears waste power. These simple steps often restore lost speed without spending a penny.
Upgrade Your Battery and Voltage
Voltage equals speed. A higher‑voltage battery lets the hub motor spin faster. Standard e‑bikes use 36 V or 48 V packs; upgrading to 52 V can boost top speed by roughly 8 % if your controller and motor support it.
Higher voltage batteries provide quicker acceleration and a higher top speed, but more power also drains the battery faster. When shopping for a new battery, look for a larger amp‑hour (Ah) rating to extend range.
Always verify compatibility with your motor and controller and follow manufacturer recommendations to avoid overheating or voiding the warranty.
| Battery voltage | Typical class 3 top speed† | Notes |
| 36v | ~20 mph (32 km/h) | Common on entry‑level bikes; limited acceleration. |
| 48v | 25 – 28 mph | Most mid‑range e‑bikes; good balance of speed and range. |
| 52v | 28 – 30 mph | Delivers quicker acceleration and a higher top speed; controller and motor must support extra voltage. |
| 72v | 35 mph+ | Used on performance builds; may exceed legal limits and requires upgraded wiring, battery management and brakes |
SEE ALSO Can a 72V Motor Work with a 52V Battery? Understand E-Bike Voltage Mismatch
Fine‑tune Your Controller & Remove Speed Limits
Many e‑bike displays allow you to modify speed limits and acceleration curves. Adjusting the controller’s speed settings can unlock extra mph.
However, altering these settings may violate local laws; most U.S. states cap class 2 bikes at 20 mph and class 3 bikes at 28 mph.
Before making changes, consult your owner’s manual and ensure the modifications are legal.
Steps to remove a speed limiter
Removing a speed limiter requires care.
Always disconnecting the battery, identifying the limiter in the controller or display, disabling or changing the speed limit and then reassembling the bike.
Always double‑check your work and test the bike at low speed afterward.
On Bosch systems you may need specialized diagnostic software.
Removing the limiter can improve performance but increases risk; ride with protective gear and be aware that exceeding local speed limits can result in fines.
Adjust throttle response and pedal assist
Fine‑tuning acceleration profiles and pedal assist sensitivity can make your e‑bike feel livelier.
Some controllers allow you to adjust how quickly the motor ramps up or down. A sharper acceleration curve gives a zippy feel but may reduce range.
Calibrating pedal‑assist sensitivity ensures the motor engages smoothly, improving efficiency on climbs.
If you’re not comfortable with programming controllers, seek help from a professional to avoid damaging electronic components.
SEE ALSO How to Fix Ebike Throttles Delay
Mechanical Upgrades: Motor, Gearing & Aerodynamics
Hardware upgrades can transform a sluggish hub‑motor bike into a speed machine.
Switching to a higher‑wattage hub motor (e.g., upgrading from 500 W to 750 W) increases available power but demands a larger battery and controller.
Pick a motor that fits your frame and wheel size and complies with local power limits.
Gear ratio adjustments also help—installing a larger front chainring or smaller rear cogs raises gearing so you can pedal at higher speeds.
If you choose a larger wheel, expect a higher top speed at the cost of reduced torque and slower acceleration.
Aerodynamic & weight reductions
Reducing drag and weight yields free speed. Aerodynamic tweaks like lowering your torso, tucking elbows and wearing tight‑fitting clothing cut wind resistance.
You can add fairings, streamlined handlebars or narrower tires for further gains.
Removing heavy accessories, switching to a lighter frame material (aluminum or carbon) and using lighter wheels and tires help your e‑bike accelerate quicker.
These upgrades not only boost speed but also extend battery range by reducing energy consumption.
Modification trade‑off table
| Modification | Speed benefit | Trade‑offs |
| Higher‑wattage motor | More torque and higher top speed | Heavier; requires matching controller and battery. |
| Upgrade to higher‑voltage battery | Quicker acceleration and higher top speed | Shorter battery life; may void warranty if unsupported. |
| Gear ratio change (bigger chainring/smaller cassette) | Allows pedaling at higher speeds | Harder to climb hills; may stress drivetrain. |
| Larger wheel size | Increases top‑end speed | Reduces torque and lengthens acceleration. |
| Aerodynamic upgrades (fairings, streamlined bars) | Reduces wind drag | Adds cost; may complicate handling. |
| Weight reduction | Faster acceleration and improved range | May require expensive lightweight components |
Riding Techniques & Ongoing Maintenance
How you ride and care for your e‑bike affects speed almost as much as hardware.
Maintain a relaxed, aerodynamic riding posture and avoid sitting upright when chasing higher speeds.
Use pedal assist instead of solely relying on throttle to conserve battery.
Keep your tires pumped to the recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance.
Avoid unnecessary weight by carrying only essentials.
Regular maintenance keeps components efficient.
Clean and lube the chain, check brakes and gears for wear and adjust them routinely.
Charge your battery after each ride and avoid deep discharge cycles to prolong its life.
Store the battery in a cool, dry place to minimize power loss. Proper care not only protects your investment but also preserves top speed.
Safety & Legal Considerations
Speed without safety is risky. Many regions cap e‑bike speeds—25 kph (15.5 mph) in the UK/EU and Australia and 20 mph for class 2 bikes in most U.S. states.
Removing speed limiters or over‑volting your bike may violate these laws and void the warranty.
Exceeding a battery’s rated discharge current can shorten its lifespan, and pushing the controller beyond its current limit may cause overheating or failure.
Wear a helmet and protective gear, obey traffic rules and consider local regulations before making performance modifications.
If unsure about electrical upgrades, seek professional advice.
Troubleshooting When Upgrades Don’t Help
Sometimes speed gains don’t materialize because other bottlenecks remain.
A higher‑voltage battery won’t increase speed if the controller restricts current or rpm; you might need a compatible controller with higher amperage and proper wiring.
Voltage sag from an aging battery also reduces top speed—replace the battery if you notice significant power drop under load.
Check cable connections and minimize cable length to reduce resistance.
Finally, hub motors are optimized for certain rpm ranges; running them too fast can reduce efficiency and generate heat.
Upgrading to a motor designed for higher kV (rpm/volt) might be necessary for extreme speeds.
Conclusion
Making a hub‑motor e‑bike faster involves more than just swapping parts. A systematic approach—maintaining the bike, upgrading to higher voltage, fine‑tuning the controller, optimizing gearing and aerodynamics, and respecting safety and legal constraints—will yield real gains. Start with low‑cost steps like charging the battery fully and pumping your tires; then explore voltage upgrades or controller settings if you need more speed. Always balance performance with reliability and road safety, and enjoy the extra zip responsibly.
FAQs
How much faster will a 52 V battery make my 48 V hub‑motor e‑bike?
A 52‑volt pack increases motor rpm and can add roughly 2–3 mph to a 500–750 W hub motor’s top speed, delivering quicker acceleration. Ensure your controller and motor support the higher voltage.
Is it safe to remove the speed limiter?
Removing the limiter unlocks higher speeds but increases crash risk and may be illegal. Follow a step‑by‑step process—disconnect the battery, adjust settings and test the bike—and research local laws. Always ride responsibly and wear protective gear.
Does tire pressure affect speed?
Yes. Higher tire pressure reduces the contact patch and rolling resistance, allowing the bike to maintain speed more efficiently. Lower pressure increases traction but requires more power to maintain the same speed.
Will a larger wheel make my hub‑motor e‑bike faster?
A larger wheel increases top‑end speed but lowers torque, resulting in slower acceleration and poorer hill climbing. Choose wheel size based on your terrain and riding style.
What are the legal speed limits for e‑bikes in the U.S. and Europe?
Most U.S. states cap class 2 e‑bikes at 20 mph, while class 3 bikes allow pedal‑assist up to 28 mph. In the UK, EU and Australia, the limit is 25 kph (15.5 mph). Exceeding these limits on public roads may incur fines and void your warranty.
