Bike For Speed
Road bike max speed
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Whether speed is one of the most important factors to you or not, understanding the speed capability of different electric bike models will help you choose your ideal e-bike. Everyone is different and has different plans for how they will use their new electric bike.
Juiced Bikes are well known for delivering the widest selection of high-speed electric bikes, and have the power capabilities to match the needs of just about any rider. Whether you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to commute, or just love the rush of the wind on your face as you seek out new adventures, our high-speed e-bike options will provide you with a thrilling ride and extremely functional riding alternative!
E-Bike Classifications:
One of the most common questions we get from customers is related to speed regulations in their city and state. Many states in the United States utilize a three class system for e-bike regulations, but it’s important to always check your most current local e-bike laws (they are rapidly changing from state to state). Here is some helpful information on e-bike speed classifications:
All Juiced e-bikes are eligible as either Class 2 or Class 3 and some of our e-bike models also feature a race track mode that riders can enable on private property that removes the 28mph limit and allows riders to get electric assist regardless of how fast they are pedaling.
Class 2: Throttle only top speed 20 mph
All of our e-bikes have a throttle. This is either a twist throttle or a thumb throttle located on the handlebars. When the throttle is used, the e-bike can be propelled without the rider pedaling. similar to a motorcycle. In the USA the regulations state that the maximum speed allowed in this kind of operation is 20mph although the e-bike may be technically capable of going faster than 20mph. When you’re riding a bike, 20mph is an ideal speed. These aren’t our fastest electric bikes, but a top speed of 20mph is the fastest class 2 e-bikes can go. Even though they aren’t the fastest, they still give you that rush of wind and get you where you want to go quickly.
Electric bikes with lower top speeds are great for leisure and exploring. Go out on the weekends to do a few errands close by, or take your bike down some paths that you’ve never visited. You don’t need super high speeds to have a great time. With the throttle under your grip, you can adjust your speed as you go along. You can choose to use this type of model at its top speed, or ride at a slower pace. You can even test the bike to see if you can push it a little bit past the 20mph speed — just be safe if you choose to try it.
All Juiced e-bikes arrive set to Class 2 however the user can manually configure other assist settings to increase the speed of the e-bike.
Class 3: Pedal Assist top speed 28 mph
Class 3 e-bikes allow the bike to assist riders up to a speed of 28 mph when the rider is turning the pedals. When the e-bike reaches 28 mph, the motor assistance will be reduced until a speed of 28 mph or lower is maintained. Class 3 is a much more enjoyable way to experience the fastest e-bikes as it is closer to the speed a fit cyclist can achieve without motor assistance.
Note: When throttle is used and the rider stops pedaling, the speed of the e-bike will gradually be reduced to the throttle only speed of 20 mph. If pedaling is resumed, the e-bike will again accelerate until 28 mph is reached.
With the higher top speed allowed by class 3 e-bikes, you have an even greater range of speed than a class 2 electric bike. If you want to ride more leisurely, you can absolutely do that. But, if you really want to get cruising, you can move a lot faster than other models. speed is great when you’re on a deadline or have a tight timeframe to finish your ride. Many of our eco-minded riders love our bikes because they’re much more friendly to the environment. Even while you’re doing your part to help the planet, you still need to get places on time. Whether you’re heading to work, an appointment or any other destination with a specific arrival time, these bikes may be the better option.
With the ability to juice up your bike using the throttle or the pedal assist. you can feel the power of these bikes at multiple points. Whether you want top speed or a little bit less, you can choose whether you want to use the throttle or pedal assist functions of your electric bike.
Key Factors That Affect Your Average Bike Speed
There are many factors that will make a difference to your average mph on bike rides. These are based on your body, mind, experience, environment, and bike.
Let’s go into these in a little more detail:
#1. Physical Condition And Age
Our bodies power our bikes, so physical condition will of course make a difference to your average bike speed and how long you can maintain that speed.
However, fitness isn’t the only physical factor that affects performance. There are some things beyond our control, such as age.
Age plays a significant role in cycling performance. Unfortunately, our bodies become less efficient and powerful as we get older.
Our blood flow volume reduces as we age. This is because the tissues within our hearts start to harden while the ventricles get thicker. Therefore, our muscles don’t get as much oxygen when we exercise.
We also start to lose muscle mass after the age of 30, reducing our strength. However, cyclists who keep training after turning 30 can dramatically reduce their performance losses.
Older cyclists who continue to train regularly can maintain strong levels of fitness even into their retirement years, even though their maximum achievable performance will be lower than in their youth.
#2. Mindset
Your mindset can make a massive difference to your average bike speed.
For example, your perspective can cause you to reduce your effort before you reach your peak. You may do this when you approach a steep hill, which can demoralize you, slowing you down when you really need to put in more effort.
You may also fixate on your aching muscles rather than focusing on the goal. Doing this exacerbates the discomfort, if only in your mind.
To keep a good mindset when riding, you can listen to fast-paced music and FOCUS on power output rather than the extra effort you are putting into the pedals.
It’s a good idea to have only one earbud in or use open-ear technology though, so you’re aware of traffic or other riders around you.
#3. Skill And Experience
Over time your skill and experience as a cyclist will develop, helping to raise your average cycling speed.
For example, you understand your strengths, the best riding position for the terrain, how to pace yourself on a climb or through a long ride, how to fuel yourself properly, and so on.
You might also develop a more efficient pedal stroke or improve your skills as a technical descender, all of which help to increase your speed.
All these factors come with experience and will give you the advantage over a novice rider.
#4. The Environment You Ride In
Your average bike speed will naturally be much faster if you stick to flat ground, straight roads, and smooth surfaces.
Hills, corners, and poor road surfaces will slow you down.
Riding uphill will slow you down dramatically. An incline of just 4% can reduce your average bike speed by 75%. This effect is exaggerated on steeper climbs.
Your speed also reduces by a significant amount if you encounter a headwind (or crosswinds, to a lesser extent). It is a similar case when riding in cold weather, rain, and snow, as it is safer and more comfortable to ride slower.
Another factor that will slow you down when riding in bad weather is that you need to wear bulkier clothing. clothing layers restrict your movement and increase drag, so it is more challenging to keep a high average bike speed.
However, riding in hot weather can speed you up.
This is because you can wear thinner, more aerodynamic clothing, and warmer air is less dense, reducing drag. That being said, hot weather can make you dehydrated or cause you to overheat, affecting your performance.
How Does The Type Of Bike You Ride Affect Average Bike Speed?
There are bikes to suit everyone’s circumstances and needs, but their characteristics and features affect how fast they go and other aspects of their performance.
However, just because one type of bike is slower than another doesn’t mean it is a bad bike. It’s just made for a different purpose.
Heavier bikes take more effort to get up to speed. But other elements such as wheel size, gearing, riding position, tire choice, and maintenance will determine how fast you can ride.
With this in mind, speed is sometimes a misleading metric to measure if you’re not making a direct comparison, with all other factors equal.
However, for many riders, speed is the most obvious metric to use as a gauge of their own progression.
Average Road Bike Speed
As we have already established, many things will affect your average bike speed. For the average road bike speed, we will concentrate on riders completing an hour-long ride relative to their experience.
A typical road cyclist on a relatively flat course will have an average bike speed of about 15-18 mph (24-29 km/h) over an hour’s ride.
However, bear in mind that this is a very rough approximation that is dependent on weather, elevation, road surface, and any number of other factors.
If you’re a beginner, you will probably start out averaging slightly lower than this, perhaps 12-14 mph (16-23 km/h) or so, but it won’t take long before you improve.
If you train regularly, you might get your average bike speed up to about 20 mph (29 km/h). But if you commit to a serious training plan, you could be blasting along even faster!
Average Road Bike Speed For Professional Cyclists
At an average speed of 26.12 mph (42.03 km/h), Jonas Vingegaard‘s 2022 Tour de France victory was the fastest in history.
Maurice Garin’s average speed on his way to victory at the inaugural 1903 Tour was 15.96 mph (25.68 km/h) – which is still remarkable considering the ancient equipment cyclists rode on, the absence of teams, and each stage was an average distance of 251 miles (405 km)!
However, there are many other factors that affect the average speed of a modern professional stage race compared to the amateur hour-ride averages mentioned above.
For example, their rides are much longer, extremely mountainous, and feature little time for recovery, all of which will reduce their average bike speed.
However, the speeds will be increased by the drafting effect of riding in a peloton, the absence of traffic and junctions (the Tour de France takes place on closed roads), and professional-standard equipment.
What’s The Fastest Speed You’ve Been On A Bike? | GCN Ask The Pros
Perhaps the purest measure of average speed for a professional cyclist is the time trial. Rohan Dennis’s average speed in the 2015 Tour de France time trial was a blistering 34.46 mph (55.45 km/h).
Team time trials can be even faster, as the riders benefit from drafting. The current record is team Orica–GreenEDGE’s effort at the 2013 Tour, in which they averaged an astonishing 35.94 mph (57.84 km/h).
- Want to know more? Check out our in-depth guide to Tour de France Average Speeds and Records Through History here!
Average Bike Speed For A Commuter
Coming back down to Earth from those astronomical speeds, if you ride a commuter bike, your average mph on bike lanes will probably be somewhere around 12 mph (16 km/h).
Don’t be disheartened if you’re not commuting at this pace yet, as your ride could easily be affected by traffic, the quality of bike lanes in your area, and how hilly the roads are.
As you cycle more, your fitness and strength will naturally improve, and you’ll find your average bike speed increasing bit by bit.
The bike you choose to ride will also make a difference – a commuter bike will be more comfortable, but if speed if what you’re after a road bike will make a big difference.
Ways To Improve Your Average Road Bike Speed
There are a few steps you can take to increase your average bicycle speed.
In this section, we’ll be diving into them so you can claim the bragging rights at your next group ride!
#1. Improve Your Fitness
The single best way to increase your average bike speed is to work on yourself.
Spending your hard-earned cash to improve your gear is all well and good, but the rider is always likely to be more important than the bike!
You can join a spin class, do interval training, and improve your power. Just 30 minutes of strenuous exercise 3 or 4 times a week will make a huge difference to your performance.
#2. Reduce Drag
Cyclists wear tight-fitting clothes to reduce wind resistance. If you wear baggy clothes that flap in the wind, you are not very slippery through the air.
When you combine tight clothing with an aerodynamic riding position, you will be able to increase your average bike speed significantly.
80% of aerodynamic drag on a bike comes from the rider’s body, so there are huge speed savings to be made!
You can also fit your bike with aerodynamic components. For example, aero frames and wheels will cut through the air much more easily than regular equipment. However, they are not cheap!
Alternatively, you may want to fit aero bars. These put you in a more aerodynamic riding position, often preferred by triathletes.
#3. Reduce Weight
Weight has a significant impact on your average bike speed.
This is especially true while cycling uphill. On the flats, aerodynamics are more important than weight.
If weight is a key concern, a road bike is always likely to be your best bet. Materials such as carbon fiber and good-quality bike components help reduce weight but can come at a significant price.
#4. Optimize Your Tire Pressure
If your tires are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance. This means you need to put more effort into the pedals to accelerate and maintain your speed.
Firmer tires roll more easily, but make sure you stay within the psi (pressure) limits of the tires for safety and the best performance.
It’s also worth noting that lower pressures can have advantages too. They provide a more comfortable ride, which can help you maintain pedaling power over bumpy road surfaces, making you faster.
Too much tire pressure can actually reduce grip and cause such a bumpy ride that your muscles become more fatigued compensating for it.
So, it’s all about finding a balance!
- Want to know more? Check out Bike Tire Pressure Explained: All You Need To Know here!
#5. Look At Your Bike’s Gearing
Your average bike speed will be determined by your bike’s gearing. The gears affect how far the wheels rotate in regard to a single peddle turn.
This means a higher gear will be faster than a low gear as it makes the wheels spin faster. However, higher gears make the bike harder to get going from a standstill, and the extra speeds make coping with changes in the terrain and corners more challenging.
Choosing the right gearing is especially important if you ride a single-speed or a fixie bike, popular with commuters, or if you live in a particularly hilly area.
If you are in the market for a new bike or want to upgrade the one you have, you should check out the optimum gear ratios for you.
#6. Brake Less, Ride Smoother
Reducing the amount of braking you do means that you ride more smoothly. It takes less effort to accelerate while rolling than it does from being stationary.
We’re not trying to suggest you ignore your brakes when you need them for safety’s sake!
What we mean is that you can be strategic with how you accelerate, decelerate, and maintain speed. Planning ahead can increase your average bike speed throughout your ride.
For example, when approaching a traffic light, some cyclists will approach it maintaining their full pace, then brake firmly to come to a complete stop.
However, gradually reducing your pace as you approach a red light might mean that it turns green again while you’re still rolling, saving you the significant amount of energy required for the initial acceleration of a bike from a standstill and raising your average pace.
Good Average Cycling Speeds For Different Cyclists
Pro cyclists ride faster than beginners. Mountain bikes aren’t as speed orientated as road bikes. Newer bikes have more scientific data and testing behind their designs.
There are three reasons for you why average bike speeds aren’t an excellent measurement for comparison.
The table below contains good average speeds for cyclists of different experience levels riding on the road.
This data is great to reference as you progress with your cycling, as it will help you understand your skill/fitness level.
What Is The Global Average Cycling Speed? Simple Answer
I completely understand some of you may be itching for a single figure that represents the average speed travelled by a wide range of bikes and cyclists, so here it is!
In 2018 Strava, the increasingly popular social media cycling app, revealed some exciting user data in their yearly roundup.
The data displayed in the table below was taken from 5.2B miles worth of cycling with an average ride distance of 20.19 miles (32.49km). This includes ride data from various cycling disciplines, bike types and drastically varying rider fitness levels.
As the data shows, for the year 2018, the average cycling speed taken from the data of 287.5M rides, including a range of bike types and cycling disciplines, was 13.5 mph which equates to 21.72 km/h.
Bear in mind that there are billions of cyclists worldwide that don’t use this app.
The cyclists tracking their ride data with cycling apps probably take their cycling more seriously than your average Joe.
This means these averages shown above are likely to be faster than the true average cycling speed.
Average Bike Speeds For Different Bike Types
As you’re probably aware, many different types of bikes are available that cater to a range of cycling disciplines.
I’ve put together a guide that highlights every type of bike and the benefits they offer. Have a read here if you’re interested in finding the type of bike that best suits your riding style.
As you can imagine, different bikes have different average speeds, so below, I’ve broken the average bike speeds down into four categories of the most common bikes.
Take these numbers with a pinch of salt because, as we’ve found out, there’s a hefty list of factors affecting your average speed.
Use the buttons below to navigate to your chosen bike type.
Average Road Bike Speed
Road bikes are the fastest conventional bike type on average. They’re designed for high speeds and offer superb aerodynamics compared to other bike types.
The average speed of a road bike when riding on roads with a flatter elevation profile is between 14 and 18 mph (23-29 km/h).
Alternatively, riding on inclines of 5%, most road cyclists can expect an average cycling speed of somewhere between 8 and 12 mph (13-19 km/h).
To further investigate this data, I asked a question in the Reddit bicycling sub about members’ average speeds when using their road bikes.
I also asked each respondent to describe the factors involved in measuring their average speed (terrain elevation, weather etc.), most of which were rides on flatter roads with few hills.
In total, I received responses from 28 people and combining their speeds gave me an average of 16.7 mph (27.5 km/h).
This is a small group of people to gather information from, but the average speed of the respondents aligns with the average road bike speed shown above.
Average Mountain Bike Speed
Since there are so many different MTB disciplines, it’s hard to give an average mountain bike speed that has any meaning.
If you’re riding a mountain bike on a road with a flat elevation profile, 10-14 mph (16-23 km/h) is a good average speed.
Riding a mountain bike on seriously technical trails will slow you down so much that you can typically average between 4-8 mph (6-13 km/h). The same speed applies to steep uphill sections with an incline of 5% or greater.
Competitive downhill MTB riders typically average between 18-20 mph (29-32 km/h). However, whilst on the trail’s steepest sections, they can reach speeds up to 50mph (80km/h).
Average Hybrid Bike Speed
As the name suggests, hybrid bikes provide a combination of characteristics from both road and mountain bikes.
Most hybrids bikes use chunkier tires (typically 700c x 35-45) than road bikes, which reduces their speed on-road. But most hybrid bikes utilise a rigid frame and fork, which increases pedalling efficiency compared to hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes.
Riding on flat roads, the average speed for a hybrid bike sits between 12-16 mph (19-26 km/h).
On uphill rides at gradients of 5%, you can expect average cycling speeds of 6-10 mph (10- 16 km/h) on a hybrid bike.
Average E-Bike Speed
If you’re wondering about the average speed of an e-bike, you’re probably wondering about the average assisted speed.
As I covered in my guide to e-bikes, there are three different types of e-bikes.
- Class 1 – Pedal assisted e-bikes with a maximum speed of 20mph (32km/h).
- Class 2 – Throttle assisted e-bikes with a maximum speed of 20mph (32km/h)
- Class 3 – Throttle assisted e-bikes with a top speed of 28mph (45km/h).
The legal speed limit of e-bikes varies from country to country. However, most European countries enforce an e-bike speed assistance limit of 15.5mph (25 km/h).
In most US states, the maximum speed assistance for e-bikes is 20mph (32km/h).
How to Increase Your Average Cycling Speed
So now that we’ve learnt about the average speed of multiple bike types and the global average cycling speed, it’s only right for me to help you increase your speed on two wheels!
Below I’ve compiled a short snippet of tips that’ll benefit you. I guarantee at least one of these will be helpful to you.
If you’re serious about increasing your speed on two wheels, read this guide for a longer list of the essentials required to increase your cycling speed.
Different surfaces demand different tire pressures for optimum efficiency.
Whilst you’re not going to want to change your tire pressure during your ride, you’ll want to pick a pressure that works well with the surface you’ll be riding most.
Have a play around and see what works best.
If you’re using clipless pedals, you’ll understand how annoying they can be when trying to pull away from the lights.
Instead of constantly going through this pickle, learn to trackstand. You’ll be faster out of the lights, increasing your average speed.
Plus, being able to pull off a proper trackstand is a good party trick!
The fuel you put into your body will directly impact your physical capabilities.
Put rubbish in, get rubbish out.
Personally, to stay completely aware of my surroundings whilst on the road, I don’t cycle with music, but it might be worth a try if you feel comfortable doing so.
The effects of music on exercise performance have been researched many times over the years, and research suggests it can not only increase enjoyment but performance too!
In 1911, Ayres observed that competitors in a six-day cycle race travelled 8.5% faster when listening to a military Band. [5]
Muscle has increased density compared to fat, but fat won’t help you pedal faster.
If you want to shift a few extra pounds, keep working at it, and you’ll see results!
Clipless pedals have been shown in studies to provide up to 10% increased power output compared to flat and toe strap pedals. [6]
Many cyclists also say that they feel clipless pedals provide increased handling of a bike, something that’s more difficult to prove in scientific studies.
If you haven’t tried clipless pedals before, they’re worth a try.
The tips above will get you on the right path to increasing your average cycling speed.
If you’re keen to learn more and want the most helpful tips, read my guide on the best ways to increase your average speed while on your bike.
Otherwise, below you’ll find the answers to some crazy speed-related cycling questions.
Honorable Mention: Dodge Tomahawk: 300 mph (est.)
In 2003, the world witnessed the unveiling of a concept like no other, the Dodge Tomahawk. By stuffing the Dodge Viper’s 8.3L V10 engine on a platform that rides like a motorcycle, the carmaker might have created one of the fastest motorcycles in the world.
But there’s more to the story than this. Not only did this monstrosity have four wheels, but its top speed was also never proven. It’s reported that nine Dodge Tomahawk replicas were produced and sold for 555,000 each, likely used more for art decoration than street or track use. It is indeed not a street-legal motorcycle to ride.
Finding evidence that any Tomahawk has been ridden faster than 100 mph seems to be impossible. Should it be on this list? Can it truly go 300 mph? The world may never know.
The world’s fastest motorcycles summary
Creating one of the top 10 fastest bikes in the world can be done in a variety of ways. Popular racetrack names like Ducati and Kawasaki stick to their bread and butter, while electric newcomers like Lightning and Damon challenge tradition.
Grabbing the ultimate spot as the world’s fastest bike, however, takes something special. Marine Turbine Technologies discovered the secret by applying a turbine engine on a two-wheel monster. The result has been nothing short of spectacular.
The 11 fastest motorcycles in the world are:
- MTT 420-RR: 273 mph
- Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 240 mph
- Lightning LS-218: 218 mph
- Ducati 1199 Panigale R: 202 mph
- Damon Hypersport Premier: 200 mph
- Ducati Panigale V4 R: 199 mph
- Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory: 199 mph
- MV Agusta F4CC: 195 mph
- Suzuki GSX1300 R Hayabusa: 194 mph
- MV Agusta F4 R 312: 194 mph
- BMW S1000RR: 188 mph
Frequently asked questions about the world’s fastest motorcycle
The turbine-powered MTT 420-RR is currently the fastest bike in the world with a top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h). Check our list of the fastest bikes in the world to see the full ranking.
Featuring a 449cc 4-stroke engine and a rugged steel frame, the KTM 450 SX-F is the fastest dirt bike in the world with a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h).
Rocky Robinson holds the claim to fame as the fastest bike rider in the world, setting a motorcycle land speed record of 376 mph (605 km/h) in 2010.
The MTT 420-RR is street-legal, allowing it to also claim the fastest street bike in the world title with its top speed of 273 mph (439 km/h).