If you’re eager to reach your destination quickly, you’ll want to choose a lightning-fast e-bike. But what’s the fastest ebike?
The fastest ebike is the Hi Power Cycles’ Revolution XX. This electric bicycle can reach speeds of 70mph (about 112km/h). However, in the US, e-bikes are only permitted to travel at a top speed of about 28mph (45 km/h) with pedal assist and 20mph (32km/h) without pedal assist.
As an avid e-bike rider, I’ve spent countless hours researching various types of electric bicycles to find a speedy model to help me travel from Point A to Point B more quickly. This research has revealed some interesting results, which I’ll share with you today!
In this article, we’ll:
- Examine the fastest ebike
- Discuss how fast most ebikes can travel
- Explain the factors that impact ebike speeds
If you’re looking for an electric bicycle that can reach highway speeds, you’ll want to check out the Revolution XX by Hi Power Cycles. This ebike can reach top speeds of 70mph (112km/h), making it more than twice as fast as the average commuter-grade ebike.
This electric bicycle is also comparatively rare, as Hi Power Cycles will only produce 20 Revolution XX e-bikes. It’s also crucial to note that it’s illegal to use this bike at its top speed on US roadways. But off-road surfaces (those that permit automobiles) are fair game.
This ebike reaches incredible, record-setting speeds thanks to its 10,000-watt motor. For perspective, most adult-sized electric bicycles have an electric motor capable of producing 1,000 watts or less.
In fact, most ebikes have top speeds that don’t come close to the Revolution XX’s top speeds. So, if you’re looking for a zippy ebike to help you commute to work or enjoy speedier around-the-town travel, you’ll likely want to consider average e-bike speeds.
How Fast Do The Fastest eBikes Go?
Most electric bicycles have a top speed of 20mph (32km/h) without pedal assist (motor-only) and a maximum speed of 28mph (45 km/h) with pedal assist. These speeds are partially mandated by federal authorities and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
After all, electric bicycles that can travel at high speeds are essentially motorcycles with pedals, which can be dangerous to operate (on any terrain) due to their maximum speeds.
Ebikes lack passenger protection equipment that you’d find in most cars (airbags, shock absorption panels, etc.), so when an e-bike can reach car-like speeds, there are several safety concerns.
Ensuring that ebikes are slower than motorbikes, motorcycles, and automobiles is one way that government agencies and manufacturers ensure that riders remain safe while traveling.
It’s also worth noting that the top speeds for children’s ebikes differ from those of adult-sized models.
Most child-sized e-bikes, like the woom UP, have a top speed of about 12 mph (19 km/h). In comparison, the average adult-sized electric bicycle has a maximum speed of about 20mph (32km/h).
What Factors Impact How Fast an eBike goes?
Several things can impact an e-bike’s speed. Understanding these influential factors is a fantastic way to ensure you choose an e-bike that performs up to your standards and travels as quickly as you need (within legal limits).
The most impactful aspects influencing an electric bicycle’s speed include:
- The electric motor’s wattage
- Terrain conditions
- Battery charge levels
- The rider’s weight
Let’s take a moment to discuss how each factor affects ebike speeds.
How Electric Motor Wattage Impacts Speed
Your electric bicycle’s electric motor wattage is one of the most significant things affecting its maximum speed. Essentially, the higher the wattage of an ebike’s motor, the more energy it can output and, therefore, the faster it can travel.
The average adult-sized e-bike has a motor wattage of 500 watts, allowing it to reach speeds of about 20mph (32km/h).
But some off-road e-bikes have electric motors with wattages in the thousands. These e-bikes are far speedier, though they might not be legal to use on public roadways or sidewalks.
How Terrain Conditions Affect How Fast an eBike Goes
Flat, smooth terrain allows riders to enjoy their ebike’s highest speeds, as this surface generates little friction and doesn’t require excess energy to cross.
But hills and off-road conditions can significantly lower an electric bicycle’s maximum speed. After all, the more energy it takes to propel a rider up a hill or cross bumpy terrain, your bike’s motor has to work harder.
Terrain obstacles like inclines and rough surfaces also provide friction that can slow your e-bike down, even when the motor is working at full output.
Why Battery Charge Influences Ebike Speeds
When an ebike’s battery is fully charged, riders can easily reach the bike’s top speeds.
But when battery charge levels drop, the motor might reduce its output, generating lower speeds to prolong battery life. So, if you don’t habitually charge your e-bike battery before every outing, you might find yourself unable to reach maximum speed while out and about.
How a Rider’s Weight Impacts Ebike Traveling Speeds
How much you weigh also impacts how quickly your e-bike can travel. After all, adding weight to a bicycle increases the energy required to propel it forward!
This relationship between weight and speed can be problematic when using an e-bike to haul groceries or heavy items and for riders weighing more than the standard 200lb (90.7kg) e-bike weight limit.
Fortunately, most bicycle frames are sturdy enough to withstand several hundred pounds. Additionally, fat-tire e-bikes and mountain biking ebikes tend to have thicker, more durable tires that can handle heftier loads.
However, going above an ebike’s listed weight limit can lead to slower speeds, especially when opting for motor-only operation instead of pedal assist. It can quickly drain an ebike’s batteries, forcing riders to operate it manually (without electric power).
For this reason, riders should always choose an e-bike with an appropriate maximum rider weight limit. Accounting for the types of things you intend you use your e-bike for (such as carrying groceries) is also crucial.
Final Thoughts
The fastest ebike is the Hi Power Cycles’ Revolution XX. This extremely fast (and comparatively pricey) electric bicycle can reach speeds of up to 70mph (112km/h), making it illegal for use on most US roads.
Most child-sized e-bikes have top speeds of about 12 mph (19 km/h), although some can reach speeds of up to 17mph (27 km/h). For adult ebikes, the average speed is about 20mph (32km/h), depending on the bike’s class.
Motor wattage, terrain conditions, and battery charge levels significantly influence an e-bike top speed, as does the rider’s weight. These are crucial things to keep in mind when choosing an electric bike.
Are you interested in learning more about ebikes? Check out these related articles now!
