How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go? Is It Hard To Ride?

When it comes to electric bicycles, your first impression is usually its powerful motors and environmentally friendly features. However, have you ever wondered: how fast are electric bikes? In principle, an e-bike is twice as fast as conventional bicycles and is completely controlled through the throttle on the handlebars.

In this article, we will provide readers with a detailed description of the actual speed of this electric drive transportation.

How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go?

On average, an electric power bike runs at 20mph, and the speed limit is 28mph. No matter how strong the engine is, the cycles will never exceed the 28 mph benchmark.

The reason behind this outstanding pace is the working mechanism. Unlike other normal bicycles, electric bicycles don’t operate based on physical strength; they utilize a motor’s power. Therefore, they can run at larger speeds and consume less energy than other bicycles. 

In detail, the electric bike speed will vary greatly according to each type of motor. There are three main type of motor:

bike class

Class 1

Class 1 e-bikes are the simplest model of plug-in bicycles since its operating function is similar to traditional bikes. So, how fast can electric bikes go in this category? The regular speed e-bike of this simple model is 20 miles per hour

To start the engine, riders have to put extra force on the pedal for the motor to generate power. This pedaling feature explains why this bike is called the pedal-assist model. However, driving this model doesn’t require as much effort as riding conventional bicycles.

Class 1 models are best in accordance with long race track modes, such as mountain riding or trekking. Moreover, it can be run in flat terrain like bike paths.

Class 2

Class 2 e-bikes are the upgraded version of Class 1 because it is equipped with a throttle (it could be a thumb throttle or twist throttle) on the handlebars to boost the control power. 

Unlike Class 1, pedaling to start is unnecessary since you can utilize the throttle to make the bike run. How fast is an e-bike that is in Class 2? The maximum power of this upgraded model is just the same as the Class 1, at 20 miles per hour. However, the bike can run above this threshold if you operate it with full electric power.

The combination of pedal power and throttle makes it easy to control the bike’s navigation. Therefore, Class 2 is viral as an ideal electric motor for women’s usage. This model is best in use for leisure or exploring occasions.

Class 3

Among the three classes, class 3 e-bikes are the fastest model among the three classes, with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour

With the premium e-bike speeds, it is a good choice for thrill seekers with new experiences on the road. On top of that, the higher the running speed, the more skillful you need to be. Therefore, Class 3 models can only be accessible to experienced riders. 

Besides, this bike can be a great supporter once you are on a tight timeframe or participating in a race track mode.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Electric Bikes? 

Go Faster And Safer

As mentioned, bicycles with electric assistance are twice as fast as regular bikes. The plug-in bicycles run on average at 20 mph. Meanwhile, regular bikes speed up to only 10-20 mph. The dominance in speed can be extremely beneficial in traffic jams as it can help you get out of being stuck in the nick of time. 

Furthermore, riding on an electric-assist vehicle doesn’t demand physical pedaling effort, which means you can avoid leg injuries and fatigue at work if commuting on a bike. Besides, cutting down work on your legs will help you focus on navigating the bicycles.

No Fuel Exhaust

The most outstanding feature of this electric-assist transportation is that it is environmentally friendly to the ecosystem. There is a matter of fact that fuel transportation devotes an enormous amount of carbon footprint to the air. 

On top of that, plug-in cycles are regarded as a great solution to these problems as they don’t exhaust carbon dioxide to the outside. Many people said that they would choose to go by vehicles with electric power rather than motorcars for the sake of a clean environment.

Easy To Use

Electric Bikes Easy To Use

Compared to other vehicles such as motorbikes, cars, and trucks, power-driven bicycles are much easier to get access. With a press of the key, you can start the engine and make it run. The speed regulations can be slowed down or fastened up through the control of the throttle in combination with the brakes. 

Thus, whenever you approach an inclined road riding, the motor power will be in charge of helping the bike go through the terrain. No extra physical strength is called for, and exhaustion is completely avoided.

Good For Health

Another advanced feature of power-driven bicycles is reflected in the health benefits they bring along. Plug-in cycles are the construction of both pedal assistance and motor power; hence, they can be in function of conventional bikes and automatic vehicles. 

In the condition that you want to stretch your muscle, you can turn off the engine and use the pedal. When your riding process is up to exhaustion, you can move back to the auto-running function.

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Normal Bikes And Electric Bikes?

Generally, regular bikes and plug-in bicycles are different in some aspects. Regular bikes are simply constructed of pedals and brakes, run completely by muscle strength. 

In contrast, although these plug-in bicycles also have pedals and brakes, they are additionally installed with a motor so that you don’t have to exert a lot of elbow grease to make them run. 

How To Choose The Most Suitable Electric Bike?

If you are going to purchase electric-assist motors, you should consider the model types. As mentioned before, there are three types of e-bike motors: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. 

If you prefer physical exercise, you should choose class 1. In case your purpose is to find good transportation to work, Class 2 and Class 3 will be the best options for you.  

How To Charge Electric Bikes?

Concerns about battery charging are common questions when it comes to electric motors. Normally, there will be a charging wire for power-driven cycles; all you need to do is to insert them with the battery power stock on the side of the bike. 

On average, charge cycles take up to seven to eight hours to be fully charged. Once empowered, the battery capacity can run for the whole day long.

Conclusion

To wrap up, there is no specific answer regarding how fast electric bikes go. However, you can take note that the average speed of electronic bikes is 20 mph. The actual rate may vary depending on each type of model. The Class 1 and Class 2 models are in the same boat, with a maximum speed of 20mph, but Class 3 is eight mph higher than the other models.

If you find this information beneficial, please leave a comment below


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Nathan Bergmann

Nathan Bergmann

Cycling Instructor at BikeDenver

Nathan Bergmann is a semi-professional cyclist with 7 years of experience under his belt. He wants to share his passion and experience with those who love cycling and aims to make their journey better.


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