How fast is an electric bike?
The question of how fast an e-bike can go is usually one of the first things our customers ask.
Speed is one of many features that make an e-bike so desirable.
People using electric bikes seek assistance with hilly routes, the ability to ride longer without as much physical exertion, or to arrive at work less drenched in sweat!
Nonetheless, it would only be true to say we enjoyed engaging power assist and zipping on our daily commute or shopping trips.
To convince the general public that electric bikes are a legitimate alternative to driving, a certain level of speed is necessary to ensure that time efficiency is comparable (particularly in urban areas).
In this article, we look at how fast an e-bike is and at some of the regulations and restrictions on electric bike use on the road.
What is the speed of an electric bike in the UK?
An e-bike cannot go faster than 15.5 miles per hour (25 km/h) in the United Kingdom.
A bike can be powered by its motor alone up to this speed.
However, an e-bike can travel faster than 15.5 mph if a rider pedals hard or takes advantage of an incline.
There aren’t any Global e-bike speed limits. However, in the United States, several types of e-bikes have different speed limits.
E-bikes in the UK are not classified in the same way; depending on motor size, style, and manufacturer, you may find models that won’t hit 15.5 mph on their own steam.
There have been loud arguments for increasing the maximum e-bike speed to 20 mph and some discussions around this. We leave it to our readers to decide for themselves, but it is worth monitoring this story in the future because rule changes may be in the works.
Fast e-bikes: What are the regulations?
It’s been said before: E-bikes aren’t all created equal.
An e-bike must meet specific requirements in order to be road legal and accorded the same treatment as a regular bicycle. Among these requirements is the maximum velocity.
Speed pedelecs, a kind of electric bike with a high-powered motor (typically 500 watts) that can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, may cross your path.
Because of this, these bikes are light mopeds (L1e-B) and must be registered with the DVLA, rather than EAPCs.
Speed pedelecs must have license plates, mirrors, and a horn to comply with L1e-B specifications.
Although a speed pedelec is zero-emissions, it will need to be taxed (and thus, it will be free). The rider will also have to wear a moped helmet.
What defines an EAPC?
An e-bike must:
- Be propelled by pedals,
- Show the motor’s power output or the manufacturer’s credentials.
- You can display the battery’s voltage or the bike’s top speed.
- A motor with an eclectic mix of power that does not exceed 250 watts
A bike shouldn’t weigh more than 30 kilograms.
The EAPC requires a minimum age of 14 years to ride.
These regulations are in effect throughout the UK, not just in certain areas.
In the UK, you can ride an e-bike without a license, registration, or insurance, but it is advisable to insure the bike with your personal contents insurance. All Electrode Bikes e-bikes come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
E-bikes are also subject to UK cycling rules.
Riding correctly and using the correct hand signals are vitally important, but adhering to the Highway Code is even more critical. White front light and red rear light are necessities for night riding.
Knowing the UK cycling rules is worth knowing before heading out on your e-bike.
The question of whether to favour speed or range is the battery debate.
We’ve talked about how to take care of your battery previously.
However, as expected, if you push the speed to assist to the limit, you will not be riding for as long.
You should take advantage of speed assist since it is there to assist you, but if you are planning to travel long distances, you should be aware of how often you use it and, if possible, be economical.
The sort of e-bike you own will be significant here. The motor’s efficiency, the frame’s weight, and the battery’s size will all affect how much riding your e-bike immediately impacts the distance you can travel.
An e-bike’s speed.
There is no universally applied speed limit for e-bikes, which can self-propel at a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (24 km/h). This is the maximum allowed speed in the UK and throughout Europe.
Some e-bikes go faster than this (and, of course, you may break that top speed using leg power). However, e-bikes with motors that can self-propel to speeds beyond 15.5 mph will be subject to rules and regulations if used in public settings—including on the road—if used in public settings.
A build, performance, and weight that satisfy specific requirements must be present in an e-bike for the law and the DVLA to consider it a bicycle.
Electrode Bikes are manufactured to the highest standards and meet all the above specifications.
Why not contact us today to start your electric bike ride adventure?