Currently, electric bicycles have revolutionized the way people move, offering a more efficient and sustainable alternative to conventional transport. One of the most common questions that arises when considering an electric bicycle is: What speed can it reach? In this post, we highlight the factors that influence the speed of an electric bicycle and how this can vary depending on various elements.

How Electric Bicycles Work

Before delving into speeds, it is important to understand how electric bicycles work. These bicycles are equipped with an electric motor and a battery that provides pedaling assistance. When the cyclist begins to pedal, the motor activates, providing an additional boost that makes pedaling easier and allows for higher speeds with less effort.

Factors Influencing Speed

The maximum speed of an electric bicycle can vary significantly due to several factors:

Motor Power: The power of the motor directly influences the maximum speed that an electric bicycle can achieve. More powerful motors can provide greater pedaling assistance, resulting in higher speeds.
Battery Type: The capacity and quality of the battery also play a crucial role. Higher capacity batteries can provide more energy and, therefore, more powerful pedaling assistance, which can translate into higher speeds.
Bicycle Design: The design of the bicycle, including aerodynamics and wind resistance, can influence the maximum speed it can reach. Bicycles designed for better performance can offer higher speeds.
Pedaling Assistance Mode: Many electric bicycles offer various modes of pedaling assistance, such as eco, normal, and turbo. Each mode provides different levels of power and speed, allowing cyclists to adjust their riding experience.

Common Speeds in Electric Bicycles

Under normal conditions, electric bicycles typically reach speeds of around 20 to 28 kilometers per hour (12 to 17 miles per hour). However, some high-performance electric bicycles can exceed these speeds and reach up to 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour) or even more. It is important to note that local regulations and laws may limit the maximum speed of electric bicycles in certain areas.

What speed does an electric bicycle reach without legal limits?

Although most electric bicycles are legally limited, many users wonder what their actual speed would be without electronic restrictions. In high-performance models or speed e-bikes, the speed can easily exceed 50 km/h if the motor is set without limitation and the cyclist provides active pedaling. However, this type of use falls outside the European regulation EN15194, so it is only legal on private circuits or if the bicycle is registered as a moped.

Does the type of electric bike influence speed?

Not all e-bikes reach the same speed. The three most common types are:

Type of electric bicycle	Usual assisted speed	Common use
Urban E-Bike	25 km/h	Daily commutes, bike lanes
E-MTB (mountain)	25 km/h (but higher speed on descents)	Trails, off-road routes
Speed Pedelec	45 km/h	Long distances, intercity use

The speed pedelecs are the fastest on the market approved for public roads, but require specific helmets, insurance, and, in many countries, registration.

Speed of an electric bicycle according to assistance mode

Assistance modes also influence perceived speed. For example:

Eco Mode → lower power, ideal for saving battery (15-18 km/h on average).
Normal or Tour Mode → balance between speed and autonomy (20-25 km/h).
Turbo or Boost Mode → maximum power available (up to the legal or technical limit of the motor).

Many cyclists believe that turbo mode is only for going fast, but it is also key on steep climbs or when wanting to maintain a constant speed without fatigue.

Can an electric bike go faster downhill?

Yes. The speed limitation applies to the motor assistance, not to the bike itself. This means that if a cyclist pedals downhill or with a tailwind, an e-bike can exceed 40 km/h without motor assistance, just like a conventional bike. What it cannot do is maintain that speed on flat terrain with motor assistance beyond the programmed limit.

Tips for riding at the right speed

Check tire pressure: low pressure reduces top speed.
Keep the battery in good condition: a degraded battery reduces motor power.
Adapt speed to the environment: bike lane, city, road, or mountain.
Wear a helmet and visible clothing: the faster you go, the more important passive safety becomes.

Regulations and Legislation

In many regions, there are regulations and laws that establish speed limits for electric bicycles. These regulations vary by country and jurisdiction. In some places, electric bicycles are classified into different categories based on their power and maximum speed. It is essential to know local regulations to comply with the laws and enjoy a safe and legal ride.

Maximum Speed vs. Safety

While reaching exciting speeds on an electric bike can be tempting, safety should always be the priority. Exceeding speed limits in congested or dangerous areas can increase risks for the cyclist and other road users. Maintaining a safe speed and respecting local regulations contributes to a safer road environment for everyone.

Conclusions

While common speeds usually range from 20-28 km/h, some high-performance bikes can exceed these figures (45/50 km/h). It is essential to know local regulations and prioritize safety while enjoying the benefits of electric bikes on our daily routes. At MSR Bikes, we sell electric bikes in Murcia and in our online store.