
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are capable of travelling at a range of speeds. While they can go as fast as you like, speed restrictions vary depending on the country and the class of the e-bike. In the UK, the maximum speed an electric bike can go by law is 15.5mph, while in the US, e-bikes are allowed to go up to 28mph, depending on their class. The make, manufacturer and power of the e-bike also play a part in its speed capability, and the faster the e-bike, the more expensive it is likely to be.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average speed of beginner cyclists on non-motorised, standard bicycles | 12mph |
Maximum speed by law in the UK | 15.5mph |
Maximum speed by law in the US | 28mph |
Maximum speed of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes | 20mph |
Maximum speed of Class 3 e-bikes | 28mph |
What You'll Learn
- Electric bikes are not currently allowed to go faster than 15.5mph on public roads in the UK and Europe
- In the US, electric bikes are allowed to go up to 28mph, depending on their class
- The fastest electric bikes on the market have higher top speeds, but they don't fit into the current classification system
- The speed capability of an electric bike is reflected in its price
- Electric bikes are capable of travelling a lot faster than the speed limit, depending on their battery capacity
Electric bikes are not currently allowed to go faster than 15.5mph on public roads in the UK and Europe
The speed of an electric bike depends on various factors, including the make, manufacturer and power. The higher the speed capability, the more expensive the e-bike. Most e-bikes stop providing electric assist while pedalling at 20mph (Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes) and 28mph (Class 3 e-bikes). The fastest electric bikes on the market have higher top speeds, but they do not fit into the current classification system.
Some cycling campaigners are calling for the speed limit for e-bikes in the UK and Europe to be raised to 20mph to bring them more in line with moving traffic.
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In the US, electric bikes are allowed to go up to 28mph, depending on their class
E-bikes are capable of travelling much faster than the speed limit, depending on their battery capacity and the terrain. For example, on a steep decline, it is easy to exceed 20 and 28 mph on an e-bike due to inertia alone. The speed capability of an e-bike also tends to correlate with its price, with higher-speed e-bikes being more expensive.
In the UK and Europe, e-bikes are currently limited to 15.5 mph on public roads, although some campaigners are calling for this to be raised to 20 mph to match the speed of moving traffic.
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The fastest electric bikes on the market have higher top speeds, but they don't fit into the current classification system
Electric bikes are capable of travelling at a much faster speed than the legal limit. In the UK, the maximum speed an electric bike can go by law is 15.5mph, but some cycling campaigners are calling for this to be raised to 20mph to bring it more in line with moving traffic. In the US, electric bikes are allowed to go up to 28mph, depending on their class.
The speed of an electric bike also depends on various factors, including its make, manufacturer, and power. Additionally, the terrain and the rider's pedalling ability can impact the speed. For example, on a steep decline, it's possible to easily exceed 20mph or 28mph on an e-bike due to inertia alone.
While e-bikes have the potential to travel at high speeds, it's important to abide by the legal speed limits and ride safely, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.
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The speed capability of an electric bike is reflected in its price
Electric bikes are capable of travelling at a range of speeds, but their speed capability is reflected in their price. The speed restrictions for electric bikes vary depending on the country and the class of the bike. In the UK, electric bikes are not allowed to go faster than 15.5mph on public roads, although some campaigners are calling for this to be raised to 20mph. In the US, the speed limit for electric bikes is generally 20mph for Class 1 and 2 bikes, and 28mph for Class 3 bikes.
The speed capability of an electric bike is influenced by factors such as the make, manufacturer, and power of the bike. Higher-speed electric bikes tend to be more expensive due to their increased power and performance. The fastest electric bikes on the market may not fit into the current classification system and may be priced higher accordingly.
It is important to note that, like cars, electric bikes can travel faster than the speed limit depending on their battery capacity and the terrain. On a steep decline, for example, an electric bike can easily exceed the speed limits due to inertia alone. As such, the speed capability of an electric bike is a factor that influences its price, with higher-speed bikes commanding a higher price tag.
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Electric bikes are capable of travelling a lot faster than the speed limit, depending on their battery capacity
The speed of an electric bike depends on various factors, including legislation, the make, manufacturer and power. The higher the speed capability, the more expensive the e-bike. Speed restrictions vary in the US but are generally limited to 20 mph (32 km/h) on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 28 mph (45 km/h).
To put this into perspective, beginner cyclists on non-motorised, standard bicycles travel at an average of around 12mph. So, it’s clear that electric bikes have some serious speed potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric bikes in the UK are not currently allowed to go faster than 15.5mph on public roads, although some campaigners are calling for this to be raised to 20mph.
In the US, electric bikes are allowed to go up to 28mph, depending on their class.
Electric bikes are capable of travelling a lot faster than the speed limit, depending on their battery capacity. The fastest electric bikes on the market have higher top speeds, but they do not fit into the current classification system.