Electric Bikes are common on Ireland’s roads.
Yet how many of us know what speed do electric bikes go?
This is important if you own one or are considering buying an electric bike.
It is necessary to know what factors influence their speed and speed limit.
Despite the popularity of electric bikes, they are little understood.
This guide is all you need to know about electric bike speeds and how fast electric bikes can go. Common questions are addressed and misconceptions are cleared up.
This guide helps, Irish riders have the best cycling experience and get the most out of their vehicles.
Chapter 1: Understand Electric Bike Speed Limit
Class 1 Electric Bike Speed Limit
Class 1 bikes have pedals and they have a maximum power of 250 watts.
They are used by commuters and recreational riders and provide a fun cycling experience.
They have pedals and riders can use them to increase speed.
The Class 1 electric bike's top speed is 25 km (15.5 mph).
They are good for the environment because of their limited power and speed.
Class 2 Electric Bike Speed Limit
Class 2 electric bikes have both pedals and a motor with a max power of 250 watts.
The motor can power the e-bike even when the rider is not pedaling. The motor means that the rider can go faster without pedaling.
This electric bike has a max speed of up to 25 km (15.5 mph).
This class of bike because of its motor has somewhat of an impact on the environment.
Class 3 Electric Bike Speed Limit
Class 3 high speed electric bikes have pedal assistance and a throttle with a max power of 250 watts.
They are fast and can reach a top speed of up to 45 km (28 mph).
Class 3 e-bikes have a higher environmental impact because of their more powerful engine.
Factors Affecting Speed
Several factors impact the speed of an electric bike.
The wattage and power of the bike determine how fast they can go.
The more battery capacity the faster it can travel.
The gears are also important as the gear ratio can influence the top speed of an e bike.
The rider’s weight is another factor, the heavier the rider the slower the top speed.
Cycling into the wind can slow a bike down.
Then the terrain, can also influence how fast an electric bike can go, hilly roads often slow the rider down.
Legal Speed Limits for Electric Bikes
The Electric bike speed internationally is between 25 km (15. 5 mph) and 45 km (29 mph).
In the USA it is 45 km, in the UK, Australia, and Europe it is 25 km.
The 45 km speed limit is only permitted for specially designed bikes that need to be registered.
What speed an electric bike can go is determined by the rider, condition, and the power of the engine. Find out how fast can these bikes go.
Chapter 2: What Speed Do Electric Bikes Go?
Many cyclists need to know more about electric bike speeds so they can have the best experience.
Average Speeds
What speed an electric bike can vary.
A city bike usually travels at an average speed of 25 km or 15 mph.
Mountain bikes also have a similar average speed.
Speed pedelecs can have an average speed of up to 25 mph.
Folding electric bikes have lower average speeds usually around 11 mph.
The off-road ktm electric dirt bike can reach 55 km or 35 mph.
Top Speeds
There have been high speeds claimed for many types of electric bikes.
The world record for an electric bike is an incredible 91.5 mph.
This was only using the special engine.
It is claimed that the Hi Power Cycles Revolution X9 can reach a top speed of 80 mph (104km).
Factors Influencing Electric Bike Max Speed
Now as every rider knows, top speeds are hard to reach.
They depend on the motor power of the bikes, their battery capacity, and the conditions.
The skill of the rider is also an important factor.
The 1000W Electric bike is one of the most popular around, but what is its actual speed?
Chapter 3: How Fast Does a 1000W Electric Bike Go?
There are a number of systems for the 1000W Electric Bikes and these influence their speed.
How fast does a 1000W electric bike go?
They have a range of speeds possible.
In general, a 1000W Electric bike's speed range is between 28 mph and 35 mph.
This is faster than other bikes and 1000W e-bikes have real ‘oomph’.
Many of the 1000W electric bikes have throttles and the rider can increase speed quickly
There are High-Speed electric bikes available.
How fast are these bikes really and are they as speedy as claimed?
Chapter 4: What Speed Do High-Speed Electric Bikes Go?
There are specifically designed high speed electric bikes for riders who love speed.
Specialized Bikes
Companies have produced high-speed bikes designed for speed and performance.
These bikes are designed for specific terrains and a great all-round cycling experience.
Features and Speed
What speed an electric bike can go depends on features such as light sturdy frames and powerful motors and batteries with large tires.
They also have multiple gears and multiple modes for extended range and a spring suspension system, which means they are fast, reliable, and fun to ride.
Speed Records
All over the world, there are riders pushing the limits of super fast Electric Bikes and seeing how fast electric bikes can go.
Max Biaggi set a world record speed for an electric bike in 2023 of 228.05 mph.
While in 2024 Matthew Deeley reached a speed of 235 mph in Utah, USA.
Speed limiters
Speed limiters are a feature of many electric bikes.
These limiters control the motor so that they control the speed of a bike.
Speed limiters on electric bikes is easy disconnecting the speed limiter from the motor, but if the bike is pre-programmed the speed limiters cannot be removed.
Consequences of Exceeding Speed Limits
There are consequences for exceeding speed limits, first is that it is illegal and will get you into trouble.
Then there is the major risk of an accident, serious injury, and death.
Exceeding the speed limit can damage the motor and reduce the lifespan of a bike.
Tips for Staying Within Legal Speed Limits
Staying safe is essential and here is a checklist of things you need to do.
Always wear a helmet, be visible, and always check your bike before taking it out.
Follow Irish rules, and vehicle codes for bicycles.
Be careful at night and only take passengers if your bike is designed for it.
Electric Bikes are getting more powerful all the time. This is why Ireland and other countries introduced speed limits for everybody’s safety.
Chapter 5: Electric Bike Speed Limits
The increasing speed of e-bikes means that there is an electric bike speed limit on Irish roads.
Country-specific regulations
The top speed for an electric bike in Ireland is 25 km (15.5 mph) as in most of the European Union.
However, a rider can go faster if they only use their pedals.
Local laws
Other Irish laws must be obeyed by riders.
Electric bikes cannot be ridden on Motorways, or pedestrian paths, and other specific areas.
In some cases, they can be driven in bus lanes and taken on public transport.
Under the law they are vehicles and all local laws relating to vehicles need to be observed such as using rear mirrors.
Safety considerations
Electric Bicycles are vehicles and they need to be ridden within Irish speed limits.
They are set down by lay to reduce the risk to riders, pedestrians, and other road users.
Along with speed, range is a big issue for e-bike riders and they are both related.
Chapter 6: The Relationship Between Electric Bike Speed and Range
The greater the speed of an Electric Bike its range is generally reduced.
The motor of a bike has to work harder when it is going faster.
Accelerating the speed is hard work for the engine, especially on a windy day and on rough roads.
Speed drains the capacity of the battery and this limits the range.
Usually, a rider has to make the trade-off between speed and range
Now riders want to legally go faster and have a great range, but how?
Chapter 7: Tips for Maximizing Electric Bike Range At Higher Speeds
If you feel your electric bike is sluggish and you need it to go faster, here are some tips.
A simple way is to rev up your motor and if necessary upgrade it.
Remember your motor can only be upgraded to the legal limits in Ireland.
Get to know your gear ratios and modify them for speed and range.
You need to find the right balance between power and not making it too hard to pedal.
A larger chainring can give you a higher gear ratio and this is good for speed in particular.
Weight is very important and try to make your electric bike as light as possible.
Remove anything unnecessary and do not carry heavy loads, a passenger is never a good idea.
If you want you can upgrade your electric bike so that it has lightweight components.
Another tip is to know your route beforehand so you do not waste power going uphill unnecessarily.
Reduce resistance by greasing your chain and keeping tires properly inflated.
If you want to extend the range, perhaps consider investing in a range extender.
An electric bike range extender, boosts a battery’s capacity, giving the bike a great range.
Optimizing Battery Performance
Regularly charge the battery and keep it in a cool place.
Make sure your electric bike is light and this helps it to go fast and have a better range.
Choosing the Right Gear
The right gear depends on the terrain.
Generally on level ground 1.6 the lowest gear ratio is fine.
Going uphill it is around 1.3, but for steep hills, you need around 1.0.
Riding Techniques
Maintain a steady speed and avoid accelerating suddenly.
Never go as fast as you can, maybe 80% of the speed you can go.
Stay on your seat and be careful with your pedals when turning a corner.
Pedal faster as you approach a hill and only use turbo when you need it.
There are many factors that determine how fast an electric bicycle can go and below we are going to sum these up.
Final Thoughts
Electric bicycles are a great way to get around.
How fast can an electric bicycle go depends on a number of things, there are legal speed limits in Ireland, 25 km or 15 mph, and no more.
There are factors such as terrain, design of the e-bike, battery capacity, gear ratio, and weight.
The skill of the rider influences how fast an electric bicycle can go.
Electric bicycle owners are their own tribe and maybe talk to others about getting the most out of your bike.
Consult professionals such as retailers to have the best experience on Irish roads.
FAQs
Is 25 km/h fast for an electric bike?
Some riders complain that this is too slow and that this limit is unreasonable and means that they cannot enjoy their vehicle.
Many can cycle using a pedal bike faster after all but still, 25 km is considered fast enough for most riders and is suitable for most journeys in urban areas or even for longer-distance journeys...
Can e-bikes go 50 mph?
Some specialist Electric bikes claim to go as fast as 50 mph, which is greater than any speed limit in most countries.
There are other bikes that have been illegally adapted so that they can reach that speed, but these are dangerous and could get you into trouble.
Why are e-bikes limited to 15 mph?
In the Republic of Ireland, there is a limit of 20 mph.
This is a strict rule and the 15 mph only applies to using the engine to power the bike and this is to make sure that riders do not go too fast and cause an accident, electric bike riders are more vulnerable on the roads than drivers of cars.
How fast is a 48V ebike?
A 48v motor can reach a speed of up to 20 mph with the standard 250-watt to 350-watt motor.
Combined with higher watt motors it can reach even higher speeds and some have been known to reach speeds of 30 mph or even faster but you have to remember Irish speed limits.
How fast do electric bikes go without pedaling?
Relying on the motor only of the electric bike means that it can reach a speed of between 15 and 20 mph and this is fine if you are only traveling in the city.
Most modern bikes can reach 25 km or 15 mph and this is deliberately designed as there are strict speed limits on using a bike that helps to safeguard the rider.
Can electric bikes go uphill fast?
Electric bikes because they don’t rely only on pedal power are perfect for going uphill, even steep hills.
The design and motor of Electric bikes mean that they can go uphill fast and without much effort from the rider.
Is it safe to ride an electric bike at high speeds?
There is a simple link between speed and safety the faster you go, even if pedalling the less safe it is going to be.
Electric bikes are designed to be safe under the speed limit but too much speed means that they are more at risk of having an accident.
