mph: Fastest Electric Bikes
In short, yes they can be. Certainly they get you up to speed a lot quicker than pedalling, but they will have a top speed they stop assisting you at.
Electric Bikes, or EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Bicycles) assist the rider in reaching 15.5 or 28mph, depending on the motor size. They are quicker to reach these speeds, but still require pedal power to get going. You can exceed these speeds, but your legs will need to do some work.
What is a pedal assist electric bike?
In real world terms, pedal assist bikes will only give you assistance when you pedal. If you are going up a hill, you gain a lot of help. If you are not pedalling at all, you receive none.
The electric motor therefore will not keep your bike moving for you, but the effort required to do so will be greatly reduced.
Our Fastest Bikes
If you’re looking for an electric bike that does 28mph, then take a look at the stunning QWIC MA11.
Hugely popular for commuting, QWIC have won many awards for their build quality and huge acceleration. Hand built in the Netherlands, they have replaced the car for commuting and gained a huge amount of prestige within the most competitive eBike markets.
All of our bikes can be delivered fully assembled for free and we offer at home support.
EX Pro Dual Battery Electric Mountain Bike
What is a Pedelec?
Pedelec is a shortened term derived from the phrase “pedal electric cycle”. They are also known as EAPCs.
In the early days of electric bikes coming onto the market, the term Pedelec would differentiate a bike from “Twist and Go” bikes which would not need any pedal assistance. However, these have been less legally supported in recent years leaving Pedelecs, EAPCs and Electric bikes to mean roughly the same thing.
What is a Speed Pedelec?
Speed Pedelecs are a certain category of bike assists the rider up to 28mph using a more powerful, usually 500W motor. Due to their increased speed, they require registration with the DVLA and are to be treated as a light moped (L1e-B).
Often manufacturers include licence plate mounts, mirrors and horns to comply with L1e-B classification. The bike must be taxed (free due to no emissions, however) and a moped helmet worn at all times.
There are highly rated moped helmets that look similar to traditional bicycle helmets coming onto the market, but it’s important to have something that can take the impact at 28mph if the worse should happen!
Equally, due to the speed assistance, they cannot be ridden in dedicated cycle lanes. This can be off putting for the commute, however on a speed pedelec you will often be going at the same, if not faster, than cars and other traffic. The level of safety required is therefore sensible as you will not have the same protection that a car offers.
The average speed of UK city traffic in 2017 was just 7mph. so a speed pedelec will seriously speed up your commute! All bikes that Urban eBikes sell can be delivered fully registered for you and ready to ride.
Stromer ST5. Note the Rear licence plate
Cratoni Vigor. Motorcycle Rated Lightweight Helmet
Electric Bikes for Kids and Teens – A Buying Guide and Top Picks
Electric bikes for kids are quickly gaining in popularity, and the technology powering them continues to get better and better. From electric balance bikes for motocross kids to electric commuter bikes and e-mountain bikes, kids ebikes are an incredible tool for enabling kids to go faster and farther than their little legs can carry them on their own.
Whether you have a future bmx star, a young child tackling longer distances, a teenager commuting to work, or you’re a parent looking to replace short car trips, there’s an ebike for that! Ebikes for kids vary widely in purpose, so understanding what to look for as well as what is available is essential to finding the right bike for your child and your family.
In order to help you find the best electric bike for your needs, we’ve broken this article into four sections. The first section is a buying guide that covers everything you need to know about buying an ebike for your child, and the remaining three sections provide tips and specific bike suggestions based on the age of the rider.
While we highly recommend reading our full electric bikes for kids buying guide, here’s are some quick tips and specific bike recommendations for those TL;DR folks :-).
Quick Tips for Buying a Kids ebike
(1) Be aware of your local laws and regulations: Many areas prohibit kids from operating Class II (ebikes with throttles) as well as Class III ebikes (ebikes with a 28mph max w/wo a throttle).
(2) Look for a bike with a torque sensor: Torque sensors allow the rider to control the speed of the bike with the pedals. Without one, pedaling slower will NOT slow down the speed of the bike, which can be very confusing and dangerous for kids.
(3) Say no to the throttle: Throttles allow kids to reach high speeds quickly without pedaling and should be avoided. Throttles on essentially all ebikes, however, can be turned off or removed after purchase.
(4) Pay attention to weight: ebikes can weigh up to 60 lb. (or more!) and can be a lot for an adult, let alone a child, to handle.
(5) eBikes vs. electric balance bikes: Small electric balance bikes without pedals (such as STACYC) typically are not covered under ebike laws, but should still be used with caution.
The Best Electric Bikes for Kids
This list was compiled after extensive research as well as leaning heavily on our own experience with electric bikes. Unlike our other “best” lists throughout this site, we fully admit that we have not tested or personally seen all of these bikes.
details about these specific bikes are included in the age-based sections below. Like always, any additional feedback and suggestions are welcome in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
| 3 to 5 | 9 mph | 799 |
| 5 to 7 | 13 mph | 1,049 |
| 5 to 8 | 15.5 mph | 449 |
| 8 to 10 | 18 mph | 1,999 |
| 10 to 12 | 20 mph | 2,599 |
| 8 to 12 | Best all around eMTB | 3,799 |
| 8 to 12 | Ultimate eMTB for advanced riders | 3,800 |
| Adult | Comes with light, fenders, and rear seat | 1,899 |
| Adult | Peppy longtail ebike, holds two kids | 2,199 |
| Adult | Holds up to 4 kids! | 3,999 |
Electric Bikes for Kids – Table of Contents
Jump Down Menu – Click to Jump to your Desired Section
- Electric Bikes for Kids Buying Guide
- eBikes for Kids (Bikes with pedals – age 6)
- Electric Bikes for Toddlers and Preschoolers(Balance bikes – no pedals)
- Electric Cargo Bikes for Carrying Kids(Cargo-esque bikes that allow for a child seat)
eBikes for Kids Buying Guide
If you are new to ebikes, there is certainly a lot to learn! In this guide, we will be focusing on the features of ebikes that are particularly important for kids. While the specifics of battery life, battery volts, motor torque, and countless other ebike components are very important to the overall performance of the bike, they don’t necessarily affect kids more than adults, so we won’t be discussing them here.
For a more general reference about electric bikes, REI’s How to Choose an Electric Bike is a great place to start. For a deep dive into the electric systems of ebikes, ebikes.ca is a top-notch resource, while Juiced Bikes does a great job going into the specifics of batteries. Lastly, for reviews on adult ebikes (including some small enough for tweens and teens), electricbikereview.com is a great resource.
Why an ebike for kids?
Two words – distance and elevation. Electric bikes allow kids to ride their bikes for longer distances as well as tackle greater elevations gains. Based on our experiences with our own kids, ebikes can magically transform rides that were previously too hard, too long, or too boring… into exciting adventures that kids truly enjoy.
Electric bikes are very different than electric scooters. Many people balk at the idea of a child riding an electric bike as they envision kids zipping down the street without taking a single pedal stroke. While this is certainly possible, it’s not probable nor is it the purpose or design of ebikes for kids.
When given the right bike (kids don’t need a throttle!) and in the right conditions (longer rides or in hilly areas), kids can still get plenty of exercise on an ebike.
Kid-specific ebikes don’t have a throttle (more about this below) and require kids to pedal for the motor to even kick on. If they stop pedaling, the motor also stops. While many tweens and teens can technically fit on adult ebikes with throttles (Class II or III), many areas have regulations to prevent kids from riding an ebike with a throttle.
Class of eBikes
Prior to shopping for an ebike, it is important to understand the differences between the three classes of ebikes on the market. Many states do not allow kids under the age of 16 to ride a Class III ebike, while many states don’t allow anyone (even adults!) to ride Class II ebikes on bike paths and trails. Check out Bikes for People’s Electric Bike Laws to learn more about your state’s regulations.
The two main differences between the classes of ebikes are:
What is a bike throttle? A throttle is a lever or button that activates the motor of the bike without having to pedal. If a bike does not have a throttle, the motor can only be activated by pedaling the bike.
| Max mph assist | Throttle | |
| Class I | 20 | No |
| Class II | 20 | Yes |
| Class III | 20/28 | Optional |
Class I
The motor on Class I ebikes cannot assist the rider above 20 mph max. While the rider can pedal to accelerate the bike faster than 20mph, the motor will stop providing additional assistance once 20mph is reached.
Class I ebikes also cannot have a throttle. The motor can only be activated via pedaling and the rider must continue pedaling in order for the motor to operate. Most ebikes sold in big-box stores are Class I ebikes.
All kid-specific ebikes are Class I, but for added safety, they typically have a lower speed at which the motor will stop assisting. For example, the kid-specific woom UP line maxes out at 12 mph and the Kent Torpedo at 17 mph.
Class II
Like Class I bikes, the motor on Class II can only assist up to 20 mph. The main difference is that Class II bikes have a throttle that allows the rider to turn on the motor and propel the bike forward without pedaling the bike. The rider can also choose not to use the throttle and to activate the motor via the pedals as well.
Class III
Stepping it up a notch, Class III ebikes can assist the rider up to 28 mph when pedaling, but only up to 20mph when using the optional throttle. Due to their higher speeds, Class III ebikes are the most regulated and in many areas are limited to street use only.
Ebike Sizing vs. Traditional Bike Sizing
Like regular kids bikes, ebikes for kids are sized according to wheel size. So if your child is riding a 24″ bike, they will likely fit on a 24″ kids electric bike.
Like all bikes, it is also important to take minimum and maximum seat heights into account as they can vary widely within a wheel size, depending on brand. If you aren’t sure what wheel size your child needs, be sure to check out our Kids Bikes Sizing Guide.
Currently, there are only a handful of child-specific ebikes on the market (in the US). The smallest bike we are aware of is the Kent Torpedo 20″, which has a minimum seat height of 27″ and can fit kids as young as 7. The Swagtron EB-6 20″ bike is a popular bike marketed as a kid’s bike, but it is too tall for most kids and with only 1 PAS mode, it is too fast for kids to ride safely.
Larger kids electric bikes are available from woom and Commencal, but they are designed for more aggressive trail riders, versus everyday neighborhood riders. With suspension and top-of-the-line components, these bikes are powerhouses on the trail but also come with a steep price tag that puts them out of reach for many families.
As a result, many older kids (tween and teens at least 5′ not riding on a mountain trail), will likely ride an ebike designed for an adult. Our page on Electric Bicycles for Women has many bikes small enough for a 4’11 – 5’0 kid rider.
The wheel sizes on adult electric bikes vary widely from 20″ fat tires to 700c street tires. As a result, the wheel size on adult ebikes cannot be used as an indication of the overall size of the bike.
Weight of eBikes
Ebikes are heavy! While the motor does help to compensate for the additional weight to get the bike moving, ebikes can still be significantly harder to maneuver than traditional bikes. This is especially true for tweens and teens riding adult ebikes, which can weigh up to 70 pounds.
Kid-specific ebikes tend to be a bit lighter than adult bikes, but they are in turn much more expensive. As a point of reference, the 3,750 woom 6 UP with 26″ wheels weighs 37.3 lb. while the 650 26″ Hyper MTN weighs 48 lb.
Like traditional bikes, lightweight ebikes tend to be very expensive. Don’t be surprised if entry-level ebikes don’t have their total weights listed. When researching for this article, reviews of specific bikes on YouTube and electricbikereview.com were helpful in providing information about the weight and overall size of the bike.
For adults carrying kids as passengers on an ebike, the total weight of the bike can be a lot to negotiate. Over the years, we’ve found Class II ebikes with throttles to be a gamechanger when riding with a heavy load.
Using the throttle to propel that heavy load forward from a standstill is significantly easier than attempting to do so by pedaling, even with pedal assist. Once the bike is moving, it is easy to maintain balance and momentum on the bike by pedaling and the throttle is no longer necessary.
Pedal Assist Modes (PAS)
A bike’s pedal-assist mode or PAS, determines how much “help” the motor provides while pedaling. Most ebikes have 3 to 5 pedal assist modes. The higher the pedal-assist mode, the more the motor will assist in propelling the bike forward.
The PAS modes are easily adjusted by pushing a button on the bike’s display on the handlebars, or on some bikes, the downtube. PAS modes can be changed at any time during a ride.
Pedal-assist modes work by altering the total output of the motor (watts). The higher the pedal-assist mode, the greater the percentage of output the motor will produce, and the less effort the rider has to exert on the pedals to propel the bike forward.
As a point of clarification, be aware that these percentages are the MAX percentages the motor or the rider can have on the total output (basically speed) of the bike. The bike does not need to reach “100% output” in order to move.
The % of the output from the rider, as well as the motor, can vary within the set PAS range. For example, on a bike with 3 PAS modes, in PAS 2 the motor can apply up to 80% of the output, while the rider can apply up to 20%. As a result, the higher the PAS mode, the less effect the rider’s pedaling has on the speed of the bike. In all PAS modes, however, the motor will stop providing additional assistance once the bike reaches its max MPH allowed for motor assistance.
Riding with PAS
The rider must continue to pedal at all times in all PAS modes. If the rider stops pedaling (even in PAS 5), the motor will stop providing output. The bike, however, will not stop as it will continue to coast like a traditional bike. (Note: If you are engaging the throttle on a Class II or Class III ebike, the throttle overrides the PAS and you don’t need to pedal.)
To stop the bike, the rider can stop pedaling and coast to a stop or simply apply the brakes, which automatically turns off the motor.
The “feel” of riding with PAS can vary greatly from bike to bike. Compared to higher-end ebikes, lower-end ebikes tend to be jerkier and can also limit the rider’s ability to control the speed of the bike with the pedals. These differences are the result of the bike’s ability (or inability) to regulate the rate at which the motor output is applied.
Some ebikes will automatically apply the max motor output for every PAS (for example, ramping quickly up to 80% output at the first pedal stroke), while others will slowly ramp up the output based on the pedaling of the rider (slowly increase from 0% to 80% based how hard or fast the rider is pedaling).
A bike’s ability to quickly or slowly apply power to the bike is determined by the bike’s PAS sensor. There are two main types of sensors – a cadence sensor, and a torque sensor.
Cadence Sensors vs. Torque Sensors
While the PAS modes control the max % of output the motor will produce, the sensors on the bike determine the rate at which that max % of output is applied. There are two main types of sensors – cadence sensors, and torque sensors. While seemingly minor, these sensors can make a huge difference in how the bike reacts to the rider.
A cadence sensor detects if you are pedaling (not how fast, but whether the pedals are moving or not) while a torque sensor measures how hard you are pedaling (~how much tension is on the chain). Lower-end bikes typically have cadence sensors, but higher-end bikes have torque sensors.
While riding both bikes is the best way to “feel” the difference between the two, we’ll do our best to explain the difference and why we highly recommend bikes with torque sensors for kids.
Cadence Sensors
Cadence sensors act as on and off switches for the motor. Upon sensing a forward movement on the crank arms and pedals, the cadence sensor turns the motor on. Once the motor is on, it then applies output according to the PAS mode selected. The higher the PAS mode, the more output is available from the motor.
The cadence sensor, however, does not have the ability to determine how fast or how hard you are pedaling, it just looks to see IF you are pedaling in a forward motion. On a bike with a cadence sensor, you can be pedaling in a very low gear with NO tension on the chain at all and the bike will still be propelled forward by the motor.
As a result, the benefit of cadence sensors is that very little effort from the rider is needed for the bike to function, especially at high PAS levels. But on the flip side, since the sensor cannot monitor how fast or slow the rider is pedaling, it can be very challenging, or in some cases not possible at all, for the rider to control the speed of the bike with the pedals.
Regardless of how fast or how slow the rider is pedaling on an ebike with a cadence sensor, the motor will apply the max % of input based on the selected PAS mode. For example, if your bike has 5 PAS modes and you are riding in PAS 3 (60% motor input, 40% human) the bike will automatically ramp up to 60% of its motor output once the pedals start rotating. Slowing down or speeding up your pedal strokes will not affect the amount of output the motor is providing to the bike.
You can increase the speed of the bike by pedaling hard and adding to the 60% output the motor is already providing (the 40% rider output), but you cannot decrease the output of the motor by pedaling slowly. If you are already pedaling at a slower pace (so as to not add to the motor’s output) the only way to slow the speed of the bike is to decrease the PAS mode, brake (which stops the motor), or stop pedaling (which also stops the motor).
It can therefore be very difficult to ride at a slow speed on a bike with a cadence sensor, especially at high PAS levels. Whether you are spinning in granny gear or huffing and puffing in high gear, the output of the motor will remain the same.
For young riders, the lack of ability to control the speed of the bike with their feet can be VERY confusing and potentially dangerous. As a result, we highly recommend ebikes for kids with torque sensors (explained below).
Torque Sensors
While cadence sensors act as an “ignition” switch to the motor (turning it on or off), bikes with torque sensors take it one step further and essentially turn the pedals into a “gas pedal”.
By monitoring the amount of pressure applied to the cranks and pedals, a torque sensor allows you to slowly ramp up the output of the motor by pedaling faster and decrease the output by pedaling slower in all PAS modes.
So instead of quickly ramping up to the max % output in the selected PAS mode (like on ebikes with a cadence sensor), an ebike with a torque sensor will slowly increase the output of the motor according to how much tension the rider applies to the pedals (until it hits the max PAS %).
For example, if the selected PAS has a max output of 80%, the bike will feather the motor’s output from 0% to 80% depending on the force applied to the pedals by the rider. At a slow pedal rate, the motor may only output 20%, but as the rider pedals faster, the rate will increase until it maxes out at 80%.
So while bikes with torque sensors require more effort from the rider (the rider can’t just coast – they must apply pressure to the pedals), setting the bike to a higher PAS mode still allows the rider to get plenty of assistance from the motor by pedaling harder (like you would on a traditional bike).
As a result, like a traditional bike, an ebike with a torque sensor allows the rider to always be in control of the speed of the bike via the pedals. Want to go faster? Pedal faster. Want to slow down? Pedal slower.
The downside of torque sensors is that they are much more expensive to incorporate on a bike. As a result, ebikes with torque sensors are rarely found under 1,500 and are usually closer to 2,000.
Single-speed or Geared
PAS modes on a bike do not replace the gears. Like traditional bikes, gears on a bike allow you to alter how hard the bike is to pedal. The PAS modes on the bike adjust how much additional input the motor adds to your effort.
Gears are especially important when tackling steep elevation changes or technical terrain. If a bike does not have a “granny gear” to allow you to easily start pedaling the bike, the motor can’t kick in, regardless of the PAS mode you are in. As a result, if you stop on a steep incline you may not be able to get the heavy bike started up again. (Unless you have a throttle.)
On technical terrain, this is especially important as the PAS modes can’t help you power through a particularly rough part of a trail if the bike is in too hard of a gear to pedal. On an electric bike with a torque sensor (which most e-mountain bikes do), in order to get full input from the motor in your set PAS mode, you also need to be able to pedal at a decent speed.
If technical terrain or strong elevation gains are not in your plans, then a single-speed ebike with several PAS modes should suit you just fine. Bikes with throttles also typically don’t necessarily need multiple gears as you can always rely on the throttle to power you up a hill.
Keep in mind, however, that regardless of the class of ebike, the throttle can never accelerate the bike past 20 mph. Speeds beyond 20 mph require input from the rider via the drivetrain (you gotta pedal hard!), so gears are also essential for riders aiming for higher speeds.
Motor Placement – Hub vs. Mid-drive motor
The motor on ebikes can be located in three different places, (1) within the hub of the front wheel, (2) the rear wheel, or (3) at the bike’s bottom bracket (called mid-drive motors). Rear hub motors are the most common on low to mid-range ebikes, while mid-drive motors are standard on most high-end bikes. Front hub motors are not common.
Mid-drive Motor vs. Rear Hub Motor
For basic riding on paved surfaces, rear-hub motors do just fine. Bikes with hub motors are typically much cheaper than bikes with mid-drive motors, but they can throw off the weight distribution of the bike. As a result, for more technical riding, mid-drive motors are always recommended. In addition to being centrally located on the bike, they are also placed lower, thereby helping to lower the overall center of gravity of the bike.
Another benefit of mid-drive motors is that it is much easier to repair or replace the rear tire of the bike. With a rear hub motor, removing a rear wheel is certainly possible, it just takes a lot more time and effort.
The Best Electric Bikes for Kids (with Pedals)
From 8-year-olds taking on longer distances with their parents to teens needing a budget ebike to commute to work, we’ve done hours of research to find the best electric bikes for kids. While we have not personally seen all of these bikes, we have tested four different ebikes with seven different kids on a variety of trails.
The best ride for your child really comes down to your budget and how you plan on using it. Per our explanation provided in our buying guide above, we have not included any Class III ebikes. While we do not recommend bikes with throttles for kids, we have included several Class II on this list knowing that the throttles on essentially all ebikes can be removed.
We have also not included high-end kids eMTB bikes (with the exception of the woom UP which can be used as an eMTB and a commuter). From geometry to tires, suspension and brakes, there are a lot more variables to consider when shopping for an eMTB, but the basics outlined here still certainly apply.
If you are unaware of the importance of a torque sensor, please read our section about the differences in ebikes sensors above. Essentially, without a torque sensor, the speed of the bike cannot be controlled by the pedals.
Electric Bikes for Kids Comparison
| 3,799 | 28. 33.5 | 35.6 | Yes | 3 | 11 | 250W |
| 3,999 | 30.9. 37.4 | 37.3 | Yes | 3 | 11 | 250W |
| 648 | 53 | No | 3 | 6 | 250W | |
| 1,899 | 4’11 – 5’11 | 44 | Yes | 3 | 7 | 250W |
| 3,299 | 30.5. 36.5 | Yes | 5 | 5 | 500W | |
| 1,199 | 4’11. 6’1 | 43 | Yes | 5 | 7 | 350W |
| 1,599 | 4’11. 5’11 | 48 | No | 3 | 7 | 250W |
The Best Electric Balance Bikes
While electric balance bikes should never be a replacement for a traditional balance bike, they are great fun for tiny riders, especially future motocross or riders or BMX racers. From doing laps at the track to simply riding around the campground or backyard, these electric balance bikes can help instill a passion for riding at a very young age.
STACYC electric balance bikes (owned by Harley Davidson) are by far the best quality and most popular. While other cheaper brands have hit the market, most are significantly heavier than the STACYC line and don’t offer as many speed settings.
Compared to the similarly-sized Yamaha PW50 kids motorcycle, electric balance bikes are quieter, lighter, and significantly cheaper! Like the PW50’s governor, most electric balance bikes have several speed settings to limit the top speed for new riders.
| MSRP | Seat Height | Speeds | Wt. | Range | |
| Bikes for ages 2 – 5 | |||||
| STACYC 12eDrive | 735 | 14″ – 16″ | (3) 5, 7, 9mph | 17 lb. | 30 – 60 min |
| Bikes for ages 5 – 7 | |||||
| GoTrax Kids | 399 | 19.3″ – 20.9″ | (1) 15.5 mph | 27 lb. | 15.5 miles |
| STACYC Brushless 16eDrive | 1,049 | 17″ – 19″ | (3) 5, 7.5, 13 mph | 19 lb. | 30 – 60 min |
STACYC bikes are also available under several other brand names, including Harley Davidson (who purchased STACYC in 2019), KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna. As far as we are aware, besides aesthetics, the bikes themselves remain the same across all lines.
Electric Cargo Bikes for Hauling Kids
From quick drop-offs at a friend’s house to skipping the pick-up lane after school, electric cargo bikes are a fun and fast way to get around the neighborhood! With the flexibility to hold everything from toddlers in child bike seats to a full-grown adult, your family is sure to get many years of use from an electric family bike.
There are many different types of electric cargo bikes (or trikes!) to consider. In addition to the information covered in our buying guide above, there are a lot of variables to consider. For an in-depth dive into the specifics of cargo bikes for families, we highly recommend checking out Bike Shop Girl’s Cargo Bike buying guide.
When it comes to your budget, higher-end bikes are typically lighter, offer better speed control via a torque sensor, as well as increased durability from the drivetrain and electronics. If your planned trips are within a few miles around your neighborhood, however, don’t be afraid to go for a lower-end cargo bike, such as the RadRunner Plus shown above. Although heavy and not as fine-tuned as other bikes, it works great for quick trips and after 100s of miles, we have no complaints!
| Bikes for 1 Child | ||||
| RadRunner Plus | 1,899 | 74.3 | No | 45 Mi. |
| Aventon Abound | 2,199 | 81 | Yes | up to 50 Mi. |
| Bikes for 2 Kids | ||||
| RadWagon 4 | 1,899 | 76.7 | No | 45 Mi. |
| Aventon Abound | 2,199 | 81 | Yes | up to 50 Mi. |
| Xtracycle Swoop | 4,999 | 62.9 | Yes | up to 60 Mi. |
| Tricycles for 2 Kids | ||||
| Ferla Family Bike | 3,999 | 130 | No | 25 Mi. |
| Bunch Coupe | 6,999 | 132 | No | 75 Mi. |
All bikes listed, except the Bunch Coupe, have a throttle
Natalie Martins
Natalie has basically been obsessed with kids’ bikes since 2010 when her oldest of three kids began riding a balance bike. After trying to convince everyone she knew about how amazing balance bikes are, she began Two Wheeling Tots. As a certified secondary science teacher, she loves digging deep into the why and how of kids biking. With her in-depth knowledge of the kids’ bike world, she has consulted with many top brands as well as contributed to articles at NY Strategist, the Today Show, and more.
How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go? Everything You Should Know!
The speed that regular bikes can go relies on how much energy you put on a pedal. You can be fast or extra slow, depending on the effort you put into the bike. You have full control of your speed, and you can easily navigate when cycling using regular bikes.
However, in terms of electric bikes, how fast do electric bikes go? Electronic bikes are programmed for a specific maximum speed. Unlike MTBs or road bikes, an e-bike comes with a motor that can optimize your speed when riding.
An average electric bike can be as fast as 20mph. However, electric bikes can only go as fast as 28mph and do not go more than this figure. Even the most powerful electric bikes will only limit the motor to 28mph.
What are the Benefits of Electric Bikes?
Electric bikes are innovative products introduced to the world just recently. It comes with rechargeable batteries that can speed up your riding experience by up to 28mph.
Compared to using a regular road bike, you don’t need to put much effort in pedaling because the motor of your electric bike can do the work for you.
Using electric bikes has its benefits. It does not only increase your speed but also provides the following:
Speed
Of course, the number one most noticeable difference in using an electric bike is the speed. With the help of a motor, the pace becomes faster, and it will be quicker for you to get to your destination.
As mentioned, electric bikes can propel from 20 to 28mph plus the energy you put into the pedal. With e-bikes, pedaling can be effortless without compromising your speed in the process. You can preserve your energy more when you choose to switch to eclectic bikes.
Appearance and motor
The appearance of an electric bike is almost the same as a regular road bike. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that e-bikes come with a motor and an electrical drive system. You will see a motor, a battery, and a display screen propelling the speed of your bike if you own an electric bike.
Electric bikes can come in different motors. You can see bikes with a front hub motor, rear hub motor, and a mid-drive motor.
The front hub motor is the simplest e-bike motor available today. But it is also limited in capability. It can be seen in Class 2 e-bikes with a throttle system.
The rear hub motor, on the other side, provides users versatility and gives both the throttle and pedelec system. It keeps the speed stable compared to front hub motors.
Lastly, the mid-drive motor is at the center of the bike frame. They are incorporated with the bottom bracket and cranks to assist bikers, as well. With this motor, you can enjoy more torque, climb hills better, and distribute weight more evenly.
Experience in riding
In terms of riding experience, you will also feel a noticeable difference. Once you get on the electric bicycle and start pedaling, the motor and the electric drive system will automatically kick in. Your ride will transition smoothly, unlike when using a manual bicycle where you need to build up your speed.
Your pedaling motion will be very easy without putting in too much effort. You can instantly go to your desired location without straining your legs and lower body that much. The motor itself will do the cycling for you.
Longer distances
Since less energy is required when riding on an e-bike, you have more mileage and can take longer distances. You can go to more places if you switch to e-bikes compared to when using a manual road bike.
Different Classes of Electric Bikes How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go
In the United States, electric bikes are categorized into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. The said category is based on the bike’s wattage, speed, and operation.
Class 1
Electronic bikes classified under Class 1 have a motor that can only function once you push the pedal. The bikes with this category have the so-called pedal-assist mode. Meaning, your bike cannot fully operate even with electricity if you do not put in the pedal action in a pedal assist mountain bike.
Under this classification, you can enjoy an e-bike speed of 20mph, while the maximum motor wattage is up to 750W. With Class 1 electric bikes, you can enjoy longer mileage and can preserve battery power too.
Class 2
Class 2 e-bikes also have a full speed of up to 20 miles per hour. The difference is that Class 2 bikes have the drive system activated by a throttle. You can either push a button or grip twist the throttle system, usually found on bike handlebars.
Bikes with both pedal assist and throttles are classified under class 2. You can enjoy a speed of 15 miles per hour in full electricity or electric bike top speed of 24 miles per hour using the pedal assist. Most women’s bikes available today are in the Class 2 classification.
Class 3
Under this classification, electric bikes may not need throttles but come with upgraded motors. Most e-bikes in this category have 750W motors. You can travel up to 28mph full speed when you choose an electric bicycle in Class 3.
Electric bikes with this kind of classification have specific rules and regulations, as well. Due to the speed generated by the bike, only ages 17 and above are allowed to use Class 3 electric bikes. You might need motor licensing and other requirements with Class 3 e-bikes.
Conclusion
Fast electric bikes are an innovative solution for those people who want to exert less effort in biking but want to take longer distances. With e-bikes’ electric driving system, your bike riding experience can be leveled up. You need not worry about pushing too hard with the pedal, as most electric bikes have pedal assist mode.
However, along with these innovations, you should always consider your need for an e-bike and how fast you want to go when using it. Speed can be a cause of accidents or injuries, so getting the right electric bike speed for you is equally important. As someone new to using electric bikes, a speed of 15mph is well-recommended.
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How Fast Is An E-Bike?
Depending on the class of an e-bike, the top “allowed” speed varies. Before you get an e-bike for more sustainable commutes, you should learn about them.
Whether you’re looking for the fastest and most efficient way to get to work or are wondering whether that crazy neighbor is breaking speed limit laws, it’s important to understand what actually determines the maximum speed of an electric bike.
The Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have allowed top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 mph (45 km/h) as per the laws in the US. Obviously, there are faster e-bikes that can go up to 70 mph (112 km/h) in the race track mode. But those are not allowed on roads.
You’ll also find variations between a typical e-bike and a scooter and a lot of that comes down to limitations in the motors and batteries.
What Factors Determine the E-Bike Speed?
There are four main factors that determine the speed of an e-bike. Some are down to the laws of physics, while others are down to laws on speed limits.
Class
Most electric bikes fall into three categories, and then there are high-powered electric motorbikes that can travel at very high speeds, but they also require a driver’s license.
Electric bikes that people use for commuting and fun are significantly more limited.
A class 1 electric bike is one that has pedal assist only. What that means is that the motor will help you only while you’re pedaling and only up to a speed of 20 mph. Pedal assist is a very basic technology, and people find it helpful if they regularly cycle somewhere with steep inclines.
A class 2 electric bike will provide a combination of pedal assist and throttle with a top speed of about 20 mph. Similar to a class 1 bike, you’ll get some assistance when you’re pedaling. But you can also pull on the handlebar throttle to get an extra boost.
And then there’s the class 3 electric bike that offers pedal assist only but at speeds up to 28 mph. The motor power kicks in a bit more powerful as soon as you start pedaling and you’ll get up to max speed quite quickly compared to muscle power alone.
We have put together some of the best electric bikes that you might want to consider before buying a random one.
Laws
Every state has its own speed limit laws, and those apply slightly differently to electric bikes. While a general speed limit applies to all motor vehicles on public roads, there are additional rules for electric bikes.
In most cases, that speed limit is between 20 and 30 mph, but you will need to check your local state and municipal laws.
That basically means you can’t set your e-bike to some crazy race track mode and travel at the same speed as the cars around you.
Battery Type
I won’t get into the detailed physics of how battery performance and power are measured. But it’s important to know that the battery will also have an impact on the maximum power of an electric motor.
Electric cars and motorbikes have high-powered batteries to support them going at high speeds, but the batteries you find in electric bikes and scooters will limit the speed to about 30 mph.
Electric Motor Power
Just like with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor will have limited torque and horsepower. And considering that the motors, even on a fast electric bike, will be quite small, there is a significant limit on the speed.
You’d have to go for a motorbike with a large electric engine and a race track mode to get some great speeds and accelerations, and that’s not something you’ll find on e-bikes and scooters.
You can also buy an electric bike conversion kit that is a simple battery and motor assembly that you attach to your existing bike. But these will also have the same speed limit as regular e-bikes.
Why Are E-Bikes Limited To 28 mph?
The top speed of most electric bikes is between 20 and 30 mph, and this is generally set at the state level. And there are very important reasons why this maximum speed has been set.
Safety First
In 2002, the Consumer Product Safety Act passed regulations to ensure that an electric bike in pedal assist mode doesn’t go beyond 20 mph. Anything above that would make the electric bicycle a motor vehicle.
And going beyond that speed would pose a danger to the rider and other participants in road traffic.
Tackle Misuse
Illegal racing started to become a problem from day one of the electric bikes hitting the market. And to tackle this problem, maximum speeds were needed through regulations.
These speeds are high enough for people to get around fast and efficiently. But at the same time, they are low enough to discourage racing.
Reduce Speed Differences
Electric bike users are effectively on the same playing field as cyclists, and they also have to contend with other motorists. By bringing down their speed, it puts them on a level playing field with cyclists and prevents speeding in heavy traffic that can lead to accidents.
Create A Standard
By having the three different classifications for technology and speed, regulations have established an electric bike standard that makes it easier for consumers to compare. It also makes it easier for companies to compete in a fair way, as each company has to stick within the confines of certain rules.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Just like with internal combustion engines, the faster an electric bike goes, the more energy it will use. You won’t get too far traveling at high speed, and that will also mean that you use up significantly more energy.
For a typical commuter in a city getting around on an electric bicycle, it should all be about being more energy efficient than traveling at maximum speeds.
How Fast Is The Fastest E-Bike?
While there are regulations and laws about the speeds e-bikes can travel, there are some that can go faster. However, these are typically used for competitive sports events that don’t take place on public roads.
First of all, these electric bikes go up to 20 mph in standard mode. But they have the option to turn on a race mode that is only allowed outside of public traffic. This mode allows some of these bikes to go over 70 mph, and that could be seriously dangerous when dealing with pedestrians and other motorists.
Example Top Speed E-Bikes
One of the fastest electric bikes I have seen is the Hi Power Cycles Revolution XX. It’s listed at a speed of over 70 mph in race mode, and you can also pedal along with it.
The second fastest electric bike seems to be the 12000W Enduro e-Bike which tops out at 62 mph. It actually looks a lot more like a dirt bike and has a very strong and durable bike frame.
The Delfast Top 3.0i also looks more like an electric motorbike and is shipped with a limit of 20 mph. But there is an off-road mode that will allow you to travel at up to 50 mph.
However, let me say that I wouldn’t recommend buying any of these unless you’re planning to compete in organized races. For everyday use, stick with the more basic electric bikes.
How Fast Do Electric Scooters Go?
Electric scooters tend not to go as fast as e-bikes and often have a top speed of about 15 mph. One of the most popular ones I have used is the TurboAnt X7 Pro which has a maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
This is mainly due to the fact the frames are smaller, and therefore there’s not as much space as on an electric bike to attach a larger motor and more batteries.
But similar to an electric bike, there are scooters where you can select a higher speed limit for driving on race tracks. I’ve seen some that go up to 60 mph, but I don’t think you want to be standing on a scooter at those kinds of speeds.
At least on an electric bike, you are securely seated, and you have much larger wheels to deal with uneven and bumpy surfaces. An electric bike will also be able to slow down a lot faster due to larger brakes.
The Fastest Electric Bike
So, you’ve found yourself searching for the perfect electric mountain bike. You’re scrutinizing suspension and geometry. You’re making sure you have top-of-the-line brakes and a build kit that suits your riding style. Before you opt all the way in for speed, ask yourself: what do you sacrifice when you go all in on power that’s solely centered on speed? We’re here with a host of tips to help you make sure you choose and create the fastest electric fat tire bike possible.
The Fastest EBike
When we look at any bike that doesn’t utilize pedal assist and touts a motor power of over 5KW (that’s over five times our most powerful motor), we tread further away from the realm of electric bicycles. Truly, they fall into a class of their own that exists somewhere between e-bikes and motorbikes and mopeds. And, they’re not allowed on many bike trails or in National Parks. So before you make a decision, ensure you’re fully understanding what kicking up the speed might preclude you from accessing.
The Three E-Bike Classifications
As the technology of electric mountain bikes becomes more sophisticated and more people around the globe buy and explore on their e-bikes, local and national authorities are creating more legislation to ensure that all user groups can coexist in Smart ways that promote a positive experience for all.
Recently, there was a monumental announcement from the National Forest Service that paves the way for allowing local governing bodies to decide where and how e-bikes can be used on trails owned and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Part of what this announcement does is further sharpen the language around the three classifications of electric bikes. Yes, this is a positive step for e-bikes, but it is also something of which you should be well aware when you’re thinking about your need for speed.
Class 1: electric bikes in this category are pedal-assist only—meaning the bike will not move without active physical engagement by the rider—and there’s no throttle with a maximum assisted speed of 20mph.
Class 2: electric bikes in this category are also pedal-assisted but also feature a throttle. The maximum speed is still 20mph.
Class 3: like Class 1 bikes, electric bikes in this category are pedal-assist only and there’s no throttle. But, unlike Class 1, the maximum assisted speed is 28mph.
Note that it’s understood that all classes limit the motor’s power to 1 horsepower. So the aforementioned fastest electric bikes on the market are outside of this classification.
Ways to Make Sure Yours is the Fastest Electric Bike
In order to ensure the greatest possible access for our electric bikes, you can expect that maxed out, all QuietKat e-bikes will roll at about 20mph (which—all things considered—is pretty fast when you’re hauling through the forest on the trail). But, there are a number of other ways to attempt to make sure yours is the fastest electric fat tire bike possible. Here are our quick tips:
Make sure you’re fully charged.
A fully charged electric mountain bike yields a higher voltage output. We broke down the full details of what to expect from a (fully charged )1000 watt electric bike on our blog.
Invest in a higher voltage battery.
Like we said above, a bike with a higher charge results in a higher voltage output which, in turn, ensures you’re getting the most out of your speedometer. Peruse the full lineup of QuietKat batteries and charging accessories to see if an upgrade is right for you.
Opt for smoother tires.
If you’re taking your mountain-going steed off the trails and into the urban concrete jungle, one way to make sure you’re achieving top speed is to swap out your knobby, grippy tires for smoother tires. Smoother tires have less rolling resistance and can even add a 1-2mph bump.
Tune your brakes.
Did you know that poorly tuned brakes can slow down your e-bike? The unnecessary friction from brake rub can keep you from your full speed potential. It’s easy to learn how to tune your brakes yourself. If you’d rather leave it to the experts, simply take it to your local bike shop.
Tuck!
Ever watched the Tour de France? Then you’ll see the riders picking up impressive speed when they crouch low into their handlebars and reduce wind resistance. Try it: it’s amazing how much speed you can feel yourself picking up when you’re rolling downhill.