How Fast Does 28 Mph Feel On An E-Bike?

Whether 28 mph feels fast on an electric bike depends on a number of factors, including the rider's confidence, the terrain, and the bike's suspension. Some riders feel comfortable at speeds of 28 mph, while others prefer to stay at lower speeds, such as 15-18 mph. The suspension of an electric bike can also play a role in how fast it feels, as a suspension that keeps tires in contact with the road can add to the feeling of safety and control. Additionally, the type of road can impact how fast 28 mph feels, with some riders feeling more comfortable at higher speeds on freshly paved city streets compared to bumpy rural roads.

Electric bikes at 28 mph are considered fast

However, the feeling of speed depends on the road conditions. One rider says that 28 mph on a freshly paved city street can be perfectly comfortable, but that 20 mph on a bumpy, poorly chipsealed rural road can feel like madness.

Electric bikes that can reach 28 mph are designed for higher speeds and forces. They have suspension to keep tires in contact with the road, which adds to the feeling of safety and control. They can corner and brake with confidence, even at speed.

Some riders feel that 28 mph is a weird speed because it's too fast to be ridden on a bike trail but too slow to be ridden on the road with traffic. They suggest that a speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h is more appropriate for road riding.

The speed can feel unsafe, especially on bumpy roads

The speed of 28 mph on an electric bike can feel unsafe, especially on bumpy roads. One rider said that they felt they could be "bounced right off the bike" if they hit a bump at that speed. Another rider said that they felt in control at 20 mph, but not at 28 mph.

The feeling of safety and control at speed can be improved by using a suspension to keep the tires in contact with the road. This prevents the bike from shaking and rattling. Electric bikes are heavier than standard bikes, so they need to be built with a purpose-designed frame that can handle higher speeds and forces.

The speed of 28 mph can also feel unsafe because it is too fast to be ridden on a bike trail, but too slow to be ridden on the road with traffic. One rider said that they felt they needed to push faster than 15 mph on their electric bike, but that the weight of the battery and motor made it difficult to go faster without undue effort.

Overall, the feeling of safety and control at 28 mph on an electric bike depends on a variety of factors, including the rider's skills and reflexes, the quality of the bike, and the road conditions. Some riders may feel comfortable at that speed, while others may prefer to stay at lower speeds for safety reasons.

The speed can be uncomfortable for some riders

The speed of 28 mph on an electric bike can be uncomfortable for some riders. One rider commented that they felt comfortable at 15-18 mph and that they didn't feel they had the reflexes or bike handling skills to ride at 28 mph. Another rider said that 20 mph felt like a fast, satisfying speed that allowed them to feel in control.

The feeling of speed can depend on the road conditions. For example, 28 mph on a freshly paved city street can be comfortable, while 20 mph on a bumpy, poorly chipsealed rural road can feel fast.

Electric bikes that can reach 28 mph often have features that add to the feeling of safety and control, such as suspension to keep tires in contact with the road. However, some riders may still feel uncomfortable at these speeds, especially if they are cautious by nature or have taken a long break from biking.

The speed may not be suitable for all roads

28 mph on an electric bike is considered fast. One rider said that they felt comfortable at 15-18 mph, and that they didn't feel they had the reflexes or bike handling skills to go faster. Another rider said that they felt in control at 20 mph, and that 28 mph felt too fast to be ridden on a bike trail, but too slow to be ridden on the road with traffic.

Electric bikes with suspension can add to the feeling of safety and control at higher speeds, as the suspension keeps the tires in contact with the road. However, it's important to note that the speed of 28 mph may not be legal on all roads or trails, and it's the rider's responsibility to ensure they are complying with local laws and regulations. Additionally, riding at higher speeds may require more power and hill-climbing capability, which could impact the range of the electric bike.

The speed may require a heavier, purpose-built frame

The speed of 28 mph on an electric bike may require a heavier, purpose-built frame. This is because, at higher speeds, the forces acting on the bike are greater, and a heavier frame can help to stabilise the bike and provide a feeling of safety and control.

One user on an electric bike forum noted that they felt comfortable riding at 15-18 mph, but that riding at 23 mph downhill with a following wind felt fast. They also noted that they did not feel that they had the reflexes or bike handling skills to ride at higher speeds.

Another user on the same forum noted that they had been riding a standard pedal bike at around 20 mph and that this felt like a fast, satisfying speed that allowed them to feel in control. They also mentioned that they were not interested in riding at upwards of 28 mph.

The speed of 28 mph on an electric bike may feel fast, particularly on bumpy or poorly chipsealed rural roads. However, on freshly paved city streets, the same speed may feel perfectly comfortable.

It's worth noting that the legal speed limit for electric bikes in some places is 250w, which is significantly slower than 28 mph. As such, riding an electric bike at 28 mph may not be legal in certain areas.

Frequently asked questions