Can Electric Bikes Exceed 30 mph and What Factors Influence Speed?

In the 2019 Tour de France S1 stage, a standard flat road stage covering a distance of 194.5 km, Teunissen narrowly beat Sagan, completing the race in 4 hours, 22 minutes, and 37 seconds, with an impressive average speed of 44.5 km/h.

Do you also want your e-bike to go faster and faster, even exceeding 30 mph?

By the way, Tesway's electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, providing you with the thrill of speed while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Is it Legal to Ride an Electric Bicycle on the Road if it Can Reach Speeds Higher than 25 mph

You can have an e-bike that exceeds speeds of 25 mph, but the increase is not substantial.

In the U.S., Class 3 e-bikes have a maximum allowed speed of 28 mph, after which the motor assistance ceases. However, e-bike regulations can vary by locality.

In Cook County, Illinois, Forest Preserves, all bicycles are limited to a 15 mph speed limit on paved multi-user paths.

In Chicago, Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from the bike paths along the lake shore, which is a public park.

It's crucial to check local laws and regulations where you intend to ride. 

Madison, Wisconsin, once required all e-bikes to be registered.

This local regulation was rescinded when a state law was enacted, treating all three classes of e-bikes the same as regular non-motorized bicycles.

Additionally, many states have age limits and helmet requirements for different e-bike classes, making it important to verify local regulations.

Can an Electric Bike Go 30 mph

In theory, some high-performance e-bikes can indeed exceed 30 mph, especially when going downhill or with a powerful motor and battery combination.

Most commercially available e-bikes are designed to adhere to the speed limitations set by law to ensure safety and legality.

Maximum Speed by E-Bike Class

• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph with motor assistance.

• Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assistance.

While these speeds are regulated for safety and legal reasons, certain modifications and custom-built e-bikes can surpass these limits.

It is crucial to remember that riding an e-bike at speeds exceeding legal limits may have legal and safety implications.

Factors That Affect Electric Bike Speed

Several factors can influence the speed of an electric bike. 

Motor Power and Type

Motor power, measured in watts, is like the horsepower for your e-bike.

It determines how quickly your bike can accelerate, though it won't change the top speed—that’s set by the motor controller.

Think of it like this: whether you have a 250-watt motor or a 750-watt motor, both can get you to the top speed allowed by your e-bike class, but one just gets you there with a bit more oomph.

The type of motor—whether rear hub or mid-drive—also doesn't affect the speed capability but does influence how the bike handles.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is more about range than speed.

A bigger battery is like having a larger gas tank in your car; it lets you ride longer distances before needing to recharge.

While a larger battery supports sustained high speeds, it's not the primary factor in determining how fast your e-bike can go.

Terrain and Road Conditions

Unless you're training for the next Tour de France, steep hills are likely the bane of your pedaling existence.

Hills require more power from both you and your e-bike's motor, draining the battery faster.

Flat, smooth surfaces are your best friends for achieving higher speeds. So, when you're climbing that hill, just remember it's not you—it's the hill!

Rider Weight and Skill Level

The combined weight of the rider and the bike is like carrying an extra load of groceries home—every extra pound makes the motor work harder.

Heavier riders will see a bigger impact on speed and battery life.

Skilled riders who use their bike’s gears effectively can conserve battery life and maintain speed more efficiently.

Think of it as using cruise control on your car to save gas.

Riding Mode

Most e-bikes offer multiple riding modes, allowing you to choose between eco-friendly and power-hungry settings.

Higher power modes let you zoom around with minimal effort but will also drain the battery faster.

It's like choosing between a leisurely drive in the country and a high-speed chase; the latter is fun but uses up more fuel.

Legal Limitations on Electric Bike Speeds

Federal and state laws have their say on how fast your e-bike can legally go.

Federal law defines low-speed e-bikes as having motors less than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 mph on flat surfaces.

State laws may impose additional speed limits based on the e-bike class, capping assisted speeds at 20 mph for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, and 28 mph for Class 3.

Local regulations can further restrict speeds on specific paths and trails, so always check the local rules before you ride.

High Speed Ebike for You

It is a common misconception that the faster the electric bike, the better. 

For most riders, speeds between 15 mph and 20 mph are more than adequate for both commuting and leisure.

An e-bike that can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph is already sufficient to meet most needs.

Tesway offers several standout models that cater to different preferences and riding conditions.

The X5 Fat Tire Folding E-bike and the S7 Step-Thru E-bike are both capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph, providing a balance of speed and safety.

Tesway S7 is equipped with a robust 750W motor, while the X5 features an even more powerful 1200W motor, ensuring that riders have the power they need for various terrains and situations.

A Bike with a Maximum Speed of 28 mph is Enough

For most riders, an e-bike with a maximum speed of 28 mph is more than sufficient.

This speed allows for efficient commuting and recreational riding while maintaining safety and compliance with legal regulations.

Higher speeds can lead to increased risk of accidents and injuries, making it essential to balance speed with safety.

As John shared

"I sometimes encounter people trying to pass me at speeds of 30 - 35 mph, which feels awkward.

One time, a cop pulled me over for 'impeding traffic' while I was actually keeping pace with the flow—I had just stopped at a red light, and they assumed I was moving slowly.

It seems many people think I am only going 10 - 15 mph.

I feel much safer starting from a stop at intersections on my e-bike, as drivers often expect a bike to accelerate like a car, which isn't possible with a regular bike."

Similarly, Lisa mentioned

"I had to give up traditional cycling due to disabilities, so e-bikes are now my only option.

Cycling has always been my favorite activity, particularly at speeds over 20 mph.

This is why I strongly advocate for the ability to do the same things on an e-bike as on a regular bike.

Unlike many who ride for exercise, I ride purely for the joy of it, taking frequent breaks to enjoy riding at 25 mph as much as possible."

Conclusion

The speed of an e-bike doesn't have to be excessively high to be enjoyable and practical.

For most ordinary riding, an e-bike with a maximum speed of 28 mph is more than sufficient.

This speed allows for safe, efficient commuting and recreational rides while ensuring compliance with legal regulations and minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

The goal is to enjoy the ride, not just to go fast.

For a wide range of e-bikes that meet different needs and preferences, explore Tesway.

Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a robust commuting solution, Tesway has the perfect e-bike for you.

FAQs

Can I modify my e-bike to go faster than the legal limits?
While it's technically possible to modify your e-bike for higher speeds, doing so can make it illegal to ride on public roads and paths. It may also void your warranty and increase the risk of accidents. Always consider the legal and safety implications before making modifications.

Does a higher motor wattage mean a faster e-bike?
Not necessarily. Motor wattage affects acceleration and the ability to handle inclines, but the top speed is typically limited by the bike's controller to comply with legal restrictions. Both 250W and 750W motors can propel an e-bike to its maximum legal speed for its class.

How does rider weight affect e-bike speed?
Heavier riders may notice a slight reduction in speed and range because the motor has to work harder. Conversely, lighter riders can achieve higher speeds and longer ranges more easily.